Again, I apologize to those people who have spent time reading my blog. I truly have been trying to keep up, but life hasn't really made it easy on me.
I'll post another review as soon as possible, okay? I'm sorry.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Sunday, January 24, 2016
The School Story
Title: The School Story
Author: Andrew Clements
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Release Date: 2001
Rating: 6
Alright, I know what you probably think. Andrew Clements? His books are for little kids! But, I have to say, The School Story is one of my favorite books that I read when I was in elementary school. The book follows Natalie, a young girl, who's mum is an editor at a publishing company in New York.
When her mum tells her that she needs more school stories, or stories set in a school setting and happening mainly or entirely at school, Natalie decides to try her hand at writing. When her friend and English teacher love it, her friend (Zoe) comes up with a scheme to get the book published by Natalie's mum.
I have been a writer my entire life, so this book really hits home. I can really relate to Natalie because I love writing, but I can also relate to Zoe's determined spirit.
Pros:
-very realistic situation
-strong main character
-strong supporting character
-plot is very inspiring
-very intriguing passages
Cons:
-for younger readers
-somewhat "shallow"
-characters aren't mature at parts
-at some points unrealistic
So, if you're ever feeling nostalgic for your childhood, you'll want to read this book.
Author: Andrew Clements
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Release Date: 2001
Rating: 6
Alright, I know what you probably think. Andrew Clements? His books are for little kids! But, I have to say, The School Story is one of my favorite books that I read when I was in elementary school. The book follows Natalie, a young girl, who's mum is an editor at a publishing company in New York.
When her mum tells her that she needs more school stories, or stories set in a school setting and happening mainly or entirely at school, Natalie decides to try her hand at writing. When her friend and English teacher love it, her friend (Zoe) comes up with a scheme to get the book published by Natalie's mum.
I have been a writer my entire life, so this book really hits home. I can really relate to Natalie because I love writing, but I can also relate to Zoe's determined spirit.
Pros:
-very realistic situation
-strong main character
-strong supporting character
-plot is very inspiring
-very intriguing passages
Cons:
-for younger readers
-somewhat "shallow"
-characters aren't mature at parts
-at some points unrealistic
So, if you're ever feeling nostalgic for your childhood, you'll want to read this book.
Rating: 6 - Worth Reading
Friday, January 22, 2016
The Land of Stories
Title: The Land of Stories
Author: Chris Colfer
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Rating: 9
Before I say anything else, I have to say how much I love this book. It's a funny story, actually. My mum got the book for me, and I didn't read it, then I read it like a year later and LOVED it!
Alex and Conner are twins working out the grief of their Dad dying. Their mum does everything she can to make it better, but they still aren't happy. When they visit their grandmother, she gives Alex a book of Fairy Tales that they read with their dad.
And so, she opens it and discovers it is no mere book.
She and Conner enter the book, a portal to the Land of Stories and discover that they cannot leave. Their last hope to get out is to complete the Wishing Spell, a spell allegedly completed only once before. And having only the capacity to b completed twice, Alex and Conner rush to find all of the items needed to compete it.
Only, they aren't the only ones looking for it. Someone else is looking for the items, desperate to complete the spell and grant her heart's desire.
***
This book has a whimsical flair and almost no romance! (sequels, ahem) A blend of fairy tales and other stories, the book is chock full of well-known characters that aren't as you would expect. There's Goldilocks, strong and able to fend for herself, and Little Red Riding Hood, the spoiled brat that cares for nothing but stuff.
I appreciate the strong female characters in the book, and the many twists and emotional turns during the story. Instead of fairy tale characters, the characters in the story are laced with personalty, backstory, and, for some, intelligence.
Pros:
-Amazing plot line
-some unpredictable events
-strong female character
-some strong writing
-amusing jokes/comedy
-an on going sub plot that runs for awhile throughout the series
-easy to visualize
-little romance
cons:
-Some lazy character development
-some lack of uniqueness
-tedious at times
-somewhat predictable
If you like reading, read it! If you like watching movies, read it! the plot is so in depth and not shallow though it seems shallow at first.
Author: Chris Colfer
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Rating: 9
Before I say anything else, I have to say how much I love this book. It's a funny story, actually. My mum got the book for me, and I didn't read it, then I read it like a year later and LOVED it!
Alex and Conner are twins working out the grief of their Dad dying. Their mum does everything she can to make it better, but they still aren't happy. When they visit their grandmother, she gives Alex a book of Fairy Tales that they read with their dad.
And so, she opens it and discovers it is no mere book.
She and Conner enter the book, a portal to the Land of Stories and discover that they cannot leave. Their last hope to get out is to complete the Wishing Spell, a spell allegedly completed only once before. And having only the capacity to b completed twice, Alex and Conner rush to find all of the items needed to compete it.
