Saturday, January 02, 2010
Books read in 2009
Monday, September 07, 2009
Updated Literary Crushes
Back in October 2007, I made a list of my Top 10 Literary Crushes. I don't know why, but for some reason I was thinking about this list earlier today, and I thought it would be fun to 'update' it.
So, here are the "Ten Literary Characters I Would Totally Make Out With If I Were Single and They Were Real But I'm Not, Single I Mean; I Am Real -- But I'm Also Happily Married and Want To Stay That Way, So Maybe We Should Forget This..."
1. Edward Cullen, the Twilight saga
2. Peeta Mellark, The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (Have I already mentioned that I adore him? I have?)
3. Prince Po, Graceling by Kristin Cashore (just thinking about his gold and silver eyes makes me melt!)
4. Max Pesaro, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason
5. Miach of Neroche, The Nine Kingdoms series by Lynn Kurland
6. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice
7. Rhys de Piaget and Robin de Piaget (or any de Piaget male for that matter!), Lynn Kurland books
8. Gilbert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables
9. Joshua Steed, The Work and the Glory series by Gerald N. Lund
10. Luke Brandon, Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella
My list from 2007:
1. Edward Cullen, the Twilight saga
2. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice
3. Gilbert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables
4. Joshua Steed, The Work and the Glory series by Gerald Lund
5. Max Pesaro, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason
6. Rhett Butler, Gone With the Wind
7. Sebastian Vioget, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles
8. The Scarlet Pimpernel
9. Jamie Fraser, Outlander series
10. TBA
I think it's funny that I couldn't even come up with 10 when I first made this list. And I was surprised at how far down Mr. Darcy ended up this time around! I feel somewhat guilty that he's only #6! No surprise that Edward is #1 again, though. I think he'll stay there forever...
So, here are the "Ten Literary Characters I Would Totally Make Out With If I Were Single and They Were Real But I'm Not, Single I Mean; I Am Real -- But I'm Also Happily Married and Want To Stay That Way, So Maybe We Should Forget This..."
1. Edward Cullen, the Twilight saga
2. Peeta Mellark, The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (Have I already mentioned that I adore him? I have?)
3. Prince Po, Graceling by Kristin Cashore (just thinking about his gold and silver eyes makes me melt!)
4. Max Pesaro, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason
5. Miach of Neroche, The Nine Kingdoms series by Lynn Kurland
6. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice
7. Rhys de Piaget and Robin de Piaget (or any de Piaget male for that matter!), Lynn Kurland books
8. Gilbert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables
9. Joshua Steed, The Work and the Glory series by Gerald N. Lund
10. Luke Brandon, Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella
My list from 2007:
1. Edward Cullen, the Twilight saga
2. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice
3. Gilbert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables
4. Joshua Steed, The Work and the Glory series by Gerald Lund
5. Max Pesaro, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason
6. Rhett Butler, Gone With the Wind
7. Sebastian Vioget, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles
8. The Scarlet Pimpernel
9. Jamie Fraser, Outlander series
10. TBA
I think it's funny that I couldn't even come up with 10 when I first made this list. And I was surprised at how far down Mr. Darcy ended up this time around! I feel somewhat guilty that he's only #6! No surprise that Edward is #1 again, though. I think he'll stay there forever...
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.If you loved The Hunger Games, you will love Catching Fire! I don't want to say too much about it and end up spoiling something for those who haven't read it, but I will say that Suzanne Collins took this book in a direction I hadn't anticipated . . . and I couldn't have asked for a more compelling story. I laughed, I cried, I gasped in disbelief. I loved every amazing moment. And, of course, there is the love triangle. If you haven't already chosen sides -- Peeta or Gale -- be prepared to do so. We all know I'm rooting for PEETA. I adore him!
Once again, my only complaint is that it ended too soon! And now I have to wait until next year for the conclusion. I hope it passes quickly.
