Sense and Sensibility

Stars 4/5

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I have to say this is one of my favorite Jane Austen books and it wouldn't be right if I didn't say that one of the main reasons I love this story is because one of my favorite actors played Colonel Brandon in the film. Alan Rickman definitely played a big part in making this book one of my favs. Every time I read the book I picture him in that role and it warms my heart. This book is about coming of age, finding love, heartbreak and never settling but opening your eyes to other possibilities that maybe you never saw before. I would recommend this book to everyone!

Northanger Abbey

Stars 4/5

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

This is the creepiest book by Jane Austen and I just love it. It shows how she loved to dabble in everything not just romance but I guess I am partial because I love Austen! I think this book shows how love and romance, even in that era of time, had it's dark side and how it was both sided, male and female. This novel is always a joy to read and I would recommend it to everyone. 

Mansfield Park

Stars 4/5

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

I have to say that Mansfield Park was the first book I every read of Jane Austen and loved it so much that I became a devoted fan of her work. Mansfield Park, to me, was one of the more adult stories she wrote in that it was more seductive with sex scenes. I always laugh when I think of what Jane must have been going through in her life when she wrote this book in comparison to her more prim and proper novels LOL! I can't say which book of Miss Austen's was my favorite because they all are wonderful and fit well at different times of my life when I read them. I would recommend this book to all.

Persuasion

Stars 4/5

Persuasion by Jane Austen

**SPOILER ALERT**

The one thing I love about Jane Austen books is that you are always left with a question to contemplate. Anne , being so young, was pretty much forbidden to marry the love of her life, Wentworth by her father and godmother and thus the agreement was dissolved and they parted heartbroken. Eight years later, they meet again and find that they both still have love for another but Wentworth is hurt deeply. The question I always think about with this story is... Would he of found it in his heart to be with Anne again if he wouldn't of found out that she had other proposals but rejected them? When he found out that she had other proposals and turned them down, that was when he started to show his hidden feelings. Did he think she dropped him to find a man with more money and didn't? I love Jane Austen books and would recommend them to everyone!

Emma

Stars 4/5

Emma by Jane Austen

A romantic story that will always be a classic to me. There are many different characters in this book with lots of twisty turns going on with each of them. Emma, the main character, is a spoiled little girl coming of age that enjoys being in everyone's business which not only hurts others but forces her to see all her mayhem in her pursuit to find friendships and in the end to find what is in her heart. I have always wondered about this story in that... did Emma really find love in Mr Knightley or was it her spoiled nature that selfishly blocked Harriet's love once again. I love Jane Austen's romance and her worlds thus I would recommend this to everyone. 

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring 2017!

Pride and Prejudice

Stars 4/5

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I do, so love this story. It is so romantic and makes me want to cross stitch and even take a turn around the room. Every time I read this, I always fall in love with Mr. Darcy again and again. Even though this book was first published in 1813, just as there are so many differences between the ages, there are similarities as well. Elizabeth, an independent lady for her time, was intelligent, quick witted and very mature for her age. I hold a deep fondness for all the characters in the book and would recommend this to everyone. 

Peter Pan

Stars 4/5

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

**SPOILER ALERT**

I have always loved the story of Peter Pan and some parts of this book always make me laugh in comparing it to the Disney version. Tinkerbell and her swearing, Peter and his lust for killing and even a mention of Fairies coming home from an orgy LOL! I have read this classic tale many times throughout my life and even have listened to it on audio performed by Tim Curry and always end up thinking what is Peter Pan doing now? I think the only reason I gave this 4 stars is because I never liked the death of Tinkerbell part and that Peter never even remembered her or Hook. I always hoped he did remember but just didn't admit to it because of the painful memory. I would recommend this to everyone. 

Brokeback Mountain

Stars 4/5

Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

**SPOILER ALERT**

So much stuffed into such a short story. I wish there was more but honestly, I am glad that it was so short and that it didn't have time to get into the characters more than it did because I would of been so very hurt by the outcome. Such a shame that what Jack believed would of happened if they continued ended up happening regardless. I never did watch the film and don't think I will. It would only make me cry. I would recommend this to everyone. 

Stardust

Stars 4/5

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

I do believe that I have seen the film but was in luck because I don't remember anything from it. I really enjoyed this story. I do love magical realism and the world Gaiman created was better than most dreams. Very unique and intriguing. I gave this book 4 stars because as much as I loved it, I wish the author would of took more time to explore this massive magical world. This could of been way more than just 266 pages. I love most Gaiman novels but find that the endings just end and nothing more. I wish he would revisit his worlds and expand on them a bit. I am sure most of his fans would agree. I would recommend this short read to everyone especially if magical realism is your cup of tea like it is mine.

