Rondo, by Emily Rodda

My brother-in-law recommended this book and it was fantastic! A boy and his crazy cousin magically go to another world where fairytale characters live. They have to save the cousin's dog, find a way home, and discover the family secret - but they don't know who to trust. It was a great light read. Very imaginative. Emily Rodda also writes a young readers series called "Deltora Quest" that Tyler can read. I highly recommend this book.

Garden Spells, Sarah Addison Allen

This was an amazing book! It was magical! I loved the analogy of gifts or talents we have. We may think we are unique or weird or different because of our lives, ancestry, family, etc - but we all have gifts that can brighten the world. We need to find the thing we are passionate about and create! Especially when we think other's might not approve! We contribute and add to other's lives by loving and sharing our talents. This book was beautifully written and makes me appreciate others around me and the bond of sisterhood all that more!

Simple Genius, David Baldacci

Another Baldacci! What can I say, it was great! I read this book out of order on accident - so, I may have understood more had I read the book that come before this one - but, I don't think I missed a thing.
Baldacci must have done a lot of research on the psychologist character. This character was fantastically distinct and unique. I was fascinated with how individual this character felt. Usually when I read a story you just buy into the fact that the people are different, but there is always a similar feeling - knowing the author created them all they talk and use language like the author would use ... But, this character actually felt like he was writing himself. The plot was different and unusual. I had my suspicions as to who "done it" - but I was still mostly surprised in the end.
If you haven't read Baldacci, yet - I think you should give him a try! I just heard there is another book in his "Camel Club" series, that will probably have to be the next book on my list for those who want to read and discuss a book, I think it is called "Stone Cold". Happy Reading!

Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech

Huzzah! What a great book! It is a great story about a girl traveling across the country with her grandparents. It is all about the stories they tell each other, while developing a relationship and story along the drive. Fabulous!

Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer

August 5, 2008

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! I have entered the twilight zone! I am only half way through and I am not sure I really want to finish. I never thought it would go this way ... I loved the other three books - and maybe in the end I will like this one, but right now .... I just don't know ... It is a little more graphic, not as romantic, and kind of ... yuck! Has anyone finished it, yet? Anyone reading it? What do you think? Should I hang in there???? I am I going to agree with the author in the end??? Is this really how it's going to end???


August 9, 2008

Ok, I finally finished the book ... the last 150 pages are the best, I think. It is worth a read, even though I was freaking out in the middle of it. I think it ended the best way possible - even though I think it could have gone a million different ways. It did keep me reading to find out what was going to happen next.

Train to Potevka, by Mike Ramsdale

Russia during the Cold War - Spies - Faith. This book is written by an LDS man from Utah who was with secret government agencies. The story is based on some of his experiences as a spy. It is a great book - I would say a must read, especially with the holidays approaching.

The Camel Club, by David Baldacci

I love conspiracy theory-adventure-mystery books like this! It's a "Jack Ryan" in his older days kind of book. Exciting to the last word! It belongs to a series of books - the only other one I have read is "The Collectors" (also, very good)! My SIL, Cami is reading it right now and I can't wait to hear what she thinks about it!

The Wednesday Letters, Jason F. Wright

I thought this was a very romantic book. It makes me want to keep a better journal, and every letter my husband sends me. (I do keep letters.) The author keeps you guessing right up to the end - the twist makes you cry. It was a really sweet book.

Outlander - Historical Fiction by Diana Gabaldon

This amazing work of historical fiction is so moving that you won't be able to put it down. Don't feel daunted by the size of the book - the bigger the better is my opinion...but don't tell my husband that! This book covers the Scottish highland clan wars during the 1800's. Picture strong Scottish warriors, and lots of kilts. It has a splash of fantasy thrown in to spice it up. I've read the series 3 times now, and there are 7 so far - they're that good! Enjoy!

Renee Clancy

Eat Cake, Jeanne Ray

The next time you feel stressed out - you may just start thinking about CAKE. Eat Cake is a delightful, funny light read. It is a really cute book with some really yummy cake recipes mixed with funny family situations! And, I love books you come away feeling good when you finish reading.

The Miracle at Speedy Motors, Alexander McCall Smith

I just finished this book last night. It took me a bit longer to get into this book compared to the other books in the series. (Miracle at Speedy Motors is part of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books.) The first book in the series is exceptional, and if you haven't read it - it is a must read! But, back to the book at hand ... The writing is very poignant. There was a lot of thought put into the words used in the book. The underlying context is very thought provoking. (I have to admit - I did use a quote from the book when I spoke in church a few weeks ago ...) The book concluded differently than I could have imagined and it was a light easy read. His books are always delightful - and I am still surprised that it is a man who writes these books and not a woman - He has wonderful insight into the male/female mind.

Into Thin Air, Jon Krakauer

Into Thin Air is about the 1996 Mount Everest expedition. This first hand account of the tragedy of the expedition is gripping. Krakauer writes so you feel like you are in the cold mountain of Everest experiencing the adventure for yourself. I don't read many Non-Fiction books, but this one is incredible!

The Secret Life of Bees

A wonderful book that our book club here read about a motherless girl and her journey to find peace amidst the heartbreak of her past and upbringing. The comparison throughout the book to bees is genius. Give this one a whirl, it's a quick read and one I recommend to every woman who values sisterhood and friendship.

The Host

I just finished reading The Host about two weeks ago. I don't want to give any of the book details away to those who have not read - but, I'm really interested to find out if others got the same feeling about the book as I did.

First, I don't know that I have a final judgement of the book. Second, I didn't think the writting a spectacular. In fact, most of the time I had a hard time paying attention and found my mind wandering. Which surprises me because I really enjoyed the Twilight books by the same author. But, that doesn't change the fact that I still felt like the story dragged a bit.

However, the thing that kept me reading was the interaction of the characters. I couldn't help but think this book was trying to make a commentary on peer pressure, group dynamics and community prejudice. What did you think? I thought it had a feel like the Lois Lowry book, The Giver.

One last thought: About half way through the book, I realized that I really cared about Wanderer. I knew I would never want an alien to take over my body - nor could the book allow the end of the human race to aliens ... so, I started wondering how Stephenie Meyers was going to keep "Wanda" without compromising human desire for life. My thought was that she would put Wanda's body into a dog ... What do you think? Would that create more conflict because it is still alien invasion into a living being on earth? Or would that have solved the problem, too?

Andrea's Book Club

I am always looking for a good book. Just ask my sister - everytime I go to the library I have to call her and find out what she has been reading. Most of the books I have read, she's already read because they are all her picks. She has excellent taste in books and I have thoroughly enjoyed every book she's recommended.

The only problem is nobody seems to be reading the same books. So, I thought I would open up a blog and discuss different books. What are you reading? Is it a book you would recommend? What did you think about the books I've read, and so forth? So, don't be shy, let me know what you think.