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.
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