"North and South"

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After finally ordering this book from Barnes and Noble, and having it arrive, I was acting like a total fan-girl! Just holding "North and South" in my hands and looking over the names was pleasure. If you have seen the movie, BBC version that is, you will understand why I had to end up reading it. A friend of mine asked if I was able to imagine Richard Armitage as John Thornton while reading this book. Actually I did imagine that actor from time to time, while reading it, but I more frequently imagined Daniela Denby-Ashe as Margaret. Perfect casting for the movie, just had to say.
Surprisingly I was a slightly disappointed with this book. Honestly I was looking forward to any new little details it could give me and just to be able to soak it all up. Not to say that this book was not lovely or anything like that but once you have watched the movie I believe it stripped the pleasure away from reading it. But first my review. I tell you more of what I thought after I tell a bit about the book.

"North and South" was written by Elizabeth Gaskell and it showed how love blooms. Whether the party receiving this love wants it or not. You are introduced to Margaret Hale, a respectful and opinionated young women. Once her cousin, Edith, is married off Margaret comes to reside with her parents again. Although there is bitter turmoil beneath the surface. Mr. Hale, Margaret's father, has a turn of conscience and gives up his living as a parson. With this overshadowing her, she also has to leave her beloved home Helstone. Leaving the trees and glades and forests wander, Margaret must accustom herself to living in Milton. Dreary and so far away from her home, the dirt and smug do little to lift her spirits. Meeting the manufacturer, Mr. Thornton, stretches her mind to not think so ill of a manufacturer. Although she finds the most friendship in the slum places of town among Mr. Higgins and his daughter, Bessy. Struggles hit everyone when a strike breaks out and Margaret is caught in the middle. Doing what she thinks is right, Margaret puts herself in harms way to protect Mr. Thornton. Later when Mr. Thornton professes his unabashed love for her, she turns him down forthright! Determined to always love her, John Thornton is brokenhearted as it appears that she will never return his affections. As financial circumstances change will it continue to separate them? Will his love conquer all, or will she never marry?

Well I went on a rampage of info, didn't I? ;) The reason for such disappointed feelings for "North and South", is because the ending was so short! I was shocked! After a book that spares no expense in telling what kind of floors they had, I was dully shocked by how quickly it was wrapped up!  Despite the fact that it was romantic I was really hoping that it would be dragged out. lol Another reason I was disappointed is because I basically knew what was going to happen at every turn, which can be a little boring. I really liked this book, but wished I hadn't watched the movie first. Basically in that sentence I gave you my advise: Read the book first! If you have already watched the movie I wouldn't really bother reading it. Although that is up to you.
God bless and have a wonderful week!

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"As Sure as the Dawn"

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     I have now completed this amazing series by Francine Rivers! "As Sure as the Dawn" was the last book in this trilogy and was a lot more than just captivating! This novel kept you moving. Unlike it's counterparts this book was upbeat and it barely stopped to breathe. Reading this book was a delightful pleasure! During some parts I was sure something tragic was going to happen... and it did, but God was there to see them through it.

      "As Sure as the Dawn" picks back up the story of Atretes after he has been released from being a gladiator in book one. As he finds out that his son is alive he sets forth to find him. In the guardianship of Rizpah, a widow, the his child is more than just safe... he is loved. Rizpah names him Caleb. Although Atretes does not want this women to have anything to do with raising his son, he strips Caleb from her. Little Caleb unceasingly cries until he gets his way. ;) Rizpah is allowed to care for him. Loving Caleb compels her to follow Atretes, even to the forests of Germania. As miracles happen Atretes comes to know the Lord for his personnel savior, but being a child himself in the Christian faith brings many challenges ahead. The Chatti people, his own people, are bull headed and hungry for battle. Will anyone listen to him as he tries to beat the truth into their heads? Or will they follow the way to destruction? With a friend at Atretes's side, Theophilus, he and Rizpah are encouraged but for how long? Will Rizpah's own past bring about her death?

     This book was rampant with heart beating killing scenes, to tear inducing moments. I whole heartily recommend this series and hope you get as much pleasure from it as I did.  God bless!

