Shoot me already!

Writing Jane Austen: A Novel by Elizabeth Aston


My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Ok so the premise of this book was a good idea. Georgiana has been selected by her publisher to finish writing a novel recently found that was started by Jane Austen. She is so overwhelmed and thinks she isn't up to the challenge.

I did not finish this book, because I read half of it and she was still fighting her publisher and friends about even starting this book. That part of the plot was so drawn out that it killed it for me. At this point I don't care if she writes it or not! The whole idea of how she went about writing in Austen's voice and how the plot of the fictional novel is developed, is what attracted me to this book. But it was so hard to get through because Georgiana spent the whole time avoiding everybody and not writing the book!!

So if you read it, let me know if she does end up writing it, because she became so unlikeable in her avoidance of responsibility that I could not take any longer.

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Appaloosa

Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was a traditional western. Lawlessness + rogue + showdown= appaloosa.

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Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the love story of Henry and Claire and their overcoming his handicap of time travel. The many obstacles they must surpass of their age difference, drinking problem, other relationships and their knowledge of their short time together encourages them to make the most their shared time. Claire deals with this issue by being thankful for the little snippets of his life and not concentrate on the time he is away even when he dies she lives the rest of her life waiting for him to rerun to him.

The story is a bit confusing when you first start reading it but once different areas of their lives come together the puzzle becomes whole and as the reader you are anxious to find out what one visit means to the other. Having the story told from both Claire's point of view and Henry's ensures a full experience.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone who enjoys a tragic love story. Can't wait for the movie to come out.

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Breathers

Breathers: A Zombie's Lament by S.G. Browne


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story follows Andy and his experience being a zombie, being alienated by his friends and family. Zombies have no rights, are attacked, persecuted, tortured and shunned by society in general. Andy with his support group "Undead Anonymous", tries to survive and get the government to reinstate their rights.

When you first start this book it seems a bit humorous. But the story becomes dark when "breathers" mistreat zombies walking down the street and frat guys using them for their pledging while society condones it. You will be drawn into their existence and their will to survive.

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Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

3 out of 5 Stars
Fellow Jane Austen addicts have spoke of this as a must read. But the title is totally misleading. I expected a journal type reading from Courtney's life and how being a Jane Austen addict has affected her in a day to day basis. But this is nothing like that. Courtney Stone wakes up one morning in the 1800's of Jane Austen and living the life of a single girl waiting to get married, named Jane Mansfield.

She spends most of her time trying to decipher the bits and pieces of Jane's lif...more Fellow Jane Austen addicts have spoke of this as a must read. But the title is totally misleading. I expected a journal type reading from Courtney's life and how being a Jane Austen addict has affected her in a day to day basis. But this is nothing like that. Courtney Stone wakes up one morning in the 1800's of Jane Austen and living the life of a single girl waiting to get married, named Jane Mansfield.

She spends most of her time trying to decipher the bits and pieces of Jane's life and trying to figure out how to get back to her own time period in the 21st century. Meanwhile she is actively being pursued by the local eligible bachelor and toying with the affections of the stable boy while trying to escape her mother's tyranny. The idea
of the book was very promising until I read it. Jane /Courtney should
have just enjoy being in that world instead making every one else's
life miserable including Mary, her best BFF and go with the flow. That's what a true Austenite would have done and tried to find her Mr. Darcy.I understand she had to describe her surroundings to get an idea of her totally different environment but I felt it was a bit belabored.
It's distracting having Courtney correcting herself whenever she
referred to herself as Jane. She isn't really Jane, but Courtney. Yea. We get it. Let's move on.The book overall was entertaining mostly for the Jane Austen references.


The highlight of the book, which I sort of expected was when she met
Jane Austen. I thought for sure this will be interesting. But the
writer totally messed it up by making her into a babbling idiot. She went on and on about how the future would love her writing. Why
would she mention the movie renditions of her book? That part was totally lame.

So don't believe the hype and read other fun things instead like "Austenland" and sequels to "Pride and Prejudice" like, "Mr. Darcy's Diary".

Best Friends by Jennifer Weiner

Best Friends Forever: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was different than Jennifer Weiner's past books. Though the story was interesting, it was missing her dry humor. I missed her little comments and observations that are present in her other lead characters.

The two best friends, are not very likable. One is self centered and bossy while the other is a doormat. I really didn't feel much for either character. The "hero" of the story iffy as well. But I still had to give her four stars because I'll read anything she writes.

