These are two wonderful books about the Potatoe Famine in Ireland. I was more upset about this book than I was about the Hunger Games. Again, who do these people think they are that they can control and destroy so many lives?
This story is about a young girl named Nory Ryan and how her family is affected by the potatoe famine in Ireland. This incedent brought millions of Emmigrants from Ireland to the United States, a place they sought refuge and hoped for a better life. The second one is about her journey to America.
I admired this young girl for her courage and her attitude. Sometimes when I fast or skip a meal or two I complain about how hungry I am. These people were sucking on blades of grass for any thing to fill their stomachs. It humbled me tremendously and made me realize that she truly wanted to live and save her family and she was willing to do anything to accomplish that! Nothing is impossible if you truly believe in it and want it!
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Hunger Games
Ok, I finally broke down and read this book. I admit I liked it better than I thought. First of all, let me just say that if you describe this book to someone don't tell them "it's about a bunch of teenagers who kill each other for fun," as was described to me because it is not about that. It's a book about survival and while there are teenagers who are thrown into an arena and forced to "kill or be killed" it is not for THIER enjoyment but for the Capitol's entertainment. It is more of a Gladiator games only involving teenagers.
It was slow moving for me but then picked up. I am not so totally gaga over it like most others are but I did like it. We had a very good discussion about it at Book Club and we all agreed that this book is more political than true to life. We threw out the question of whether or not our society could everbe like this. I said NO! I would hope that there would be enough of us that would stand up against this kind of a government and sacrifice ourselves rather than our children. I know I would. But then as we got talking and discussing we discovered that governments like this do exist and have existed throughout the world. So sad...and it makes me angry that there are men who get away with things like this. This is one of those times when I'm not above praying for certain world leaders to get hit by lightning!
It's a good book, but don't think it's as horrible as it's made out to be.
It was slow moving for me but then picked up. I am not so totally gaga over it like most others are but I did like it. We had a very good discussion about it at Book Club and we all agreed that this book is more political than true to life. We threw out the question of whether or not our society could everbe like this. I said NO! I would hope that there would be enough of us that would stand up against this kind of a government and sacrifice ourselves rather than our children. I know I would. But then as we got talking and discussing we discovered that governments like this do exist and have existed throughout the world. So sad...and it makes me angry that there are men who get away with things like this. This is one of those times when I'm not above praying for certain world leaders to get hit by lightning!
It's a good book, but don't think it's as horrible as it's made out to be.
The Red Pyramid
This is the first book in the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan, the same author who wrote my favorite Percy Jackson series. This one is along the same lines only it's Egyptian Mythology instead of Greek. But the children find themselves with supernatural parents and powers. I liked this book and it kept up a pretty good pace, but I have to admit that I didn't like it as much as I loved Percy. I love Egyptian history and I love learning about it, however, I don't know as much as I do about Greek Mythology. Besides, the Egyptians are sort of creepy in some of their beliefs!
Anyway, it's a great read packed with adventure and history and I look forward to the next in this series.
Anyway, it's a great read packed with adventure and history and I look forward to the next in this series.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Forest Born
This is another book from the Bayern series written by Shannon Hales. While I've loved all of her books thus far, I have to admit that I did not like this one as well. The main character is a whiney, scaredy-cat, good for nothin girl. I was so sick of her by the end of the book that I was almost tempted to stop reading the book. The other characters are interesting because it's the favorite Isi, Enna, Dasha and the boy what's his name...my mind has just gone blank...anyway, I wanted to finish it because of them. And, the villain in the book was a total surprise to me! I just had to find out how it ended, not really minding if the main character didn't make it out alright.
Sorry, I don't mean to be harsh. I would recommend all of Shannon's other books to people, but this one I just might "forget" to mention.
Sorry, I don't mean to be harsh. I would recommend all of Shannon's other books to people, but this one I just might "forget" to mention.
Cheaper By the Dozen
I've never seen any of the movies that were made about this book but I LOVED the book! It is so funny and I couldn't put it down. Can you imagine twelve kids? This book is written by two of the older children. Frank Jr. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth.
