Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Non-fiction, 4.5 stars

Can you say "I-Am-A-Nerd?" And yes, I am that big of a nerd that I read Thomas Paine in my spare time. As part of my classics/new novel switch-off, I picked up Paine for relatively little on my nook, and I am glad I did. Anyone who wants to read the sentiment that was in the minds of American colonists prior to the Revolution needs to read this. It not only tells why, in particular, colonists wanted independence, but it also gives sound arguments against monarchy - even extending back to biblical times. This particular version has an introduction by, none other than, Diana Gabaldon. Short, compelling, and a slice of American History, this book has it all!

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

I love this book. I finished it on our trip to Austin, and it was just really enjoyable and very provocative. It is the story of Lina, a 12-year-old girl who lives in Ember and has been given her first job assignment after school has ended. This sci-fi tale of adventure and friendship is a good read for upper elementary to middle schoolers (although I think adults will enjoy it more as a commentary on society). I can't wait for Megan to finish it so we can discuss!

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

Another classic from the Mother Daughter book club, Roald Dahl's The BFG is a silly story of a little girl, Sophie, who is stolen by a giant out of her orphanage bed. The big friendly giant (BFG) collects dreams and blows them into the air as children are sleeping. The BFG and Sophie continue on an adventure together that saves the "human beans." Full of made-up words and funny subject matter, this book is easy to read and fun for the whole family.

Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier

Historical Fiction - 3.5 stars

We picked this book up while in Cherokee, NC this summer, and because it was from the author of Cold Mountain, I was excited to read this tale of southerners, mountain folk, and Cherokees before, during, and after the removal to the West. I was not disappointed with the descriptions of life in North Carolina in the early 1800s, and I thoroughly enjoyed Frazier's delving into the politics involved from Jackson's reign and beyond (what can I say, I'm a nerd!). I would have given the book 4 stars had it not been for Frazier opining about the ways of men and women, and the philosophies of life that he offers so freely. He shows his age and generation in these opinions, and I am not sure they reflect the time period accurately. What is accurate to the time period is the completely male-centric point of view of the book. In all, I enjoyed the history, and it is definitely worth the read if you have any interest in the time period or in the Cherokee story.   

Doing Time Online by Jan Siebold

Youth Fiction - 3.5 stars

Megan's visit to the media center on Wednesday produced a book that I wouldn't have expected. She read it in 2 nights and said that I should really read it, so we kept it for the weekend. I am so glad she talked me into reading it. Definitely for the 4th-5th grade crowd, Doing Time Online is the story of Mitch, a good kid who has made the bad choice of hanging out with the wrong person. As a result, he gets caught up in some questionable behavior, and his dad signs him up for a program at the police department in which juveniles communicate online with nursing home residents. This book takes a strong moral stance, and its main point, facing your problems and then moving on, is exemplified throughout. Megan thoroughly enjoyed the book, mainly because of its humor, but also because the main character shows two very important characteristics, kindness and mercy. It sparked some interesting dinner-table discussions that day. Megan and I highly recommend it.

Bad Beginning: A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Youth Fiction - 4 stars
Megan and I read this for our book club, and we both really enjoyed it. It is the story of the Baudelaire children and all of the bad things that happen to them in this first book of the Series. The thing I am most impressed about is the author's use of vocabulary, and incorporating meaning of the words in the context of the story. Brilliant, and very helpful for younger readers. Megan wants to read all of them, but unfortunately we only have the first one (came in a set with the movie). I think I hear the library calling...

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

Fiction - 3 stars
#8 in the Sookie Stackhouse series, From Dead to Worse introduces more of Sookie's background and family members, and can I just say Season 3 of True Blood is really frustrating me because it is incorporating elements from this 8th book? Although it is another easy and enjoyable read, this book was not my favorite, but was still good. More of Alcide, more of Eric, more of Pam (who you can't help but like in these books), and more of Sam are all good, BUT more of the vampire and Were politics is too much "more" for me.   I don't have the last two in paperback, so I'm hoping that my hubby will be nice enough to purchase them for my Nook.  I can't wait to read more.

