I have a question for you, readers. Are there any books you love that were passed down to you by a parent who adored those books as well? What are those books? Do you have any interesting stories to share?
Here's a list of some of the books that my Mother adored and passed down to me that I now love to read over and over again.
The Harper Hall Trilogy (Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, and Dragondrums) by Anne Mccaffrey
Comments: My Mom read these when she was around my age and happily passed them down to me. An amazing series, I re-read this series (as well as her other books) at least twice a year.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Comments: An infamous story set in a tiny Alabama town during the Great Depression. Read To Kill a Mockingbird to never look at things exactly the same way again.
Watership Down By Richard Adams
Although taken through the glossy eyes of rabbits, identifying with the novel is easy. An adventure like no other.
So what's your story? I'd love to hear from you!
Until next time, happy reading!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Age Ranges
There are tons of awesome books out there for all different ages, here's a post dedicated to 2 books/series I love in the Adult, YA, and the "Independent Reader" section.
Adult
The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella. Laugh-out loud funny and enjoyable.
How to Wash a Cat (The first in a series) by Rebecca M. Hale. A mystery with several unique twists.
YA
The Airhead Series by Meg Cabot. Absolutely Awesome.
Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita. Just finished reading it, two thumbs up.
Middle/"Independent Reader"
The Allie Finkle Series by Meg Cabot. Super sweet. Super fun. Super recommended by me.
The Beacon Street Girl Series by Annie Bryant. Something in it that every girl can relate to.
Adult
The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella. Laugh-out loud funny and enjoyable.
How to Wash a Cat (The first in a series) by Rebecca M. Hale. A mystery with several unique twists.
YA
The Airhead Series by Meg Cabot. Absolutely Awesome.
Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita. Just finished reading it, two thumbs up.
Middle/"Independent Reader"
The Allie Finkle Series by Meg Cabot. Super sweet. Super fun. Super recommended by me.
The Beacon Street Girl Series by Annie Bryant. Something in it that every girl can relate to.
What's on My Bookshelf? August Update
So what books have found their way onto my bookshelf this week? Read on!
Runaway
By Meg Cabot
Comments: Loved, loved, loved Runaway! Full of the perfect ingredients that make a tasty YA novel, Runaway was a satisfying end to the Airhead series that had me grinning throughout. Essential for any bookshelf. Blog to come on it!
Only the Good Spy Young
By Ally Carter
Comments: I adore the Gallagher Girl series but was a bit disappointed in the 4th installment. I felt that Carter went back on promises of information she made in the 3rd book; I also felt that Cammie had become more of a one-dimensional paper doll, more than a growing, changing, unique young woman. Anyhow, I would still recommend this book.
This Lullaby
By Sarah Dessen
Comments: Dessen continues with her great knack for creating vivid and dimensional characters in This Lullaby. Dealing with real-life issues with wit on each page, This Lullaby is definitely worth the read.
The Truth About Forever
By Sarah Dessen
Comments: I know, I know, I already have a Sarah Dessen book on my list, but this was just so good I had to add it! The Truth About Forever deals with a lot of emotional issues and self discovery, all wrapped in a touching story.
The Agency: A Spy in the House
By Y.S. Lee
Comments: Love spies? Love the Victorian era? Then you'll love this book, the first in a series!
Princess for Hire
By Lindsay Leavitt
Comments: Hilarious and heartwarming, check out this cute piece by new(ish) YA author, Lindsay Leavitt.
Happy Reading!
Runaway
By Meg Cabot
Comments: Loved, loved, loved Runaway! Full of the perfect ingredients that make a tasty YA novel, Runaway was a satisfying end to the Airhead series that had me grinning throughout. Essential for any bookshelf. Blog to come on it!
Only the Good Spy Young
By Ally Carter
Comments: I adore the Gallagher Girl series but was a bit disappointed in the 4th installment. I felt that Carter went back on promises of information she made in the 3rd book; I also felt that Cammie had become more of a one-dimensional paper doll, more than a growing, changing, unique young woman. Anyhow, I would still recommend this book.