So, the Father, Frank, is really smart and well educated and gets into this idea of efficency. Cut out all the stuff you don't need to do and stop wasting your own time. If you don't need to do something-don't do it. I loved that he called the daily activities that had to be done "unavoidable delays." These are things like, eating, bathing, sleeping, getting dressed, things like that. He was constantly teaching his children and I just had to laugh at some of his methods. For instance, taking a bath. He felt that there was no reason why you should be in there more than five minutes and to illustrate this he took a bar of soap in his right hand and started down the left arm, left leg up the stomach and passed the soap to his left hand and started down the right side and finished up. He taught the boys this in the tub, the girls he did it fully clothed in the living room on the floor. Hilarious! He wanted to save time even doing those unavoidable delays and tried to do this shaving. He had a shave brush in both hands and then tried shavers in both hands. He was upset because while he did save 44 seconds using both hands, he lost two minutes taking care of the cut on his neck! The children had to listen to French and German language records when they were in their bath and to teach them about morse code he painted messages on the walls and on the ceilings so that they would constantly see them even as they went to bed. If they uncoded the messages it could lead them to a prize! Anyway, these are just a few of the things I loved. Without writing the whole book here! I totally recommend it. It's small and easy reading. It made me want to teach my children in some of these creative ways. One member of the book club pointed out that this book is truly a gift to the younger children of this family because the father died when the youngest was only two. They never knew him and didn't know what life was like for the older children. He ran his house like a business and had the "purchasing committee" to help with the shopping and other things like that. Preparing them to be able to take care of themselves so that their mother wouldn't have the burden of providing for twelve children on her own. And he did a great job. I loved this book! Read it...just writing about it makes me want to go out and buy it and read it again!
So, the Father, Frank, is really smart and well educated and gets into this idea of efficency. Cut out all the stuff you don't need to do and stop wasting your own time. If you don't need to do something-don't do it. I loved that he called the daily activities that had to be done "unavoidable delays." These are things like, eating, bathing, sleeping, getting dressed, things like that. He was constantly teaching his children and I just had to laugh at some of his methods. For instance, taking a bath. He felt that there was no reason why you should be in there more than five minutes and to illustrate this he took a bar of soap in his right hand and started down the left arm, left leg up the stomach and passed the soap to his left hand and started down the right side and finished up. He taught the boys this in the tub, the girls he did it fully clothed in the living room on the floor. Hilarious! He wanted to save time even doing those unavoidable delays and tried to do this shaving. He had a shave brush in both hands and then tried shavers in both hands. He was upset because while he did save 44 seconds using both hands, he lost two minutes taking care of the cut on his neck! The children had to listen to French and German language records when they were in their bath and to teach them about morse code he painted messages on the walls and on the ceilings so that they would constantly see them even as they went to bed. If they uncoded the messages it could lead them to a prize! Anyway, these are just a few of the things I loved. Without writing the whole book here! I totally recommend it. It's small and easy reading. It made me want to teach my children in some of these creative ways. One member of the book club pointed out that this book is truly a gift to the younger children of this family because the father died when the youngest was only two. They never knew him and didn't know what life was like for the older children. He ran his house like a business and had the "purchasing committee" to help with the shopping and other things like that. Preparing them to be able to take care of themselves so that their mother wouldn't have the burden of providing for twelve children on her own. And he did a great job. I loved this book! Read it...just writing about it makes me want to go out and buy it and read it again!
Un-Lun-Dun
This is a fantastic book! It is written by China Mielville (not sure on the last name). It's like an Alice in Wonderland story where things are not as they seem. Hence the name. It's London...but Un. I had a hard time getting into at first, I kept thinking "when is this going to get to the point?!?" And then when it finally got to the story, I was hooked! I Loved the main character. At book club we talked about the author and why he wrote some of the things he did. He said that he hated certain books when he was younger because the "Hero" of the book was stupid and ordinary the "sidekicks" or friends he had with him did all the work and made him who he was. I agree!! I have a real hard time with Frodo in LOTR. He was a whiney baby, weak, and did absolutely nothing but get a lot of people killed. If it hadn't of been for Sam that ring would have never been destroyed!
