The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, 458 pages

"The dark, fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for a hobbit. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore - the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it is up to Frodo and his faithful servant, Sam, with a small band of companions, to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed - Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom."

I've lost track of how many times I've read The Lord of the Rings. I just know that every time I read them I'm reminded why they are my favorite books. If you haven't read them you should. Peter Jackson did a great job making the movies as true to the books as possible with a couple of exceptions.

Aragorn is one of my favorite literary characters. I've never liked how he is depicted in the movies, and I also don't like what they do with his sword, Anduril, in the movie. He also seems to spend the whole movie doubting himself, afraid to become who he was meant to become. In the books I always felt that he knows who he is. His heart is with Arwen yet he knows there are things he is supposed to do.

I love the complexity of the characters, the friendships, the courage, the adventure, the story, everything!

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, 248 pages

"Who is this man, this Scarlet Pimpernel?"

"Every day this question grew more pressing to the rulers of the French Revolution. Only this man and his band of followers threatened their total power. Only this maddeningly elusive figure defied the vast network of fanatics, informers and secret agents that the Revolution spread out to catch its enemies.

Some said this man of many disguises, endless ruses and infinite daring was an exiled French nobleman, returned to wreak vengeance. Others said he was an English lord, seeking sheer adventure and supreme sport in playing the most dangerous game of all.

But of only one thing could those who sought him be sure. They knew all too well the symbol of his presence, the blood-red flower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel..." -Back Cover

I've read this book more times than I can count. It's on my short list of all-time favorites, and after watching the Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour film adaptation of this book this week I had to read it again. (I've seen the movie more times than I can count, too.) I've had me a little crush on Sir Percy Blakeney since the first time I read this as a teenager. I love that he is handsome, brave, honorable, resourceful, intelligent and proud, yet not too proud to appear to be a complete idiot in public to protect his true identity. Who he plays in public is the polar opposite of who he really is. I love that he loves wholeheartedly and is loved wholeheartedly. So, basically he's the perfect man - Edward Cullen included - and that's coming from a huge Twilight fan.

The Great and Terrible books #4-6 by Chris Stewart, 1005 pages total

I'm lumping these books together because I couldn't take time to write about one before starting the next one. This book series is a fictionalized story of the conflict during the Last Days between good and evil. It is written by an LDS author. I loved it. There was action, suspense and drama that made them difficult to put down. There was also a lot of heart and emotion. The characters were well written and you instantly fell in love with them. (I might have a little crush on Sam.) There was also heartache. I cried. I love it when a book makes me cry.

What I enjoyed most about this series is that it was a good representation of some of the truths I believe and those truths were written in a way that made me think differently about them and recommit myself to them. Satan and his angels were very real in these books and yet the overwhelming theme of the story is how hopeless their battle is. (I love the final paragraph in book six.) They will not win in the end and they only win in our lives if we let them. It was a story of hope and perseverance and I'd highly recommend it, but just be warned - if you're like me, my mom, my grandma and some of my sisters, you won't be able to put them down.

The Broker by John Grisham, 306 pages

"In his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in a federal prison. What no one knows is that the President issues the pardon only after receiving enormous pressure from the CIA. It seems Backman, in his power broker heyday, may have obtained secrets that compromise the world's most sophisticated satellite surveillance system.

Backman is quietly smuggled out of the country in a military cargo plane, given a new name, a new identity, and a new home in Italy. Eventually, after he has settled into his new life, the CIA will leak his whereabouts to the Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis. Then the CIA will do what it does best: sit back and watch. The question is not whether Backman will survive - there is no chance of that. The question the CIA needs answered is, who will kill him?" -Book Jacket

As far as Grisham books go, this wasn't my favorite, but it was decent - worth the $1 I paid for it at the used bookstore. I found it to be a little anti-climatic at the end. There were some suspenseful moments but no real run-for-your-life ones. Joel Backman is probably a pretty good representation of political power brokers: slimy yet personable. You like him and you despise him.

I enjoyed Grisham's author's note at the end and would recommend this if you need something to read on an airplane or a road trip, or just need a break from deep stuff like Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Who knew seagulls could be so philosophical?

Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly Save the World) by Katherine Hannigan, 246 pages

"This is what I have for lunch every single day: peanut butter on one slice of bread, milk, and an apple, preferably a McIntosh because they're tangy with a thin skin, which Daddy says resembles me at times.

'Don't you want to try something different, Ida B?' Daddy will say.

Well, by lunchtime I'm wide awake and I've already been busy doing my chores and learning and having some fun. I've got a list of things that I can't wait to do in the afternoon, my head is filled to the rim with interesting ideas and plans, and that's exactly how I want it to stay.