This Lullaby
By Sarah Dessen
Comments: Dessen continues with her great knack for creating vivid and dimensional characters in This Lullaby. Dealing with real-life issues with wit on each page, This Lullaby is definitely worth the read.
The Truth About Forever
By Sarah Dessen
Comments: I know, I know, I already have a Sarah Dessen book on my list, but this was just so good I had to add it! The Truth About Forever deals with a lot of emotional issues and self discovery, all wrapped in a touching story.
The Agency: A Spy in the House
By Y.S. Lee
Comments: Love spies? Love the Victorian era? Then you'll love this book, the first in a series!
Princess for Hire
By Lindsay Leavitt
Comments: Hilarious and heartwarming, check out this cute piece by new(ish) YA author, Lindsay Leavitt.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
My Current Bookshelf
Every so often I rearrange my book shelf. Here is a list of my recent good read finds and disappointments.
My Current Bookshelf:
Heist Society
By: Ally Carter
Rating: (Out of 10) 9
Really, Really Short Description: A girl. A heist. Thieves. Art. Family. Friends. Romance. Loyalty. All in one impossibly good book.
The Gallagher Girl Series
By: Ally Carter
Really, Really Short Description: The Drama of Being a Girl: Check. The Drama of Being a Spy: Check. Books You Won't Want To Put Down: Triple Check.
1. I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Rating: (Out of 10) 8
2. Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Rating: (Out of 10) 9 1/2
3. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Rating: (Out of 10) 9 1/2
Audrey, Wait
By: Robin Benway
Rating: (Out of 10) 7 1/2
Really, Really Short Description: At first Audrey may seem like a normal girl. But most normal girls don't have hit songs written about them by their ex. Robin Benway created a feel-good story full of original ideas and whim.
Confessions of a First Daughter
By: Cassidy Calloway
Rating: (Out of 10) 4 1/2
Really, Really Short Description: Nobody said being the first daughter was easy. Especially not teen Morgan Abbott. *Note* I thought this was a great idea and a cute plot, but the story just didn't draw you in, the characters just didn't move you, and there was no overall depth to the storyline.
Scarlett Fever
By: Maureen Johnson
Rating: (Out of 10) 7
Really, Really Short Description: After a topsy-turvy ride through an unforgettable summer, Scarlett is back in action with a whole new twist. Suite Scarlett's well-developed characters and laugh out loud moments carry into the sequel book, but it lacks some of the warmth, good timing and well planned story and leaves you hanging at the end. Still, it's a great read.
Just One Wish
By: Janette Rallison
Rating: (Out of 10) 7
Really, Really Short Description: Family. Cancer. Teen Robin Hood. One little brother. One wish. One determined big sister with problems of her own. A highly enjoyable (though highly unrealistic) read.
Airhead and Being Nikki
By: Meg Cabot
Rating: (Out of 10) 8
Really, Really Short Description: How would you like to wake up in the body of a super model? Em Watt's isn't thinking it's all too great. Meg Cabot does it again creating a fantastic and unique read.
My Current Bookshelf:
Heist Society
By: Ally Carter
Rating: (Out of 10) 9
Really, Really Short Description: A girl. A heist. Thieves. Art. Family. Friends. Romance. Loyalty. All in one impossibly good book.
The Gallagher Girl Series
By: Ally Carter
Really, Really Short Description: The Drama of Being a Girl: Check. The Drama of Being a Spy: Check. Books You Won't Want To Put Down: Triple Check.
1. I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Rating: (Out of 10) 8
2. Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Rating: (Out of 10) 9 1/2
3. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Rating: (Out of 10) 9 1/2
Audrey, Wait
By: Robin Benway
Rating: (Out of 10) 7 1/2
Really, Really Short Description: At first Audrey may seem like a normal girl. But most normal girls don't have hit songs written about them by their ex. Robin Benway created a feel-good story full of original ideas and whim.
