Impossible is a story about a girl named Lucy Scarborough, who finds out at the age of 17 that she's cursed. However, she is not the only one who has been cursed. In fact, every woman in her family has been cursed, and Lucy might be able to end it if she completes the three impossible tasks, and has the help of her one true love.
I honestly have to say that Imopssible is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It's romantic, mysterious, suspensful, and captivating. I just wanted to keep reading it all day long! Unfortunately I can't say too much about it, or I'll give something away. What I can say it, though, is that if you love a book that keeps you wondering chapter after chapter what's going to happen next, then you should definitely read this book.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Secrets, by Robin Jones Gunn
Secrets is a story about a woman, named Jesscia Morgan, who begins her life again in a small Oregon town called Glenbrook. Once there, she creates a new idenity and a new life, trying hard to not remember what her old life was. However, once there, she meets a man who seems to want nothing more then to protect her, and a woman who wants nothing more then to destroy her. Will her secretive past become known to everyone, and ruin all her plans for her new future? Or will she reveal the truth on her own, and learn to live in peace with the help from a new true Friend in life?
I am huge fan of Robin Jones Gunn, and once again she proved herself to be an amazing author. This book is the first in a series of eight books, all about women who learn the truth about themselves through their faith. This book contains mystery, drama, and romance; all of my, and I'm sure many others', favorites in a book. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this compelling series.
I am huge fan of Robin Jones Gunn, and once again she proved herself to be an amazing author. This book is the first in a series of eight books, all about women who learn the truth about themselves through their faith. This book contains mystery, drama, and romance; all of my, and I'm sure many others', favorites in a book. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this compelling series.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
Someone Like You is the story of two best friends, Halley and Scarlett, who experience a year they will never forget.
Halley has always been the quiet one, and has always turned to Scarlett when in need. Scarlett was the adventurous one, who always took care of herself and others. The tables turn when at the beginning of the school year, Scarlett finds out she pregnant from her boyfriend who had just died a few weeks eariler in an accident. Now, Scarlett needs Halley more then she's ever needed anybody before.
This book was very well written and was very real. What I really liked about the book was how Scarlett became very mature when she found out she was pregnant, and started taking care of herself. She stood up for what she thought was right and never backed down or let others influence her decisions. One of the things that dissapointed me though, was when Halley got a boyfriend and became a little more rebellious, when she should have been learning from Scarlett's mistakes. She did have alot going on in her life, but I still think she should have thought more about all the things she was doing just for one guy after everything Scarlett went through. Overall though, the plot was really good and it was very insightful. Halley did have to learn how to be strong in the end, but she was always a true friend to Scarlett. I think that's something that anyone can benefit from, because a true friend is a promise you keep forever.
Halley has always been the quiet one, and has always turned to Scarlett when in need. Scarlett was the adventurous one, who always took care of herself and others. The tables turn when at the beginning of the school year, Scarlett finds out she pregnant from her boyfriend who had just died a few weeks eariler in an accident. Now, Scarlett needs Halley more then she's ever needed anybody before.
This book was very well written and was very real. What I really liked about the book was how Scarlett became very mature when she found out she was pregnant, and started taking care of herself. She stood up for what she thought was right and never backed down or let others influence her decisions. One of the things that dissapointed me though, was when Halley got a boyfriend and became a little more rebellious, when she should have been learning from Scarlett's mistakes. She did have alot going on in her life, but I still think she should have thought more about all the things she was doing just for one guy after everything Scarlett went through. Overall though, the plot was really good and it was very insightful. Halley did have to learn how to be strong in the end, but she was always a true friend to Scarlett. I think that's something that anyone can benefit from, because a true friend is a promise you keep forever.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Thirteen Reasons Why
Thirteen Reasons Why is the story of a teenage girl, Hannah Baker, who commits suicide, and then sends out tapes to the people who had a part in her suicide. The book begins with Clay, a guy who'd always liked Hannah but was afraid of telling her, who receives a box on his porch one day adressed to him with no return label. Excited at the thought of receiving an annonymous package , he hurries inside to open the box only to discover 7 cassette tapes inside it. Curious, he plays the first tape, hears Hannah voice, and the stories begin. After this day, His life will be changed forever.
In my opinion, this book was well written and very compelling. It was as if you were there listening to the tapes along with him. It was one of those types of books that made you really think after each chapter. Everything that she went through prior to comitting suicide, everything that he was going through listening to these tapes about why she did. It was very addicting, and I couldn't put it down; and when I had to, I couldn't wait to read more! The only downside to this book is that it is very emotional. Now normally, I can't read a book that contains alot of depressing thoughts, but I did fairly well with it. But I will say this one thing: It changed the way I looked at alot of things.
All in all, this book was an amazing book. This was Jay Ashers debut novel, and I congratulate him on his fine writing skills.
Mandy*
In my opinion, this book was well written and very compelling. It was as if you were there listening to the tapes along with him. It was one of those types of books that made you really think after each chapter. Everything that she went through prior to comitting suicide, everything that he was going through listening to these tapes about why she did. It was very addicting, and I couldn't put it down; and when I had to, I couldn't wait to read more! The only downside to this book is that it is very emotional. Now normally, I can't read a book that contains alot of depressing thoughts, but I did fairly well with it. But I will say this one thing: It changed the way I looked at alot of things.
All in all, this book was an amazing book. This was Jay Ashers debut novel, and I congratulate him on his fine writing skills.
Mandy*
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
DISCLAIMER:
I'm warning you now: when I read books, I tend to focus a lot more on the characters than the story itself. If you want little synopses of novels, then this might be a more appropriate site for you: http://www.rinkworks.com/bookaminute/
With that settled, let's get started.