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"An Echo in the Darkness"

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    Well I'm actually quite disappointed with this book. "An Echo in the Darkness" is a continuation of "A Voice in the Wind" and failed in comparison! This novel continues the story of Hadassah, Marcus, Julia, and Phoebe... adding some other unique characters. "An Echo in the Darkness" was long winded and slow. There weren't many exciting scenes and those were few and far between. This book wasn't a total loss though, I was happy the way things turned out for characters and the message they brought with it.
     As I said before this books goes on to tell of what happened next from the heart pounding scene in the last book. Feeling like his one true love is gone brings Marcus to utter despair. Searching for answers, more like demanding why Hadassah had to die, takes Marcus to another land. Through his journey he is cursing God with his very heart. (Honestly I was a little uncomfortable with how much he was spewing his hatred for God. Just thought I'd tell you that a lot of the parts with him were like that. :P) Stepping where Hadassah stepped does nothing for him. Will he find his answers? Or will the those who want him dead prevail?
     Julia is ill.... she is nearly alone... will all those she know forsake her? Throwing away the one person that truly loved her brings her without anyone. Going through money like water and being conned brings her to poverty. Not only is her disease terminal it is brought on by her own shameful life. Suffering from the afflictions that she had placed upon herself, Julia seems to always be the one not to blame. As her disease wears away at her body new fears take hold. Will I be alone at the end? Where am I going? These are but a few questions she has swirling around her head. When she does find someone who will stay with her, who is a Christian, will she continue to refuse Him. Will she ever see the true meanings of the stories Hadassah had once told her? As the end is drawing quickly will Julia be left in darkness?...
       (Spoiler alert for this paragraph!)     Thinking all life was gone, that she had completed her business upon this earth, brings great confusion for tattered Hadassah as she is miraculously saved. As a physician risks all he has to save a victim of the lions den, will it be worth it or will she prove a great azar(helper)? Hoping to protect her the physician, Alexander, gives her a new name Rapha, meaning healer. Protesting that it is not she who heals but the Lord, she gives herself the name Azar. Life goes on and she thinks that will never have to see the Valerians again. Although as reputation spreads of Hadassah's power to heal and of the physician himself, she is once again thrown into Julia's life. Without ever having to show her identity, because of the veils she wears to cover her scars, will she be able to keep up this charade forever?
     
I hope you have a wonderful week and may the Lord be with you! Btw did you go see the Hunger Games premier? Unfortunately I did not but I shall soon! I'm so excited!

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"A Voice in the Wind"

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What an amazing book! I am so thankful that a friend recommended this series! "A Voice in the Wind" is the first book in the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. This novel is set during the time period of around 70 a.d. Taking you through Jerusalem to Rome and to Ephesus brings a whole world to life before your eyes. Many characters are brought into your spectrum and give you a wide variety of people! From gentle Hadassah, childish Julia, barbaric Atretes, rich yet empty Marcus, and a whole set of characters that revolve around each of these people, who can't help but compel you to stop and ponder. The bad and the ugly of these characters souls actually made me think a lot more about what Jesus did. He died for everyone. I have to say that I absolutely hated Julia! And to know that Jesus died for her, and people like her, too if she would receive Him is mind boggling at the love He has. Anyway.. lol ;)

       Having mere life nearly stripped from her brings Hadassah to her knees before the Lord. Everything gone, she now became a slave. Although the Lord had His hand on her and rather than being thrown into the arena for being a Jew, becoming a slave was a blessing! Serving with humility and loyalty soon brings warmth and love from her owners. But fear has a way of keeping ones tongue locked tight. Since being a Christian isn't necessarily "safe" she let's everyone just believe that she is Jewish. Though they can tell that she has a peace that surpasses understanding.  Will she tell those she has come to love about the hope that is in Jesus? Or will it come little too late?
         Hungry for pleasure, which Marcus hopes would fill some void within him, just leaves him with an even deeper cut within. Money, women, and power have disquieted his mind. Sensing a peace that Hadassah has brings a longing to his heart for her. Though refusing everything she believes in only brings more frustration as he tries to "reason" with her. What made him care so much for just a servant? Would he break her just to get to her?
        As she follows in her big brother's, Marcus, steps, it brings Julia down an even deeper, darker, and more shallow place within her soul. After so long Hadassah cannot control this torment of destruction that Julia brings upon herself. Adultery, murder, and a lack of feeling, are all she embraces. Rome has made Julia her child. Although she isn't fully able to come up with such conniving completely on her own and she is fully willing to listen to anything but reason and morality. Listening to lies brings her to hate the one person that loves her so. To what end will she bring "vengeance" upon this person?
        Taken captive by the Roman empire brings Atretes, a Germanic barbarian, to Rome as a gladiator. Releasing all his hate keeps his alive. Heart pounding and mind racing bring nothing to him other than distaste for this world. Adored by both men and women doesn't give him anything. Money pouring down on Atretes still cannot get him freedom. If he does succeed in gaining freedom, would it fill that desire, or will he die a gladiator and without hope?