Confessions of a First Daughter
By: Cassidy Calloway
Rating: (Out of 10) 4 1/2
Really, Really Short Description: Nobody said being the first daughter was easy. Especially not teen Morgan Abbott. *Note* I thought this was a great idea and a cute plot, but the story just didn't draw you in, the characters just didn't move you, and there was no overall depth to the storyline.
Scarlett Fever
By: Maureen Johnson
Rating: (Out of 10) 7
Really, Really Short Description: After a topsy-turvy ride through an unforgettable summer, Scarlett is back in action with a whole new twist. Suite Scarlett's well-developed characters and laugh out loud moments carry into the sequel book, but it lacks some of the warmth, good timing and well planned story and leaves you hanging at the end. Still, it's a great read.
Just One Wish
By: Janette Rallison
Rating: (Out of 10) 7
Really, Really Short Description: Family. Cancer. Teen Robin Hood. One little brother. One wish. One determined big sister with problems of her own. A highly enjoyable (though highly unrealistic) read.
Airhead and Being Nikki
By: Meg Cabot
Rating: (Out of 10) 8
Really, Really Short Description: How would you like to wake up in the body of a super model? Em Watt's isn't thinking it's all too great. Meg Cabot does it again creating a fantastic and unique read.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sweet Suite Scarlett
Recently I've been discovering more and more really great books and authors that I adore--and one of these is by the one and only Maureen Johnson!
My favorite book by Maureen has to be the YA novel Suite Scarlett, which is a fun and witty roller coaster ride through part of a New York summer with Scarlett as she deals with some realistic issues in cool situations (as well as some not-so-cool ones); You'll laugh out loud with this hilarious novel that involves everything from hotels to cancer. I absolutely can't wait for the sequel, Scarlett Fever to come out February 1st!
More things I love about this book/author:
a) If you have a Kindle, unlike some YA authors, you can find her books there, (even the new ones, like Scarlett Fever) which saves money and trees (what could be better?).
b) Maureen writes with her own style and flair which stands out, draws you in, and keeps you there.
c) Maureen's Twitter! You thought her books were entertaining, read her Twitter! She covers everything from random thoughts (hamsters, drills, jars, you know, the norm) to giving away free stuff to answering questions. Seriously, check it out!
d) Suite Scarlett is fantastic, even re-reading it (yes, it's that good)!
Suite Scarlett is a fabulous read that you won't regret! So what are you waiting for? Go for it!
My favorite book by Maureen has to be the YA novel Suite Scarlett, which is a fun and witty roller coaster ride through part of a New York summer with Scarlett as she deals with some realistic issues in cool situations (as well as some not-so-cool ones); You'll laugh out loud with this hilarious novel that involves everything from hotels to cancer. I absolutely can't wait for the sequel, Scarlett Fever to come out February 1st!
More things I love about this book/author:
a) If you have a Kindle, unlike some YA authors, you can find her books there, (even the new ones, like Scarlett Fever) which saves money and trees (what could be better?).
b) Maureen writes with her own style and flair which stands out, draws you in, and keeps you there.
c) Maureen's Twitter! You thought her books were entertaining, read her Twitter! She covers everything from random thoughts (hamsters, drills, jars, you know, the norm) to giving away free stuff to answering questions. Seriously, check it out!
d) Suite Scarlett is fantastic, even re-reading it (yes, it's that good)!
Suite Scarlett is a fabulous read that you won't regret! So what are you waiting for? Go for it!
Allie Finkle Fun!
Meg Cabot's YA novels are like candy that teen girls just seem to devour, and now younger girls can share that thrill too.
The Allie Finkle series by Meg Cabot (Ages 8-12) is super cute, super funny, and super addicting. Meg Cabot was nice enough to send me a hardback Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #4: Stage Fright as well as an ARC Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #5 Glitter Girl's and the Great Fake Out, and even though they were made for girls younger than me, I simply loved them and wished they were around when I was that age.