5/5
Friday, August 28, 2009
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.With these words, the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone mansion on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew. For in every corner of every room were phantoms of a time dead but not forgotten—a past devotedly preserved by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers: a suite immaculate and untouched, clothing laid out and ready to be worn, but not by any of the great house's current occupants. With an eerie presentiment of evil tightening her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter walked in the shadow of her mysterious predecessor, determined to uncover the darkest secrets and shattering truths about Maxim's first wife—the late and hauntingly beautiful Rebecca.
When I began this book, I was immediately pulled into the world of Maxim and Mrs. de Winter. (I found it interesting that we are never told Mrs. de Winter's name, and only two references are ever made to it: first, when she receives a note from Maxim and says "my name was on the envelope, and spelt correctly, an unusual thing," and secondly when she meets up with Maxim and he says "You have a very lovely and unusual name." I really wanted to know what her name was; though it wouldn't have added anything to the story, it would definitely have satisfied my curiosity!)
Throughout the last 150 or so pages -- and after I had finished -- I wondered to myself why Rebecca wasn't on the list of the 100 Greatest Novels that I had found. It has been called "the unsurpassed modern masterpiece of romantic suspense," and while I myself am no judge as to whether or not that's true, I can say that I think it's an incredible novel, one that I had a hard time putting down.
4.75/5
Friday, January 02, 2009
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
There were thirteen "Districts" in the nation of Panem, once called North America, but District 13 led a rebellion against the all-powerful Capitol and was destroyed as a result. To keep the other 12 districts in line, the Capitol devised the Hunger Games, an annual televised fight to the death. Two tributes from each district, one boy and one girl aged 12 to 18, are chosen to compete in the Hunger Games. Of the 24 tributes thrown together, there can only be one winner; the tributes must do whatever they can to be the last person standing.When 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen's younger sister Prim's name is chosen as the female tribute for District 12, Katniss steps in and volunteers herself to take Prim's place. Prim asks Katniss to survive; Katniss tells Prim that she'll try her best to get back to Prim and their mother.
The male tribute chosen from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, the baker's son who had once showed compassion for a starving Katniss by sneaking her two loaves of bread from the bakery.
Katniss and Peeta join the other tributes in the Capitol, where they are prepped for the big fight. They are given a team of stylists, whose job it is to make the tributes look as attractive as possible in the hopes of obtaining sponsors who will donate gifts of food and medicine during the Games. These gifts could mean the difference between life and death.
It is during their time in the Capitol that Katniss and Peeta's mentor, Haymitch -- a former District 12 winner of the Hunger Games -- encourages Katniss and Peeta to act like they are in love with each other, hoping to attract fans and support. Peeta is only too happy to comply with Haymitch's idea, and does a great job of acting the part of a young man in love. But Katniss finds the task difficult. When she, Peeta, and the other tributes are left to fend for themselves in a Capitol-controlled environment, anything can happen. Should Katniss and Peeta keep up their lovers' charade for the people watching the Games at home, and try to help each other stay alive? Or should they split up, knowing that one or both of them may be killed?
I loved this book! It was compelling, exciting, and a wonderfully captivating read. I couldn't put it down. My only disappointment came at the end, when the story ended without a resolution and I discovered that The Hunger Games is only the first book in a planned trilogy. I'm not disappointed that I'll have to read the remaining two books to continue the story -- in fact, I am very much looking forward to reading more about these characters (I ended up with quite a crush on Peeta!), and resuming the story where it left off (with quite a cliffhanger) -- but I'm disappointed that I have to wait until the next book comes out in September!
Read this book. You won't regret it.
5/5
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Eclipse thoughts: Sorry Mr. Darcy, you've been replaced!
"Isabella Swan?" He looked up at me though his impossibly long lashes, his golden eyes soft but, somehow, still scorching. "I promise to love you forever -- every single day of forever. Will you marry me?"There were many things I wanted to say, some of them not nice at all, and others more disgustingly gooey and romantic than he probably dreamed I was capable of. Rather than embarrass myself with either, I whispered, "Yes."
