Weekly Book List: November 12-18

Lost In Las Vegas
Written by: Melody Carlson
Published by: Zondervan
Date Published: 2009
Number of Pages: 197 pgs
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Christian Chick-Lit 
Summary: It's Christmas break and DJ accepts 'lonely' Taylor's invitation to come to Las Vegas, where her mom's performing. DJ soon discovers that Taylor just wants to party, plus she's invited Eliza. So DJ calls on Casey to help and things get wild before Taylor ends up in rehab.
Review:
Rating: 1 1/2 stars
 -------------------------------------- 

New York Debut
Written by: Melody Carlson
Published by: Zondervan
Date Published: 2009
Number of Pages: 203 pgs
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Christian Chick-Lit 
Summary: The girls return from the holidays in time for a New Year's party, and Mrs. Carter announces that it's time to get ready for Spring Fashion Week. A designer friend has invited the girls to participate in the big New York event and they have one month to get ready. Only God can catch those who fall this time.
Review:
Rating: 2 1/2 stars
--------------------------------------- 

Snow White and Rose Red
Written by: Patricia C. Wrede
Published by: Firebird
Date Published: 1989, republished 2009
Number of Pages: 288, paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, 
Summary: In the village of Mortlak, near the river Thames, during the reign of Elizabeth I, live the Widow Arden and her two daughters, Blanche and Rosamund. The widow, who supports her family by selling herbs and making healing potions, lives in fear of being accused of witchcraft. Her daughters gather the herbs she needs, sometimes crossing into the realm of Faerie, one of whose borders lies in the forest nearby. Also residing in Mortlak is the real-life Doctor Dee, astrologer to the Queen, who with his friend Edward Kelly seeks to harness the magic of Faerie. Their efforts turn Hugh, one of the half-human sons of the queen of Faerie, into a bear. With the aid of the widow and her daughters, John, the elder Faerie prince, tries to disenchant his brother, who has crossed over to the mortal world. John is initially thwarted in his efforts by Madini, head of a faction in Faerie that seeks complete separation from the mortal domain. In putting her twist on the classic tale, Wrede uses language appropriate to the period and nicely evokes both medieval England and a magic land.
Review:
Rating: 3 stars
---------------------------------------

Soul Eater
Written by: Michelle Paver
Published by: Harper Collins
Date Published:
Number of Pages: 352, Paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fiction,

Summary: Torak has survived the summer and his heart-stopping adventure in the Seal Islands. He and Wolf are together again. But their reunion is all too short-lived. As mid winter approaches Torak learns the worst from the White Fox clan. The Soul-Eaters have snatched Wolf and will sacrifice him. Desperate to rescue him, Torak hatches a perilous plan and one which he must carry out alone. He will find the Soul-Eaters and infiltrate the cult.
Review:
Rating:
-----------------------------------------
Go here: http://www.librarything.com/profile/I_recommend to view more about these books.

Weekly Book List: November 5-11

A Texas Sky
Written by: Lori Wick
Published by: Harvest House Publishers
Date Published: 2000
Number of Pages: 472 (large print)
Genre: Adult Fiction, Christian Romance, 
Summary: Dakota Rawlings, Texas Ranger, is accustomed to big adventure...but nothing in his work has prepared him for the seemingly easy task of escorting Miss Darvi Wingate to the town of Stillwater and on to Aurora.
Quick–witted, game for anything, and just as passionate about her newfound faith as Dakota is about his, Darvi seems to find trouble under every rock. When she becomes a pawn in one of the biggest rackets in town, she wonders if even a Texas Ranger can get her out of this one. Out here in the West, the stakes are high—for money, for power, and for love...under a Texas sky.
Part of the Yellow Rose Trilogy