Only, they aren't the only ones looking for it. Someone else is looking for the items, desperate to complete the spell and grant her heart's desire.
***
This book has a whimsical flair and almost no romance! (sequels, ahem) A blend of fairy tales and other stories, the book is chock full of well-known characters that aren't as you would expect. There's Goldilocks, strong and able to fend for herself, and Little Red Riding Hood, the spoiled brat that cares for nothing but stuff.
I appreciate the strong female characters in the book, and the many twists and emotional turns during the story. Instead of fairy tale characters, the characters in the story are laced with personalty, backstory, and, for some, intelligence.
Pros:
-Amazing plot line
-some unpredictable events
-strong female character
-some strong writing
-amusing jokes/comedy
-an on going sub plot that runs for awhile throughout the series
-easy to visualize
-little romance
cons:
-Some lazy character development
-some lack of uniqueness
-tedious at times
-somewhat predictable
If you like reading, read it! If you like watching movies, read it! the plot is so in depth and not shallow though it seems shallow at first.
Rating: 9 - Yes Yes Yes!
Funny story: I met Chris Colfer at a Barnes and Noble signing a year or two ago while wearing a T-shirt for Secret of the Rainbow (see my author blog for more) and he asked me if it was a Land of Stories t-shirt. I said, "No, it isn't," and tried to explain it was a book I had written, but the assistant pushed me along in line and we never finished our conversation.
If I'm ever (or when) I'm published, I'm going to try to make connections with as many readers as possible.
-Sarah
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
The Series of Unfortunate Events
Title: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Author: Lemony Snicket
Genre: General Fiction
Release Date: August 25, 1999
Rating: 8.5
This series is not really a teen series, but I've read it so many times that it's become a series that is timeless for me.
Violet, Claus, and Sunny are three orphaned children that are moved from incapable guardian to incapable guardian throughout the series. In each book, a new set of twists and misfortunes befall them. If it weren't for the cleverly written story and interesting plot, the characters could seem very shallow and and the plot uninteresting.
The narrative of the book is one of the best parts of the book by far. I was immediately hooked to the commercial yet horribly depressing story of the narrator, who cleverly incorporates himself into the story.
As a warning, this series is entirely too short at thirteen books an is extraordinarily unsatisfying at the end.
Pros:
-Incredibly Designed Plot
-A Good Female Main Character
-A Smart Main Character and other Main Character
-A seemingly Simple but Complex Villain
-Page-Turning
-Action
-Well-written
-Appropriate for All Ages
-A load of great villains and obnoxious adults
-So frustrating that it's FUNNY
Cons:
-Simplistic Writing Style
-Somewhat Repetitive Events
-A Few Boring Passages
-Unsatisfying Ending of Series
So, this series is a must read for teens, elementary students, and adults! It has everything you can look for in books, and many references for all ages.
Author: Lemony Snicket
Genre: General Fiction
Release Date: August 25, 1999
Rating: 8.5
This series is not really a teen series, but I've read it so many times that it's become a series that is timeless for me.
Violet, Claus, and Sunny are three orphaned children that are moved from incapable guardian to incapable guardian throughout the series. In each book, a new set of twists and misfortunes befall them. If it weren't for the cleverly written story and interesting plot, the characters could seem very shallow and and the plot uninteresting.
The narrative of the book is one of the best parts of the book by far. I was immediately hooked to the commercial yet horribly depressing story of the narrator, who cleverly incorporates himself into the story.
As a warning, this series is entirely too short at thirteen books an is extraordinarily unsatisfying at the end.
Pros:
-Incredibly Designed Plot
-A Good Female Main Character
-A Smart Main Character and other Main Character
-A seemingly Simple but Complex Villain
-Page-Turning
-Action
-Well-written
-Appropriate for All Ages
-A load of great villains and obnoxious adults
-So frustrating that it's FUNNY
Cons:
-Simplistic Writing Style
-Somewhat Repetitive Events
-A Few Boring Passages
-Unsatisfying Ending of Series
So, this series is a must read for teens, elementary students, and adults! It has everything you can look for in books, and many references for all ages.
Rating: 8.5 - Check Plus!
The mystery, and the villains, and everything else make this a must read. Must read now! The best part is, if you read like me, all thirteen books will take you less than a week to read.
Stay tuned for some new reviews on unreleased books!
-Sarah
Monday, January 18, 2016
Savvy
I'm sorry for not posting in forever! I meant to, then didn't.
Title: Savvy
Author: Ingrid Law
Genre: General Fiction
Release Date: May 1, 2008
Rating: 6
I have read this book twice and listened to it on audiobook, and let me tell you, I really enjoyed it on audiotape.
The Beaumont family is kind of special: at thirteen, each member gains a Savvy, a special power that can have good effects, or ones that are equally as bad.
