I love the library. When we lived in Murrysville, PA I went to the library every week. I would check out 5 books each time and read 3 or 4 all the way through (if I get to page 50 and still don't like the book I give it up as a lost cause). Then I'd go back to the library and get 5 more.
Since moving here to Utah I knew the first thing I needed was a library card. I went and got one yesterday. The problem is not all libraries are created equal. Our library in Murrysville, while being small, was quiet and cozy. The Sandy library is loud and hard to maneuver through, especially with the stroller that's attached to me all day every day. To make matters worse their catalog search stystem online is incredible difficult to use; I thought I found a book and it turns out I was in the wrong branch!
Anyway, I am planning on getting a library card at the Salt Lake City Public Library, one of the best libraries in the world, if you ask me. My son and I will have to ride the train into downtown Salt Lake, but it will be so worth it.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Book Review #1
Book: Aurelia by Anne Osterlund
Age-range: 12 and up
Rating: 6 out of 10
Aurelia is a princess in danger. Someone is trying to kill her and has already made a couple of failed attempts when our story begins. Robert and Aurelia share the point of view in the story, although it's always written in third person. Robert is not royal, not terribly fascinating and has an unhealthy adoration for horses.
I'll admit, this story was completely slow-going. It took me several days between readings to get throught it. About three-fourths of the way through it got really interesting and the story grabbed me. The twists and turns were prosaic and predictable, but the person who is responsible for the assassination attempts came as a complete surprise, thereby making it less believable.
Now I don't want it to seem like I hated this book. I absolutely didn't. The writing is beautiful and Aurelia was an admirable character who would make a positive role model for any little girl. However, if you're going to read an Osterlund book I would suggest her second one, Academy 7, which has all of the good things in Aurelia along with better characters and a more compelling plot.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
Rating: 6 out of 10
Aurelia is a princess in danger. Someone is trying to kill her and has already made a couple of failed attempts when our story begins. Robert and Aurelia share the point of view in the story, although it's always written in third person. Robert is not royal, not terribly fascinating and has an unhealthy adoration for horses.
I'll admit, this story was completely slow-going. It took me several days between readings to get throught it. About three-fourths of the way through it got really interesting and the story grabbed me. The twists and turns were prosaic and predictable, but the person who is responsible for the assassination attempts came as a complete surprise, thereby making it less believable.
Now I don't want it to seem like I hated this book. I absolutely didn't. The writing is beautiful and Aurelia was an admirable character who would make a positive role model for any little girl. However, if you're going to read an Osterlund book I would suggest her second one, Academy 7, which has all of the good things in Aurelia along with better characters and a more compelling plot.
Happy reading!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Bookish Blonde
Welcome to my brand new blog! This is where I will write reviews and opinions about all of the books I read. Feel free to share your opinions and make book suggestions. Most of all, keep reading!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
December Book #1
Book: After This by Alice McDermott
A more literary novel than I've read lately. It tells the story of a family. Very beautiful imagery, but I find myself a little dissatisfied at the ending. It's a book I've been meaning to read for years though and I'm glad I finally got to it.
A more literary novel than I've read lately. It tells the story of a family. Very beautiful imagery, but I find myself a little dissatisfied at the ending. It's a book I've been meaning to read for years though and I'm glad I finally got to it.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
November Book #6
Book: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Relying on pictures as much as words, this was a beautiful book that I enjoyed. It was an extremely quick read.
Relying on pictures as much as words, this was a beautiful book that I enjoyed. It was an extremely quick read.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
November Book #5
Book: The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
I don't usually like sci-fi, but this was so excellently written I enjoyed it from start to finish.
I don't usually like sci-fi, but this was so excellently written I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Monday, November 23, 2009
November Book #4
Book: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
Entertaining and interesting; an unexpected retelling of The Pied Piper. Lots of interesting information about rats.
Entertaining and interesting; an unexpected retelling of The Pied Piper. Lots of interesting information about rats.
Friday, November 20, 2009
November Book #3
Book: The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Good, but not as good as The Blue Sword.
Good, but not as good as The Blue Sword.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
November Book #2
Book: The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
Very good! There were parts in the middle that lagged, but other than that I loved it.
Very good! There were parts in the middle that lagged, but other than that I loved it.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
November Book #1
Book: Strange Devices of the Sun and Moon by Lisa Goldstein
I always hate it when they play up the (supposed) gayness of people I'm in love with, in this case Christopher Marlowe. I haven't found anything worth reading for a while so the fact I finished it is a compliment.
I always hate it when they play up the (supposed) gayness of people I'm in love with, in this case Christopher Marlowe. I haven't found anything worth reading for a while so the fact I finished it is a compliment.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
October Book #3
Book: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Intriguing and well-done, but entirely lacking in romance of any kind. Made me miss London and wish, once again, that I lived there.
Intriguing and well-done, but entirely lacking in romance of any kind. Made me miss London and wish, once again, that I lived there.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
October Book #2
Book: Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
Very cute! Enchanting and whimsical. I only wish it were a series.
Very cute! Enchanting and whimsical. I only wish it were a series.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October Book #1
Book: Hannah's Garden by Midori Snyder
A YA version of The Wood Wife; I enjoyed it and will search out Snyder's other books.