Review: Lori Wick is one of my favorite romance writers. I don't think this book was her finest work but it was fine.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars
-------------------------------
Say To This Mountain
Written by: Bodie Thoene
Published by: Bethany House Publishers
Date Published: 1993
Number of Pages: 447
Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction,
Summary: The mountain of the Great Depression looms over their lives. But it’s nothing compared to the unfulfilled yearnings of their hearts.
Thousands are jobless after the stock-market crash of 1929. Former company owners now stand around smudge-pot fires to stay warm and live in shanties built of boxes, discarded lumber, and tin. With each day, more people lose their jobs, and the desperation grows. Where will it end?
Ellis Warne, a soldier wounded in the Great War, has overcome incredible odds to become a doctor. But his greatest failure shadows his every thought, separating him from the one he loves most. His wife, Becky, is lost in the sorrow of grief—her empty arms reflecting her empty heart. Jefferson Canfield, unjustly incarcerated for a decade, has at last fled home to Shiloh . . . and to the promise of happiness with the widow Lily. But will the darkness follow him there to steal his hope?
Max Meyer has given up everything to hide his newly found son, Davey, from Mob Boss Quinn. But they can’t run forever, and even little Shiloh, Arkansas, is within the clutches of evil.
Is it possible to move mountains? All wonder. . . .
Book 3 of the Shiloh Legacy Series

Review: I've continued with this series because I want to know what happens to the characters introduced in the first book. They're not my favorite books but if you're looking for historical fiction about the Great Depression, you'll probably enjoy these. This series has more mature content than most because the subject is so serious.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars
-------------------------------
The Hunger Games
Written by: Suzanne Collins
Published by: Scholastic Press
Date Published: 2008
Number of Pages: 374
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction,
Summary: Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.
Book 1 of the Hunger Games Trilogy

Review: WOW. I don't know when I became a fan of science fiction... I was slightly hesitant about reading this but I ended up loving it! It was very different than anything I've read before so that was refreshing and it was very intriguing. The story is intense though so I wouldn't recommend this for younger teens.
Rating: 5 stars

--------------------------------
Welcome To Camden Falls
Written by: Ann M. Martin
Published by: Scholastic
Date Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 174
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Summary: Flora and Ruby do not want to move to Camden Falls. But they don't really have a choice -- their parents are dead and their grandmother, Min, is taking them in. It's strange to be in a new place. But luckily, it's a very welcoming place. Min runs a sewing store, Needle & Thread, at the heart of Main Street in Camden Falls. There, Flora and Ruby become friends with Olivia, who likes to organize things, and Nikki, who lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Even if Flora and Ruby never expected it to, Camden Falls becomes their home . . . and its stories become a part of their stories.
Book 1 of the Main Street Series

Review: I want to be able to recommend books to a broad range of ages so I picked up this book. It was a sweet innocent story but obviously didn't hold my attention because it is for a younger audience. A nice story for young readers.
Rating: 3 stars
-------------------------------
The Divine Comedy Part 1: Hell
Written by: Dante Alighieri
Translated by: Dorothy L. Sayers
Published by: Penguin Classics
Date Published: 1949
Number of Pages: 346
Genre: Italian Literature, Christian Literature
Summary: Guided by the poet Virgil, Dante plunges to the very depths of Hell and embarks on his arduous journey towards God. Together they descend through the nine circles of the underworld and encounter the tormented souls of the damned - from heretics and pagans to gluttons, criminals and seducers - who tell of their sad fates and predict events still to come in Dante's life. In this first part of his "Divine Comedy", Dante fused satire and humour with intellect and soaring passion to create an immortal Christian allegory of mankind's search for self-knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
Part 1 of The Divine Comedy

