book review // Landline

Landline
By: Rainbow Rowell
Pages: 310
Genre: Fiction
Harley's Rating: 9

Give me all the Rainbow Rowell books. Her writing is what I could classify as magically mind consuming. The writing feels effortless and you just drift along in this happy floating state investing and reinvesting in her characters that you wish were your best friends. Before Landline I ready Fangirl and Elenor & Park, both of which were great. I'll take a moment to brag here and say that Michael saw Landline for sale on Amazon if you pre-ordered it, he knew I like the author, and then surprised delivered it to my work. Husbands! Win!

Now lets get down to business.

The main character of this book is Georgie, a middle aged women who has essentially lost her way in life. Blinded a little too much by ambition to pay enough attention to the important things in life. It juxtaposes the reality that is her life with the reality that was her life 20 years ago in such a smashing and imaginative way. You really root for her to figure it all out. And the whole book you're like WILL YOU JUST BUY A NEW IPHONE ALREADY.

It's a love story. Between a husband and wife, with both of them trying to figure out what went wrong and how they can make it right. If you're into grand romantic gestures (and who isn't?) then this is the book!

Favorite Line:

You'll see. It's more like you meet someone, and you fall in love, and you hope that that person is the one - and then at some point, you have to put down your chips. You just have to make a commitment and hope that you're right.

book review // through the ever night

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky series)
By: Veronica Rossi
Pages: 341
Genre: YA Literature
Jane's Rating: 10

YOU GUYS. This has been my favorite dystopian series since The Hunger Games, seriously. You must read them! I ran out of time to do a review for the first book, Under the Never Sky, since someone else had it on hold so I'll give the series overview from the first book's perspective and hopefully convince you to go check it out TODAY.

There is an "inside" and an "outside"--think Hunger Games' Capitol vs. District 12 (but possibly even more primitive). Aria leaves the inside and meets Perry, a mountain man who can scent the moods and tempers of people. He can also see superhumanly well in the dark. They despise each other. Aria is disgusted by Perry's primitive ways, and Perry hates Aria for her entitled, privileged upbringing, but they band together on a quest across the solar storm-ravaged wilderness that once was America.

Most characters in the story have incredibly interesting names: Roar, Bear, Willow, River, Paisley, Sable. I loved meeting new characters just to find out what their names were. The books also have this untamed, wild excitement because they spend so much time in the ravaged, dangerous Outside. If they're not running from cannibals wearing crow masks, they're looking for refuge from wolves or the unpredictable solar storms that tear apart the earth's landscape. It's intense.

Also, I've already picked out some of the potential movie stars that would be awesome in the film, whenever that happens.

Book #1 Under the Never Sky
Book #2 Through the Ever Night
Book #3 Into the Still Blue (Will be released at the end of January)

Favorite Lines: 
Bodies on the outside wore experiences like souvenirs.

Don't ever spare me.

She'd been seeking the comfort of place. Of walls. A roof. A pillow to rest her head on. Now she realized that the people she loved were what gave her life shape, and comfort, and meaning.

book review // the fault in our stars

Photo credit: The Bamboo Nomad

The Fault in Our Stars
By: John Green
Pages: 313
Genre: YA Literature
Jane's Rating: 7.5

The Fault in Our Stars is different from the typical books on my shelf. Because of the author's unusually real (honest, raw) voice, I wasn't hooked immediately. Green's style was somewhat startling and almost unnerving at first, but I kept reading. It wasn't long until I was soaking up his poetic lines and repeating his words in my head. He's the kind of writer who articulates so many abstract, ambiguous thoughts that have spun through my own mind (I, however, am never able to articulate them).

Teenager Hazel has cancer and knows it will kill her. She meets Augustus, who has also been in and out of cancer treatments during his teen years. They fall in love between hospital visits, support group meetings, and their favorite books. Though their cancers define their lives, they do what they can to pedal around the obstacles.

John Green's narrative from the perspective of a teenage girl is convincing, like I said already, honest and raw. Nothing is sugarcoated, which I is another reason I liked it. He says it like it is, nothing syrupy. I tend to read a lot of sad books, but that's because often the truth is sad, and the truth is beautiful.