'There are too many things to think about in this world besides what I'm going to have for lunch, Daddy,' I say, and he looks at me like I am a true mystery." -Back Cover

This is a very sweet story about a 10-year-old girl whose near-perfect world gets turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with cancer. Her father has to sell some of her beloved orchard to help pay the medical bills and Ida B is sent back to public school (which she hated) when her mom is too tired and sick to continue homeschooling.

I thought the author was brilliant in how she chose to write this book. It's narrated by Ida B and so you see from her point of view how the illness changes her mother and how she feels about her mother. At one point she describes the light going out of her mother's eyes and her desperately wanting it back. I think the author did a terrific job capturing the emotions of this 10-year-old girl.

Ida B. reminded me of an older version of Junie B. Jones. She acts impulsively and is full of heart and emotion. I laughed at the things she thinks and says and does, and the sadness and heartache she experiences made me cry. By the end of the book Ida B has learned about forgiveness, saying "I'm sorry" and letting go. And Ms. Washington is the type of teacher you wish every child could have.

This book deals with a heavy subject matter but there are many, many light and funny parts...and it has a happy ending! I started it with my kids last night and I think it will be a book that we discuss as we go. I think it has a lot to teach kids about how to deal with anger - that it's okay to feel sad and angry but that at some point you have to let it go.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester: Kids Edition

I read and reviewed this myself awhile ago so you can click here for that. I finished reading it with my kids last night. It helped that I had read it before. I usually don't do that but I think I will from now on.

For this book I created voices for each character. Piper spoke with a southern drawl and Conrad had an English accent, although he isn't from England; his dad is a U.S. senator. But, it fit him and the girls loved it. Dr. Hellion's voice was silky smooth. My kids were always asking me to talk like one of the characters at the breakfast table or while brushing their teeth.

My kids loved this book. They got really into the story and would try to predict what was going to happen next. Every time I would stop reading they would say, "Oh come on! Can't we just read a little bit more?!" I tried to always find a suspenseful part to end on so it would keep them hanging until the next night.

Piper is just so dang lovable and hopeful. She's always looking for the good. I think she teaches a great lesson about being true to yourself. She also teaches about compassion and empathy. Even after everything she goes through with a certain character (who shall remain nameless so as not to spoil it) she is still able to feel sorry for him/her. And so does the reader.

*It struck me as I was writing this that I should have the kids write their reviews as well so I'll have to add those when two of them get home from school. The oldest is laying on the bean bag today trying not to throw up.

The Sigma Protocol by Robert Ludlum, 535 pages

"American investment banker Ben Hartman arrives in Zurich for a ski holiday, the first time he's been back to Switzerland since his twin brother died there in a tragic accident four years earlier. But his arrival triggers something far more sinister than his brother's fate. When Ben chances upon Jimmy Cavanaugh, an old college friend, Cavanaugh promptly pulls out a gun and tries to kill him. In a matter of minutes, several innocent bystanders are dead - as well as Cavanaugh - and Ben has barely managed to survive. Plunged into an unspeakable nightmare, Hartman suddenly finds himself on the run.

Depart of Justice field agent Anna Navarro is being stalked around the world by a relentless killer, managing to survive the killer's attacks only by a combination of luck, skill, and her own quick wits. These attacks are somehow related to her current assignment: investigating the sudden - and seemingly unrelated - deaths of a number of very old men throughout the world. The only things that connects them is a file in the CIA archives, over a half-century old, marked with the same puzzling code word: Sigma. But some or something is always seemingly one step ahead of her, the survivors are rapidly dwindling, and her own life is in ever-increasing danger.

Brought together by accident, Ben and Anna soon realize that their only hope for survival lies with each other. Together they race to uncover the diabolical secrets long hidden behind the code word Sigma, secrets that threaten everything they think they know about themselves, everything they believed true about their friends and families, and everything they were ever taught about history itself. For behind Sigma lies a vast deception that is finally coming to fruition, and the fate and future of the world is in their hands." -Jacket

I like Ludlum books because there are always so many characters and interwoven story lines and I'm amazed at how he kept track of them all. But Ludlum books are fairly predictable. There's always a guy. There's always a girl. They always wind up together after a lot of action and suspense. Sigma was a little far-fetched for me once its purpose was revealed towards the end of the book. I read somewhere that this was one of Robert Ludlum's last manuscripts and was possibly finished by someone else after his death. If so, maybe he or she is the one who took it for a crazy science-fiction spin. Still, this book lives up to everything you would expect from Robert Ludlum - tons of action, suspense and intrigue. It's just not quite in the same realm as my favorites of his: the Bourne books.