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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first Harry Potter book I've read. I was intrigued by the story once I saw the movie and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think because it takes place with Harry as a teen having to deal with love and relationships as well is impending doom. Also, because it's the second to the last of the books, so I know there is an ending in sight. I could not force myself to read 7 books knowing that the first 5 are just fillers.

*spoilers*The story was very exciting dealing with the back story of Lord Voldamort and how he was bad from the get go. Draco and the rest of the Death Eaters are plotting on taking over Hogwarts therefore, getting to Harry. I have also placed my theory on why Snape is so sneaky. I do think he is working on the good side because he was on the bad side in the beginning but changed his mind after LV killed the woman he loves. AKA Lilly Potter. Yea that's right! That is why he is so resentful of Harry. Well that is my theory.

I also enjoyed this book because it is a great source of new and unique names. Each page has wonderfully crafted names that can be used either on pets or future children. :) Can't wait to get a new tabby cat named Snape. :)

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The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
*Spoilers*This was my first Holmes mystery I read and was disappointed. I was hoping for more action, crazy clues and surprise endings. Honestly I knew it was Stapleton from the get go. Only because he was only one who was not tied down to the area and recently arrived.

Since this book was written after Holmes' famous demise and reappearance, I think I will give his adventures another chance and read his earlier stories.

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Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great mystery that takes place in 1950's English countryside where Flavia de Luce lives with her family. When Flavia discovers a dead body in her family garden, it is up to her to clear the name of her father who is the main suspect. What makes Flavia up to the challenge is her keen knowledge of chemistry and her eagerness to learn the truth. The story takes her beyond the walls of her home and she has to overcome obstacles due to her age and her two sister's blase attitude towards the situation.



This story is filled with great descriptors of the countryside. It is well written and one forgets the story is being told through the eyes of an 11 year old child. It does not read as a children's book such as Harriet the Spy and is not dumbed down. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a good English mystery.


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Lust, Loathing a little lipgloss, by Kyra Davis

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss by Kyra Davis

My review

This newest Sophie Katz mystery was great. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and how Sophie's character has changed. Her character has evolved from a needy woman, to a leading protagonist that takes control. In this edition, Sophie isn't obsessed with her on again off again relationship with Anatoly, but concentrates more on her life, in addition to solving a murder.

This time around Sophie is purchasing a home and ends up running into her ex-husband who she adamantly hates. He tries to weasel his way into her life and at the same time be her Realtor. Bodies are found. New people in her social group are involved and her whole family is involved in this mystery. I was glad to see that her friends Marcus and Dena make an appearance, they are fun characters. Sophie's relationship with Anatoly is so cute, I'm glad he is permanently (hopefully) back in her life.

I really recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good murder mystery and laughing at the same time.


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Big Sleep

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Chandler's storytelling style is classic. His descriptions of surroundings and people is uncanny, where you feel like you are really there. The story is enveloping. I highly recommend this people to those who enjoy a good mystery.


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Pip, pip! and all that rubbish!

The Pursuit of Love & Love in a Cold Climate: Two Novels by Nancy Mitford

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the Pursuit of Love. Mitford's style of writing is fun to read. I enjoyed the peek into the inner sanctum of an entitled English family. The details of everyday life and how the family evolved are for great storytelling. Linda's pursuit of love didn't lead her in the right direction but the matter of fact way in which the narrator tells her story makes you laugh and cry.

Love in a Cold Climate was very fascinating but not as funny as POFL. Mitford's writing and her inside look to the privileged English family is interesting and allows you to see how the other half lives. I recommend this book to all who are interested in English life.
My favorite quote of the book: "Be kind to the young ladies, you never know who they may marry".


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Princess Diaries V: Grandmere Rocks!!

Princess in Pink by Meg Cabot

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This 5th installment of the PD is very entertaining. Mia starts to realize what she is good at and nurtures it by writing for the school newspaper. While once again her friend Lilly is no friend at all, her mother is self absorbed with her own problems and her boyfriend doesn't understand how much the prom means to her. I am so hooked on this series.

It seems to me that Grandmere is the only person who understands Mia. Whenever there is something wrong or is bothering her, Grandmere is the only one to catch it and actually asks her what is wrong and helps her solve it. Neither her BFF or her mother (not to mention her absent womanizing father) take the time to talk to her and be there for her. Grandmere rocks! I also enjoyed this book more because it included more Michael. :)


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Koyal dark, mango sweet.

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was a nice coming of age story, though the author's point was a bit belabored in her attempt to establish Jeeta as an independent thinker. Jeeta's voice in the book made her seem younger than her 16 years.