Favorite Lines:

What a slut time is. She screws everybody.

The weird thing about houses is that they almost always look like nothing is happening inside of them, even though they contain most of our lives.

A drink this good deserves one's best posture.

I owed a debt to the universe that only my attention could repay.

The voracious ambition of humans is never sated by dreams coming true, because there is always the thought that everything might be done better and again.

heaven is here // book review

This image is by Danyelle from Dandee blog. I could have gotten a generic photo from the internet of the book, but I really liked her sweet capture of it.

 I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to read this (also--I'm finally checking "read a biography/memoir" off my better-late-than-never 22 Before 23 list). Provo, Utah (her hometown) was my home for 4+ years, her kids go to school with my cousins, I met her sister once, the reasons go on and on. I should have read this years ago, and now I'm telling you to go get it from the library and set aside your weekend to do nothing else.

Heaven Is Here

By: Stephanie Nielson

Pages: 308

Genre: Biography

Jane's Rating: 8

Stephanie Nielson (creator of nieniedialogues.com) built a beautiful, charming life with her husband. She wore aprons to do laundry, her little children played together in their backyard treehouse, and her husband kissed her hello when he came home from work. She and Christian decided to take a quick small-plane trip one weekend, but something went wrong on the way back--the plane went up in flames and crashed with them inside. With help from the angels, Stephanie and Christian got out alive, but with severe burns.

Her incredible recovery, which was infused with faith, hope and love for the family that never gave up on her, is both chilling and inspirational. It'll make you realize how glorious and fragile your own life is, and how many blessings you overlook every day.

Favorites:

• I had learned that doses of quiet joy like that can be brief, but their effects are long lasting and often carried me through the busy and challenging times of running our household.
• It felt biblical to have the women who had always loved and nurtured me come to acknowledge my new role. I felt bound to them in a deeper way as I thought about loving and nurturing my own family. I was one of them now.
• As we talked he told me to be proud of my scars. "We look for Christ's scars because they are evidence of what He did for us. They'll be the the first things He shows us when we see Him again. Your scars tell a story, too. Although they may not make you feel attractive, they are a witness of a miracle, that God blessed you to live, and that you have accomplished very difficult things."
• As I gradually accepted my responsibility to choose happiness every day, I rediscovered the beautiful life I had always wanted.

pride and prejudice

i have fallen behind on my book blogging. i read an insanely good book and get so excited to start the next one that by the time i finish that one i can't remember what i loved so much about the one before it. i like blogging about books. i like remembering what i read.

one of my goals on my 23 before 24 list was to read something by jane austen. i am not sure how i got to be 23 have never read anything by one of the most renowned/famous authors ever. it just so happened that i was over at a friends house going through her old photos when i came across this book. i asked if i could borrow it and then it sat on my shelf, begging to be read. i started p&p after i finished timeline by michael crichton. that book was a fast pleasure read. by now you're probably like... can you just get to the good stuff! the pride and prejudice amazing-ness?! alright alright.

I didn't realize how subtle the book would be. I think in matters of the heart, movies often make it seem grandiose and sweeping, when in real life it is by small acts that the greatest love is felt.

***SPOILERS if you haven't seen the movie or read the book***

summary:
Pride and Prejudice revolves centrally around one family, The Bennett's. More specifically it follows the witty protagonist Elizabeth. You see her watch her family grow and change. You see her analyze the world and remain fiercely loyal to those she loves. All in all- I think it is a story of hope.

what i liked:
Elizabeth is just the most striking character. She is so strong willed and full of wit! How refreshing she is as a protagonist. There is a moment in the book with Mr. Darcy confessions his adoration of Elizabeth and she completely refuses him. She was not caught up in his wealth or stature, she simply knew with her head what she had been told and what she had seen. That is real life people. Love is a little bit chaotic.