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan, 279 pages

"Percy Jackson's seventh-grade year has been surprisingly quiet. Not a single monster has set foot on his New York prep-school campus. But when an innocent game of dodgeball among Percy and his classmates turns into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, things get...well, ugly. And the unexpected arrival of his friend Annabeth brings more than bad news: the magical borders that protect Camp Half-Blood have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and unless a cure is found, the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed." -Back Cover

This is book 2 of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. I started to feel after awhile that the Greek mythology was overdone, like the author wanted to include as much as possible...or throw in just to throw in. It seemed that at every corner Percy was meeting up with some sort of mythological monster. Still, the witty humor and new character Tyson more than made up for that and I enjoyed the ride. Like the first, this book had a quest that was resolved by the end but also a continuing story as Luke and his monsters try to recruit followers to help bring back the Titan king, Kronos, who is beginning to put himself back together and escape Tartarus. I'm looking forward to The Titan's Curse.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, 391 pages

"Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Pellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying." -Cover

Oh. My. Goodness. This sequel to The Hunger Games was possibly even better than the first book which was amazing!! It's a good thing I told myself before I started it that I had to get up after each chapter and do something productive. Even still, I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day. (My house is now very clean.)

Suzanne Collins is a gifted storyteller and a master of suspense. She takes you places you never expected to go. The Capitol and president are so twisted and evil. At one point in this book my jaw dropped when I read what was about to happen to Katniss. I did not even see it coming. I love when that happens! Not only do you get tons of action you also get two equally lovable male characters which leads to a great love triangle. I'm still torn as to who Katniss should choose. I'd take them both!

Catching Fire and The Hunger Games are probably my favorite books of the year. They are so much fun - definitely for at least age 13 and up though. My only complaint is that they left me hanging in a major way and I'm dreading the fact that I'll probably have to wait a year for book 3. In the mean time, I'll be reading this over and over again.

The Second Sun by Chris Stewart, 443 pages

"Azadeh Pahlavi is alone in the world. Having seen her father brutally murdered and her village torn apart by terrorists, she now finds herself outcast. Without heavenly help, she will surely not live to fulfill her mission on the earth. Can she find her way to safety despite the buffetings of Satan?

Sam Brighton, a member of the Delta Forces special unit that arrived too late to save Azadeh's village from destruction, is haunted by the continual horrors he observes in his work. Although he despairs of being able to make a real difference, his belief in the cause of freedom keeps him going. The same is true of Sam's foster father, Major General Neil Brighton, whose work at the White House has become a nearly round-the-clock commitment. Troubling dreams, coupled with growing suspicions about Prince Abdullah al-Rahman of Saudi Arabia, have begun to alarm General Brighton, but his leaders seem determined to ignore his urgings for caution.

Meanwhile, Prince Abdullah, having cleared his way to the throne of Saudi Arabia through murder and intrigue, is now aligning himself with other evil leaders throughout the Middle East to bring down not just Israel, but the United States as well. Their wicked plot, inspired by Lucifer himself, threatens to plunge the entire world into chaos and destruction - destruction in which the U.S. would not be spared." -Book Jacket

This is book 3 of The Great and Terrible series. It was lost in the mail for over a month! My mom and I are both relieved it finally arrived on my doorstep. I'm really enjoying this series. It's much more believable, for me at least, than Left Behind was. The world conflict begins in this book and the main characters are caught in the middle. I'm very interested to see how some of them will find their way back to each other. Now I'm going to have to wait for book 4, but that's okay because next up is Catching Fire!

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, 375 pages

"Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightening bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves." -Back Cover

Okay, so after The Lovely Bones I needed something light. With chapters titled "I Accidentally Vaporize my Pre-algebra Teacher," I Ruin a Perfectly Good Bus," "A God Buys Us Cheeseburgers" and "We Take a Zebra to Vegas" I knew this was the one for me.

The Lightning Thief is written especially for 5-9th graders but I found it utterly entertaining as an adult. Some of the story was a little predictable but I was having too much fun to care. I laughed out loud, a lot. The idea of weaving modern-day characters with mythological characters is brilliant. I'm sure for a junior high student who hasn't had any exposure to Greek mythology this is the perfect introduction. Rick Riordan makes them easy to understand and fun to visualize.

Percy is hilarious. He talks back to gods, has a typical teenage attitude, and doesn't shy away from a fight. Dionysus, or Mr. D. as he's known in this book, is perhaps my favorite. He is bitter about having to work at Camp Half-Blood and it shows. I can't wait to read book 2, The Sea of Monsters. Well, I can wait at least a couple of days. Catching Fire came out today!! If you haven't read The Hunger Games yet you really, really should.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, 328 pages

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.

So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her - her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling." -Inside flap of front cover

It's a wonderful thing to be moved by a book in some way, to think about it long after you've finished it and to feel like you're different for having read it. It happens every now and then and it's one of the reasons I love to read.

The Lovely Bones moved me.

As a mother you watch the stories on the news about children disappearing and parents never knowing their fate, or learning years later, and you wonder how you would live in that reality, how you would live with the unknown. I'm not sure I could. After reading this book I'm even more sure that I'm not sure! Yet that is the task Susie's family is faced with in this book as Susie watches and narrates from her heaven. The tragedy and triumph of this book is in how they do it. Alice Sebold has created a story that is so well-written you feel like you have stepped into something absolutely, horrifically real.