Anyway, there are a lot of things in this book and it's definitely worth reading and rereading because I think it's like Harry Potter in that you will discover new things that you didn't catch the first time. Basically the story is this, there are two girls one a blond the other a brunette. I can't remember the blonde's name so we'll call her Kat for now and the brunette's name is Deeba. Strange things keep happening to Kat and Deeba notices them too. They get lost through a secret passageway that they stumble across while chasing a suspicious umbrella. They end up in Un-Lun-Dun and everybody thinks that Kat is the "Chosen One" or the "Schwazzy" come to save the people from Smog.Well, things don't turn out how they were supposed to and Deeba complains about home and so she helps her friend get home. But the more Deeba thinks about it, the more things start getting a little confusing and making sense all at the same time. She realizes that the people in Un-Lun-Dun are in serious trouble because the very thing they've been given as protection is actually the very thing that will kill them. She knows that she has to go back and save them. And that's where the adventure kicks in! With the aid of a Tailor, a Half-Ghost boy, a Bird cage head guy, A Conductor, a few careless words, an unlikely weapon and a Deep Diver guy, among many others, Deeba goes back to Un-Lun-Dun to uncover the truth. Read it you will love it! Oh, but a word of caution: Watch out for the giraffes!
Anyway, there are a lot of things in this book and it's definitely worth reading and rereading because I think it's like Harry Potter in that you will discover new things that you didn't catch the first time. Basically the story is this, there are two girls one a blond the other a brunette. I can't remember the blonde's name so we'll call her Kat for now and the brunette's name is Deeba. Strange things keep happening to Kat and Deeba notices them too. They get lost through a secret passageway that they stumble across while chasing a suspicious umbrella. They end up in Un-Lun-Dun and everybody thinks that Kat is the "Chosen One" or the "Schwazzy" come to save the people from Smog.Well, things don't turn out how they were supposed to and Deeba complains about home and so she helps her friend get home. But the more Deeba thinks about it, the more things start getting a little confusing and making sense all at the same time. She realizes that the people in Un-Lun-Dun are in serious trouble because the very thing they've been given as protection is actually the very thing that will kill them. She knows that she has to go back and save them. And that's where the adventure kicks in! With the aid of a Tailor, a Half-Ghost boy, a Bird cage head guy, A Conductor, a few careless words, an unlikely weapon and a Deep Diver guy, among many others, Deeba goes back to Un-Lun-Dun to uncover the truth. Read it you will love it! Oh, but a word of caution: Watch out for the giraffes!
Joan of Arc
That isn't the complete title of the book but I can't remember it. I read it a few months ago for bookclub. Surprise-It's written by Mark Twain!! It was a really good book but I did have a hard time reading it. I LOVE the story of Joan of Arc being a sorta-kinda femi-nazi. I love stories about women who take a stand for what's right and come out above the rest. Even though she gets burned at the stake...you find out the REAL reasons why in this book and makes me even more upset!!
The part I had a hard time dealing with was the angel part. Not that she saw an angel or was counseled by one, but the truth and reality of it. Being LDS I want to know why it's not recorded in any part of the Book of Mormon, Bible, Pearl of Great Price or any other LDS material as happening. It seems to me that this is something designed by God and there is no question in my mind that His hand was in this war and her being a part of it...I just don't know what is fact from fiction in this book. I had to keep reminding myself that this was written by a fiction author and not presented as scripture.
Either way though, it was written beautifully and I loved it. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! One thing that shocked me was that my husband said he had never heard this story before. What?!?! Not even in your history classes?? And to add insult to injury some of the members of the bookclub had never heard the story either. Boy, I love her and admire her and think of her when I am faced with difficult times and choosing right from convenient. So to those who do not know the story of the sixteen year old girl who saved France and ended a horrible war and then was burned at the stake and accused of witch craft I DEFINITELY recommend this book!
The part I had a hard time dealing with was the angel part. Not that she saw an angel or was counseled by one, but the truth and reality of it. Being LDS I want to know why it's not recorded in any part of the Book of Mormon, Bible, Pearl of Great Price or any other LDS material as happening. It seems to me that this is something designed by God and there is no question in my mind that His hand was in this war and her being a part of it...I just don't know what is fact from fiction in this book. I had to keep reminding myself that this was written by a fiction author and not presented as scripture.
Either way though, it was written beautifully and I loved it. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! One thing that shocked me was that my husband said he had never heard this story before. What?!?! Not even in your history classes?? And to add insult to injury some of the members of the bookclub had never heard the story either. Boy, I love her and admire her and think of her when I am faced with difficult times and choosing right from convenient. So to those who do not know the story of the sixteen year old girl who saved France and ended a horrible war and then was burned at the stake and accused of witch craft I DEFINITELY recommend this book!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Pollyanna
I just finished the book "Pollyanna." Great book! Nothing like the movie, but still a great book. It's a junior fiction book so it's a quick read. I had checked a copy out from the library and then this week while I was at the D.I. I found a copy for .75! It said that it was abridged but I couldn't tell what had been cut out.