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

Fiction - 3.5 stars

OK, so I was obviously so wrapped up in the next book, that I even confused myself on the last post. The last one was Definitely Dead (I fixed the post) and still my favorite. This one is All Together Dead, and while it was good, it was not as good a read as Definitely Dead. Sookie and Eric are still tied and this one has lots of dire consequences for the vampire community. I am already reading the next one! I can't stop!

Yea, Danny!

Danny finished his Border's reading list and by the time we got there, the pickin's were slim. He picked Johnny Tremain, which was secretly the one I wanted him to get anyway, so it all worked out. He really read some difficult books, and I think it will  help his journey into 1st grade. I am so proud of him!

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Fiction - 4 stars
By far, Definitely Dead is my favorite of the Sookie Stackhouse series, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Quinn is hot (for a book character) and we finally find out what Sookie really is (but I'm not tellin')! Background on the other characters comes out in this sixth book, and Ms. Harris' ramps up the action and the humor. Can't wait to read the next one!

Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Fiction - 3 stars
My guilty pleasure, the Sookie Stackhouse Series, takes precedence over Agatha Christie this summer. I could not hold off any longer on reading the next books in the series. I enjoyed this one, but it was not my favorite. Bright spot? The entrances of Quinn, weretiger extraordinaire, and of Claude, the exquisitely beautiful fairie with a rudeness problem. LOL!

New addition to the page

If you haven't looked at the blog page in a while, please note that I've added some links to literary websites on the right. These are my favorite reference pages when choosing books for the kids or even me. PJ Haarsma's program "Kids Need to Read" is a wonderful resource, and his site has some really fun things, too. Also, from the pic above, Rory's Book Club (from the Gilmore Girls - I think Megan has gotten most of her reading inspiration from Rory) has a pretty comprehensive list of classics and modern fare that will keep me reading for years.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Fiction - 4 stars
This first venture into the Agatha Christie novels proved to be a quick, satifying read full of well-crafted suspense. Before it was published as a novel, Murder on the Orient Express was published as a serial in the Saturday Evening Post, from July 1 to September 30, 1933. I can only imagine the wait for the next chapter in those days to find out who the culprit was in this quiet, provocative thriller. I can see why Christie published more than 130 novels, and why Hercule Poirot is such a classic literary figure. With his analytical skills and his obvious sense of morality, Poirot is the classic detective hero.  Great summer read!

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Fiction - 4 stars

I loved this book! It is the story of the Price family, a Georgia family who moves to the African Congo on a mission trip in the early 1960s on the brink of modern Zaire's "independence" from Belgian control. Told from the perspectives of the female Prices, each chapter gives a different perspective on the same historical events, and this makes for a fantstic read. You truly get to know the characters as they remain consistent throughout the book. Kingsolver describes life in rural Africa with raw, vivid, and heartbreaking detail.  It spans two + decades, and is a truly satisfying tale. I am so glad Zachary is reading this for school as it gave me the chance to borrow it for a little while.

Yea, Megan!

Megan finished reading all of her books for the Borders Summer Reading Book Chart, and we went to Borders last night for her free book. She got The Witch of Blackbird Pond. It was a hard decision, as there were some good books to choose from. But, after reading the back of all of them, she made her choice, and I think she'll enjoy it. I am so proud of her!

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

Historical Fiction - 3 stars
This could have been such a great book. The story was wonderful, the characterization was wonderful, and  the history was mostly accurate. I absolutely loved the transition within the book from pre-WWI England to late 20s England, and the vast cultural changes that happened in a span of 13 years. However, I could not get over the author's annoying over-use of blatant foreshadowing. I even said out loud, a few times, "Just tell the story already!" It is worth the read, but just be patient.

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker

Youth fiction - 3 stars

Megan and I just read this for our Mother/Daughter book club, and Megan absolutely loved it. Because of her opinion of the book, I'll refrain from giving my true opinion and just say it was mildly entertaining. A very easy read, this is a conglomeration of many other classical fairy tales thrown into the frog prince story to give it a twist. It is a somewhat visual book, and I can see why Disnay made their most recent animated film based on this book. However, it was also filled with the silliness that so often ruins Disney movies for me (Lilo & Stitch is a perfect example). Susan hit it right on the nose when she said this the perfect summer beach read for the 10-13 year-old crowd.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Fiction - 4.5 stars

Just finished this on my Nook (started in February, so that's not a bad timeframe for me) as part of my pact to alternate between classics and modern. I am so glad I read this as I have only read The Hound of the Baskervilles, and that was written long after these stories. I loved them, and I really came to see Holmes and Watson in a different light.  These stories also give a glimpse of Victorian England as it really was, the similarities to and differences from modern society were definitely intriguing. I am hooked!