The way the family members deal with Susie's disappearance is what makes this story so heart-wrenching and emotional. The father becomes vigilant in his pursuit of his suspected killer until it leads to an accident. The mother retreats inward and deals with her grief in ways that are both understandable and despicable. The younger brother is too young to fully understand until he's older. The younger sister becomes the visual reminder of what is missing and the grandma becomes the glue that tries to hold them all together. Other characters are woven throughout and equally lovable.

It is a suspenseful novel as well. You want Susie's killer to be caught so badly. You cheer for Susie's dad and her sister as they become suspicious of her killer and even break into his house. You want justice for Susie and all of the other girls.

The very first chapter is incredibly hard to read. It's the chapter in which Susie describes her death. I felt myself screaming "Don't go!" as I read it and crying when she went. The rest isn't much easier reading, emotionally speaking, but it's worth it in my opinion. I found myself exhausted at the end, yet hopeful as well. Life really does go on in messy, complicated ways.

There is a little language in this book including two F-words and content related to a serial killer but neither is graphic or excessive. Chapter 22 took a slightly strange turn reminiscent of the movie Ghost.

If you read this have a box of tissue handy. You'll need it.

The Brothers by Chris Stewart, 208 pages

"As Peter read the charges against Lucifer, the enormous chamber remained deadly still. Everyone knew what the charges would be, for there were no more secrets among the children of God, and the evidence was damning, entirely whole, and complete.

Satan was indeed in open rebellion. He was seeking not only to destroy the souls of all who would follow, but to bring down and destroy the society of the Father, to take His kingdom and power and glory and claim it all for his own.

And because it was evident, and because he no longer denied it, there was no doubt of the outcome of the Council of God.

Lucifer had to be defeated, his rebellion disbanded and crushed. He could not be reasoned with. There was no common ground. His followers had to give up their sedition and quit converting God's children to their dark paths or be cast out and expelled from the presence of God.

Ammon shivered as he listened to the words Jehovah read. Damned for eternity. Denied their second estate. Cast out, never to be with the Father again.

And so it was that the battle with Satan began." -Back Cover

This is the first book in The Great and Terrible series. (I generally don't recommend reading a series out of order!) I was talking with a friend about this series and she happened to have the first book. Seeing as how we don't have a lot of information about the pre-existence or the war in heaven, Chris Stewart's idea of how it might have been was really interesting. So was his description of Satan and his followers. Lucifer is so deceitful and cunning in his attempts to recruit followers and he gets uglier and uglier as the book goes on.

I loved the small description of a heavenly mother. She was written about with so much respect and love. Again, we know hardly anything about her.

I love these books because they make you stop and think about what you believe, how strongly you believe it, and how compelled you are to act on that belief. I can't wait to follow the characters through the rest of the books.

Austenland by Shannon Hale, 196 pages

"Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man - perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths to her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?" -Back Cover

This book was August's pick for an online book club I'm part of and if you're an Austen fan (like me) - or a hopeless romantic (like me) - I highly suspect you'll love it. It is hilarious. Jane is so funny as she first feels embarrassed by, then embraces, the idea of Austenland. Along the way she discovers who she is and wants to be as she unravels what is real and what is theatrics. Each chapter begins with a summary of one of her old boyfriends starting with the one she had when she was 4. They are so funny!

The ending was awesome. I won't give it away because it would spoil all the fun, but let's just say that I'm going to start it over again right now and see what little details I didn't know to pay attention to the first time. It's a quick read and an absolutely delightful one!

Where Angels Fall by Chris Stewart, 367 pages

"The war that began before we entered mortality is escalating into the final battle for freedom, liberty, and the hearts and souls of all people. Into this world filled with turmoil, our Father will send some of his most valiant servants.

General Neil Brighton is proud of all three of his sons. Ammon and Luke are proving themselves to be men of good worth and intelligence, and Sam, Neil's adopted son, has already achieved honors and recognition in the demanding ranks of the military's Special Forces Unit. But General Brighton is worried about the sons of King Fahd bin Saud Faysal of Saudi Arabia. Both sons have plans for the fate of Saudi Arabia; both sons will stop at nothing to achieve their aims. One will plunge the country into war; the other will sacrifice everything to begin the country's transition to democracy.

As these players in the great drama of the last days are drawn inexorably together - for good or for ill - a child is born who may have the power to change the course of history. But will Elizabeth be true to the covenants she has made in the premortal world? Lucifer and his dark angels have not forgotten their promise of retribution and are tireless in their efforts to destroy the Father's valiant souls. Will Elizabeth and her brothers have the strength to withstand the terrible forces of evil that are bent on their destruction?" - Jacket

I told my mom that I could not start another series. I've still got to read Inkdeath. I'm waiting for the 4th Inheritance book. I never did finish the Left Behind series. Catching Fire comes out in a month. I did not want to get involved in another series, but my mom was persistent and I finally caved. How do you say no to your mom?