"Thank you," he said simply. He took my left hand and kissed each of my fingertips before he kissed the ring that was now mine. (p. 460)
It took me quite a few days to get through Eclipse this time around, but I can blame that on the visitors we've had (my parents!!) as well as errands and just being tired from too many late nights. I enjoyed Eclipse even more this time than I did the first time I read it (I liked New Moon more the second time as well, since I could better see how it "fit" into the series; Twilight is still my favorite, though), and since I still have plenty of time until Breaking Dawn is released, I think I may give Eclipse another read, so that the story is really fresh in my mind before I start Breaking Dawn.
Some thoughts on Eclipse:
* Bella was being extremely selfish when she gave Edward her ultimatum - 'either let me be there when you fight, or stay out of it and let your family and the wolves do all the fighting.' I can't believe how incredibly immature and selfish she was being! These others are fighting to keep her safe and alive, and they can use all the help they can get. To make Edward sit out because she "can't stand it if you leave me again" (p. 419) is incredibly self-centered. First, to hurt Edward so badly saying something like that, and then to make him either bring her along to the fight or skip it altogether is just showing her true colors. (I looked back at the title of that chapter, and it was very appropriately entitled "Selfish.")
* Bella having the epiphany that she's in love with Jacob still really annoys me. And it annoys me that she kisses him -- no, she begs him to kiss her. Here she has this perfect man vampire who would do anything for her and she's kissing another man werewolf. I understand that the time Bella and Jake had together when Edward was gone (in New Moon) led them to build a good friendship, so I guess I can understand that she'd have strong feelings for Jacob. But to be in love with him? I just don't like it.
* Edward's proposal to Bella is incredibly sweet. I loved it the first time I read it, and I love it still. He's so understanding and good. Even when Bella is crying on his shoulder after she tells Jacob that they can't be anything more than friends, Edward is considerate and understanding and kind to her. She's shedding tears over another man she loves, and Edward just holds her and asks if she really wants to be with him (Edward). "Bella . . . are you sure? Did you make the right choice? I've never seen you in so much pain. . . . If it hurts you so much, how can it be the right thing for you?" (p. 610). He's suuuuuch a good guy! But I do love Bella's response to him. She grabs her tattered copy of Wuthering Heights and searches for the perfect passage to describe her feelings for Edward: " 'If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.' . . . I know exactly what she [Cathy] means. And I know who I can't live without." (p. 611) I just reeeeaaaaallly hope Bella continues to put Edward first.
* I love the discussion between Bella and Jacob that leads to how the title of the book applies, on pages 599-600. Jacob tells Bella that he'd be better for her than Edward is; Edward is like a drug to her, and she therefore can't live without him. But he'd be like the air, the sun. Bella says: "I used to think of you that way, you know. Like the sun. My personal sun. You balanced out the clouds nicely for me." Then Jacob responds: "The clouds I can handle. But I can't fight with an eclipse." Such a powerful image! It really stood out to me. Edward overshadows Jacob in so many ways.
* I had totally forgotten that Jacob leaves at the end of Eclipse! I was reading some things about Breaking Dawn (I've been on Goodreads' Twilight group discussion page, and there are some really interesting theories being tossed around), and someone said that Stephenie Meyer has said that she won't be bringing Jacob back in Breaking Dawn. I scoff at that; how can she not bring him back? I don't like Jacob all that much, but he's been such an integral part of the story; Stephenie Meyer can't just leave him out of Breaking Dawn. And I don't think she will.
