Graceling Review

Graceling 

by Kristin Cashore

 

His eyes, Katsa had never seen such eyes. One was silver, and the other, gold. They glowed in his sun-darkened face, uneven, and strange. She was surprised that they hadn't shone in the darkness of their first meeting. They didn't seem human....

Then he raised his eyebrows a hair, and his mouth shifted into the hint of a smirk. He nodded at her, just barely, and it released her from her spell.

Cocky, she thought. Cocky and arrogant, this one, and that was all there was to make of him. Whatever game he was playing, if he expected her to join him he would be disappointed.

In a world where people born with an extreme skill—called a Grace—are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.


My Review: 7/10

Plot line was really predictable at times. Characters were likeable, relatable, though the two main were getting on my nerves a lot by the end- too whiny. Decently well written. Despite being soaked in violence, most of the time I didn't feel it was overdone.

The villain was definitely creepy, enough that, despite his rather limited involvement, I probably wouldn't have read this book knowing that was the realm of evil I was getting involved in.

Truly, I felt the novel did well enough on it's own that a sequel wasn't necessary. So I kind of wonder how it's going to go in the next book.

The Giver Review

The Giver (The Giver Quartet #1)

by Lois Lowry

 

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.


My Review: 7/10

** spoiler alert **
I've read a lot of dystopian novels recently, so maybe that's why it didn't make as lasting of an impact. Overall though, a good book. Full of meaning, without the depressing heaviness that can accompany the topic matter. It was a little slow for the first few chapters, but then it really picked up pace. I think it was well written, especially as the lack of color was a complete surprise to me. I'm looking forward to seeing how the story progresses. 

A Curse Dark As Gold Review

A Curse Dark As Gold

by Elizabeth C. Bunce

This ravishing winner of the ALA's William C. Morris YA Debut Award is a fairy tale, spun with a mystery, woven with a family story, and shot through with romance.

Charlotte Miller has always scoffed at talk of a curse on her family's woolen mill, which holds her beloved small town together. But after her father's death, the bad luck piles up: departing workers, impossible debts, an overbearing uncle. Then a stranger named Jack Spinner offers a tempting proposition: He can turn straw into gold thread, for the small price of her mother's ring. As Charlotte is drawn deeper into her bargains with Spinner-and a romance with the local banker-she must unravel the truth of the curse on the mill and save the community she's always called home.
















My Review: 8.5/10
  
This high of a rating usually means that this is something i will want to read again and again. not the case here. part of me wishes i had never started reading it to begin with. despite a happily resolved ending filled with hope and a bright future, with the skeletons of the past peacefully buried, the story is riddled with sinister and violent happenings. the creepy tone that seeps forth from the pages was too all-consuming.

elizabeth bunce did an amazing job with the story telling and i agree with her that this is a much better rendition of rumpelstiltskin. but the stories i read latch themselves firmly on to my being, and it is my nature to prefer novels with more light than darkness, more humor than despair and more hope than fear. to anyone who does not share my easily affected constitution, i would recommend this book.

i disagree with ms bunce as well as many other reviewers regarding the names. i know that in history a lot of people did get their last names from their professions, and this certainly helped me to remember who they were quicker, but i didnt feel that these direct names gave them strength or made them more solid. quite the contrary, i felt that it made them seem more indistinct, like vapor; most of these names, i will not remember or think of again.

charlotte, rosie, and randall are all characters worth knowing and growing attached to. and the messages of honesty, family, forgiveness and justice are all themes we could do with more of in our lives.

The Apothecary's Daughter Review

The Apothecary's Daughter

by Julie Klassen  

 

LILLY HASWELL REMEMBERS EVERYTHING --- WHETHER SHE WANTS TO, OR NOT ...

As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond --- of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for --- the truth of the past and a love for the future?



My Review: 4/10

I felt that this novel went on for way too long. I was surprised by the way some of the characters' loose ends were tied up. Lilly was likeable but I felt that she passed from man to man way too easily and without any real feeling. Her father's disgrace was not pretty. I had hoped for the best for her mother til the bitter end. One of the reasons that I like reading pieces set during this time is that there is less debauchery and less scandal. Emotions, attachments, etc weigh so much more heavily and are so much more pure. I didn't feel that this story represented that very well at all.

The Colonel's Lady Review

The Colonel's Lady

by Laura Frantz

 

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own—some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him?



My Review: 5/10

  some aspects were definitely interesting, but i felt the story could have, sometimes should have, ended several times over. the constant crying got a bit old and if it werent for the overuse of the word "winsome" (apx every other page) I would have given it 6/10- if im too distracted by the word use to take in the story, its too much. i liked 5 feathers' involvement. and though i suspected either hank, bella or micajah (sp?) I was never certain, so that was well done.

