MoirneStark Female, 23. USA

Many novels are beautifully written, but it's harder to come by fluid prose with a meaningful (and enjoyable) plot. Like the title would suggest, Lively explores how every day decisions and events can completely change the course of one's life. The story follows 3 generations of women in the same family (1930s-present), who all experience tragedy and disappointment because of their choices. Lively shows that everything is linked, how the people we come in contact with have a significant impact on us even if it does not appear so at first. This novel is full of insightful passages that I had to copy down in a notebook. It's a shame this book is not well known. Don't miss out on this one! ... (continue)

This book provides a fascinating look at tapestry making at the end of the 13th century. It is told by numerous character perspectives and all of the chapters are very strong. I became quite attached to these individuals and I wish we could have seen more of them! The theme of the novel is desire and Chevalier cleverly weaves her plot into the famous tapestries, making you believe that this is how it actually happened. ... (continue)

The synopsis made this book sound promising. It wasn't. The writing reminded me of bad teen fanfiction and the sarcastic, clipped dialogue was like an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The characters were cardboard and acted like they were in highschool (they were around 30 by the way). I had to force myself to finish this book, and if I hadn't already abandoned 1 novel this month, I would not have continued with this. ... (continue)

"There would be punishment and pain, and there would be happiness, too. That was writing."

This is the complete book, covering the wide range of emotions that will leave you laughing and then crying. A beautiful examination of love in Nazi Germany while the world spins out of control. Everyone should read this, it will touch your heart. ... (continue)

Neil Gaiman's favorite type of story deals with our own world getting mixed up with different realities. This book uses the fantasy element he's so fond of, but adds a dose of science fiction with a boy who can walk between dimensions to different worlds. Gaiman includes principles of physics, which I really enjoyed. Modern, dark, and intelligent! ... (continue)

"My course of life for forty years had been a horrid complication of wickedness, whoredom, adultery, incest, lying, theft; and in a word, everything but murder and treason had been my practice."

That quote sums up the whole novel. Defoe shows a woman who is so terrified by poverty, that she goes from a series of marriages and then becomes a pickpocket in order to provide for herself. An interesting character study with an entertaining plot. ... (continue)

I like Angie Sage's different take on wizards and magic (no wands and written spells). Clearly she is capitalizing on the popularity of Harry Potter though...she includes names and references (Godric, the Burrow, cupboard under the stairs & Rupert Gringe which is a play off of the actor who plays Ron W). There are also some plot lines and characters that I find just too similar. Overall, it's a fun read but it steals too much from Harry Potter. ... (continue)

This has been a fascinating biography on the life of Chris McCandless. Krakauer pieces together his background and his adventures through the people who knew him. I really liked the journal entries/letters/and book quotes, which help you connect with Chris on a personal level. Into the Wild is also an examination on the psyche of idealists and adventurers. Krakauer exposes the lonely existence that goes along with seeing the world in a different way. ... (continue)

This book is a bit too preoccupied with the posh ideal of beauty that I find superficial, but the photography is absolutely stunning. I loved the chapters that explained the farm renovations, the food, and the scenery/seasons of France. Vicki Archer includes a list of her favorite stores, restaurants, hotels, films, and books which I'll be sure to investigate further. ... (continue)