When Mississippi, or Mibs, turns thirteen, something tragic occurs and she hopes to use had Savvy to help save her dad. Unfortunately, she can't find a way to get there, and her Savvy isn't what she thinks it is.
Joined by her brother, and 2 kids from a church, the kids pile into a pink Bible van and head off to Kentucky to find her dad. Inly, that's not where they end up going.
On a cross-country road trip joined by Lester, the unconfident driver of the bus, miss discovers her savvy and tries to save her dad.
I've always dreamed of having a magic power that nobody else has. It's like one of those recurring dreams that you can't get rid of, but can only half remember when you wake up. That's how I associate the book: like a dream, half there, half gone.
The writing style enhances the book so well that it's like I'm there. The reader for the audiobook is amazing!
Pros:
-The story is interesting
-The characters are well-developed
-there are plot twists
-the savvies are just... Yes.
Cons:
-There is some romance
-Some parts are very predictable
-It gets tiring after awhile
Read this if you crave any whimsy!
Rating: 6 - Worth Reading
I have nothing else to say, really. Some of the writing just takes you in, and the characters and backstories really branch into beauty, but there really is nothing else to say.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Dragon Slippers
Note: this book is by one of my favorite authors, so be prepared for some rambling!
Title: Dragon Slippers
Author: Jessica Day George
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: 2007
Rating: 9
Creel is a maiden who has lost her mum and dad, so she has to live with her aunt and her uncle. When her aunt grows desperate for money, she decides to give Creel to a dragon so a knight will save her, marry her, and bring the entire family into the castle.
But, her plan backfires. Creel manages to wiggle her way out of the dragon's claws and escapes to a different country to become a dressmaker.
But, a stain glass window falls from the sky. And then, she's captured by a dragon.
And yet, she still manages to become a dressmaker.
I can't say anymore.
***
Okay, I'm sorry for the very short summary.
This book is amazing.
Pros:
-A great main character
-Great writing
-DRAGONS!
-plausible characters
-ending is amazing
-plot is interesting
-the first sentence... just yes
Cons:
-Some writing is eh
-there are some parts that seem very cliché
Title: Dragon Slippers
Author: Jessica Day George
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: 2007
Rating: 9
Creel is a maiden who has lost her mum and dad, so she has to live with her aunt and her uncle. When her aunt grows desperate for money, she decides to give Creel to a dragon so a knight will save her, marry her, and bring the entire family into the castle.
But, her plan backfires. Creel manages to wiggle her way out of the dragon's claws and escapes to a different country to become a dressmaker.
But, a stain glass window falls from the sky. And then, she's captured by a dragon.
And yet, she still manages to become a dressmaker.
I can't say anymore.
***
Okay, I'm sorry for the very short summary.
This book is amazing.
Pros:
-A great main character
-Great writing
-DRAGONS!
-plausible characters
-ending is amazing
-plot is interesting
-the first sentence... just yes
Cons:
-Some writing is eh
-there are some parts that seem very cliché
Rating - 9: Yes yes yes!
I truly love this book. There are a few things that annoy me about it, but the way the plot twists together is so wonderful that I love it.
The main character is great, too.
So. Dragons. I haven't posted any reviews on dragon books yet, so y'all don't know how much I love them. DRAGONS!!! DRAGONS!!! DRAGONS!!!
So, yeah. Probably my favorite mythical creature. If they were real, I would have one. And love it. And call it mine.
In a lot of books, dragons are portrayed as regal, though somewhat arrogant and annoying, pompous jerks. I love this book, because it's completely different! The dragons are completely personable, each having a unique personality and type of collection. Each collection reflects the dragons' personality.
Whether dogs, tapestries, books, or stained glass windows, each dragon is so awesome and I love them!
But then, there are a few faults. The writing and some of the personalities are somewhat... cliché, I guess? It's annoying. I don't know how else to describe it.
Well:
Dragon Slippers is a clever, beautifully woven tale of dragons and dressmakers with humorous writing and great characters.
-Sarah
So. Dragons. I haven't posted any reviews on dragon books yet, so y'all don't know how much I love them. DRAGONS!!! DRAGONS!!! DRAGONS!!!
So, yeah. Probably my favorite mythical creature. If they were real, I would have one. And love it. And call it mine.
In a lot of books, dragons are portrayed as regal, though somewhat arrogant and annoying, pompous jerks. I love this book, because it's completely different! The dragons are completely personable, each having a unique personality and type of collection. Each collection reflects the dragons' personality.
Whether dogs, tapestries, books, or stained glass windows, each dragon is so awesome and I love them!
But then, there are a few faults. The writing and some of the personalities are somewhat... cliché, I guess? It's annoying. I don't know how else to describe it.
Well:
Dragon Slippers is a clever, beautifully woven tale of dragons and dressmakers with humorous writing and great characters.
-Sarah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)