Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton Review

5 Stars

I read this book for AP English as well. It was beautifully written and taught me about a subject I did not know much about.

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry Review

4 Stars

Kept me guessing the whole time and the ending took me completely by surprise!

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen Review

5 Stars

Magical and lighthearted, while still bringing depth to the characters. I couldn't put it down.

A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass Review

5 Stars

I loved this book on so many levels. I could relate to the main character because of her attachment to her pet, I've grown up with pets and know well the trials and tribulations, but the love and fun that come with them. It was interesting seeing her unique attributes written into the story. This is another one of those beautiful books, with a sad ending.

The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom Review

2 Stars

This novel's premise was what caught my attention and I could not wait to start reading it. The novel started out great, the characters were introduced, they got to where they needed to be, which was an old, haunted house in Wisconsin. And the house was actually scary! At first. Soon it turned into unbelievable and confusing story lines and unnecessary sexual encounters. If only the author could have kept what he had from the beginning going.

Sweet Friday Island by Theodore Taylor Review

5 Stars

The first time I read this novel I fell in love. I went back to the library months later and checked it out again. It has been awhile since I've read it, but I think about it often and want to read it again. Once you pick this book up you can't put it down. As a reader you're constantly wondering what is going to happen and how these characters are going to get out of this. By the time the novel is done you feel like you went through it with them.

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber

3.5 Stars

I really did enjoy this book. I loved the author's take on magic in the world and bringing in Greek mythology. Percy is definitely not your average character. She's intriguing and new. I read this really quickly. I think the only reason I gave it a three is because there was something about the writing that felt like it was slowing me down. I never could get the rhythm of it. I'm hoping that will change with the next one. Over all I would recommend it and definitely want to read the next one!

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Review

5 Stars

Khaled Hosseini did it again. He brings us into modern day Afghanistan and shows us sides of things that we, in the United States and other countries, may never see otherwise. We get a view into the life of a woman, a life where she has no choices and has no control.

Hosseini's characters are wonderful and incredibly strong women. They fight for what they want and need and deserve. This novel touches the reader on so many different levels and leaves you thinking long after you've finished it.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery Review

5 Stars

Beautifully written and heart-wrenching. Impossible not to fall in love with the characters. Just found out there is a French film, looking forward to seeing it.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout Review

4 Stars

This book is wonderful. Every short story involves Olive in someway. There are times where she's more of a main character and times where she's in there for an instant. No matter what each story gives you a portrait of this woman and what she would do in certain situations. It also shows how everyone in a town is connected, even if they do not see it. Elizabeth Strout has the ability to make the reader fall in love with every character in the expanse of a short story.

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum Review

5 Stars

Very emotional and intense. Well written and a good look at a side of World War II many don't ever see.

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore Review

5 Stars 

This book is hilarious. Not my first Christopher Moore book, but my first non-supernatural Moore book. As a religious studies major this was particularly funny. I took a class entitled Jesus and the Gospels, which made these even better. I knew the stories that Moore built off of and took from. I love that he added in the missing years of Jesus's life. Everyone wants to know what he went through! I also love the humor and humanity he added to these characters, they were human after all! This gives you a, humorous, look at what times were like and what Jesus and Biff went through. Biff is a friend that anyone would ask for!

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton Review

4 Stars

I had to read this for my AP English class my senior year in high school and was possibly one of the only few that really enjoyed this in class. The first thing I said when my teacher asked us what we thought was that Ethan pissed me off. But then you wonder what you would do were you placed in this situation.

The imagery in this is beautiful and speaks to the reader on so many levels. We discussed everything in class, such as the pickle dish and the wilted plants on the front porch. This story is seemingly simple, but complex and deep on so many levels.

In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Review

5 Stars

One of the first vampire series I ever read. Wonderfully written & full of depth; surpasses newer vampire books, at least in the young adult age bracket. I always go back and re-read them and keep an eye out for more! Risika and Aubrey are not your average vampires. They're dark and live in a dark part of our world that we don't know is there. This book is amazing, especially the fact that the author wrote it when she was 13. The imagery and depth are beautiful. This is a book to keep on your shelf!