Insurgent Review

Insurgent

by Veronica Roth (Goodreads Author)

 

One choice can transform you, or destroy you. Every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves, and herself, while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

 

 

 

 

 My Review: 8.5/10 

 

It was a little slow going for the first half and Tris was really irritating me with the constant contradictions (ie I am strong, I am not strong. I can do this, but I can't do this). It was a whole lot of nothing. Maybe I'm not very compassionate and/or maybe it was supposed to show her confusion and numbness, but I really just found it ineffective and annoying. The second half was so much better. I liked the conversations with Jeanine. And I thought the ending was great too. If nothing else, I would at least say that this book stands alone and does not succumb to the "middle book syndrome." Looking forward to reading "Detergent" when it comes out in a little over a year. :]

 

 

The Help

I finally got to read the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Don't worry, I'm not going to provide plot synopsis or spoilers. This is a quick enough read that you should check it out for yourself.

There are several different covers you may see: This one,

this one,

Or this one.

It was just as good as I'd heard. I'm not usually a fan of books written from multiple points of view, preferring to connect with one person at a time, but this was done well and I felt it was appropriate. I love period pieces. Usually I prefer ones written then over those that are simply set in a particular time period for two reasons. First, the more obvious issue is anachronisms. I like to learn about daily life in history and it doesn't help if I learn it wrong because the writers don't do thorough enough research. More troubling is when the mindsets are off.

(For example, I have had a hard time getting my hands on the original Nancy Drew books, because they are rare. Thankfully, they have reprinted the originally published books (though they are still hard to find) because fans have complained that the politically-correct, watered down versions that had replaced the originals since 1959 are a poor imitation. Yes, there is racism and stereotyping, but those books unapologetically represent a worldview from back then. They show how far we've come and help to explain why things were the way they were, why people thought and behaved the way they did. Which brings me to the point. I've been disappointed by a tendency to put a modern heroine or a heroine that holds none of the cultural influences of that time, in a period novel. It throws everything off.)

Though I cannot say for sure, since I was not alive during the 60's and apart from Nancy Drew books, I have not read a lot of work from that particular time period, I thought Stockett did a wonderful job with both lifestyle and mentality of 3 very different cultures from the time: the black women, southern white women and northern white women. I brand Skeeter a northern white woman despite being born and raised in the south because of her desire to live up north and the way that fits in with the northern movements and culture more and more throughout the book. It was insightful and impactful and fascinating. I liked that Skeeter was different but not in an unheard-of way. She was strong but still doubted herself, which made her relatable. It's human nature to want to be accepted and liked, but I have so much respect for an author who shows the reality of isolation, rejection, and dealing with it. Not to mention, sacrifice for a worthy cause never fails to be inspiring. I think it says a lot when a book about writing a book makes me wish I could also read the fictitious book.

I'm not sure if it's realistic, but I was worried about graphic violence and I was relieved to see that while it was present, it was in the periphery and not where the book was ultimately leading.

Now I have to hunt down the movie! I'm glad I held off seeing it until I could read the book, but I have faith- Emma Stone is one of my favorite actresses and I trust that she will do Skeeter justice.

.... Part deux

My highschool French rears its ugly head at the oddest of moments, I'll admit.

Moving on.We were on the topic of June highlights.

*I had two successful Premier shows, which were low key and fun. I was a little nervous because I'd been out of practice; I had 3 shows in May, two of which were cancelled, and one of which really amounted to nothing. Long story. So really, it had been over TWO MONTHS since my last show. It was really good though. I finally feel like I'm getting back in the swing of things.

*The girls got to go to a birthday party and we took them to see Annie at the Benedum last week. I was still really sick, so it was kind of torturous for me, but they LOVED it. Also, Sally Struthers of Gilmore fame ("Babette") played Miss Hannigan, which was so neat to see. We were invited to the cast after party, but I was too sick to go. I still feel kinda bummed about that.

*And the girls have gotten to spend a lot of time with Grandma lately. Pam takes them for the day on most Saturdays and they look forward to it all week. It's been nice for me of course, because I get some kiddo-free time, which usually involves getting caught up on housework/house projects. But it's been so wonderful, because I've felt so guilty for years; our parents were not ready to be grandparents- they were all still raising kids of their own. And I felt so bad that we robbed our daughters of having those relationships and memories that were so important to me when I was growing up. But now it seems like things are falling into place. I couldn't be more grateful to Pam for finding time in her crazy busy schedule to see them consistently. It means so, so much to them and to me.

So those are the highlights. Apart from two book posts, it will probably be a while til I post another update- July is kind of jam packed. We've got a lot to look forward to and a lot to be thankful for. Hope everyone else is enjoying their summer!