A YA version of The Wood Wife; I enjoyed it and will search out Snyder's other books.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
September Book #7
Book: Forest Born by Shannon Hale
An excellent edition to the Bayern series. And MUCH better than River Secrets.
An excellent edition to the Bayern series. And MUCH better than River Secrets.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September Book #6
Book: Beast by Donna Jo Napoli
My least favorite of her books, by far. The first 3/4 were boring, but the last quarter was beautiful and amazing and well-done.
My least favorite of her books, by far. The first 3/4 were boring, but the last quarter was beautiful and amazing and well-done.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
September Book #5
Book: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
I read this because it's Julie's favorite book. It was good and interesting, but took me some time to get involved in the story. Now that I know what to expect I want to read it again.
I read this because it's Julie's favorite book. It was good and interesting, but took me some time to get involved in the story. Now that I know what to expect I want to read it again.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September Book #4
Book: Snow by Tracy Lynn
Very good. I love all the books in the "Once Upon a Time" series so far. It was probably the most interesting Snow White re-telling I've ever read.
Very good. I love all the books in the "Once Upon a Time" series so far. It was probably the most interesting Snow White re-telling I've ever read.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
September Book #3
Book: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Good read. She made up an entire cast of gods. Interesting, but not thought-provoking.
Good read. She made up an entire cast of gods. Interesting, but not thought-provoking.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September Book #2
Book: Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies) by Justina Chen Headley
Another story about an Asian family in America. A very different feel from the previous one I read though very cute and sassy. The character goes through a great arc in the story. I enjoyed it.
Another story about an Asian family in America. A very different feel from the previous one I read though very cute and sassy. The character goes through a great arc in the story. I enjoyed it.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September Book #1
Book: Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt
Good, not great. Took WAY too long to get into and there wasn't enough plot to fill the pages.
Highlight: It won a book award and it sucked, so that gives me more hope [for my writing].
Good, not great. Took WAY too long to get into and there wasn't enough plot to fill the pages.
Highlight: It won a book award and it sucked, so that gives me more hope [for my writing].
Monday, August 31, 2009
August Book #8
Book: A Step From Heaven by An Na
The format was distracting at first, but once I got used to it I really loved the story.
Sort of like a Korean A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
The format was distracting at first, but once I got used to it I really loved the story.
Sort of like a Korean A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Friday, August 28, 2009
August Book #7
Book: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Despite an increasingly boring slump in the middle this was a good book. All the loose ends were tied up nicely and I'm intrigued to see what the second book can possibly be about.
Despite an increasingly boring slump in the middle this was a good book. All the loose ends were tied up nicely and I'm intrigued to see what the second book can possibly be about.
Monday, August 24, 2009
August Book #6
Book: The Boggart by Susan Cooper
Didn't know what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Made me want to go to Scotland.
Didn't know what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Made me want to go to Scotland.
Monday, August 17, 2009
August Book #5
Book: Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows
Very cute and clever. Perfect for a little girl transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
[Incidentally, Annie Barrows is the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.]
Very cute and clever. Perfect for a little girl transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
[Incidentally, Annie Barrows is the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.]
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August Book #4
Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Very cute. Good for boys who are just starting to read.
Very cute. Good for boys who are just starting to read.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August Book #3
Book: Fitcher's Brides by Gregory Frost
Okay, not good.
I felt like parts of the story were missing. There was so much at the end that I just didn't understand.
Okay, not good.
I felt like parts of the story were missing. There was so much at the end that I just didn't understand.
Friday, August 7, 2009
August Book #2
Book: The Wood Wife by Terri Windling
Amazing! There is so much in this book that it makes me want to read it again and again!
Amazing! There is so much in this book that it makes me want to read it again and again!
Monday, August 3, 2009
August Book #1
Book: Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli
[Turns] a cliche and over-done plot into readable and riveting territory. Very beneficial for young girls who don't realize how far women have come.
[Turns] a cliche and over-done plot into readable and riveting territory. Very beneficial for young girls who don't realize how far women have come.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
July Book #12
Book: Stones in Water by Donna Jo Napoli
A story about WWII that I've never read before, from the perspective of an Italian boy forced into a work-camp, even though Italy and Germany were allies.
Very well-written and not as depressing as most WWII books.
A story about WWII that I've never read before, from the perspective of an Italian boy forced into a work-camp, even though Italy and Germany were allies.
Very well-written and not as depressing as most WWII books.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
July Book #11
Book: Spinners by Donna Jo Napoli and Richard Tchen
An excellent version of Rumpelstiltskin. One of the most creative I've read.
An excellent version of Rumpelstiltskin. One of the most creative I've read.
July Book #10
Book: The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde
Clever, as all his books are, and a well-plotted mystery.
Clever, as all his books are, and a well-plotted mystery.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
July Book #9
Book: On Writing by Stephen King
This is the first Stephen King book I've ever read. It will probably be the only one. I appreciated his perspective on writing and I hope to implement some of his ideas in my own writing.
This is the first Stephen King book I've ever read. It will probably be the only one. I appreciated his perspective on writing and I hope to implement some of his ideas in my own writing.