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult Review

5 Stars

While not my first Jodi Picoult book, this is one of my favorites. Her writing is wonderful and I love how she shows the different points of view from each character. She takes feeling wanted for only what we can give someone to the next level. You are torn between who you should side with, which sister you should feel bad for. I love how Picoult weaves family issues, coming of age, court room and medical issues together into a flawless novel. By the end you are completely enamored with the characters, which makes the end even more shocking. I'm just going to say, if you're at the end, don't read it in public. Picoult is a master storyteller and I always look forward to her next book.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls Review

5 Stars

I love this book. I've only read it once, but I feel like it's a best friend. I was reading it on the way back from a high school trip and finished it while we were on the bus, I bawled my eyes out. You feel like Old Dan and Little Ann are your pets and you've grown up with them! You're the one that saved up the money to buy them and you're the one that took care of them. This novel gets to the heart of any animal lover out there. Wilson Rawls writing style is amazing and you feel like you're being told a story by an old friend. While the ending is sad, it makes it all worthwhile knowing that you got to know these dogs and that you have some wonderful new friends that you will never forget.

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn Review

5 Stars

I read this novel for a college class called Myth, Symbol & Ritual. Our professor (who grew into one of my favorite professors of my college career (thus far)) said that we at first would wonder what on earth she was thinking making us read about a talking gorilla. And she was right, but he was so much more than a talking gorilla. I got so much out of this book and I know the rest of the class did as well. When the end of the semester came around I don't think a single one of us sold this book back. I want to re-read it for pleasure alone instead of worrying about having to write something up for class. I also am reading the other books by Daniel Quinn that relate to this one. I would recommend this to anyone.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine Review

 5 Stars

I first read this book a long time ago, but always pick it back up and re-read it. Ella is a girl, just like any of us and has a problem she has to deal with, just like any of us, only her's she has no control over...at all.

This book has a wonderful fairy tale quality and makes you wish you lived in the same land as her! The characters are lovable and when they go through their trials it hurts you as much as it hurts them. I've had to put the book down when I didn't want to see Ella get hurt. This novel has you constantly rooting for the main character and wondering what is going to happen next. There is a surprise around every corner and it leaves you wanting more once it ends! I have to say this will always be one of my favorite books.

Also, if you love the book, don't watch the movie, it's not even close.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer Review

1 Star

I straight up hated this book. It was horrible. Nothing happens. And her writing style changed. You can't do that in the middle of a series! Wtf?

No one dies. NO ONE. That's not really a spoiler, is it? :P I understand you love your characters, but so did J.K. Rowling, and look what she did! I know I can't compare authors and series all the time, since they're all different, but seriously. Seriously. There's all this build up for absolutely no climax. I was very upset. I could've stopped reading at the third one (which is my favorite of the series) and been fine. And the fact that she changed "important" information right at the end (which wasn't even necessary). This was a waste of my time. I had mono while reading this and was hoping it would distract me, it made me feel worse. I would go into more depth, but I would just get more pissed off. Not worth it.

Blameless by Gail Carriger Review

5 Stars

Alexia is back! With some fancy ladybugs in tow.

Poor Alexia, guys can be stubborn jerks. I'm glad she sets out to prove him wrong! Good girl. And along the way she finds a clockmaker, a yappy dog and pesto. What more could you want?

Blameless gives more insight into Preternaturals and what on earth the "infant-inconvenience" might be. Alexia goes on a grand adventure and shows, again, that she is not a woman to be messed with.

Again she is joined by the wonderful Madame Lefoux and the impervious Floote. I was so excited to learn more about him. There better be more explanation in the next book!

Lyall again shows is extraordinary Beta skills and Conall shows that all men can act like idiots, even if they're werewolves. But he also shows that they can make up for it. There are some interesting twists and I was unable to put this down.

I love Gail Carriger's ever expanding world and love everything she introduces. I can't wait to see what's next!

Changeless by Gail Carriger Review

5 Stars

Dirigibles, fancy hats and haggis! What more can you ask for?

I honestly can't remember if haggis is actually eaten, but when in Scotland...

Lady Alexia Maccon is back and better than ever! I feel like I got some more insight into the characters in this book. We learn about Conall's past and more about Alexia's as well.

Lord Akeldama again shows his propensity for all things popular. I wish I knew him, he could keep me up to date on everything. Plus he's fabulous.

Professor Lyall shows that he's more than you expect from a Beta. Betas are chosen for a reason, and he shows why he was picked. You also meet a Gamma, who will probably tick you off, but he gets whacked with a parasol. Bonus points to Alexia.

Madame Lefoux and her entourage are refreshing and exciting. They fit in wonderfully with Alexia and her enchanting world. And don't worry, Ivy and her hats are back.

I read this incredibly fast and couldn't wait to see what happened. But be forewarned, have the third book sitting next to you and ready, or you'll freak.

Soulless by Gail Carriger Review

3 Stars

Okay, it's been a long time since I read this, so this review will be fairly short. For longer reviews look at the next two (soon to be three).

