false 18 119 28 true 5657237 read 2 true 1724173 currently-reading 15 true 1724172 to-read 38 true 1757322 fantasy 20 true 1757348 classics 16 true 2214797 non-fiction http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75944220 For Liberty and Glory: Washington, Lafayette, and Their Revolutions (Hardcover) by James R. Gaines
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/14284881 to: Freedom Just Around the Corner: A New American History: 1585-1828 (Paperback) by Walter A. McDougall
bookshelves: non-fiction
This was a very interesting history for those who are into history. It did seem like it was cut off somewhat arbitrarily, but I suppose any story of history has to stop and start somewhere. McDougall drew some interesting parallels and concepts together so overall it was a very well written book. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/14201886 to: Dragon Wing (The Death Gate Cycle, #1) by Margaret Weis
bookshelves: fantasy
This is a great series I had read in high school (maybe earlier?) that I had loved, so I decided to re-read it to see what I thought about it again. They are definitely high fantasy, with a slight twist, so I doubt they would be a good read for most of my friends on here. Definitely quick and easy though. At about 300 pages each, it took me a couple of days to read each volume. Loved them... I'm thinking about reading some of their other books too. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75938797 to: Total Control (Mass Market Paperback) by David Baldacci
A great crime mystery book. Nothing too thought-provoking or anything of that nature, but a very good story. I'll have to check out some other Baldacci books. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/14328908 to: Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War (Hardcover) by Nathaniel Philbrick
bookshelves: non-fiction
After sitting on my to-read list forever, I finally decided to get this from the library. It was extremely interesting. The author did a great job of making history real and telling stories instead of just reciting facts. Although he did throw a lot of names at you in a few places and then would reference someone later. Which generally meant I had to find the original reference to figure out who they were.

There are a lot of details they don't bother to tell you about in elementary school. And, not surprisingly, the school version we all know isn't exactly accurate. Anyway, it was an interesting read. I will probably be looking up the author's other books. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/70384153 to: Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began (Paperback) by Art Spiegelman
I didn't like the second book as much as the first, but overall, very powerful and insightful. Great books, definitely a must read. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/70383752 to: Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History (Hardcover) by Art Spiegelman
First off, I couldn't decide which shelf to put this on. I finally settled on non-fiction since it is, in essence, a biography.

I think this would probably be a 3 1/2 if that was an option. I loved the creativity of the book and how the author told the story. It truly sucked me in and I read the entire book in just a few hours. I was annoyed by the conversations between the author and his father in modern times, primarily because the author annoyed me. Although I understand it is an attempt to show how long lasting the effects of an experience (especially one like the Holocaust) will last. I think this is definitely a must read, if for no other reason than to gain a personal insight into the Holocaust. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/59952532 to: Elantris (Mass Market Paperback) by Brandon Sanderson
bookshelves: fantasy
I loved this book, even though it took me about 6 weeks to read it. I never would have believed a newborn could honestly eat every two hours until Aurora came along. But because I kept getting interrupted, I had a hard time feeling connected, although I know I would have read this as fast as possible if I didn't have other things going on so much. The story was great and I loved the characters, even though things did feel a bit jumpy at times. Anyway, it was a great book, especially for a freshman effort. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/51375808 to: The Cleric Quintet Collector's Edition (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet, #1-5) by R.A. Salvatore
bookshelves: fantasy
Thus far I am only through the first two books of the quintet. I wasn't overly impressed with the first one (Canticle). I just didn't feel like there was much reason to actually sit down and read the book. I didn't care for the characters, the story was blase and I figured out what was happening long before Salvatore actually got to the point. And the daunted fight scenes were...well...nothing special quite frankly.

The second book (which name I currently forget) was much better than the first, which is why this is getting 3 instead of 2 stars. I am becoming slightly more interested in the characters, although they are not as good as many in other books. And the whole thing smacks of typical D&D fiction. Same formula, different names.

The one thing that has seriously annoyed me is the one dwarf who doesn't ever talk. If his brother can talk, how come he can only make sounds? Was it supposed to be more interesting or something? Anyway, I do plan on finishing the quintet over the next few weeks. They are only 200 pages each so they are quick and easy reads.

So I finally finished the quintet and I liked it fairly well over all. Not great literature by any stretch of the imagination, but enjoyable enough. I was fairly annoyed with the ending though, because the main character, who is infatuated with the girl and does everything thinking about her, etc. suddenly decides to give her up?? eh.. Oh well. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49368543 to: Twilight (Twilight, #1) by Stephenie Meyer
bookshelves: fantasy
So Esther had Midnight Sun open on the computer one day and out of sheer boredom, I read the page she was on...and then I read the next one and the next one... So I have read all of the Twilight series now and I must admit, they aren't as bad as they sounded. While I did get tired of the constant moaning about "He's so beautiful. I'm not worthy. blah blah blah." I really did enjoy reading them overall. Meyer's writing isn't the best and the story is fairly average, but she draws her characters very well and is very good at moving the story along. Except for the repetition, that is. I got extremely sick of the constant repetition. In the first book it was "Edward is too good for me." In the second book it was "I can't live without Edward." In the third book it was "I'm hurting Jacob and Edward but I need them both." For the fourth book she mixed the first and the third to get "Edward is too good and I'm hurting Jacob." But finally in ended in fairy tale ending... Overall, good reads, but be prepared for an annoying teenage girl. ]]>