Sorry for the longevity of this post. There was a lot to tell. :) Anyway I hope you consider reading this book because it is definitely a keeper. ;) Though I would say that you might want be to at least 16 before reading it because there is a lot of topics that are bit grownup... just saying. It didn't really go in detail but sometimes it might be a bit much for more naive ears(eyes). :P
God bless and have a wonderful day!
       

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"Through Gates of Splendor"

I'm so sry for taking so long to write another post, but I just couldn't think of anything. :P I hate writer's block! Will try to do better. :)

"Through Gates of Splendor", was recommended by several friends and they sparked my curiosity! "Through Gates of Splendor" was written by Elisabeth Elliot, wife of Jim Elliot(one of the missionaries written about). This book takes you from five different men's calling to spread the Word of God to Ecuador; leading them to Auca people. As they each find their calling it leads them to strive to reach the Auca people. Isolated a-midst a vast forest makes the task of even finding these stone-age barbarians a mere miracle. Some of these men knew from the beginning that this was their calling while others were led by God towards the end of the mission. Crossing leaps and bounds when it comes to even seeing an Auca, brings them one step closer to their mission. After weeks and weeks of dropping gifts such as a machetes, knives, ribbons, pictures, and so forth they hope to show clearly their motive of friendship. Will the Aucas understand this form of relation with the white man? Or will their old instinct to kill pull forth? Whatever the outcome, the five missionaries knew that God was with them the entire way. And they also knew that whatever happened it was in the Lord's will and the gave all the glory to God.

Now for my critic. :P     The only thing that I have to say in a negative way towards "Through Gates of Splendor" is that I don't feel like they showed how giving up everything, in other words even just basic toiletries, was any problem for them. They showed in basic ways how it was a struggle not to give up hope on the mission but nothing very personnel in that respect.
Positive critic! :)    This book helped me to see that any pursuit in life, whether it be career or domestic, is completely in vain and has no bearing upon my soul unless I do it unto the glory of God. Sometimes I get rather tangled up in my own wants in life without bringing up the fact that this life isn't my own. I was bought with a price and have been charged with sharing the good news of Christ to everyone.

To end this post here are some Bible verses about sharing the amazing news of redemption.

"Then He said to His disciples, "The Harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." -Matthew 9:37-38

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here I! Send me."" -Isaiah 6:8    I want to make this verse what I will do! I want to say, "Send me!"

God bless and have a wonderful week!

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"Mockingjay"

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The final book in the Hunger Games series is now finished! I absolutely loved this series! Definitely one of the best trilogies I have ever read! These books had me literally jumping to the next sentence! I could hardly contain myself from forgetting all other obligations and simply losing myself in that world. Although yesterday I took a break from reading "Mockingjay" and didn't read for the entire day. I was getting a little too emotionally attached to the characters to the point where I was beginning to become depressed!

     Anyway "Mockingjay" was my least favorite book in the series. Honestly I wan't really a fan of this book. It was just so sad! Thus you see why I became depressed. The ending felt cut short and un-thrilling. Although due to the fact that I had become emotionally attached to the characters and could almost feel their anguish it wasn't a complete loss. There were exciting points, but a lot of "Mockingjay" felt unnecessarily stretched out. I wish there was more action rather than heart breaking events and gore. Please, please don't get me wrong. It was still a great book but compared to it's counterparts it was a little lacking.

     "Mockingjay" is about Katniss Everdeen's loss. In more than one way. Lost childhood. Lost friends. Lost home. As she struggles with depression she is asked to be a pawn, yet once more, for a rebellion that she didn't know she even mattered to. Or rather a district she deemed dead. Will she ever get back that one person she would risk her life for? What if she gets that person back? Will it ever be the same between them? Will the same person she risked her life for end up killing her? As she is faced with the decision between Peeta and Gale will she make the right choice? As the hunger games seem to continue all around her will she be choked to death by the overwhelming amount of death?

     Actually I wasn't too in love with the characters in Mockingjay. I still liked Katniss and Peeta a lot but you didn't necessarily getting see their shining qualities. As for Haymitch and Gale there wasn't a lot of character building scenes for either of them.  Other than these minor setbacks I would not let that stop you from reading this book! Still a great novel but as for myself just quite depressing. :/ I recommend this series whole heartily and hope you have a strong stomach. ;) Don't forget that the movie comes out March 23!