I had a hard time getting into this, honestly. But once I did I really enjoyed it. I love Alexia, she's not your typical heroine. She's called a spinster, but she doesn't let that get her down! Maybe that's due to the fact that she doesn't have a soul.

The fact that tea, vampires and Victorian dresses all came together in a book with a pink cover is amazing. I think I need to re-read this one.

It has appeared to me that those who loved the first one, weren't too keen on the other ones. I'm the opposite way, I had more trouble with this one, but love the next two. Who knows?

But I recommend it, read it. If you're like me and are having a hard time, finish it and go on to the next ones, they rock. And Alexia's adventures get even better!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Review

3 Stars

Okay, I felt like I needed to review all of these books. I first read Twilight the week it came out when I was a junior in high school. I loved it. I had loved vampires from the beginning and am not a bandwagon-jumper-oner. I'll admit, they sparkle? That's odd, but I'll deal. I really enjoyed the book and told everyone to read it.

Then I came back and read it again this past summer. Oh my.

It hurts me when people compare Stephenie Meyer's writing to J.K. Rowling's. One word: NO. Her idea is very interesting, but I kind of feel like she ripped off Buffy (which I've loved for ages). I don't think I would have had as much of an issue reading it if ever other sentence wasn't Bella going on about how much she loves Edward and how handsome he is and how sad she is that they can't get it on. But book Bella is better than movie Bella, so that's something.

This is, essentially, a book for a high school girl. That's probably why I loved it so much then. I grew up, that's about it. There are books that you can never get too old for, such as Harry Potter, but I feel I can grow out of these books. I wish there was some more depth to the writing. There are moments where I go "Yes! She did it!" But then it disappears. I wish it was more consistent. Maybe it was all the hype that killed it for me, since I really loved it at the beginning, I don't know.

Overall it wasn't awful, but not my favorite, anymore. Maybe if I need to not think too much while I'm reading, I'll go back.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder Review

4 Stars

Question 1: Which death do you choose?
A. Death by hanging?
B. Death by poison given to you by a hot guy?

If you chose B, this book is for you!

Okay, that was my attempt at witty humor. Anyways...

I loved this book. A lot. It's not your typical Young Adult novel. I don't really even consider it Young Adult, I found it in the Science Fiction section thank you very much.

Maria V. Snyder paints and world that is different than one we've encountered before. Instead of a magical kingdom, we're transported to a militarized country with zones and generals. Everyone is identified by the color of their clothes based on what district they're in. It's a very controlled environment, but there are some positives that one would not expect to see. For example, women are allowed positions of power. This doesn't seem like it fits with this environment, but you soon learn why. There's mystery, action and some romance.

Yelena is possibly one of my favorite heroines. She's a badass. Despite the fact that she's trapped in a jail cell for a year, she can still kick some butt. She doesn't sit there and pity herself, she does what she needs to do. Plus she climbs trees like a champ.

I cannot wait to see how she continues her adventure in Magic Study.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger Review

5 Stars

I truly love this book. I do not understand why it got the low ratings that it did. Maybe because the readers read The Time Traveler's Wife first? I, while I own the book, still haven't read it. I still feel I can say it is not really fair to compare two very different books. They have two different stories and maybe people were expecting what they got in the other novel. I'm really looking forward to reading The Time Traveler's Wife and curious to see how Niffenegger takes on two very different types of stories.

All the characters in this novel are fascinating. The second the book starts the reader is wondering what is going on and it keeps you questioning until they end. The twist was spectacular. I loved the blend of family, romance, rivalry, growing up and ghosts. There was so much to this novel. Once it ended, I wanted it to keep going! I was tempted to pick it back up and start it again.

I'm looking forward to see what Niffenegger publishes next!

The Passage by Justin Cronin Review

5 Stars

I saw this book at Barnes & Noble when it came out last summer, but was going to wait until it came out in paperback to read it. I then took a quiz on Oprah.com (I know, I know...) about what book I should read for the summer and it was this one! I figured why not look on my Nook (which I had just bought) and it was only $9.99 instead of the $20-something it was at the store. And that's how this adventure began.

I'd never read anything by Justin Cronin before, but instantly fell in love. The correspondence had me wondering what the hell was going on right from the start. Learning about Amy's family and where she came from made me NEED to know what was going to happen to her. All these characters are easy to fall in love with and care about. Even the villains intrigue you and you want to know more about them.

