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!