I think the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet is understated and lovely. While Mr. Bennet does not particularly connect with his wife on an intellectual level, he knows he has made a commitment and does his best to support his family. He is a man of honor.

what i didn't like:
initially it took me some time to become familiar with the type of writing. the language is very different than modern day. eventually i was so engrossed it didn't matter, but in the up front i really had to focus.

mr. collins.

favorites quotes:

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”

“I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.” (you tell her elizabeth... you tell her)

Rating out of 5 stars:
5/5

and now i have an intense craving for a movie night. ladies night?

him and her book review: the great gatsby

Michael and I both read The Great Gatsby this week. We thought it would be fun to give it a reread before we hit the theaters to see it. Here is a little him & her book review and don't worry... no spoilers!

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Summary
Nick Carraway is a bonds salesman in New York shortly after World War I, when he ends up living next to the enigmatic Jay Gatsby. No one really knows who Gatsby is, or where he came from, besides the elaborate parties that are always going on at his mansion. WORLDS COLLIDE as Nick gets to know Gatsby, Nick's cousin Daisy and her husband Tom get pulled into the equation, all while Nick pursues his own love interest along the way.

___________________________________________________________________________________

HARLEY:

What I liked:

The book is very short. The writing is clear and the story doesn't get lost in extra words. This made it quite a page turner. I loved falling in love with the flawed Mr. Gatsby. That is one thing that I feel often lacks in short novels, character development, but somehow Mr. Fitzgerald has found a way to weave this rich web of back story and progression. 

This book had me thinking about it long after I finished. I love when a book does that. 

What I didn't like:

I WISH that I had not seen the trailer before I read the book. How I made it through High School without it being required reading I am not sure. The whole time I kept picturing Toby and Leo. It wasn't until about half way through that I was able to push them out completely. In my mind, Nick Carraway is a blondy. 

Favorite Quotes:

"... it was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again." pg 3

"The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain." pg. 86

"He talked a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, and some idea of himself perhaps..." pg. 110

Rating out of 5 stars:

5/5

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MICHAEL:

What I liked:

What's not to like? It's short and to the point. On the surface it's a simple story, but in fact it's incredibly complex, rich with texture and layers for each of the characters, as well as the plot. Often insightful, there are twists, turns, and surprises, all while staying true to the characters and accurately portraying the human condition.

Fitzgerald's writing is fantastic. It's vivid and engaging. The scenes played out in my head in amazing detail, allowing me to really experience the character interactions and have a sense of impact as things were happening. 

The plot really sticks with you, as well. Again, it seems so simple, but slowly as more and more is revealed about the characters, their backstories, it becomes clear what a deeply layered story it really is. And then before you know it, it all converges at the climax, leaving you thinking about what it all means. I love a book that makes me think and poses questions that stick with me and continue to challenge my perceptions and understanding about the world long after I've finished the book.

What I didn't like:

I didn't really enjoy picturing Tobey Maguire as the narrator.

Favorite Quotes:

"Reserving judgment is a matter of infinite hope." - Pg. 6

On Tom: "'Now, don't think my opinion on these matters is final,' he seemed to say, 'just because I'm stronger and more of a man than you are.'" - Pg. 11

Daisy: "'You see I think everything's terrible anyhow,' she went on in a convinced way. 'Everybody thinks so--the most advanced people. And Iknow. I've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything.... Sophisticated--God, I'm sophisticated!'" - Pg. 22

"I wasn't actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity." - Pg. 62

One of Gatsby's and Nick's first real interactions:

"'Look here, old sport,' he broke out surprisingly. 'What's your opinion of me anyhow?' A little overwhelmed I began the generalized evasions which that question deserves." - Pg. 69

And then of course the famous: "You can't repeat the past."

"Can't repeat the past?" He cried incredulously, "Why of course you can!" Pg. 116

Rating out of 5 stars:

Classic for a reason 5/5

book review: saving ceecee honeycutt

Plot: This is the charming story of a 12-year-old girl during the civil and women's rights era, smack dab in the good old South. CeeCee lives with her mother, whose mind is rapidly deteriorating from psychosis. Her mother, a former pageant girl, increasingly loses her grip on reality which pushes CeeCee to the edge. The lost childhood makes her understandingly bitter, but CeeCee's life changes when her long-lost great aunt shows up at the door. CeeCee receives a second chance at youth, full of exciting adventures, eccentric neighbors and, for the first time in her life, friends.

