Mansfield Park

I really love Jane Austen, although I'll admit that I've only read one of her books, Sense and Sensibility. And I didn't actually get all the way through it. And not because of what you think. See, I've seen almost all the movies. (Mansfield Park is the only one I haven't seen.) So when I started reading Sense and Sensibility, I realized it's exactly like the movie. So I stopped reading and just put on the movie again.

I decided to go old school and actually read the book this time. Well, it was read to me. Audio book is the way to go with this. The British accent alone is worth it. Plus, my guess is that it's easier to follow than reading it on my own.

The story is precious. The language is beautiful. Really, the book is a piece of art. And while it's not her best work, it's definitely worth reading. Now I'm off to watch the movie.

The White Queen

Not believable. That's what this book is. It's historical fiction and apparently it's supposed to be more fact than fiction in this novel by Philippa Gregory. Which is why I was thrown off (and put off) by the witchcraft in the book. I don't mind books with witches in them (especially because of the fear and popular notion of witchcraft during this time era), but when they can make storms come and mist appear, it moves from interesting to stupid...quickly. If she had left those parts out, the book would be commendable.

Other than that, The White Queen was an okay book. It kept my attention and I learned a lot about the War of the Roses. I enjoyed that there wasn't a character that I loved fully. I both hated and loved most of them, which seems very authentic of royals in that time who are fighting, manipulating, and turn-coating for the throne.

I can't say I'd recommend this book and I certainly won't be reading her sequals to this series, but I will read The Other Boleyn Girl. I've heard that is excellent.

Deathly Deception

I got about a quarter of a way through this book, then skimmed another quarter then said "it would take a very special person to enjoy this book". Although the 6 reviews on Amazon.com give it a 4 star, it is a very difficult book to read. It had such potential, too.

It's nonfiction about the real story of Operation Mincemeat, in which the allies intelligence agencies try to mislead Hitler by throwing false intelligence documents overboard in hopes they will reach land and fall into the wrong hands. Intriguing, right?

Here's where it went wrong: too much detail. This book is written for really smart people who already know a lot about WW2 and all the ins and outs of military stuff. If this book was written for laymen (and women), it could have been great. As it is, I couldn't get through it and wouldn't recommend it unless you were really into WW2.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

This is one of those books where you finish it and you wish there were 1000 more pages. Everything was perfect about this historical fiction novel. The setting is England and France during the Reign of Terror after the start of the French Revolution. And that makes it sounds dreary. It's not. It's a mystery and adventure book. It's a love story. It's beautiful language.

Caveat: in an effort to be authentic in language and accent it is a little difficult to read at first until you get to know the characters and what's going on. The beginning is setting up a lot of characters and is a little odious but after finishing the book I realize all the tedious set up is very important. It made me understand and care about the characters. Then you get lost in the story, the clothes, the manners, and the gorgeous language of the late 1700s.

I can't say much about this book...if you choose to read it, DO NOT FIND OUT WHAT IT'S ABOUT!!!!!! Was I loud enough?!

Here's a basic plot summary: French people are sending hundreds of French Aristocrats to the guillotine just for being apart of the aristocracy. There is an Englishman who goes by the name of The Scarlet Pimpernel (an English flower) who goes into France and rescues some of them. The French don't like it and try to find out who the man is. That's all you need (and should) know before reading this.

If you are an English major or just love literature...this is a must read. You have to think a little bit in the beginning, but once you place all the characters, it sucks you in and is a page turner.

Champion

I have read a TON of Dystopian genre these past 2-3 years. And I am tired of it. So, when I say that I loved this series (especially this last book of the trilogy) it has some weight. Legend was the first. Prodigy was the second.

The book got off to a slow start for me. I felt that Lu tried too hard in the relationship between Day and June and it felt inauthentic. Although now that I finished the book, her build up of relational tension makes sense since you need to feel a certain way for the end to count emotionally.

Champion is a clever book politically. And I felt the balance between the political angst and the relational angst of Day and June was good. There are interested characters throughout the novel and interesting plot developments.

If you enjoy other books in the genre, you will love this one. The ending was well done as well. Not tragic like Allegiant. Not happy like The Hunger Games. A good balance of beautiful sacrifice that will make you cry, but not leave you heavy hearted.

East

This is not the kind of book I gravitate toward. It's basically a fairy tale. There are trolls, a Troll Queen, enchantment, ice palaces, and more. While it was a good story and it was a quick read, I wouldn't say it's a must read unless you really like reading fairy tales.

However, I did give it to my 9-year-old girl to read. Boys would also enjoy it though. The reading level is high enough for my daughter (it will challenge her a bit because of the names of places and people!), but the material is appropriate for her. There are still some heavy topics in this book (slavery, kidnapping, murder, people tossed overboard in a storm and dying, witchcraft), but no more than a traditional fairy tale. And told in a non-detailed kind of way.

Overall, I enjoyed the book enough to not regret reading it and may recommend it to certain people or if you are looking for a very light read. If you have kids, I would recommend them to read it. I have a feeling that it would be a childhood favorite.

Otherwise, skip it and move on to a more adult book.

A Wrinkle in Time

I never read this as a child. Boy, did I miss out. And while I loved it as an adult, I think it would have been truly magical to read as a child.

The world that L'Engle creates is wonderful, full of good and evil, tessering, and the Trinity in disguise. Not only is the story a good one with good writing, but the underlying spiritual message is wonderful. I highly recommend this book for not only adults, but for children.