Sorry to have to keep these next reviews short, but time is
short (sure I already missed the deadline, but I want to get to bed with these all done.. These reviews barely do justice to the books, but believe me when I say
they are all worth reading. If you have further questions on any one of them,
don’t hesitate to contact me about them. I’ll just have to reread them and
review them again in coming years.
Persuasion
Jane Austin
Persuasion is one of Jane Austin’s classic novels. It tells
the story of Anne Eliot who, when she was younger, was persuaded from marrying
a man, Frederick Wentworth she loved. Now, the same man returns to town but he
appears to hate her. Perhaps that doesn’t sound like much of a plot to you, but
for Austin it is enough to weave a very interesting tale about English estates,
opinions of people, how to understand the true character of people, how long
love can last in the heart, how to tell between truth and lies and much more.
Austin is a master at creating interesting characters and making you feel
engaged in simple things like coming over for dinner. Or perhaps it’s just me
and my love for that time period. But I think not. A high recommend any day for
anyone.
For Darkness Shows the Stars
Diana Peterfruend
I follow that review up with this modern retelling of the
same tale. The plot is slightly thicker though I still believe Persuasion to be
the better book in the end. That being said, this novel is excellent and worth
reading on its own merits. Similar to Persuasion, this tells the story of a
girl, Eliot North, who, because of duty to her estate in a post-apocalyptic
world, did not run away with her childhood love, Kai. Years later as struggles
continue to occur on her estate and the growing tensions between those who seek
technology and the Luddites, Kai reappears in her life as Captain Wentforth
along with a larger group of seafarers. Just like in Persuasion, he appears to
hate her at first for her past decisions. An enjoyable read with some similar
themes to Persuasion and, delightedly, some themes of its own invention. Of
greatest note is that of the positives and negatives to technology or the lack
thereof. As some have commented I would have almost liked to hear more on the
topic. That being said, those looking for a good romance will find it, both in
this book as in Persuasion.
The Bitter Kingdom
Rae Carson
This story wraps of the trilogy that began with “The Girl of
Fire and Thorns” and “The Crown of Embers.” And the book wraps up incredibly
well. Elisa, who started off timid, unsure of herself, and unable to do much of
anything at the start of book 1 has really come into her own as a strong
character by this book. Her relationship with Hector is well done, if slightly
more romantic than I’d like in one moment (you can skip it). Hector is also a
narrator in this book and provides a unique perspective to things. The writing
is well done and the plot is satisfying. It’s hard to go into the plot without
spoilers, so if you have questions, just ask me. But if you’re looking for a
trilogy that is satisfying from start to finish with action and romance and
overall well written narrative, this should be your next pick. Go for it.
(As I’ve had a few trilogies crash and burn in their third book
recently I was super happy to have one end well (i.e. don’t read the Maze
Runner or Divergent series).
The Silver Crown
Robert C O’Brian
Have you read “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH? Well this
is by the same author and it is an excellent fantasy story about a girl named
Ellen who wakes up on her birthday to find a silver crown lying on her pillow.
She tries it on and walks outside with it. But soon she returns to her home to
find it has burned to the ground and that strange people are trying to get her.
This is a children’s story, perhaps best for the middle grades when reading on
their own, but fine if read younger. Contained within the story are the various
people that Ellen meets along the way and the stories they have for her that
help her to learn and grow. I love stories with character arcs and this has a
good one for Ellen. In addition the supporting cast of characters, especially
Otto, are excellent. And in the end, the story is something to think about with
its implications. So go and read it. It’s short, satisfying, and better than
many books that come out for adults.
The View From Saturday
e.l. konigsburg
Speaking of children’s books that are incredibly better than
most popular books out there in today’s market, this one fits the bill. A
Newbery award winner, it tells the story of 4 6th graders, Noah, Ethan, Nadia,
and Julian, on a Quiz-Bowl-like team along with their teacher Mrs. Olinski. As
the kids answer various questions the story takes us back to how the children
knew the answers to the questions and how they all slowly got to know one another
and become a team. Their stories are stories that inspire me. I want to
re-learn how to write calligraphy. I want to institute (herbal) tea time in my
home (at 4 o’clock). The whole story is uplifting and inspiring and I want my
kids someday to have good building experiences as these kids had. I feel this
book really has power to change the reader, so read it and let it change you.
In short, all these books were great and I'm glad to have read them. Happy New Years everyone!
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