* Okay, I know I've bagged on Jacob a lot, but my experiences in rereading New Moon and Eclipse have made me more sympathetic of him. He really is a good guy, even though he's not Edward! And while I still wholeheartedly want Edward and Bella to be together, I guess I am slightly more willing to forgive Stephenie Meyer if she has decided to put Bella and Jacob together at the end. But only slightly (as in, maybe 2 percent! I'm still an Edward girl, after all, and I'm hoping Jacob will "imprint" on someone else!) I was discussing this with a friend the other day, and she said that she doesn't care who Bella ends up with. Unlike me, she won't have a heart attack if Bella doesn't end up with Edward. She can go either way. I understand her reasoning, and if I wasn't such an Edward fan I may say the same thing. There are pros and cons to both relationships, obviously. But I've become too caught up in everything Edward. He's just meant to be with Bella. He's certainly replaced Mr. Darcy as my #1 literary crush!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
New Moon finished. On to Eclipse.
Well, I finished New Moon a short while ago. I read 401 pages of it yesterday (staying up until 1am to read!), and really enjoyed myself. It's still not as good as the other two books, but it's enjoyable enough. There's just not enough Edward. The first 100 pages were great, as were the last 100 pages (or so) -- but that's mostly because Edward was involved. Sure, I'm glad that Jacob was there for Bella after Edward left her, and I'm glad they became such good friends (even though Jacob really annoys me sometimes!), but I'm still 100% an Edward girl. I could read about him all day long.I had forgotten how mean both Edward and Jacob were to Bella in this one. I got a bit teary when Edward left. I understand why he was being so mean to Bella, but it made me really sad for her. And as much as Bella loves Edward and is ecstatic to have him back at the end (heck, I'd feel the same way!), I find that her acceptance of his presence in her life again came a bit too easily. Maybe I'm just mean, but I think I would have made him work a bit harder to win me back -- especially after the way he left! But I would have forgiven him eventually, of course. He's Edward, after all.
Nah -- on second thought, I'd have acted the same way Bella did. I would have taken him back, arms wide open, in an instant. He's Edward, after all!
And now on to Eclipse. I don't remember a whole lot about this one, but I remember that I loved it. I'm so excited to start!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Twilight finished. On to New Moon.
About three things I was absolutely positive:First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him–and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be–that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
Oh my goodness, I love Twilight! I lovelovelove Edward! I love the way he looks out for Bella and watches over her. I just love it.
And, of course, in New Moon he's not around as much as I (and countless other Edward fans) would like. I think Edward being away makes New Moon drag on a bit, but maybe this second reading will be better for me! Maybe I'll end up liking New Moon just as much as Twilight and Eclipse. . .but probably not! There's just TOO MUCH Jacob and NOT ENOUGH Edward in New Moon!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Katherine ~ Anya Seton
Katherine, first published in 1954, is considered one of the greatest love stories of all time. I can see why.At sixteen years of age, Katherine de Roet, a peasant girl (whose sister was lady-in-waiting to King Edward III's queen, Philippa), married Sir Hugh Swynford, a knight in King Edward's court. She bore Hugh two children, Thomas and Blanche, before Hugh died several years into the marriage. The years she was married to Hugh, she also bore an intense love for John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and the King's third son. With Katherine now a widow, she and John give in to their desire for each other and embark on a long-term love affair, which produced four children. And this is a love story with a happy ending; after years spent apart in the aftermath of a painful rift, John and Katherine reunite and are married.
With the backdrop of England in the 14th century, Katherine is a beautiful novel about an enduring love. At 500 pages long, the novel is filled with a plethora of medieval history. Katherine and John of Gaunt were real people, which makes this breathtaking tale of love all the more fascinating. Anya Seton did such an amazing job, not only in describing the horrors of the Plague and the peasant revolts, but also in conveying 14th century court life and the feelings of the characters. She wrote one heck of a love story!
As with all historical novels, the reader isn't sure exactly what is factually based and what isn't. But from the small bit of research I've done on Katherine and John since finishing the book, I've discovered that Katherine is indeed a well-researched, accurate novel.
And I loved it.
5/5
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