Where Angels Fall is actually the second book in The Great and Terrible series. She only had the first book on CD and I'm no good at listening to audio books - my mind wanders - so she filled me in on how the story starts and said I could read this book without feeling lost. She was right, but I still want to go back sometime and read book 1.

This series is a little like Left Behind in the sense that it's a story about the last days. Left Behind, however, is all about the book of Revelations and things are taken very literally. Some things were a little far-fetched for me and I couldn't quite get into some aspects of the story. The Great and Terrible series, on the other hand, is very believable and better written.

I was struck by a few things in this book, beliefs that I guess I've always had but hadn't thought about until they were put into words. I've never been a big believer in coincidence. I think most things happen for a reason and in this book you get the sense that a lot of things happen for a reason. The characters become connected in ways that you just know are part of a bigger plan; in essence they find each other on earth.

The second is how Lucifer and his angels work. I know that they tempt and try to lead us astray but I'd never really given much thought to how they do that exactly. In this book they whisper in people's ears, telling them what to do or think. This book is fiction so I'm not saying that this is Gospel truth, but in my mind I don't really see how else they could do it. Satan knows us and our weaknesses and does his best to exploit them. I have thought about this a lot during my day, especially when I do something that is less than my best.

Gospel elements aside, this book was hard to put down and heart-wrenching at the end. Of course now I'm waiting for my mom to finish book 3 so I can borrow it. In the mean time I've got 65 thrift-store finds I can choose from.

The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham, 314 pages

"Intimate acquaintances but less than friends, they meet and part in postwar London and Paris: Elliott, the archsnob but also the kindest of men; Isabel, considered to be entertaining, gracious, and tactful; Gray, the quintessence of the Regular Guy; Suzanne, shrewd, roving, and friendly; Sophie, lost, wanton, with a vicious attractiveness about her; and finally Larry, so hard and so trustful, lost in the world's confusion. Their story, one of Somerset Maugham's best, encompasses the pain, passion, and poignancy of life itself." -Back Cover

I never like to divulge too much about a story in my review of it because I don't like to start a book knowing everything that happens beforehand so I'll try not to divulge too much. The Razor's Edge is a very entertaining character study. I really enjoyed it. W. Somerset Maugham comes in and out of contact with the 6 people over several decades and the twists and turns that their lives take make for an interesting read.

Elliott was such a fun character. His whole life consisted of parties, those he held and those he attended. Even on his deathbed he insists on replying to a party invitation. He is completely superficial and yet loves his family dearly.

Isabel is in love with Larry but her social and economic aspirations lead her to a life that is content but not extraordinary. In the end Maugham describes her as having perfect taste and ruthless determination but lacking tenderness. She is quite a shallow woman.

Gray is a good husband and a hard worker.

Larry is probably the "hero" if you will of this story. He spends a large part of his life "loafing" as he calls it, while trying to uncover the true meaning of his existence. He travels the world soaking in every bit of knowledge he can. He reads for hours on end. I think he was my favorite character. I loved his opinion of money and possessions.

I found Suzanne and Sophie entertaining. Suzanne is very self-sufficient, practical and does what she must to live. Sophie is a tragically lost soul.

There is a little language in this book though not a lot. I would definitely recommend it.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester, 328 pages

"Piper decided to jump off the roof. It wasn't a rash decision on her part. This was her plan: Climb to the top of the roof, pick up speed by running from one end all the way to the other. Jump off. Finally, and most importantly, don't fall. She didn't make plans in the event she did fall, because if you jump off the roof of your house and land on your head, you really don't need any plans from that point on. Even Piper knew that. So that's what she did. She jumped clean off her roof. But before we get to what happens next, you'll probably need to know a thing or two about a thing or two..." - Back Cover

I first came across this book on Stephanie Meyer's website. She described it this way: "It's the oddest/sweetest mix of Little House on the Prairie and X-Men. I was smiling the whole time (except for the part where I cried). Prepare to have your heart warmed."

I was intrigued by that description so I bought the book, and let me just say that it's exactly as Stephanie Meyer described it. Piper is so Laura Ingalls-like. I laughed out loud at some of the things she said. I tried really hard not to cry at one point in the book, but Piper is just so darn sweet and lovable.

There is a great deal of child-appropriate X-Men-type adventure but I won't spoil that for you. You'll just have to read it for yourself and in the words of Stephanie Meyer: "Prepare to have your heart warmed."

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, 374 pages

"Once I'm on my feet, I realize escape might not be so simple.

Panic begins to set in. I can't stay here.

Flight is essential.

But I can't let my fear show.

Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun..." - Back Cover

I've erased the last five sentences I've written about what I thought of this book and will just say this: I loved it! The idea behind it is so clever and intriguing.