Monthly Report

It has gotten to the point that the majority of my posts are an update from a period of a month or more. This means that, as I'm not creative enough to think of varying synonyms for "Update", rather than have 12 posts with the same name, I've had to enlist the help of my trusty thesaurus. I'm sure that if I keep this pace up, the titles will stray further and further from the initial intent, as I run out of similar words. Like a game of telephone. :]

Anyway, I believe it was my last post that officially put me over the edge of writing more this year than I did last year. And, though they all seemed to be posted at once, I was staying pretty consistent with about 3 posts a month. If you remember, these were two conditions for one of my NYR regarding this blog. So I patted myself on the back and subsequently slacked off.

I wish I could say that we were incredibly busy enjoying summer and I just haven't had the time to write about it. In reality, I spent more than two weeks being really sick with what must have been the flu because a full course of antibiotics only seemed to make it angry. We have hardly gone anywhere or done much of anything. The good news is that as of today, I am finally feeling functional and 99% better. And the whole month wasn't wasted.

Some highlights for June:

*I've gotten into a really good rhythm of plugging in at Training Meetings for Premier. I meet my with my "step-family" every other Monday and it has been SO helpful. It constantly provides me with encouragement, ideas and keeps my mind focused on Premier. I also have monthly meetings with my Premier "Mama", "sister" and "baby" which is fun too.

*I've gotten to have several dates with Jon, which is amazing because I don't think it's been like this since before we had Ella. I know it's only temporary until classes start back up next month, but I have been loving every second of this more traditional schedule. We got to go to a BoyzIIMen concert after a Pirates game (and they're finally playing well, so that made it even more exciting :] )

*We were able to go to Bible Study on Wednesday nights as a family. I miss seeing my dad there, and I don't know what he's been up to. It's not the same without him. But I've been appreciative that Jon has been able to see firsthand something that I've been investing my time in.

*We've both been able to see friends of ours that we have not seen in way too long. I love that have somehow been blessed with relationships that are strong enough to endure even though we have not been able to invest nearly anything in them over the years. We're hoping that we will have time to change that now. Shills, Kate, Ian, and B- thanks for being so patient with us. Love you guys!

*On top of that I've been building some new friendships too. I think I have to count Jacki as new- it had been about two years to the day since we'd last talked and much longer since we'd spent any time together. Not sure about her yet, but I know I've changed a lot, mostly in this last year. Truthfully, I've oftened wondered why she would even want to be friends with me now, because I can't see that we have much in common anymore. But I'm not opposed to the idea, so I guess it will be for her to decide as she gets to know me better now. It is a little awkward, I'll admit. Kind of like going back to a childhood home and seeing echoes of your memories even though another family has moved in and made it their own. Part of me wants to fall into step with how it used to be. Easy. Effortless. Natural. But that's not me anymore. And honestly, I don't want what I had. It was broken beyond repair. Even though I've healed, you can't go back. But it seems to me that God has been pretty determined to put us back in each other's lives and I trust Him. I'm still wary and nervous and I have no idea what to expect. But knowing what we had, I'm hopeful that with a clean, fresh beginning, it will be stronger and somehow, completely different.

As a direct result, I finally met the famous Erin. That was a little weird too,  but in a good way. I had wanted to meet her years ago, so it was kind of strange, like "Gee I already feel like I know you reaaallly well, even though we've never spoken." I kind of wondered if she'd live up to the hype, because apart from Jacki/Casey, I can't remember ever having the same taste in friends as either of them. Which is weird to look back on, because we definitely rotated in the same social circles, but I don't think I'd have called any of the others my friends. Anyway, Erin is awesome. Offbeat, smart and funny. And she talks as fast as Jacki which I find impressive. :P And she likes books. Which is sadly not common, at least in the people I come in contact with. I have met many people who like to proclaim that they're readers, but when I ask for some recommendations, they draw a blank. I don't understand this. Being a "reader" does not automatically make you smart or make people respect you. Kind of seems like a dumb thing to exaggerate/lie about. It's become a pet peeve of mine when people try to define themselves in ways like this ("at work, I'm the girl that's always reading during her lunch breaks") and project a character that is not at all in line with who they really are. It's annoying. It's like, if that's the person you want to be, then make the effort to be that and stop with the smoke and mirrors. I have never had much patience for insincere, unathentic fakes. But having been fooled by a few in particular has certainly not helped with that. Tangent, sorry.

This post is far too long already, so I think I will split it into two.

Better than wood or silverware

Seriously, who comes up with traditional and modern anniversary presents?