Review: This book was fascinating. I really enjoyed reading it (for school) and can't wait to get started on the next book.
Rating: 4 stars
-------------------------------
Spirit Walker
Written by: Michelle Paver
Published by: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2005, republished 2006
Number of Pages: 360, Paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, 
Summary: Thousands of years ago an orphan boy and his wolf cub companion challenge a demon bear that threatens to destroy their world forever. With the help of the World Spirit, Torak destroys the bear, but his beloved Wolf is lost in the ensuing avalanche. And Toraks quest is far from over. A strange creeping sickness, silent and deadly, is threatening the ravens. Word arrives that the seal clan have the cure and Torak must face a lonely journey to find it. On the Seal's island he stumbles into a world utterly ulike his own. Here life moves to the rhythms of the sea, the seals build shelters from whale bones and skim the waves in fast, beautiful kayaks. And here Torak is welcomed by the kindly Seal Mage, Teneris and kinsman, Bale. But all is not as it seems - Torak must keep his wits about him to judge who might be friend or foe.
Book 2 of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series
Review: This series is slightly disturbing. The evil magic that happens is creepy but the story does hold your attention so I guess it serves a purpose. For adventure lovers.
Rating: 2 stars

---------------------------
Go here: http://www.librarything.com/profile/I_recommend to view more about these books.

Weekly Book List: October 29-November 4

The Fall of Candy Corn by Debbie Viguie (Young Adult Fiction) (203 pgs) (2008)

Halloween time at The Zone means monsters, mazes, and plenty of candy corn. Candace is shy about telling friends at church that she's working as a maze monster. However, when she discovers her youth group has planned an outing to the park, her embarrassment quickly turns to stage fright! 
Book 2 in the Sweet Seasons series. Perfect read for this week since it was Halloween week! An enjoyable read although you have to read the books in order for them to make sense.


 ---------------------------------------------
Dragonfly by Julia Golding (Young Adult Fiction) (390 pgs) (2008, reprinted 2009)

When the uptight Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands is sent to marry the 'uncouth' Ramil ac Burinholt, heir to the throne of Gerfal, they are both horrified. The princess is used to a life of discipline, ritual and splendour, Ramil to a life spent hunting and carousing. But the countries of both are under threat from the fearsome warlord Fergox Spearthrower and the only chance of peace is for them to form an alliance. So when Ramil and Tashi - as he insists on calling the princess to her annoyance - are kidnapped, things look disastrous. But the kidnap is the start of an exhilarating journey involving circus troupes, bloody battles, unarmed combat, daring escape and breakneck chases. Along the way, Ramil and Tashi learn much about themselves and one another, and through the cast of characters they encounter - a circus strongman, dashing rebels, brave slaves and many ordinary people - they begin to see a way to bring the mighty Fergox Spearthrower low, and save their beautiful lands from devastation and war.
This book was really good. It had some suggestive humor in it but the rest was enjoyable. Similar to Tamora Pierce but much much cleaner.

--------------------------------------- 
The Winter of Candy Canes by Debbie Viguie (Young Adult Fiction) (198 pgs) (2008)

It's Christmas time, and Candace is working as a Santa's elf at The Zone theme park, passing out candy canes. Her biggest worry is what to get her boyfriend for Christmas until she discovers that one of her coworkers may not celebrate at all. Will Candace and her friends pull together to show the true meaning of Christmas?
Book 3 of the Sweet Seasons series. I can't wait for Christmas! This was a fun read.


 ----------------------------------------------
The Accidental Lawman by Jill Marie Landis (Adult Fiction) (360 pgs) (2009)

Not five minutes in a one-horse Texas town, and Hank Larson foils a bank robbery. No matter that one of the bandits tripped right over Hank's dusty boots. Suddenly, the newcomer is hailed a hero and anointed sheriff. Hank came to Glory to report crime in the newspaper - not stop it himself. But everyone thinks the Lord led him there to save the day. Everyone except the town's beautiful healer, Amelia Hawthorne. The robber who got away was her nineteen-year-old brother. And it's Hank's job to bring the guy in.
Hank knows all about losing family. And he slowly sets about restoring Amelia's shaky faith. But doing what's right might mean breaking her heart...and his own.
I don't think this is the sequel to Homecoming but there are many of the same characters in it and the events that happen occur after all the events in Homecoming. An enjoyable Christian romance.