Why do I have to wait until September for the sequel??

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini, 763 pages

"Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices—choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.

In Eragon lies the greatest hope for a better Alagaësia. Can this once simple farm boy rise to become the leader he must to unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?" -Barnes & Noble Synopsis

For some reason I spent the first 500 or so pages of this book thinking it was the last in the series and wondering when Eragon was finally going to battle Galbatorix. Once I finally realized that there must be a 4th book coming I was able to enjoy this book a lot more. My favorite character in this book was probably Roran. Eragon's strength comes from the dragons, elves and magic, whereas Roran's comes from love.

I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this story in book 4!

Eldest by Christopher Paolini, 668 pages

"Darkness falls....
Swords clash....
Evil reigns.

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for futher training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall - one that puts Eragon in even graver danger. Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life..." -Jacket

I've been reading a lot of fantasy lately! I haven't tackled anything too deep or thought-provoking for a little while since I've needed an escape from reality. I find that I'm kind of jumping back and forth between series right now.

It's been awhile since I read Eragon so I really appreciated the short synopsis in the beginning of this book. This was a book I found hard to put down. It's slightly reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, one of my all-time favorites, with dwarves, elves and humans. I enjoyed reading about Eragon's training with the elves and learning more about the history of magic and the relationship between dragons and riders. I especially loved reading the adventures that Roran and the people of Carvahall wind up on.

Without giving too much away (hopefully), I'm finding it hard to resist the urge to run out and buy Brisingr right now so I can see what lies ahead for Eragon and Roran now that they are reunited. I somewhat expected the twist at the end of this book, though not to the extent of what happened.

This series is great if you want to escape into a beautiful world with well-written characters.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, 165 pages

"Guy Montag was a fireman whose job it was to start fires. And he enjoyed his job. He had been a fireman for ten years, and he had never questioned the pleasure of the midnight runs or the joy of watching pages consumed by flames, never question anything until he met a seventeen-year-old girl who told him of a past when people were not afraid. Then Guy met a professor who told him of a future in which people could think. And Guy Montag suddenly realized what he had to do..." -Jacket

I have a list that contains books every home library should have and I'm slowly working on getting those books and reading/re-reading them. I haven't read Fahrenheit 451 in years and I was reminded this time of just how much I love it and how timeless its message is. It's beautifully written. Ray Bradbury has such a way with words and story-telling.

The message of this book is not only timeless, it becomes more and more relevant as time goes on. In a recent interview with the author, included at the end of the book, he talks about idiot TV and how movies and commercials are so fast-paced these days that they take away our ability to think as image after image is flashed at us. He referenced a movie that had 4,560 half-second clips in it. The camera never held still. He talked about how that "clicks off your thinking." That's exactly how I felt after watching Transformers. I loved the movie, but it was sensory overload. Immediately after I finished this book I watched a commercial that did exactly that - flash from one image to another in a half-second. It was very difficult to try to think through it.

The thing I took away from this book this time is the need for quiet and reflection, but more importantly the need for independent thought. It's written in a future world, but it's not so different from ours. This book is a good wake-up call, a call to think for ourselves, to express our ideas and opinions, and to not let government or news force feed us our opinions.

I love so many things about this book. I love Clarisse. She is such a ray of light. You can sense her joy at walking in the rain or smelling the flowers. I love when Guy tries to have a conversation with Millie and her friends as they try to watch their favorite show. You can just sense his frustration at their lack of individuality and absolutely understand why it leads him to do what he does. I love the ending.

If you've never read this book you absolutely should. It is a classic.

The Secret of Castle Cant by K.P. Bath, 291 pages

"Lucy trembled as Arden Gutz placed the key in her hand. She had the strange feeling that it unlocked the door to a make-believe world, where she could be a dashing spy and rescue Pauline from the villainous Vlad Orloff. But real life, she knew, almost never resembled life in storybooks, except in unpleasant matters such as wicked stepmothers and wolves with a taste for young girls.
'But, respectfully, sir,' she said, 'I've been in trouble recently. I shouldn't like to get caught stealing.'
'Is it stealing to take back what is rightly yours?' Gutz asked. 'And think of your mistress, Lucy! While Orloff remains in power, Miss Cant is in deadly peril!'
Gutz gazed at Lucy. 'If you truly care for her,' he said, 'you will do as I ask.' Taking her hand in his, he closed Lucy's fingers over the skeleton key.
'I...I shall try, sir,' Lucy said.
'Be brave, little girl,' the prisoner said, rising to his feet. 'The sun is behind us!'" -Jacket

At our local grocery store, in the frozen food aisle, there is a box full of discount books. Every time I go to buy frozen veggies or ice cream my girls look through and then try to convince me to buy whatever has caught their attention that day. They came across this one for $5.00 and it intrigued me enough to buy it. It's probably appropriate for 9-12-year olds and I wanted to screen it for my daughter before she read it.