I especially liked Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #4: Stage Fright because it was very realistic. Like Allie, not everyone gets the part that they *Really Super Wanted* in a play, but Allie finds away to go along and make the best of it. The theatre part of the book was very accurate, and Allie's fun attitude made it even better. The book covers being slightly jealous of the girl who got the
part you wanted (who ends up being one of Allie's best friends!),being disappointed in the role you got, and then getting over it. Haven't read it? Then go, go, GO! (On the hardcover version, the book jacket comes off so you can personalize a poster for your very own play! A great gift.)
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #5 Glitter Girl's and the Great Fake Out had that great moral lesson without extremely dulling the book, which earns it two big thumbs up from me. Somehow, I think all of us have gotten ourselves someway or another in the sticky (and stinky) situation Allie gets herself into in this book. A must read.
I would say that one thing I enjoyed most about the Allie Finkle series was what a strong and positive character Allie was that we see lacking in so many books today; it's great to see a character who loves animals, has her goals of what she wants to be when she grows up, and has her feet on the ground. Allie is a lovable and well balanced character that you wish you knew; sure, she likes ballet and buys pink accessories for her kitten but she also loves playing super spy and is good at math and science.
A standout in the books is how honestly Meg Cabot writes what's going on in Allie's head. She's not a perfect stick in the mud, but a sassy, and positive role model.
These books are a great recommendation for young girls!
List of Allie Finkle Book's:
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #1: Moving Day
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #2: The New Girl
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #3 Best Friends and Drama Queens
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #4: Stage Fright
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #5: Glitter Girls and the Great Fake Out
The Allie Finkle series by Meg Cabot (Ages 8-12) is super cute, super funny, and super addicting. Meg Cabot was nice enough to send me a hardback Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #4: Stage Fright as well as an ARC Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #5 Glitter Girl's and the Great Fake Out, and even though they were made for girls younger than me, I simply loved them and wished they were around when I was that age.
I especially liked Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #4: Stage Fright because it was very realistic. Like Allie, not everyone gets the part that they *Really Super Wanted* in a play, but Allie finds away to go along and make the best of it. The theatre part of the book was very accurate, and Allie's fun attitude made it even better. The book covers being slightly jealous of the girl who got the
part you wanted (who ends up being one of Allie's best friends!),being disappointed in the role you got, and then getting over it. Haven't read it? Then go, go, GO! (On the hardcover version, the book jacket comes off so you can personalize a poster for your very own play! A great gift.)
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #5 Glitter Girl's and the Great Fake Out had that great moral lesson without extremely dulling the book, which earns it two big thumbs up from me. Somehow, I think all of us have gotten ourselves someway or another in the sticky (and stinky) situation Allie gets herself into in this book. A must read.
I would say that one thing I enjoyed most about the Allie Finkle series was what a strong and positive character Allie was that we see lacking in so many books today; it's great to see a character who loves animals, has her goals of what she wants to be when she grows up, and has her feet on the ground. Allie is a lovable and well balanced character that you wish you knew; sure, she likes ballet and buys pink accessories for her kitten but she also loves playing super spy and is good at math and science.
A standout in the books is how honestly Meg Cabot writes what's going on in Allie's head. She's not a perfect stick in the mud, but a sassy, and positive role model.
These books are a great recommendation for young girls!
List of Allie Finkle Book's:
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #1: Moving Day
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #2: The New Girl
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #3 Best Friends and Drama Queens
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #4: Stage Fright
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #5: Glitter Girls and the Great Fake Out
Friday, October 16, 2009
E. Lockhart Wins Another Round!
E. Lockhart was nice enough to send me an ARC of The Treasure Map of Boys & I immediately found myself being drawn into this wonderful and comical story.
Lockhart really captivates you in her humorous storytelling of Roo, the main character. I found myself feeling happy for Roo when she made a victory, laughing at her jokes, and sympathyzing with her when something didn't go right.
If you want a good sit down story that will go thru all the emotions and still let you have a good time than go grab The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart & start reading!
Lockhart really captivates you in her humorous storytelling of Roo, the main character. I found myself feeling happy for Roo when she made a victory, laughing at her jokes, and sympathyzing with her when something didn't go right.
If you want a good sit down story that will go thru all the emotions and still let you have a good time than go grab The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart & start reading!
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