God bless and have a great rest of the week! :)

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"Catching Fire"

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Ha ha! I said I would do a photo post or something like that but all I can seem to do lately is reviews! :P Hope you don't mind too much.
     
        Anyway this book has some major twists that I just wasn't expecting. I have to say The Hunger Games was a little predictable, but this had me totally astounded! After around 100 pages the book took off on its adventurous ride. Before that mark it was a tad bit on the boring side. It was just a little too explanatory without getting anywhere with the other characters. Although this was very minor and had some key points to remember.
        With tension growing in the other districts and the president's threat hanging over her head, will Katniss be able to pull off the madly in love play? As the quarter quell quickly approaches other lives will be headed for a most certain death. Will she take flight.. or fight. Will she be used as another puppet? Will the clock of the games tick tock to her death?

         I just have to say I love Peeta! He's my boyfriend of the future! Peeta is so kind and selfless!... Now that that's over. ;) I loved this book! It really helped me to like and understand Katniss more. Perhaps because it hit me that she's only 16 in the first book and 17 in the second. In other words not to be so critical on her behavior because of the fact that she is so young and making these life changing decisions.  I'm reading these books in perfect time. Since I'm 16 turning 17 in thirteen days! Can't wait to read Mockingjay! Did I mention that I recommend this book? ;) It definitely deserves 5 stars along with The Hunger Games!!!
God bless and have a wonderful weekend!

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"The Hunger Games"

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I finally got hold of a copy of "The Hunger Games" book, which took forever! Although the timing was perfect because once I had completed Ben-Hur the book came in the next day. :) I could hardly put this book down! Actually I was in agony(kind of) when I had to do other things and was continuously looking at the clock to see when I could pick it back up. Yes, this is proof that I'm a book-addict. ;) Now on to a shorter review, because I don't want to spoil anything for you. :) Enjoy!

     "The Hunger Games" is suspenseful, romantic, interesting, and enrapturing! You read this book from the perspective of Katniss Everdeen, who is very aware that all that is going on around her is for show.. Gale Hawthorne is her best friend and true confidant. Now Peeta Mellark is the boy standing aloof, who has been in her life in ways she finds odd. Thrown together in the hunger games as "star crossed lovers" has its advantages. But at what cost? Perhaps I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Let me rewind. ;) The annual event known as the hunger games requires each district to give up one of their boys and one of their girls to participate in a fight to the death. In other words only one person will survive out of 24. Who can force them to do such a thing you might ask? Well the Capitol, otherwise known as the dictators of life. The hunger games only reaffirms their tight grasp on everyone. No one is withheld from having their child's name being thrown into one of the balls. Although everyone has their own odds... As Katniss's younger sister, Prim, is of age to have her name put into one of the balls her odds are unlikely. Although it only takes one draw to change a life forever... As the unlikely happens Katniss screams out that she will take Prim's spot. From there the adventure begins...
    Well I truly love this book! My only thing I might warn you about is the gore. Quite simply that's all there is in it that might be a little unpleasant to read if you have a weak stomach. Also it did get a bit "kissy" but overall "The Hunger Games" was great! Honestly after making it half way through "For Whom the Bell Tolls" nothing could make you sick to your stomach. lol

As you might have noticed I have been posting a lot of reviews lately. I hope you don't mind. I will try, very soon, to have a post with pictures and my little life updates. :) Anyway I cannot wait for "The Hunger Games" movie to come out, 48 days to go! March 23! :D Did I mention that I recommend it? ;)
May the Lord be with you have a wonderful weekend!

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"Ben-Hur"

I finished my 100th book! And what a book to hit a milestone with! "Ben-Hur" was exciting, thrilling, sad, triumphant, and overall just a great book. Not to mention that the story was long and complex! This is a combination of my personal review and the actual book review. This is the best I can do since the book is so long. Basically I'm lazy. lol :) Enjoy!