Score!!!

Megan, Danny and I went to the used book sale at the kids' school, and I happened upon a collection of Agatha Christie novels that someone had cleaned off of her bookshelf. I was so excited I bought all of them. That, with 9 kids' books, and a historical look at the time of Sherlock Holmes (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's own investigations of European murder cases) was only $15. What a deal! Earlier in the day, Megan had picked up a cookbook for me, so overall it was an awesome day! I know what I'll be reading this summer...

I Double Dog Dare you!

Don't know how many of you know about this, but Borders summer reading program has begun! You can download the form here. My kids have started their reading lists, and they can't wait to get the first freebie! I'm pretty excited myself.

Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl

Youth Fiction - 3.5 stars - Megan loved this book! It is the story of Danny, who grows up in a gypsy caravan in England, and who works at his father's filling station and auto repair when he is not in school. Having no electricity in their caravan, Danny and his father spend their time storytelling by the light of the gas lamps and have a marvelous life until his father's secret life spices things up a little. This book stays true to one of Dahl's favorite themes that can be found in all of his books - no tv and imagination go a long way. Worth the read, especially for Megan's age group.

Very sad...

I'm sad to say, I had to give up my book club. I will continue reading and posting, but it may be a long time between postings (the main reason I quit - couldn't find the time to read the books on the schedule). I want to thank Brenda and Susan for including me, and I hope that I can return one day. Megan and I are still reading for her club, and I'll post for hers, but mine will be few and far between. By the way, I've added a few new e-mail buddies for this blog, so if you object to receiving, please let me know!

Dawn

Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, by Julie Powell

Fiction - 3.5 stars

Just finished this on my Nook, and I must say there were some hilarious parts. While I am not a huge fan of indiscriminate cursing and political aspersions being thrown around willy nilly, I really enjoyed Julie & Julia. The descriptions of the food, the cooking-related tantrums, and Julie Powell's relationships were enough for me to keep reading. As I finished it last night, I felt inspired. While I am not about to start cooking my way through the recipes in MtAoFC, I am inspired to, at least once a week, pull down one of my many cookbooks and make something new. George might or might not be excited, depending on the amount and color of the vegetables in the dish. We'll see. Anyway, I was blown away by the movie, too. Meryl Streep WAS Julia Child - the voice, the quirky body ticks, the whole package. In all, they are both worth the time I invested.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Fiction - 3 stars
Dark Places is the story of Libby Day, a depressed and angry thirty-something who, at seven years old, testified against her brother for the murders of her mother and sisters. In her thirties, she becomes a person of interest for a club called the "Kill Club" and is told that she may have been wrong about her brother. An interesting look at the farm culture in the 80s, this book has the elements of a great story, but it falls flat, mainly due to the writing style. Not my favorite book.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Historical Fiction - 3.5 stars

Sarah's Key is a story of the holocaust. Set in 1940s and modern France, it tells two stories that eventually intertwine into a heartbreaking tale of the Vel D'Hiv roundup in Paris, where french Jews were forced into a coliseum and sent to death camps, most never to return. I cannot reveal too much, but can say that this is a decently written book that delves into an area of history that most people have never learned about. It was an eye-opening read.

Ida B: . . . And Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, And (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

This is a delightful children's book about a young girl, Ida B. Applewood, who grows up on a farm (orchard, really), is home-schooled by her parents, and has relationships with the natural objects she sees every day. When her mother gets cancer, and Ida B. experiences changes like going to school and seeing part of her land sold, she must deal with her anger. Along the way, she learns a few things about others and herself. Megan and I loved it.

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

Historical Fiction - 4.5 stars

This book is a beast. At 800+ pages, it is not my favorite of the Outlander series, but it is still a great read. The middle drags a bit, and you only get glimpses of the greatness that is Jamie and Claire. Gabaldon does develop other characters, like Young Ian and William, and introduces some new "friends. " My only regret is that it takes her 3 years to write, and I have to wait that long to resolve the cliffhangers.