A Monster Calls

Stars 4/5

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

**SPOILER ALERT**

It is sad to know that regardless of Conor speaking the truth in the end, he will be haunted and plagued by his thoughts and actions for his whole life. The story is touching and heartfelt. Very unique and creative and I would recommend it to everyone.

Attachments

Stars 5/5

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

I just loved this story! I really liked all the characters and how they were written. Kinda a twisty "You Got Mail" sort of story. I found myself laughing out loud at times and always cheering Lincoln on. A story about emails, a snoopy job, falling in love, overcoming pains of the past, getting healthy physically & mentally and taking a leap of faith. I would recommend this to everyone!

Car Wars

Stars 4/5

Car Wars by Cory Doctorow

A dystopian science fiction story about the nightmare of self-driving cars. Government and manufacturer regulations, tampering, jail breaking and the night mare question on everyone's mind.. Who controls the codes? A very short story that I was so glad I got to read. I would recommend it to everyone. 

50th Anniversary - The Outsiders

Stars 4/5

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Of course I have read this book when I was young but wanted to reread it during it's 50th year of publication. The one thing that always makes me smile is the note from the author at the beginning when she talks about writing a more accurate book of how it is to be a teen. I wonder if her being female and writing about a mostly male cast was even accurate back then in 1967 and how the characters differ from teens of every decade since. I love the characters & the skip back in time. For such a short book, it is stuffed full of things going on and all in a one week period. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone if not for the emotional pull it will have on your heart but for the classic nostalgia. 

The Darkest Part of The Forest

Stars 5/5

The Darkest Part of The Forest by Holly Black

I loved this story and think I will dream about the Horned Prince! A beautiful and unique fairy tale that told of love, friendships, battles, curses, royalty, sword fights and talking to a Horned Boy in a glass coffin. A diversity that I love to read about (M/M) and an ending that makes me want to know more! I believe this is going to be my favorite Holly Black book now. I would recommend it to everyone and hope for book 2 one day.

Relatively Dead

Stars 2/5

Relatively Dead by Sheila Connolly

I have to say I was disappointed with this book and only gave it two stars because it did have a unique story line. The main character Abby was described as 24-25 yr old woman but was written like a submissive elderly woman. No youthfulness at all. The book read like a homework journal or planner. I did this and that this week, called Ned, we met and told him I did this and that. He said do that and this and so the next week I did that and this and then called Ned, we met.... ect. All the characters were very dry and unexciting for being so young and coming into a new power of seeing spirits. I doubt I will continue with this series. 

The Fill-In Boyfriend

Stars 4/5

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

I really liked this book. It was a fun, light read that was predictable but in a good way. Sometimes I just need a sweet romance novel to make me smile and Kasie West's books seem to do that. The title is exactly what the story is about. Gia's boyfriend dumps her in the parking lot of Prom and she finds another guy to fill-in. Romance, coming of age, finding yourself, new and old friendships and throwing baseballs at cars brings this story together wonderfully. I would recommend it to everyone. 

The Careful Undressing of Love

Stars 3/5

The Careful Undressing of Love by Corey Ann Haydu

**SPOILER ALERT**

I liked the book but I didn't love the book. I kept picturing "amish looking" girls at some parts of the story and girls dressed hooker like in other parts. I loved the story line and that it was very unique but I don't feel like it was done as well as it could of been. The ending left way too many questions unanswered. Instead of letting the reader know what kind of dishes they were buying, why not tell what ever happened to the people on Devonairre Street? I would read a sequel and hope one is released to fill in the blanks. 

We Are The Ants

Stars 5/5

We are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

I had heard great things about this book and so when I got it, even though I am in the middle of another series of books, I decided to just read a little to see what it was about and didn't put it down until I read the last word. What a wonderful story. I just loved it. A story of a boy's life, struggles, intergalactic travels, exploration of his sexuality, coping with death, finding love, friendships, family and a huge "button" decision. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! "We are the Ants and We'll keep marching on!" - Shaun David Hutchinson

Heir of Fire

Stars 5/5

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Oh how I love Rowan! The saga continued in this book following Celaena and in came Rowan! What a wonderful story! Definitely 5 stars! I was a bit nervous because it is a chunky book but it read so fast and I couldn't put it down. There is so much going on in the story and it keeps you busy with it all. I can not wait to read the next book in the series and I am hoping that Sarah J. Maas does not kill off Rowan or I will be so upset! Fingers crossed! I would recommend this series to everyone!