       Surprisingly Judah, the main character's name who later becomes known as Ben-Hur and son of Arrius, was not introduced till nearly one hundred pages into this book. At the beginning this book starts out with the Wise Men and their quest to follow the star. Leading them to baby Jesus. Honestly, I thought the many many details on how each one of the Wise Men had the star come to them was too much. Especially how two out of three Wise Men you never see again. After that section in the book the prospects, for a great book, began to brighten.
        As Judah is stripped from his fortune and family the adventure begins. Will he survive the burdensome task laid at his door, when so many others cannot live past a year? Three years come and go while revenge is taking hold on his very soul. Against Messala... the very man who tore his family apart. Arriving at Rome has no splendor for him. No repose from that lustful revenge. Rome only serves to strengthen his abilities, to teach him a new art of war.
       Returning to his homeland he finds that he does have fortunes and friends, more than willing to teach any Roman what it feels like to be humiliated. With Simonides and Ester, Balthasar(one of the wise men) and Iras, Mulluch, and Sheik Ilderim with his mighty horses behind Judah his revenge would indeed take place. Coming face to face with Messala at Daphne shows him exactly how it would come to be.
        Slowly time goes on and what will become of the search for his dear mother and Tirzah, his dear sister? If he does find them will they be too far gone? Will the beautiful Iras seduce him into his own death?
        As the end of "Ben-Hur" draws closer you will see the crucifixion of Jesus passing before you. What side will Judah be on? The side screaming for His death? Or the side weeping at the foot of the Cross? Will Judah's misconceptions of why the Messiah came, ruin his chance to see what a beautiful thing was done for us?

Hopefully now you can see why I loved the book. :) God bless and have a wonderful week!

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"The Help"

Well "The Help" definitely has it's ups and downs for me. On one hand I love it! It has a terrific story and compelling characters. On the other hand I only really have to complain about is one thing: cursing. Tons of it. Actually this book has more cursing than I have read in any book. I can deal with the roundabout cursing, but when it kept bringing up God's name, in more 'worse' ways, it bothered me. Usually that sort of cursing would really only come up in chapters where it is from Miss Skeeter's perspective.

Now on to a short review on what "The Help" was about.
"The Help" is from the vantage point of three women. Two maids and one lady lately arriving from college. In Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960s, the lines between the help and their employers is "large" and "bold."  For a large part of the book it is about each woman's everyday kind of life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. When Miss Skeeter lands a job answering questions on house cleaning, it leads her one step closer to that line. With different toilets coming in for the help and people's blood boiling over civil rights, will these three women dare to step across that line? Will they come together for a very touchy subject, on what is like to work for a white lady? Will these three women show the people around them that the line that is ever prominent in their daily lives, is only in their head?

I really like this book, but I won't be recommending it due to the amount of cursing. Although that is always up to you but be dully warned that the cursing is rather a lot. :/  Now that I said that I can tell you which character I loved the best. It's hard to say which character I liked the best but whose part I liked to read the best. I think it has to be Minny's. So many interesting and strange things happened in her chapters. Several times I was in suspense at the end of one of Minny's chapters. lol I didn't enjoy Skeeter's too much other than it felt like I was getting juicy gossip.. I know that was a weird way to explain it but it did. lol Aibileen's chapters were alright. Sometimes I would really like her chapters or I would be slightly bored. Nothing too out of the usual happened in those parts. Although I love her sweet nature. I have to tell you that my eyes actually watered in this one part. I don't cry during books just get extremely teary eyed. lol :)
The Lord be with you and have a blessed upcoming Thanksgiving! :D

"Wasn't that the point of the book?  For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought." - Kathryn Stockett (The Help)

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"The Screwtape Letters"

The only reason I started reading this book was because I was going to join a book club. Unfortunately I haven't even been to one meeting yet...and I finished the book. lol Wonder what their next book will be? ;)
Anyway I really enjoyed "Screwtape Letters," which was written by C.S. Lewis.  When I had finished reading this book my mother asked me if I felt convicted about anything, because this book discusses various ways in which a person can be tempted. Honestly I didn't feel really any conviction though it did help me think of things to watch out for and to check myself on. This book, I believe, is more for an older genre of people, in their twenties. The reason why is because it discusses dating and the like, which I am not even thinking about at my age. Also I think guys would be able to relate more because the "patient" is male.
Now for what the book is actually about. :)
Wormwood is a demon in training and Screwtape is his mentor. The "patient" is a guy who Wormwood is in charge of. Since it is from the perspective of demons there may be some confusion when they capitalize certain words about satan and calling God the "enemy." Fortunately these things didn't create much of a distraction for me. Every chapter has different instructions or "lessons" that Screwtape gives to Wormwood. After awhile of reading this book you will notice that Wormwood isn't very efficient at his job. ;)
So after all that I do indeed recommend this book! :) My advice is to take your time reading it!
God bless and have a wonderful rest of the week!

"It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out."

-C.S. Lewis (Screwtape Letters)

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"Wuthering Heights"

I absolutely adored this book! Before I ramble on I have to state a few things: Wuthering Heights was written by Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte's sister who wrote Jane Eyre. Quite an imaginative and creative family. Another thing I love is the writing style of this book!