What I liked: Historical fiction is my favorite genre, if you haven't noticed, and I especially loved this one because it takes place in Georgia during the 1960s--one of my favorite decades in our country's history. It's captivating, being told from the eyes of a wise, but lonely preteen, and I loved reading about her summer escapades. Watching CeeCee have the chance to revert to youthful tendencies was enjoyable--usually characters go the other direction.

What I didn't like: Hmm...There wasn't much I didn't like. For anyone looking for a high-adventure read, this isn't one. This is the kind of book I would want to read on the beach or in an airplane; it's interesting, simple, and it has endearing, well-developed characters.

One of my favorite quotes: "[She] was a remarkable looking woman. Remarkable in that she wasn't what most people would call beautiful. But she oozed a raw femaleness that I was certain made most women uncomfortable and sent men walking into walls. And when she smiled, well, that was magic."

4 out of 5 stars

xo, Jane

P.S. Do you love historical fiction as much I do? Here are some of the other great books I've reviewed recently: The Red Tent // The Heretic's Daughter // Peace Like a River

Photo via.

book review: the red tent

plot: it's from the old testament -- a retelling of the story of dinah, the youngest child and only daughter of jacob (israel). this is the girl who has 12 older brothers and 4 mothers. she grew up among these women who held onto their timeless traditions of gathering in the red tent. it was in that tent that they shared stories, supported each other through childbirth, and strengthened bonds. dinah grows up and falls in love with a prince, but tragedy strikes when her brothers and father succumb to their pride.

what i liked: i loved learning about old testament stories and, for once, realizing how connected all these people are. it gives background on the twelve tribes of israel, and i have never learned so much about them until this book. it's a story of the power of friendship, betrayal, adversity, and eventually forgiveness and quiet triumph. it's a page turner for sure, and i found myself completely enamored with dinah and some of the other characters in her life. as we see in reading the old testament, those women weren't recognized or talked about much, but their lives were incredible and interesting all the same.

what i didn't like: the beginning is a bit graphic in it's retelling of jacob's relationships with his four wives (but after that it's not racy again). also, i somehow keep picking up terribly heartbreaking books, and this is no exception. it's a pro and a con to read something that rips one's heart apart.

5 out of 5 stars

have you read it?

xo

jane

p.s. make sure you enter the t-shirt giveaway! today is the last day. 

book review: 19 Katherines

I openly admit to reading tween books. Moving on.

I picked this book up at Barnes and Noble because I liked the cover. I had never read anything by John Greene before, but he is becoming a favorite. He has a witty and dry sense of humor-- those tend to be favorites of mine. Isn't the title intriguing? The tone of this book is in the same vein as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, which I also really enjoyed.

The novel follows Colin Singleton and his best friend. They mask running away from problems with a road trip which actually leads them exactly where they need to be. 

Pros-

Dry wit and humor. I actually found myself laughing out loud on the bus in the morning.

Colin was a engaging protagonist. Interesting kid with enough weird to make me root for him. 

Asks those haunting life long questions-- Who am I? Why am I here?

Use of the word fug. I much prefer that to the actual f word. 

Cons-

Too short. I was sad when it was over. 

Sometimes teenagers are dumb. 

I give it a solid thumbs up. Let me know what you think if you read it!

xoxo-

har.

the happiness project

I don't think I could do a book review justice on this one. All I know is it made me think a lot. Every morning I walk three blocks to the bus, take the bus to the train, and then take the train to downtown. It gives me a lot of down town. I noticed I wasn't using it productively and picked up this book. 

I loved it.

I think that there is a lot to be said about happiness. The way people define it is entirely specific to who they are and what they believe. After ever chapter I found myself pinpointing different things that I can do to make myself happier. I also discovered ways I can make other people happier. I am thinking about taking the challenge and devoting the new year to my own little happiness project. It's not that I am unhappy, nor was the author, I just know that there are things that I could be doing to improve my joy.