The things I liked: Lucy is a charming character - funny, resourceful and devoted. She is very brave. She wears T-shirts and tennis shoes while those around her wear gowns and medieval clothes. The author implies that Cant is a real, super tiny country that appears on maps but is too small to actually see. I like the way the friendship develops between Lucy and Pauline. The villains are, well, villainous.

The things I didn't: It's not the best-written book. There are some references to the Baron lying with women. It made me wonder if I should have another birds & the bees talk with my daughter before she reads this. A lot of the residents of Cant are addicted to chewing gum. There were so many references to chewing gum that I expected it to play a huge role in the resolution of the story and it didn't.

Good-Bye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton, 132 pages

"This well-loved novel has delighted millions of readers over several generations, just as schoolmaster Mr. Chips himself delighted generation after generation of students. From his auspicious first day of teaching at Brookfield to his two retirements, a tragic April Fools' Day, his famous and classic jokes, and then finall to his quiet farewell, Good-Bye, Mr. Chips is a beloved classic that will bring a tear to your eye and a lump to your throat. Above all, this masterful book shows you the life of this marvelous man, and makes you wish there were a Mr. Chips in your life." -Back Cover

This is a very quick read but three things stuck out to me.

1. The influence of a woman - I thought Katherine was like a burst of sunshine for Mr. Chips. She had such a vivacious personality leaving her mark on everything she touched. She came into his life unexpectedly and left it unexpectedly, but their love and influence lasted a lifetime.
2. The influence of a good teacher - My dad is a teacher and so I couldn't help but think about him as I read this. Let's face it, teachers are the greatest people on the earth. They are selfless individuals (their pay is crap!) who have a love of learning and a desire to share that with others. I think my daughter's third grade teacher is her Mr. Chips. He's taught her so much. Some teachers stay with you for the rest of your life and I can see how Mr. Chips would have been that kind of teacher. I love Mr. Chips' Latin lesson during the bombing and his witty sense of humor. I also loved how he enjoyed his own sense of humor.
3. Reminiscing - My husband runs a retirement community and whenever I stop in to visit I almost always talk with the residents. They are so quick to share their memories. For some of them that is where they live. Mr. Chips had so many wonderful memories and I got a little choked up at the end of the book when he talked about all of his children - all boys.

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke, 635 pages

"A year has passed, but not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of Inkheart, the book whose characters came to life. For the fire-eater Dustfinger, the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller to read him back, he abandons his apprentice Farid and plunges into the pages. Before long, Farid and Meggie are caught inside the book, too. But the story is much changed - and threatening to end tragically." -Back Cover

I think Cornelia Funke is a fabulous storyteller and I love the imagery and language she uses in this trilogy. I also love the new dimensions to Fenoglio's character, the author of Inkheart. In this book he starts to see that the characters he created have taken on lives and actions of their own and he can't control them. He becomes desperate, and slightly crazy, in his attempt to rein in his story.

I also love the allure that the world of Inkheart holds for all the characters, both those who come from the story and those who are drawn to it. You can't help but wonder yourself what it would be like to go there. This second book leaves you right in the thick of things, with the fate of several characters yet to be decided.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, 110 pages

"Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous, The House on Mango Street tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, whose neighborhood is one of harsh realities and harsh beauty. Esperanza doesn't want to belong - not to her rundown neighborhood, and not to the low expectations the world has for her. Esperanza's story is that of a young girl coming into her power, and inventing for herself what she will become." -Back Cover

I finally had time to read again! I've missed my books. This book was a poignant look at growing up in a less than ideal place and rising above it. I love how it ended. I have a feeling this book is best enjoyed slowly, not digesting it in a few short days to catch up to the online book club! I will definitely read this book again so I can really glean every detail and thought from each chapter. I keep thinking about the paragraph-long chapter titled "Those Who Don't." It was pretty powerful.

A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander, 294 pages

"At her friend Ivy's behest, Emily reluctantly agrees to attend a party at the sprawling English country estate of Lord Fortescue, a man she finds as odious as he is powerful. But if Emily is expecting Lord Fortescue to be the greatest of her problems, she is wrong. Her host has also invited Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess who was once linked romantically with Emily's fiance, the debonair Colin Hargreaves. What Emily believes will be a tedious evening turns deadly when Lord Fortescue is found murdered, and his protege, Robert Brandon - Ivy's husband - is arrested for the crime.