---------------------------------------

Out of the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst (Juvenile Fiction) (260 pgs) (2008)

Beware the Wild - it bites.
Ever since Julie Marchen helped defeat the fairytale world of the Wild, life's been pretty much back to normal. That is, as normal as life can be for a girl whose mom is Rapunzel. Yes, that Rapunzel.
Then the Wild mysteriously releases Zel's prince (Julie's dad!) - a rescue-minded hero who crashes full-speed ahead into the 21st century! (YOU try teaching a 500-year-old prince to use a seatbelt.) Julie's over the moon, but when a wicked Fairy Godmother kidnaps Sleeping Beauty and reawakens the Wild, Julie and her dad set off on an action-packed adventure to save the distressed damsel. and the world. If they can't, they'll spend eternity in a fairytale.
Sequel to Into the Wild.  Again, not my favorite but there was nothing wrong with it.

-----------------------------------------
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Young Adult Fiction) (390 pgs) (NEW October, 2009)
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.
This book is hard to rate. I enjoyed it but also didn't like it. The plot was good but not very complex. Some of the story was so similar to scenes in Twilight that it got annoying. It had some slightly inappropriate parts (dancing, comments, etc), the guy sleeps in her bed (just like Twilight...) and a brief premarital situation. Her parents are really out of it (...just like Twilight) and the main character doesn't have a very strong personality (...just like Twilight...) 
-------------------------------------

To Know Her by Name by Lori Wick (Adult Fiction) (432 pgs) (1997)
Lori Wick's novel presents an unusual story of love, intrigue, and faith. Can McKay Harrington penetrate the wall of secrecy surrounding Callie's true identity to share the saving love of Jesus Christ?
Book 3 in the Rocky Mountains series. This book was enjoyable. It was very similar to The Accidental Lawman so I wasn't very intrigued by the plot.


--------------------------------------

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst (Young Adult Fiction) (308 pgs) (NEW October, 2009)
In Ice, main character Cassie encounters a Polar Bear King and a love that defies reason---maybe fairy tales aren't make-believe after all...

A retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. This is another hard book to rate. I really like the original story plot so was excited to find a new version but the main character uses a mild cuss word a lot and there is a mention of birth control. It was a decent book though.


----------------------------------------

Go here: http://www.librarything.com/profile/I_recommend to view more about these books.

Monthly Book List: October

The monthly book lists will make it easier to browse the books read in a certain month, rather than needing to view each weekly post. If you are interested in seeing a picture of the front cover and my general assessment of any specific book listed below, go to that week's original post.

All books read in October:

Week 1 (October 1-7):
Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick
The Amethyst Heart by Penelope J. Stokes
The Sorcerer King by Frewin Jones
The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by J.R.R. Tolkein

Week 2 (October 8-14):
June by Lori Copeland
Hope by Lori Copeland
Jimmy Stewart: A Biography by Marc Eliot
In My Father's House by Bodie Thoene
Sala's Gift: My Mother's Holocaust Story by Ann Krishner
Homecoming by Jill Marie Landis (311 pgs)

Week 3 (October 15-21):
Tempo Change by Barbara Hall (247 pgs)
The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie (209 pgs)
The Host by Stephanie Meyer (619 pgs)
A Thousand Shall Fall by Bodie Thoene (425 pgs)
The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope J. Stokes (342 pgs)

Week 4 (October 22-28):
Sister's Choice by Judith Pella (347 pgs)
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver (293 pgs)
Glory by Lori Copeland (320 pgs)
A Winter's Gift by Lauren Brooke (189 pgs)

Week 5 (October 29-31st)
The Fall of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie
Dragonfly by Julia Golding
The Winter of Candy Canes by Debbie Viguie

--------

23 Books total =)
(I didn't start keeping track of the number of pages per book until the last few weeks but I'll make sure to do it for all the books in the following months)

Go here: http://www.librarything.com/profile/I_recommend to view more about these books.