I just finished this book, the fifth in the series. I've been increasingly impressed by the quality of the books as they go along; the story, characters, and depth get better as the fan base has gotten older, I think. Probably the most important factor in all the Harry Potter books, this being no exception (obviously), is the growth and personality of the title character.
At age fifteen, Harry has been through loads more trials and near-death experiences than most people get in four times that. So, we can safely give him a little buffer of being a bit grumpy sometimes. Yet, I was increasingly annoyed throughout the book as he continuously snapped and yelled at his most loyal and trusting buddies (Ron and Hermione). They were very nice about it all, but it seems like, with all they've gone through together, Harry could be more appreciative of them.
Even with his moodiness, though, ya can't help but like the fella. He screws up now and then, but he is truly noble at heart with an almost relentless desire for the good to win out. We will always support Harry, for he won't hide under his covers and wish for it all to be over. He's going to get out the door and kick some Dark Lord butt!
Speaking of his buddies...I'm really liking the way Ron is growing up. In general, he's been pretty childish up till now, and he still can be kind of a wimp, but he is definitely learning that life is a lot bigger than his own problems. I have to say that his attitude toward Hermione (who he obviously has liked for years) is still middle-school level. :/
There was one character--a new one--who was an absolute success. I'm speaking of Delores Umbridge, the newest in the ever-changing Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position. She is not a success in that she inspires, provides comfort, or exudes goodness. Nope. She is in every way abominable, repulsive, and infuriating. Ms. Rowling has delivered a character who is merely a middle-aged woman, rather chubby and short, but one with which even Professor McGonagall lost her temper! Forget your venomous desires for Snape to "get his." You'll be practically lifting him on your shoulders after this woman!
I did say that I love defining characters a lot more than stories, but there were a few very important themes that I can't resist pointing out.
I really liked the way that governmental control on media and education was shown here. The public and private sectors of wizards are very similar to those of us in the real world, even startlingly so. The Ministry of Magic seizes control of everything they can in an attempt to create "order." They take bribes and pander to the public simply for boosting popularity.
In all this mess, the reader will be tempted to think in the back of his head, "Well, Dumbledore will sort it all out in the end." It's very interesting to me that this is the first in the series to have a specific absence of the headmaster. Harry, much to his chagrin, can't just go take his problems to him and get a wise decision that he must carry out. Dumbledore pops up a few times to unjam a situation, but for the most part, we are left without him as our backup plan.
The Order of the Phoenix definitely surpassed its predecessors in quality and diversity. I know I'm behind in the whole Harry Potter series and that most others will have already read this book, but I'm sure there are still tons of people who could get into this series. It's easy reading, for sure, but amazingly addictive!
I'm warning you now: when I read books, I tend to focus a lot more on the characters than the story itself. If you want little synopses of novels, then this might be a more appropriate site for you: http://www.rinkworks.com/bookaminute/
With that settled, let's get started.
I just finished this book, the fifth in the series. I've been increasingly impressed by the quality of the books as they go along; the story, characters, and depth get better as the fan base has gotten older, I think. Probably the most important factor in all the Harry Potter books, this being no exception (obviously), is the growth and personality of the title character.
At age fifteen, Harry has been through loads more trials and near-death experiences than most people get in four times that. So, we can safely give him a little buffer of being a bit grumpy sometimes. Yet, I was increasingly annoyed throughout the book as he continuously snapped and yelled at his most loyal and trusting buddies (Ron and Hermione). They were very nice about it all, but it seems like, with all they've gone through together, Harry could be more appreciative of them.
Even with his moodiness, though, ya can't help but like the fella. He screws up now and then, but he is truly noble at heart with an almost relentless desire for the good to win out. We will always support Harry, for he won't hide under his covers and wish for it all to be over. He's going to get out the door and kick some Dark Lord butt!
Speaking of his buddies...I'm really liking the way Ron is growing up. In general, he's been pretty childish up till now, and he still can be kind of a wimp, but he is definitely learning that life is a lot bigger than his own problems. I have to say that his attitude toward Hermione (who he obviously has liked for years) is still middle-school level. :/
There was one character--a new one--who was an absolute success. I'm speaking of Delores Umbridge, the newest in the ever-changing Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position. She is not a success in that she inspires, provides comfort, or exudes goodness. Nope. She is in every way abominable, repulsive, and infuriating. Ms. Rowling has delivered a character who is merely a middle-aged woman, rather chubby and short, but one with which even Professor McGonagall lost her temper! Forget your venomous desires for Snape to "get his." You'll be practically lifting him on your shoulders after this woman!
I did say that I love defining characters a lot more than stories, but there were a few very important themes that I can't resist pointing out.
I really liked the way that governmental control on media and education was shown here. The public and private sectors of wizards are very similar to those of us in the real world, even startlingly so. The Ministry of Magic seizes control of everything they can in an attempt to create "order." They take bribes and pander to the public simply for boosting popularity.
In all this mess, the reader will be tempted to think in the back of his head, "Well, Dumbledore will sort it all out in the end." It's very interesting to me that this is the first in the series to have a specific absence of the headmaster. Harry, much to his chagrin, can't just go take his problems to him and get a wise decision that he must carry out. Dumbledore pops up a few times to unjam a situation, but for the most part, we are left without him as our backup plan.
The Order of the Phoenix definitely surpassed its predecessors in quality and diversity. I know I'm behind in the whole Harry Potter series and that most others will have already read this book, but I'm sure there are still tons of people who could get into this series. It's easy reading, for sure, but amazingly addictive!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Welcome!
This blog is dedicated to reviewing books, both teen-oriented and older. Basically, whatever the blog writer has been reading currently. Thanks for reading, and check back soon for new reviews!
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