There is so much in this book. It's over a large expanse of time, but Cronin pulls it off. I couldn't put the book down and when it ended I thought it was too short! His vision of vampirism is refreshing in this current onslaught of vampires the world is experiencing (and that's coming from an avid vampire fan, from way back). This is not a novel that you pick up and feel like you've read it before, just with different characters. Cronin creates a fascinating world that I didn't want to leave. I can't wait for The Twelve to come out! If only it came out this summer instead of 2012.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman Review

5 Stars

I just recently read The Magicians for the second time. I loved it the first time, but loved it even more the second. I think I got more out of it the second time around.

Some people say The Magicians is like Harry Potter for grown ups, but it is so much more. Sure it has aspects of other fantasy novels, but what fantasy novel doesn't? Lev Grossman made this novel and this world his own. He gets down to the nitty gritty side of magic that is not shown in most novels. It is like seeing aspects of those other novels set in our day in age. While I love Harry Potter (which, for the record, does get darker as it goes) and The Chronicles of Narnia; The Magicians takes us through what it would more than likely actually be like being a magician in our world.

These characters suffer what many of us suffer, even if we do not want to admit it. Some people have a hard time reading a novel where the character suffers, but it makes the novel even more human. Quentin goes through what I think most of us did when we went away to college and started our own lives, albeit in a magical setting. And who hasn't wished they could climb through the back of their wardrobe and get to Narnia, in Quentin's case, Fillory? Grossman shows us that not everything is as we think it is and what we have already is, in fact, probably much better than we give it credit for.

This book brings excitement, laughs, sadness and a hunger for more the second it ends. I would say that The Magicians is more than a book to me, it's a friend. I would highly recommend it to anyone. This is not your typical magic novel, but is not one you would soon forget.

Juliet by Anne Fortier Review

5 Stars

I won this book from a GoodReads First Reads giveaway and I set out fully expecting to love this book and it didn’t steer me wrong. The main character, Julie/Giulietta, is not your typical character. She is far more relatable. Most main characters have something that makes them a little unattainable, but with Julie it’s different. She’s just like us: she has crushes on famous people that are unattainable, not just because they’re famous but for other reasons. For me it was Lance Bass from *NSYNC, for her it was Thomas Jefferson (reasons for both being unattainable should be fairly obvious). She has a sister that she can’t stand and will do anything to be the opposite of her. She also isn’t sure where she’s headed with her life. That’s where Romeo and Juliet comes in.

Her mom and her aunt, who kept her from her Italian heritage, send her on a quest to find a family treasure. She’s immediately thrust into a world of intrigue, mystery and designer clothes (c’mon, it is Italy!). Not sure who to trust she finds information and meets people that help her along the way. She also learns that everything is not as it seems. Was Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet based on real, historical fact? Are the descendents still alive today? And what about that plague on both those houses...?

Full of incredible plot twists, history, drama, intrigue and romance, Juliet doesn't slow down for a minute. I couldn't put the book down and found myself reading until 3 am. Giulietta is a heroine that will not soon be forgotten.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett Review

5 Stars

First I just have to say the ONE and ONLY thing that's ticking me off is...Skeeter is twenty three! Not twenty two! The book says so when you read it!

Okay, I'm good now.

Other than my silly continuity error complaint, this book was AWESOME! Multiple people repeatedly told me to read it and I was always planning on it, it just took me a little to get to it. But it was worth the wait!

Kathryn Stockett created wonderful characters. I absolutely fell in love with the three main characters, Aibileen, Skeeter and Minny. And I loathed Miss Hilly Holbrooke. I wanted to hunt her down in person. She's up there on my hit list with Professor Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

I feel this novel is different than the others that deal with the subject. You get multiple points of view, from many different situations. Each character had a very distinct voice and it felt like I was friends with them for years. I couldn't put the book down.

I laughed, I cried and I worried. I also love Kathryn's message at the end about her life and how she actually experienced aspects of this novel. This isn't an author that just decides she's interested and makes a story up. She takes from real life and something she knows. Something she has a passion for, much like Skeeter. I cannot wait to see what she does next!

If you haven't read this book, read it! Please. I'm begging

Day One

I've been talking about starting a blog and here it is! This is a conglomeration of things. There's book reviews and recommendations, along with crochet and knitting projects. That's where the name came from.

According to Dictionary.com
Yarn
Noun: Spun thread used for knitting, weaving, or sewing.
Verb: Tell a long or implausible story.

I also decided to post my kitchen exploits on here as well. They're bound to be interesting!

Anything that doesn't fit in one of those categories, will be here too!

This may start out a little slow as I'm just starting, please bear with me. I can't wait to get into this!