Anyway, I've always wondered how these extremely positive people do it. I mean, how can you be so happy and always see the glass as half full? I have to admit that sometimes I found myself getting annoyed that she was so "glad" about everything! But, I guess attitude is everything isn't it. As I was reading the book I was trying to decide which character I was most like. I'd have to say that I'm probably like Nancy. She could see things for what they were but tried to make the best of it. She did things to please other people and make it easier for Pollyanna to adjust to a new life that she didn't quite understand.
The movie is one of my favorites when I need a good pick me up and reminder that life really isn't as bad as it seems. (plus that Dr. Chilton sure is a looker!!) There truly is something "glad" about every situation. Today I was put to the test with that. My husband's car decided to leave this life and move on to the "other side." So now we need to get a new car that we really can't afford. So, what can I be glad about? I guess I can be glad that it lasted 15 years without any major problems and that when it decided to go it did it without making us put a lot into it. So now we just move on to the next adventure and try to be positive about what it will bring us...right?!?!
Anyway, I've always wondered how these extremely positive people do it. I mean, how can you be so happy and always see the glass as half full? I have to admit that sometimes I found myself getting annoyed that she was so "glad" about everything! But, I guess attitude is everything isn't it. As I was reading the book I was trying to decide which character I was most like. I'd have to say that I'm probably like Nancy. She could see things for what they were but tried to make the best of it. She did things to please other people and make it easier for Pollyanna to adjust to a new life that she didn't quite understand.
The movie is one of my favorites when I need a good pick me up and reminder that life really isn't as bad as it seems. (plus that Dr. Chilton sure is a looker!!) There truly is something "glad" about every situation. Today I was put to the test with that. My husband's car decided to leave this life and move on to the "other side." So now we need to get a new car that we really can't afford. So, what can I be glad about? I guess I can be glad that it lasted 15 years without any major problems and that when it decided to go it did it without making us put a lot into it. So now we just move on to the next adventure and try to be positive about what it will bring us...right?!?!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison
Well, another great series has ended. I have to say that I looovvveeeddd this book! It grabbed me right from the get-go! I love it when that happens. You just know the whole book is going to be good. I don't have one negative thing to say about it, except that I'm sad it's over. What a ride! I liked these books just as much as Harry Potter. They are refreshing in that they are something new and they are all exciting. I kept saying to myself "Oh how are they going to get out of this one?" And I was always satisfied in what happens. Brandon Mull is a really great author and he doesn't make it to unbelievable for me. I think that how they get out of situations could be true to life and not too far fetched. Although I do have to say that if these demons were so powerful then how could two teenagers beat them with ease? But, the more I think about it maybe they were "destined" to be the ones and that's what their mission on earth was. They also were able to get the right "weapons" they needed to defeat these bad guys. Sometimes I like the battles to have a little more stealth to them, but they were still pretty exciting!
You can also tell that he is an LDS author. There are many things in there that could be gospel related, but that's just my opinion. I was glad that the book had a happy ending and I feel he tied up the loose ends nicely but left you thirsting for more only because they are sooooo gooooood! do Bracken and Kendra end up together? What about Seth? Does he figure out what his skills and talents are as a shadow charmer? And Kendra, is there more to her than meets the eye being fairykind? Oh, so many more questions that I would love to have answered...but I think he does a great job at ending the series. He has a few new books coming out within the next year or so and I will definitely be reading them. This is a series that I will go and buy and share with my kids when they are a little older. I love that my 7 yr old daughter is getting better at reading because there are so many books that I want her to read and the Fablehaven series is at the top of my list! I hope they make a movie out of this. I wonder who'll they'll get to play Bracken?? Hopefully somebody better than Rob Pattinson as Edward!
Thanks Brandon Mull! It's been a pleasure reading your books! :)
You can also tell that he is an LDS author. There are many things in there that could be gospel related, but that's just my opinion. I was glad that the book had a happy ending and I feel he tied up the loose ends nicely but left you thirsting for more only because they are sooooo gooooood! do Bracken and Kendra end up together? What about Seth? Does he figure out what his skills and talents are as a shadow charmer? And Kendra, is there more to her than meets the eye being fairykind? Oh, so many more questions that I would love to have answered...but I think he does a great job at ending the series. He has a few new books coming out within the next year or so and I will definitely be reading them. This is a series that I will go and buy and share with my kids when they are a little older. I love that my 7 yr old daughter is getting better at reading because there are so many books that I want her to read and the Fablehaven series is at the top of my list! I hope they make a movie out of this. I wonder who'll they'll get to play Bracken?? Hopefully somebody better than Rob Pattinson as Edward!