Determined to right this terrible wrong and clear Robert's name, Emily begins to dig for answers, a quest that will lead her from London's glittering ballrooms to Vienna's sordid backstreets. Not until she engages a notorious anarchist in a game of wits does the shocking truth begin to emerge: the price of exonerating Robert can be paid only by placing Colin in deadly peril. To save her fiance, Emily must do the unthinkable: bargain with her nemesis, the Countess von Lange." -Jacket

This is the third book in the series about Lady Emily Ashton. The first two are And Only to Deceive and A Poisoned Season. I love these books. I read the first two last year. Emily Ashton is almost as headstrong and witty as Elizabeth Bennet though these books aren't in the same league as Jane Austen. I always love the intrigue, the way Emily defies the social mores of her time and the verbal sparring she engages in. There was more romance in this book since Colin and Emily are engaged and I have to say, Colin is quite dashing. I wouldn't be surprised if this series continues on and it will probably be one I read again in the future.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini, 730 pages

"One boy....
One dragon...
A world of adventure.

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.

Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands..." -Back Cover

I saw the movie a few years back and liked it but, as always, the book is definitely better. I find that I am drawn to fantasies for the constant battle between good versus evil. I enjoy reading about the good guys doing hard things, fighting for what they believe in and love knowing that the odds are against them. There's always loss, regret, betrayal, love and in the end victory. I enjoy that process. This book is well written. Its characters are memorable and it's a great adventure. I can see why it was on the bestseller list. I'm told the next two books, Eldest and Brisingr, are even better.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, 334 pages

"Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work 'her own darling child' and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, 'as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.' The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England." -Back Cover

There's not much else you can say about Pride and Prejudice. It's pure fun, again and again.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, 534 pages

"One night, Meggie's father reads aloud from Inkheart, and an evil ruler named Capricorn escapes from the pages of the book and lands in their living room. Suddenly, Meggie is living the kind of adventure she has only read about in books. And she must somehow learn to harness the magic that has conjured this nightmare. Only Meggie can rewrite the story that has changed her life forever." - Back Cover

I hadn't heard of this book until I heard about the movie. I haven't seen the movie yet but have a feeling it will be different since some of the things in the movie trailers are not in the book and besides, the books are always better than the movies right?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love any book whose characters love books and describe the relationship they have with them using the most beautiful metaphors. (They reminded me of The Thirteenth Tale.) I loved the idea behind this book - reading characters out of stories - and its magic. I loved how it mixed fantasy with reality. There were parts that I thought could have maybe been written a little better or with more description but I would definitely recommend it. I can't wait to pick up the sequel Inkspell.

Marley & Me by John Grogan, 289 pages

"The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life." -Back Cover

I'm going to be honest, I have never been a pet owner beyond a bird, fish and an obnoxious rabbit. I've always felt like having a dog would be like having another child, and a more demanding one at that, so I have only seen the relationship between human and dog from the outside looking in and can only speak from that point of view. Marley would be one of the many reasons I wouldn't get a dog - I would get grossed out by all the saliva for one. I could just imagine being one of the neighbors who got jumped up on and licked by a 100-pound dog as I came over to visit. Gross.

I appreciated the life lessons that Marley taught his owners. I've learned those same lessons from my children and other experiences. I guess I just prefer the ease of a non-pet life. I'd love to see a book by John Grogan about life with his three kids since there was very little written about them in this book. I did laugh out loud a lot and enjoyed the author's sense of humor and wit. He described situations and events brilliantly. I felt the void and pain Marley left behind after he passed away (another reason I am not a pet owner) and the impact that he had on the Grogan family. Overall, I enjoyed the story. (There is some language.)

8 O'Clock Club Book: Snot Stew by Bill Wallace, 81 pages

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Isnot!"

"Istoo!"

"Snot!"

"Stew!"

"The game of Snot Stew that Kikki the kitten's young owners play is setting a bad example for Kikki's brother, Toby. He's turning into a bully - and that spells danger when he starts taunting Butch, the nasty dog on the other side of the fence. Can Kikki keep Toby from getting into big trouble? And will she have the courage to rescue him if he does?" -Back Cover

Bill Wallace's books are always fun and entertaining. This one was no exception. My kids couldn't wait to hear what was going to happen to Kikki and Toby each night. Reading about a human's world from a cat's perspective was very enjoyable and this one had a great message.

The Mark by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, 381 pages

"His Excellency Global Community Potentate Nicolae Carpathia is back, this time as Satan. Resurrected and indwelt by the devil himself, it's no more Mr. Nice Guy as the beast tightens his grip as ruler of the world.

Teror comes to the believers in Greece as they are among the first to face a GC loyalty mark application site and its benignly named but hideous death contraption, the loyalty enforcement facilitator.

The gloves are off, and the battle is launched between the forces of good and evil for the very souls of men and women around the globe." -Back Cover

In this book the "loyalty enforcement facilitator" is a fancy term for guillotine and those who refuse to receive the mark are beheaded. There is a heart-wrenching scene in Greece where many of the captured believers must make the choice to refuse the mark and courageously face death. There are several daring escapes and rescues and the Tribulation Force finds itself planning to go face to face with Nicolae. Again, suspenseful and intriguing. The authors definitely interpret the scriptures literally.