It's a very simple story of a young girl’s struggle to defy convention and decide her own destiny. I realized too late there was a glossary of terms at the end of the book, which would have helped me understand it better. I do recommend it as a book club selection as a way to start introducing your teens to other cultures and their dating rituals.




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Princess Diaries IV: More Michael please!!

Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Slowly but surely Princess Mia is starting to believe in herself and be confident. With her first trip to Genovia, she has gained some confidence and implemented some changes, much to her Grandmere's chagrin.



I liked reading about her first trip to her kingdom, but wish there was more on her and Michael. Of course, less Lilly.


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Everlost

Everlost by Neal Shusterman

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book has a slow start but once you get past the fact that the main characters are dead children, you get engrossed in the story and their journey. The book is very reminiscent of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy with excerpts from books on how to survive in the world of Everlost. At times the story was a bid morbid but over all the book was interesting.






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Princess Diaries Part Tre

Princess in Love by Meg Cabot

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ok, so it's silly I know, but I really like this series. Princess Mia is hilarious!! These books are way better than the movie. In my opinion they left out the best character from the book. The grandmother. Grandmere in the novels is a fun and annoying character. She is not likable and makes Mia's life worse than she thinks it already is, but at times gives good advise. The main thing that keeps me coming back for more is to see if the relationship between Michael and Mia blossoms and that Mia finally ditches her annoying best friend. Lily is the worst BFF ever.


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Princess Diaries Volume II: Lilly's revenge

Blog Entry 1/27/09 @ 1:48am

As I am unable to sleep, I finished reading Princess Diaries Volume II: Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot. The main thing that I came away with from this book is that Lilly is the worst friend ever. She is so self absorbed that she doesn’t care about Mia or the new problems and responsibilities she has to deal with now that she is a princess. Mia needs to really be “self actualized” and figure out that Lilly is a horrible BFF and should be rid of, so that Mia can have a happy life.

REASONS WHY LILLY SUCKS (WARNING Book Spoilers)

1. She gets mad at Mia for doing an interview and instead of comforting her on the horrible result, she rages against her and worries about how she, Lilly, was portrayed by being grouped with the “freaks” crowd in school.
2. She takes advantage of Mia’s vulnerable state during a slumber party and tapes a conversation with her to later broadcast it on television and does not apologize nor feels any remorse. Mia forgives her!!!
3. Hypocrite. By helping Hank and not telling Mia about it.
1. Because she supposedly does not care about skin deep attributes in people.
2. She obviously keeps secrets from Mia and gets totally out of control when Mia doesn’t tell her what is going in her life to the point of giving her the silent treatment. While Mia thinks nothing of it.
   

I hate Lilly and hope that she disappears in future books. Once Mia and Michael do end up together hopefully Lilly will get lost in the outreaches of the jungle while working for Greenpeace.

p.s. Martha Stewart’s short cameo, as Mia's hero by carrying a hot glue gun in her purse (hilarious!!) proved to be a better BFF than Lilly has ever been in the course of these books.

p.p.s. This diatribe must be excused for it was written during sleepless night. But I still hate Lilly.

p.p.p.s Overall the book was fun and I can't wait to read Volume III.

Princess Diaries

I finally got around to reading The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. It has been on my list of teen books to read but never got around to it because I've tried reading Cabot's adult novels and they are lame. Each time I tried reading one I couldn't get past the first 3 chapters. But since I enjoyed the movie version PD and love Anne Hathaway, I thought I would give it a try. I really enjoyed it!

Mia, a 14 year old awkward freshman, finds out she is really a princess heir from the country Genovia. Her parents chose to keep this information from her all this time for reasons I don't quite understand. The book is written journal style and Mia's thoughts and observations are hilarious.

So now I am a Meg Cabot (Teen book) fan. While browsing through her blog, I noticed that Judy Blume has a blog! She is one of the most influential authors in my life. But she doesn't have a feed!! I can't add her to my Google Reader to read her entries everyday. Judy please add one. Here is her link Judy Blume's blog .

My Sweet Audrina

by V.C. Andrews is very creepy!!! I haven't read it since I was 13 or 14 years old and thought it was awesome!! Now I'm in my (gulp) 30's and I don't know what I saw in it. I really hope it's not that I related to the main character Audrina at the time. If I did, I think I may have been a bit too melodramatic.


V.C. Andrews Challenge
Update

1. January - My Sweet Audrina: still in the middle of it and a bit creeped out.