Friday, July 24, 2009
July Book #8
Book: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
I didn't like this book. I REALLY wanted to, so I kept reading.
Not that great.
I didn't like this book. I REALLY wanted to, so I kept reading.
Not that great.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
July Book #7
Book: The Prince of the Pond by Donna Jo Napoli
Interesting and sweet, but a very sad ending that made me cry.
Interesting and sweet, but a very sad ending that made me cry.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
July Book #6
Book: Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher
Interesting concept, but ultimately dissatisfying. Too much telling, indirect danger, and obvious plot points put in just for show.
Interesting concept, but ultimately dissatisfying. Too much telling, indirect danger, and obvious plot points put in just for show.
Friday, July 10, 2009
July Book #5
Book: The Squire's Tale by Gerald Morris
I'm a sucker for a good Arthurian legend and this one was excellently done.
I'm a sucker for a good Arthurian legend and this one was excellently done.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
July Book #4
Book: The Rumpelstiltskin Problem by Vivian Vande Velde
A very cute collection of 6 short stories re-telling the Rumpelstiltskin tale. Quick, easy read, and thoroughly enjoyable.
A very cute collection of 6 short stories re-telling the Rumpelstiltskin tale. Quick, easy read, and thoroughly enjoyable.
July Book #3
Book: The Great Good Thing by Roderick Townley
Writers, book-lovers, and English teachers will love this book. It was one unexpected surprise after another and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Writers, book-lovers, and English teachers will love this book. It was one unexpected surprise after another and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
July Book #2
Book: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
Beautiful, tragic and heartbreaking at times. I'm a sucker for romance and all that. Not to mention a good fairy tale. This was based on the tale [The Wild Swans] where boys are turned into swans and only their sister can rescue them.
Beautiful, tragic and heartbreaking at times. I'm a sucker for romance and all that. Not to mention a good fairy tale. This was based on the tale [The Wild Swans] where boys are turned into swans and only their sister can rescue them.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July Book #1
Book: The Witch's Boy by Michael Gruber
A fabulous take on various fairy tales. The plot kept me guessing and an entirely unlikable protagonist was redeemed.
A fabulous take on various fairy tales. The plot kept me guessing and an entirely unlikable protagonist was redeemed.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
June Book #3
Book: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
A Gothic novel modeled after the likes of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.
Beautiful, amazing, surprising and well worth a second read.
A Gothic novel modeled after the likes of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.
Beautiful, amazing, surprising and well worth a second read.
Friday, June 19, 2009
June Book #2
Book: The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright
Mom wanted me to read this book. It wasn't wholly unsatisfying, but there were enough rookie mistakes by the author to irritate me. Incredibly predictable. Won't recommend it or read it again.
Mom wanted me to read this book. It wasn't wholly unsatisfying, but there were enough rookie mistakes by the author to irritate me. Incredibly predictable. Won't recommend it or read it again.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
June Book #1
Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Really beautifully written, but heart-breaking at the same time. It wasn't an easy read, but very worth reading.
Really beautifully written, but heart-breaking at the same time. It wasn't an easy read, but very worth reading.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May Book #2
Book: The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
Definitely one of the best books on writing that I've read. I got it from the library, but I really want to buy it now.
Definitely one of the best books on writing that I've read. I got it from the library, but I really want to buy it now.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May Book #1
Book: Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey
The best Cinderella re-telling I've ever read (besides Ella Enchanted).
The best Cinderella re-telling I've ever read (besides Ella Enchanted).
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April Book #3
Book: Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli
An amazing re-telling of The Ugly Duckling. I loved it and plan on giving my copy to Carlye.
An amazing re-telling of The Ugly Duckling. I loved it and plan on giving my copy to Carlye.
Monday, April 6, 2009
April Book #2
Book: Hush by Donna Jo Napoli
Longer and harder to get into than her previous works. Once I got sucked in I couldn't put it down.
Longer and harder to get into than her previous works. Once I got sucked in I couldn't put it down.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April Book #1
Book: Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan
Required reading for this semester.
Overly-flowery writing, but a lot of good advice.
Too many examples for my taste.
Required reading for this semester.
Overly-flowery writing, but a lot of good advice.
Too many examples for my taste.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
March Book #1
Book: London is the Best City in America by Laura Dave
Not at all what I expected.
Made me nostalgic.
Well-written.
Not at all what I expected.
Made me nostalgic.
Well-written.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
February Book #1
Book: Firmin by Sam Savage
Not at all what I expected, but still good. I would not feel comfortable suggesting it to anyone else though because of some of the content.
Not at all what I expected, but still good. I would not feel comfortable suggesting it to anyone else though because of some of the content.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
January Book #3
Book: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The first in a series about Greek gods in modern America. Very good.
The first in a series about Greek gods in modern America. Very good.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
January Book #2
Book: The Magic Three of Solatia by Jane Yolen
Beautifully written and enjoyable to read. She is, without a doubt, the Queen of Fairy Tales.
Beautifully written and enjoyable to read. She is, without a doubt, the Queen of Fairy Tales.
Monday, January 5, 2009
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