Don't worry, if you are wanting to read this book and am afraid I will ruin something, I won't. This is such a long story line that I won't be able to explain it all.
You read from the perspective of Mr. Lockwood who comes to Thrushcross Grange at the suggestion of his Doctor. When going to Wuthering Heights to speak to his landlord an interest immediately sparks at his first meeting of this strange and quite scary, family. Having such curiosity of the inner workings of this unique family he compels his maid to enlighten him. Thus the maid begins the narrative, which is basically all of the book.

See, I told you I wouldn't ruin the book for you. ;) The version I read of Wuthering Heights was from Penguin Classics, which was split in to two volumes. Immensely enjoying volume one I was a little disappointed with volume two.  Literally I was completely enraptured with volume one that it was hard for me to put it down. When I began reading volume two I still liked it but was less engaged. Also I found the ending to be a bit abrupt.   Other than these minor set backs I still completely love this book! Might actually be my favorite...maybe. ;)
To those of you who have read Wuthering Heights I have to confess that I actually liked the character Hareton. I know that is odd, but I did. It enraged me when Catherine(Jr.) would be mean to him. Also I wasn't a fan of the maid. I felt that she should have gone to the parents more and told what was going on.
Hope you enjoyed this review and now have a desire to read Wuthering Heights!

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"The Moving Finger"

I know...I couldn't help myself...I read another Agatha Christie's Miss Marple!  This one is quite a bit different from the other Miss Marples' I have read. Surprisingly Miss Marple did not make her appearance in The Moving Finger till the last 50 or so pages! Mr. Burton is the character in which you have the story portrayed out to you.  Through this mysterious/romantic novel it is very easy to like Mr. Burton, for he has a giving personality and a mind that's on to something.  As his doctors suggest, because of an injury sustained from a plane crash, he moves down to Lymstock with his sister Joanna.  Even though there is a charming and subtle quality to this small quaint town there is evil afoot, with the beginning of a letter... Will Mr. Burton solve the case or is Miss Marple's presents fully needed, will his love be in danger to catch this twisted murderer...
I really liked The Moving Finger but I wish Miss Marple had more of a role, for even though she made her appearance near the end you hardly read her say anything or do much....other than solve the case...but it didn't really go into that.  Now I know I know the main difference between the Miss Marple and the Hercule Poirot books.  Miss Marple you are not always with during the book and don't get her opinion till the end while the Poirot books you are always with him and he doesn't leave you too much in the dark.  Whether to read Poirot or Miss Marple is up to your own liking. Fortunately I love them both! :D
I'm so sry for not posting sooner! I feel horrible about it! Maybe I just needed a little break to start posting like crazy again. lol Beware.... ;)

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"The Mirror Crack'd"

Unfortunately I have to say that I did not like this Miss Marple mystery, which is very disappointing.  The Mirror Crack'd is about an an emotional actress who comes to live in Gossington Hall, which was formerly owned by Mrs. Bantry.  As Marina Gregg(the actress) and her husband Jason Rudd host a small get together inviting people from the neighborhood.  As everything seems to be going well Mrs Badcock is murdered by poison which was administered to a cocktail.  Who could have done it with everyone around?  Why didn't they notice? Why did it happen?  Miss Marple is older so she does most of her investigating from her home.  Even though this all seems quite interesting it was a little boring and drawn out.  The end was so surprising! I did love the conclusion and finding out how and why it all came about.  Although I wouldn't suggest reading it.  My advice read The Body in the Library, which is another Miss Marple mystery.  To those who have read the book:  When I found out everything and such I felt quite sry for Marina, once I took in consideration of what she had done to her other children I wasn't so sympathetic.


They quoted this line quite often from the poem The Lady of Shalott:

The mirror crack'd from side to side;

'the curse has come upon me,' 

cried the Lady of Shalott  

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"The Body in the Library"

For my 16th b-day my friend gave me this book! I loved it! Very good! This is a Miss Marple Mystery, which is the first one I have read!  For being a "Miss Marple Mystery" she was not in it as much as you would think.  Although she did solve the case. :) Anytime I read a mystery novel I love to try and figure it out! That was definitely a lost cause in this instance, because it was so complex and disillusioning.  When I read the ending and found out how it all came to pass I realized that I would have never figured it out!  Complete spin on it!  I have been in a desperate want for a mystery and The Body in the Library has quenched my yearning, for now. ;) This book started out very fast paced, for within a couple pages you find the dead body of Ruby Keene found on Colonel Bantry's hearthrug.  Mrs. Bantry rings up Miss Marple and is taking all the enjoyment out of the mystery that she can.  Honestly that is hard to believe someone being so giddy about finding a dead body in their home. I would freak out! lol  Going through the views of Colonel Melchett, Sir Henry, and Superintendent Harper questioning Ruby's relatives and witnesses who saw her last, they arrest the wrong man.  With another murder of a girl coming about, could the two cases be connected? Is it just a raving lunatic? Read and find out! :)  I'm really happy with the choice that Conway Jefferson made in the end.  Once you read it or have read it please comment and tell me your own thoughts! Thanks!