Things I learned while reading:

1. Folded laundry makes me happier. When it is a mess I can't find anything I need in the morning and end up being late for work which in turn makes me grumpy

2. My husband does more sweet things for me if I stop nagging him about the dumb things

3. I need to cut people slack

4. When I am tired at work walking up a few flights of stairs does wonders for my mood 

5. Spending 30 mins making music brightens my mood like whoa.

6. To Do Lists are my best friend

7. I need to let more things go

8. It takes effort and persistance to keep a friendship going, but it is 100% worth it 

9. Setting goals is easier it you write them down daily

10. Don't reward yourself with food 

Have you read this book? What did you learn?

Book Review: The Heretic's Daughter

Plot:
Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live. Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft. This is the story of Martha's courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived (quoted from amazon.com).

What I liked:
I'm intrigued by the Salem Witch Trial era, and this book painted a haunting portrait of New England at that time. She didn't sugarcoat much of the harsh reality. She described the torture, the prison conditions, the backstabbing and the betrayals.
It was riveting. Almost the entire family ends up in the dark, dank cells of the Salem prison, and at that point it was especially difficult to put down.

What I didn't like:
The beginning was a little slow (this is the reason I have started about 3 times as many books as I have finished). Keep going though, it gets so good.
The torture and killing was really heavy. Those dark parts of our country's past are necessary to know, in my opinion, but that doesn't make them any easier to swallow.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Summer Reading List

These are all the books I read this summer while I was living in Chicago. Some were great! and some were not. If you have any questions please let me know. I would also love some recommendations for new books. My stockpile is running low!

xoxo
har.

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1984- George Orwell

How I made it through my entire education without once being required to read this is beyond me. This is the original Dystopian book.  Or maybe it isn't. Regardless I really liked it. It was super sad and creepy, but I think there are elements of reality that make it real.

Safe Haven- Nicolas Sparks

Oh Nicolas Sparks. All of your books are basically the same, but I still love them. I bought this one at the airport on my way home to Provo for my graduation weekend. 

State of Wonder- Ann Patchett

I liked this book. I enjoyed reading it. The ending was shockingly   

sad and perfect. I never saw it coming.

This is Where I leave You- Jonathan Tropper

I'll be honest... I bought this book because I liked the cover. Back when Borders was closing (RIP) Michael and I went in and bought 10 books each. I think I liked this book. It was a tough read for emotional reasons mostly because it was very real. There is a little bit of adult content... so beware of that. 

A Drink Before the War- Dennis Lehane

Read per the request of my dear husband. Normally I say no to books in which violence is inherent, but he persisted. I do have to admit that once you squeeze your way past the violence and language the characters are quite rich. Angie is a BA and I love a good strong female character. 

The Tipping Point- Malcolm Gladwell

I read this because it was required reading for my Internship. It was fascinating. Gladwell examined how humans function on a fundamental level. What makes something cool? For example, why do some blogs blow up faster than others? What is the "tipping point" for them? All of the things in this book are 100% applicable to blogging. And advertising. Loved it.

Dispirited- Luisa Perkins

The concept of this book is something that I have never encountered before- I think that speaks to the originality of the book. The plot line is incredibly clear, but you still have questions that are answered in time. I loved the characters. I thought that they were engaging and believable. There is a fantasy element which really makes the book move fast. Once I started I couldn't put it down. 

The Night Circus- Erin Morgenstern

By far my favorite read of the summer. I often feel that my reading potential is stunted because of my love for Harry Potter. Growing up in the era is a hard act to follow. The magic. The suspense. The mystery. For a long time I have felt uninspired by the fantasy books I have been reading. That is until I read this one. You know that feeling... how there is nothing else in the world you would rather do? This book made me feel that way. All I wanted to do was read! It reminded me of my Harry Potter days. I would take the long train home from Chicago just so I would have another 30 mins carved out of my day for reading. I loved the world she created. I love the mystery. I loved the characters. I loved the ending. I loved the love.

Book Review: Gone with the Wind

This book was not anything that I expected. I was surprised to find out that it was deemed "the greatest love story ever told." I don't want to spoil it. I want you to read it. I want you to discover who Scarlett O'hare is. What she stands for. How the love she has compels her to do crazy things.