Thanks Brandon Mull! It's been a pleasure reading your books! :)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian
Well, I've finally finished the Percy Jackson series. I loved this series!! I loved the last book just as much as I loved all the others. I felt that it ended pretty well. It left me wanting more though. I think just because I didn't want it to end. I love how Rick Riordan writes. He gives plenty of detail but doesn't take 5 pages to do it. They are action packed and educational. I loved learning about the Greek Gods. I won't spoil it for you but it's a great read. If you haven't started this series already-do it!
So, this book is the last of the Percy Jackson series, but he's got another series with Camp Half-Blood coming out this fall I believe. However, for those of us who are chomping at the bit, he's got another series coming out in May and it's about the Egyptian Gods! I can't wait for this one. I love history and learning about it in fictitous ways makes it more exciting. You can read the first chapter of his new book on his website which is www.rickriordan.com enjoy!
So, this book is the last of the Percy Jackson series, but he's got another series with Camp Half-Blood coming out this fall I believe. However, for those of us who are chomping at the bit, he's got another series coming out in May and it's about the Egyptian Gods! I can't wait for this one. I love history and learning about it in fictitous ways makes it more exciting. You can read the first chapter of his new book on his website which is www.rickriordan.com enjoy!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Screwtape Letters
Wow! It's been a long time since I've posted! Been so busy with life that I haven't had time to really sit down and read. So, this post will have quite a few books that I've read in the last few months.
First up, "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. I have to admit that this is not my favorite of his. I liked the idea and where it was going, but it was a very difficult book to get into. It's about two devils, Screwtape, who is the "senior" devil, and his nephew Wormwood, who is the "junior". The letters are all written to Wormwood giving him advice and guidance on how to snare "the patient" as we humans are referred as. The interesting part, is that it goes through individual ideas of sin and what may be the devil's logic and thinking on certain aspects of life. It refers to the Savior as the Enemy and Satan as our Father, so that took some getting used to. I liked that it makes Satan a real person to me. I forget that he really is out there and that he has many minions working for him and that they are all really ticked-off that I have a body and they don't. I didn't like that the letters were all one sided. I would have liked to have read what Wormwood wrote to his uncle, it might have made the story easier to follow.
I also started reading his book called "Miracles." This is another one that just didn't grab me. He's trying to prove that miracles happen and that there is a higher power at force here and not everything can be proven with science...or is he? That's how he starts the book out anyway, but as I read on I was confused about what his argument really was and felt that maybe he had switched ideas. Anyway, there are some good quotes in there but confusing. Maybe it was just the state of mind I was in...having just had my baby and all.
So, final verdict...if you are going to read a C.S. Lewis book that is not in the Narnia Chronicles, stick with "Mere Christianity." That's my favorite so far!
First up, "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. I have to admit that this is not my favorite of his. I liked the idea and where it was going, but it was a very difficult book to get into. It's about two devils, Screwtape, who is the "senior" devil, and his nephew Wormwood, who is the "junior". The letters are all written to Wormwood giving him advice and guidance on how to snare "the patient" as we humans are referred as. The interesting part, is that it goes through individual ideas of sin and what may be the devil's logic and thinking on certain aspects of life. It refers to the Savior as the Enemy and Satan as our Father, so that took some getting used to. I liked that it makes Satan a real person to me. I forget that he really is out there and that he has many minions working for him and that they are all really ticked-off that I have a body and they don't. I didn't like that the letters were all one sided. I would have liked to have read what Wormwood wrote to his uncle, it might have made the story easier to follow.
I also started reading his book called "Miracles." This is another one that just didn't grab me. He's trying to prove that miracles happen and that there is a higher power at force here and not everything can be proven with science...or is he? That's how he starts the book out anyway, but as I read on I was confused about what his argument really was and felt that maybe he had switched ideas. Anyway, there are some good quotes in there but confusing. Maybe it was just the state of mind I was in...having just had my baby and all.
So, final verdict...if you are going to read a C.S. Lewis book that is not in the Narnia Chronicles, stick with "Mere Christianity." That's my favorite so far!
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