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"The Hobbit" Review by My Brother

Hello, I am... well I can't say my name for safety reasons but I am bookworm's brother, but from now on i'll be referred to as Tech, the name isn't permanent. lol. This is my first official blog post that I've done so comment and tell me if I did good. This book it about the tales and adventures of Bilbo Baggins and his crew of Dwarves proving that everyone one has a little bit of the Took side in him and wants adventure. The version of the Hobbit I was reading is The Annotated Hobbit, which is practically the Hobbit with lots of side notes, pictures of the covers of the book in the past, illustrations, ect. No I did not read a kiddyfied version. I really enjoyed all of the "Commentary"(is what I call all of it) in the book. The only thing I didn't like about the commentary was in some parts I could see the picture of what was about to happen before it happens! The book writing style is different to The Lord of The Rings trilogy, but I like the difference. If you've ever read it you will know how it enlightened you on all the little cool things that you notice while watching the movies. I really like this book, it had some slow or should I say fast parts because in one chapter it seemed very rushed. I can't quite explain it; it was like do be do be da, this is what happened, lets move on. If you get what I mean.

 But some chapters were really good. I especially enjoyed "Riddles In The Dark" where Bilbo, the main character, has to save his own life by telling riddles and answering riddles to please Gollum, or Sméagol if you remember from the Trilogy. I remember reading the riddles and then covering the rest of the page to see if I could guess one. I loved that chapter. I feel in ways J.R.R. Tolkien was trying to go against the grain in respects of killing the dragon, Smaug,  ( btw killing the dragon and taking back the treasure was their mission of Bilbo and the Dwarves which I'll come back to) , where was I, oh yes I give him respect for doing something different, but I wish Smaug died the way you think, when you are reading the book. This book definitely gave more insight into the lives of dwarves and hobbits for that matter in their habits and overall honorable characters. Overall I really liked The Hobbit. I'm glad I read this book, and I am looking forward to reading this book aloud to my children in the future.

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"Northanger Abbey"

Since the movie was so amazing I decided to read the book!!! My review on the movie is in this link HERE!  Unfortunately, because I have already watched the movie, this book did not hold me in utter suspense. :( I felt as though I was reading the script, in some aspects.  Actually I'm quite surprised on how well the movie went by the book.  My advise, read the book first!  In the movie I was confused about Catherine Morland's age(main character), at the beginning of the film, so to clarify she was 18(at least in the book.)  I feel like this book is quite easy to relate to! This wonderful novel was written by Jane Austen!! Now to the review! Catherine Morland is a reader, which is always a good thing! lol  Through some parts you will see her love of reading!  Catherine's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, invited her to be their companion to Bath.  Once arriving Mrs. Allen and Catherine desired acquaintances and soon were friends with the Thorpes.  Isabella Thorpe soon became Catherine's best friend! During specific parts I feel like Isabella deceived her on her real motives for doing certain things. Especially going to go see a hat when she really wanted to see those pesky guys that wouldn't stop looking at them.  This wouldn't be the last time Isabella did one thing in pursuit of another...   Later she becomes, Catherine's brother James, fiancée. Along with the Thorpes Catherine becomes acquainted with the Tilneys.  Immediately liking them she barely desired anything else than to become more acquainted with them. Another acquittance of her's is John Thorpe, whom I despise! Such a lying and conniving person!  I leave you to find out... ;) Although he isn't in the book a great deal.  When her time at Bath is almost spent General Tilney, Henry and Eleanor's father, asks Catherine if she would like to be their guest at Northanger Abbey!  During the book when it was storming outside her first night at the Abbey, I was reading this, when I hear thunder outside of the window!! It was quite cool. lol  The general continued to be all manners and was exceedingly attendant to her, which pained me so...   Later Catherine is, basically, kicked out of the house! I won't tell the reasons. :) When she is back at home her mind is adrift till Henry comes. You get the picture. :) One thing I think this book should have had was them falling in love. Like I said in the movie review, you know they love each other but you don't see it come about.  Btw I absolutely love the last paragraph!  Unfortunately this review is over. :( I really loved the book but I would have loved it ten times more if I hadn't watched the movie first.  Don't make the same mistake.      

