Book Reviews: The Journey Home, The Christmas Wedding

The Journey Home by Michael Baron

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was one I randomly picked up. It dealt with an interesting comparison between Alzheimer's disease and amnesia, going back and forth between two different character's stories. It was interesting, and the end definitely makes you think. I was surprised at how much food plays a role in the story. Maybe it's because I'm a picky eater, but food just doesn't speak to me the way it seems to speak to others.

The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


One of the interesting things about reading a book is getting to know different types of characters. Most of the personalities in this book were very different from myself, and it was interesting to experience life through their lens.

I was drawn to this book by the picture on the cover, and it threw me off to find it was about a 54-year-old woman getting married to someone who wouldn't even know he was marrying her until the day of the wedding. It was pretty clever, though, and I enjoyed the story.

Book Reviews: Winnie the Pooh and Because of Winn-Dixie

Dear me. It's been many months since I've posted a book review. I have been reading. A bit. Remember my goal to read 11,000 pages in 2011? Well, I still have 4,701 pages to go and only 46 days to get there. Yeah, that means I have to read at least 102 pages a day for the rest of the year. Hmmmm . . . I guess you can expect a lot more book review posts if I can stick to it :)

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I can't believe I had never read Winnie-the-Pooh. If you haven't, you should. It is so clever and fun! It was rewarding to get to know the real characters and not just the cartoon version. A must-own and a must-read for everyone in my opinion.



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Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The more books I read by Kate DiCamillo the more I fall in love with the way she tells stories. It is beautiful the way she takes so many characters and ties them together by revealing what they all have in common. When I finish one of her books, I feel like I know myself a little better than I did when I started. This story shows how we all have sadness and love in our lives, and both of these can bring us together, however different we may be.



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Book Review: The Great Good Thing

The Great Good Thing (Richard Jackson Books by Roderick Townley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I thought this book was super clever. The author explored a concept I've never read a book about - what happens to the characters in a book when you close the book, and how do those characters affect your life? He links these characters into the Reader's life and dreams in an inventive way. The idea of it is a little complicated at first, but once you catch the vision, it's an interesting story. I especially enjoyed the first few chapters as he describes the characters exploring the pages of their book. It explores how important books are (especially in our youth), and how the characters can impact our lives for years to come. It's the kind of book that makes you want to share your favorite stories with your friends and family.



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Book Review: I Capture the Castle

I am falling way behind in my reading goal, so look forward to many new book reviews in the weeks to come. *Hopefully!*

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a great book. I loved the way it was written, through the narrator's journal. She was so honest, and I could relate to a lot of her inner dialogues and discoveries. It made me notice more of the world around me, the details of my own life and how I fit into it all. This is a great one to add to your to-read list.



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Book Review: Betsy-Tacy books 1-4

The Betsy-Tacy Treasury by Maud Hart Lovelace

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


These are super fun books, and I look forward to following Betsy through the rest of the series. Maud Hart Lovelace captures what it is to be a little girl, from the ideas, the imagination, the friendships and play. It reminded me of memories with my friends growing up and made me want to write down my own experiences.



I would recommend these books to any friend.



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Book Review: Fireworks Over Toccoa

Fireworks over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I picked this book up from the library solely based on the cover photo. I was drawn to the photograph. It looked so magical with the the fireflies in the field. I was not disappointed by the story and wouldn't be surprised if it is picked up as a movie in the near future. I thought the story was interesting and captivating. I also liked that it was inspired by research on the history of fireworks. If you do decide to read it and are at all interested in avoiding the love scene, I'll tell you to skip pages 149-155. I didn't find the story to be affected by skipping it.



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Book Review: Blood on the Moon

Blood on the Moon: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln by Edward Steers Jr.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I thought this was a well-written book about Lincoln's assassination. It went into just enough detail, but was still readable. My intention was to read the book and visit Ford's Theater. Unfortunately, I got distracted and never got a chance to finish the book before I had burned through my 2 renewals at the library. I would pick it up again to finish the last couple of chapters someday.



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Book Review: Rapunzel's Revenge

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was the first graphic novel I've ever read. The style is definitely different than what I'm used to. I thought the story was fun, and it was certainly a quick read. (I hesitate to count it as reading 144 pages because it's mostly pictures.) I enjoyed it enough to pick up the sequel when I get a chance.





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As a side note, for some reason it really bothered me that her hair looked like sausage links rather than braided hair. It's my only complaint!

Book Review: The Sea of Monsters

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Greek mythology is complicated, and I like the way this series makes it easier to understand. After I finished The Lightning Thief, I wasn't in any hurry to read the rest of the series, but I liked this book even more than the first. It got me excited to keep going with the series.



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Book Review: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Chronicles of Narnia series is a literary classic for good reason. This particular book is great because there are several short adventures as they sail to each new island. I am always amazed at how substantial life-lessons and Heavenly guidance are weaved into these books. I feel renewed, loved, and ready to change my life in simple ways when I finish. After reading this book, I feel more content to be myself - the person God intended me to be - and not anyone else I may admire or envy.

P.S. If you're wondering, my suggestion is that you skip the movie and just read the book.

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Book Review: Snow Treasure

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In fifth grade, I went through a phase of reading every book about WWII I could find. I am always inspired by the stories of those who stood bravely for what was right, and risked or lost their lives in doing so. Reading this book again took me back to the days when I was a little girl, imagining what it was like to live in Norway and be part of a secret smuggling plan. I think anyone can get caught up in the adventure of this book.



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Book Review: Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book illustrates the power imagination has on children, and can have on adults. The power to create unlikely friendships, teach life lessons, and help us cope with difficult circumstances.



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Book Review: Made from Scratch

Made from Scratch: Reclaiming the Pleasures of the American Hearth by Jean Zimmerman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was an interesting mix of historical information about the work of the home, and the journey of one woman to figure out what it all means to her in our modern, feminist society. I liked that this book made me think about my own life experiences as they relate to various aspects of home and the work done there. I could relate with the author's statement that, "I do my best, but I don't feel totally comfortable in the skin of my home." I think many women feel that way. Always wondering if we are doing the best things, establishing the best priorities, etc.
The last two or three chapters felt disjointed as she tried to cover too much history, but overall I thought it was a worthwhile read.



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Book Review: Miracles on Maple Hill

In 2008, my sister set a goal to read more during the year. I am going to set the same goal for myself this year. Since it's 2011, I thought I'd try for 11,000 pages. Here we go!

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is in my small collection of paperbacks saved from my Elementary school days. It was a wonderful New Year's book to pick up and read.

The author captures life from the perspective of children so vividly. It made me stop and look at my own everyday tasks and surroundings differently. The miracles of this book are simple. The types of miracles we can all see in our lives if we stop to look: the blooming of a flower, harvesting a garden, laughter filling the house, the feeling of pride after a job well done.

I also learned a lot about harvesting sap and turning it into maple syrup. Today I am going to the store and buying a bottle of REAL Pennsylvania maple syrup to pour over my pancakes!



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