On the 26th, we celebrated our 5th anniversary. Now, as Jon and I are both romantics, our track record has not been very indicative of our feelings or commitment over the last 5 years. Our lifestyle just has not afforded much in terms of time, creativity, extravegance or sadly, romance. We've been two poor college students providing for a family of four. Money doesn't buy everything, the best gifts are free, etc. Yes, that's true. But we've pretty much exhausted the free or nearly free gifts over the last seven years. At this point it got to:

the night before our anniversary

Me: So, tomorrow's our anniversary! :]
Jon: Oh! oh, no! What are we doing?
Me: Uh, what?
Jon: We're supposed to be doing something for this one? Remember? Back in April, we decided that we would celebrate our wedding anniversary this year instead of our first anniversary.
Me: Oh. Oops.

We kind of dropped the ball on this one too.

We've talked for years about the grand ideas and schemes and plans we have for each other for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc. I'm hoping that in six months we will finally be able to start. Rainchecks just aren't as fun to wrap or receive after so many consecutive years.

Despite the lack of gifts, outtings, etc. it was still a big milestone for us. We cooked dinner together at home, just the two of us. We ate by candlelight and then went to starbucks and talked for a little while. It was certainly a humble 5th anniversary, but it was still bursting at the seams with love, devotion, and hope. We've gone through so much together over these last 7 years. I hear comments every day about teenagers getting married. Marriages that fall apart are not a result of a lack of age or experience. It's more complicated than that. But at the heart of it, it's usually a lack of God and a lack of understanding what marriage really is.

People these days, at any age, seem to think that marriage is about happiness. I have no idea where that came from, but let me set the record straight. It's not. And if you think that's what you're aiming for, you're well on your way to being a statistic. What makes a person happy changes all the time. If you're only in it for your present happiness, that's not a commitment. That would be incredibly selfish. Marriage is not about getting what you want or being happy all the time.

I can't sum it up into one pithy sentence, but the abbreviated form I can come up with is that marriage is about sacrifice. It thrives on trust, commitment, love, friendship, etc. But day in and day out it is about sacrifice. And, especially in this day and age, it impossible to do it right without God. We're not perfect. We mess up, sometimes really, really badly and He is the only one who can bring healing and second chances. Luckily God gives clear cut instructions on how to nurture a marriage, how to keep it healthy and strong, and then when you follow Him, He blesses your marriage.

Just a couple of days ago I heard that Miley Cyrus got engaged. She's 19. Everyone seems certain that it's a divorce waiting to happen. But if her relationship doesn't last, I believe it will have less to do with how old she was and more to do with how she treated her relationship, the length of time it lasts depending solely on whether it was about 1 person, two, or three.

Jon and I have had our fair share of challenges and struggles over the beginning of our relationship. But by God's grace and guidance, what could have destroyed us, and has certainly destroyed older couples, has only strengthened us. We both look to the light with hope that we can enjoy much less stress and more normalcy in the near future, but even if that doesn't happen for quite some time, or ever, we will end each day thanking God for the many blessings He has heaped on us, starting with each other.

To celebrate, here is a little walk down photo-memory lane.

 A couple of months after we started dating. At Kennywood. 2005

 At Prom- 2005

 

 Me with Ella. She's 3 months old here. I don't think I have any pictures of Jon and I together from this time. 2006

 Cutting the cake at our wedding. 2007

 The most modest 1st anniversary in history. Me, 2008

 Our cake 2008

 Jon 2008

See, we had just had our second daughter 2 months previously. The fact that we were both awake and (mostly) functional for our anniversary was an accomplishment in and of iteself. Here is newborn Lorelai -2008

 At our stepbrother Nate's wedding to his beautiful wife Amber. If I look red here it's because I have a 105 degree temp and I'm about to spend the next 18 hours severely dehydrated. 2009

 We went to Niagara falls to celebrate our anniversary. This was before you needed passports so it was a lot simpler. 2009

 Family vacation to Disneyworld, after our cousin Michael's wedding to another lovely bride Amanda. 2009

 We can't wait to go back!

 2009

A

Celebrating our sister's 21st!   2010

One of the last pictures in 2010 before we moved.

In January 2011, we moved all of our stuff into storage and moved in with family while we both went to school full time and looked for the right place. Over about 8 months, I lost the habit of taking a ton of pictures. No pictures were taken until mid summer 2011, when we moved again, but they are of the house and the girls.

Jon has brought it to my attention that since then, I primarily take pictures of my cats, or rather one bad cat in particular.

 2012

 Fat kitty 2012

 2012

2012

 Who sleeps like this??? 2012

2012

He may have a point. Eh well. 

Cheers to another 5 years of happiness, sadness, peace, and challenges, but most of all, someone to share it all with. I love you, Snufflekins. <3