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"Fahrenheit 451"

I finished this book in less than five days.  When I was reading it I would stop periodically but after a short amount of time I would come back to it.  Even when I wasn't reading it the book would prey upon my thoughts.  Fahrenheit 451 would be a great book for group discussions; yet you would have to meet every other day. lol  Before I explain what this book is about I have to tell you that it had a lot of cursing.  Also they would just say God's name just to say it and would very badly use it in vain.  Especially at the end three pages, although it was all throughout it. :P  To the book review.  Fahrenheit 451 is the degree at which book paper burns...  In this world Guy Montag(always referred to as Montag) is a fireman whose job it is to burn books.  All firemens job is to burn books. All homes are fire proof.  Curiosity compels Montag to take a book here or there when no one is looking.  As the pressures of life: his wife trying to commit suicide, watching a lady burn to death, meeting Clarisse who makes him think, and all the other stresses that crowd around him, he begins to search for answers within the pages.  TV is the way everyone spends their day, having 'familys' and conversations with no one.  In this world if you wanted to talk to someone you were getting the wrong kind of socializing.   People got rid of books because they didn't want people to be smarter than they and the majority didn't want to have to read or expand their minds.  Montag kind of loses it and starts reading to some friend's of his wife, who inevitably call the fire department.  Also he kills the fire chief and is on the run from the police.  Millions of people are able to watch this spectacle on the TV.  When Montag loses them, they hunt down and kill a different man because they can't have the public know.  Montag becomes a hobo along with others who keep the books in their mind.   Please realize that I am leaving quit a bit out.  This line in the book kind of freaked me out...  


"We must all be alike. Not everyone born free and equal, as the Constitution says, but everyone made equal."

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"The Scarlet Pimpernel"

This book was recommended to be by a friend! I was told that this book was a lot like The Count of Monte Cristo, but I find them very different! The similarities are that both books are adventurous, suspenseful, romantic, and you literally can't put the book down, everything to recommend a book for! :D Written by Baroness Orczy, The Scarlet Pimpernel takes place during the French Revolution.

-A surging, seething, murmuring crowd of beings that are human only in name, for to they eye and ear they seem nought but savage creatures, animated by vile passions and by the lust of vengeance and of hate.-

Doesn't that first sentence just foretell a great story?! The main characters are Marguerite and Percy Blakeney, a married couple. Nearly from the very beginning you will read the mysteries surrounding the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, who is a man that against all odds saves people from sure death. From vile hate and revenge Chauvelin gives Marguerite the "either-or" choice, that involves her beloved brother Armand and the Scarlet Pimpernel. Giving way she enables him to learn vital information. The reason Chauvelin has this revenge is because he wants to see every aristocrat guillotined, while the Scarlet Pimpernel saves their lives. Desperately she goes to France in hope that she will have time to warn the Scarlet Pimpernel. Because everything ties in with something during this book this is all that I will be able to tell you without spoiling it. Here is something that I do need to tell you before I am done with this review: The Scarlet Pimpernel has quite a bit of cursing in it. Other than this it has nothing else to un-recommend it.

Btw someone help me! I don't know what movie of this book I should watch! If you have seen any of the movies please comment and tell me whether it was good or not. Thanks

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"Persuasion"

Jane Austen is the author of this marvelous book. Although I'm not sure if it is my favorite or not out of the ones I have read. Persuasion is decidedly different from Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, in respects to this mushy love story all throughout it. I'm not saying that there isn't a love story in this book but it is a lot less passionate. lol The main character is Anne Elliot, who tries to stay as composed as possible and is extremely constant to her feelings. Through the first 80 or so pages I was not entertained. It was not too boring, just not interesting. After that point in the book it is tremendously better! Before I go further on in the post I would like to tell you what this book is about. Here is a summery: Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth were engaged to be married and were deeply in love with one another. Although at the advice of Lady Russel Anne calls it off. After 8 years of separation they are once again thrown into the same company. One thing I did not like was what happened with Mr. Elliot, Anne's cousin, affairs. The circumstance was a little melodramatic. That is all you will get from me. lol Fortunately I was able to read the end of this book at work. :P lol My book is the Oxford World's Classics and they have the original ending after other 'ending.' There was only a slight difference! This did not bother me too bad because I was able to understand the ending better the second time I read it. I am extremely well pleased with how this book ended. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! :D

"She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older-the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning."

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