The writing is stellar. The romance is real.

Pros:
I think I learned more about the Civil War in this book than I did in school

Cons: 
Long. You are going to have to commit yourself

When you read it lets talk! Or if you already have... isn't it crazy?

5/5

Extraordinary- A book review.

This is my latest read. I have no idea how I am finding the time for it. Well actually I do. It is called not sleeping. I bought this last summer on super sale at Borders when they still existed. Insert sad face here. I will be real with you guys. There are FAIRIES in this book. Straight up fairy world and all, but I read it. The whole thing. I need to read some adult books.

Synopsis:
"Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school, and the two girls become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory's magnetic older brother, Ryland, shows up during their junior year. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe-but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself."

 Pros:

I read the whole thing. I am not sure if it was really that good... but obviously something made me keep going.

I am a fan of fantasy stuff.

It is about friendship which is obviously good.

Cons:

Slightly ridiculous premise. FAIRIES? I AM A 22 YEAR OLD GIRL.

Really sad. A girls self image can really get her down. 

Overall I am not really sure that I have much to say about this book. I feel like my life is the same. Nothing super profound. A fun silly read that might intrigue you on a balmy summer day next to the pool.

2/5.

Pathfinder.

Don't be turned off by this terribly cliche cover art. The book, while long, is actually totally great. Have you read Ender's Game? Pathfinder reads a lot like that does. Tons of build up and huge reveal at the end. Here is the synopsis.

Synopsis:

"A powerful secret. A dangerous path. 

Rigg is well trained at keeping secrets. Only his father knows the truth about Rigg's strange talent for seeing the paths of people's pasts. But when his father dies, Rigg is stunned to learn just how many secrets Father had kept from him--secrets about Rigg's own past, his identity, and his destiny. And when Rigg discovers that he has the power not only to see the past, but also to change it, his future suddenly becomes anything but certain. 

Rigg’s birthright sets him on a path that leaves him caught between two factions, one that wants him crowned and one that wants him dead. He will be forced to question everything he thinks he knows, choose who to trust, and push the limits of his talent…or forfeit control of his destiny." via. 

Pros:

His stories are always so interesting. Worlds that completely mystify me.

I really liked the main character, Rigg. 

I like magical things. 

Made me wish I had super powers. 

Didn't remind me of all the dystopian stuff that I am reading now days.

The big reveal at the end kind of blew my mind. 

Cons:

Long book. It didn't feel long but it took me a long time to get through it.

The narrative is really stark between the two worlds he is showing and it doesn't make sense for a while. 

Overall:

Read it and tell me what you think. I loved it, but I also think that I am a little bit bias towards good ol' Orson Scott Card. 

★★★★☆

I feel like I give everything four stars. Well everything I like anyway, but please know that this star system is completely subjective depending on my brain entirely.  

The Peach Keeper

The Jist:

This is the story of Willa and Paxton.
They aren't friends. They are both going through stuff.
Something happens.
They become friends.
And get boyfriends.

Pros:
I really enjoyed reading something that was about adults and not something about children suffering in a dystopian wasteland.
It really shows the true value of friendship. I respect that.
Super fast read.
The cover is lovely.
It is about finding yourself and discovering who you are meant to be.

Cons:
It is just a narrative... not a whole lot of action, but sometimes it is better that way.
I could have gone for a little bit more depth.

Overall:
I thought it was a great look at modern day friendship. Kind of makes you take a long hard look at who your true friends are and why. I liked it.

★★★★☆

The Power of Six

The Jist:

Have you seen I am Number 4? Or read it? This is just the continuation of that. So Aliens battling each other on earth. Awesome. 

Pros:

This writing in this book was SOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than in the first. Did he get a new editor? Thank goodness.

I can't help picturing Alex Pettyfer as number 4 while reading. 

I find this story line more intriguing than all the other dystopian stuff I have been reading lately. 

We finally meet more of the Lorian Clan. Number 7?! Number 9?!

Plot moves fast with some twists. 

