false 23 45 29 true 5710096 read 2 true 2220110 currently-reading 14 true 2220109 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/72220418 to: Anne of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables, #2) by L.M. Montgomery
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/72220445 to: Outliers (Hardcover) by Malcolm Gladwell
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/72220404 to: Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1) by L.M. Montgomery
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53059283 A Soldier of the Great War (Paperback) by Mark Helprin
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/19970771 to: The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien
I just loved this book! I haven't read this since probably middle school, and it was just a delight and a privilege to read it again. Some people have mentioned to me that this book was a bit tedious for them to get through, not enjoying the descriptions of the journey's and the "ramblings" of the history, but I just have to completely disagree! I thought all the historical references just gave such richness to the story, and really made their whole world believable. It really made it seem that they were fighting for something that needed saving, and was worth saving. I just love how it contains such great metaphors for our own real lives, even without elves and magic and remarkable adventures and horrible evils. It is just nice to be reminded that vast amounts of time are needed to accomplish anything great. (These books span long amounts of time) I love how even though their is horrific evil destroying their world, they can't completely focus on that every second, but have to find joy in the journey so to speak. "All we have is the time we are given." ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/19970778 to: The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again (Paperback) by J.R.R. Tolkien
I just adore this book! What a grand adventure it was to read of the adventures of this group of dwarfs + one hobbit as they ventured across their world to reclaim their forefathers horde of gold! Of course that is just the story on the surface. At heart it is the tale of a person who doesn't aspire to greatness, but greatness comes nonetheless. What a lesson we can all learn; to say YES when adventure knocks, and allow it to shape ourselves and our lives, despite our own "perfect plans." I loved how Tolkien describes his world simply without too much description. It is adequate enough for the telling, and not egotistical or puffed up. I'm so glad I decided to pick this book up and read it again after so many years! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/47383627 Cristy's review of Madame Bovary
by Gustave Flaubert

Oh I totally thought that's why Hilary chose it! Hahaha... Can't wait to talk about it! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/47383627 to: Madame Bovary (Paperback) by Gustave Flaubert
This book was such a surprise! I really thought it would be some lurid, detailed account of adultery, but was actually an insightful look into the selfish, self-obsessed side of humanity. We all have this side to us. For some it is small and suppressed, and for others all-consuming, as with the fateful Madame Bovary. How sad to live a life totally for yourself! I loved how the book subtly brings you into her demise, describing how the selfish seeds are planted, sown, and how someone with these tendencies justifies their actions. More sad than her own personal destruction though is that of her husband and child. As a Mother I can't even imagine such a meager attempt at Motherhood. Truly the most selfish act anyone can perform is that of having a child and not loving them! But what can I learn from this tale of woe? To find joy in my life, in the small and sometimes boring. To realize life isn't always full of excitement and romance, and to be OK with that, and to find life in the moments and people I have chosen to surround myself with. To not want what I can't or don't have, but to be happy with what I've got! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/43601140 Cristy's review of Wuthering Heights
by Emily Brontë

Meredith wrote: "This is a good one. I really enjoyed it. The characters are a bit extreme (ok, insane actually) and the whole experience of reading this is rather dark and gothic (then again, you know me, I love..."

I was thinking about doing it for book club too! I've never read it, but my best friend from High School was raving about it to me a few months ago. I'm familiar with the story and have seen some movie versions of it, and thought it seemed kind of dark and drab, but after her recommendation, I'm excited to read it. We'll see who picks it first! ;) Actually, I have lots of picks, so it's not really that big of a deal.
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