Cons:

Is this Dickens? No. It is a YA novel. Treat it as such.
Morgadorians.  These guys are cra cra.
The chests. Their mysterious nature was driving me a little nuts.

Overall: 

I really enjoyed it. I think that the plot is smart and engaging. Pittacus Lore does a great job of developing a relationships between the readers and the characters. I will definitely be reading the next one when it comes out. It will be interesting to see how he ends the series. Are the Lorian's ever going to make it home? I have to find out! And now I am secretly hoping that they make more movies... but that is a secret.

★★★1/2☆☆

Book Review: Peace Like a River

Plot:
11-year-old Reuben Land lives in Minnesota during 1962. He was born with severe asthma, and according to his family and the doctor, that he lived at all was a miracle. His 16-year-old brother Davy gets thrown in jail after protecting his family to the extreme against some local teenage boys who sneak into the Land home in the night with baseball bats.

The small family ends up on a cross country road trip in the middle of winter searching for miracles and finding them, time and time again.

It's a story of faith, miracles, and great adventure.

Cons:
It's not high-speed adventure; it's slower and methodical, more lyrical {which isn't a con to me, but might be to those who thrive on faster paced stories}.

Very bittersweet.

Pros:
Beautiful beautiful beautiful story.

Reuben's little sister Swede is the wittiest, most entertaining 8-year-old I've ever met.

It takes place in the 1960s.

It's full of miracles and God, which I found inspiring.

Every character is interesting and intriguing and well developed. It wasn't hard to follow the story.

Loved it, every bit.

5 stars all the way.

Bossypants

IS HILARIOUS. Tina Fey has done it again. I mean Mean Girls, then Baby Mama, and now this! The universe has finally given us a strong comedic female role model. Let the heavens rejoice.

 

The Jist: 

Here we have an inside look at Tina Fey. It is a biography of sorts, but it is by no means comprehensive. She shares funny stories from her childhood and her journey from the YMCA to SNL to 30 rock. One of my favorite quotes comes from the chapter, “What Turning Forty Means to Me." It just says this,
 

I need to take my pants off as soon as I get home. I didn't used to have to do that. But now I do.

Apparently Tina Fey and I have more in common than I realized. And I am thinking that I should probably be alarmed at this because I am only 22. If sweatpants are a staple at this young age what happens when I turn forty?

Pros:

Really funny. I laughed out loud several times.

She shares what it was like to act like Sarah Palin on SNL

She talks about Oprah. Did you know she was on 30 Rock?

HOW DOES SHE BALANCE EVERYTHING

She is kind of normal in a really famous kind of way

Cons:

A little language... but she is Tina Fey so it's funny. Am I justifying things??? Maybe a little. 

I deem this book, according to my own personal taste levels, awesome on all accounts. 4 stars! 4 stars!

★★★★☆

Divergent

My 14 year old sister read this book for school and told me that I should give it a shot. This whole dystopian style of writing is apparently extremely popular. 

{I don't know if this is the time to tell you, but I really didn't like the Hunger Games. Violent anyone?}

She is was in the middle of writing a report so the book was full of sticky notes containing her thoughts. I am not sure what I liked more-- the book or climbing inside my little sisters brain for a second.  That being said, lets talk book. 

The Jist: 

In sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior's world, society is divided into five factions -- Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) -- each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue, in the attempt to form a "perfect society." At the age of sixteen, teens must choose the faction to which they will devote their lives. On her Choosing Day, Beatrice renames herself Tris, rejects her family's group, and chooses another faction. 

Dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. 

Pros: 

Easy peasy fun read- who doesn't like thinking about the world at its end?

I like the main character and her mom. She is dead strong

Mr. Love interest is basically a dream boat

Plays with the idea of virtue and what it really means

Cons:

I feel like I have kind of read this before... aka Matched/Crossed and Hunger Games. The world is at it's end and so people do crazy stupid things ahhhhhhhhhh!

This book almost has a five star rating on Amazon... so maybe for a more in depth review go there, but as for me it was just kinda fun. Nothing super life changing. Or maybe I am just lying to myself because I stayed up until 3 am reading youth literature. Either way 3 stars!  Huzzah.

★★★☆☆