The Arrivals by Melissa Marr

TITLE:  The Arrivals
AUTHOR:  Marr, Melissa
GENRE:  Science Fiction/Fantasy

DATES READ:  1/19/2014 - 2/5/2014

MY RATING:  3/5

The book was lent to me by my brother and his wife with much commendation.  It had been sitting on my nightstand for sometime, so I finally decided to pick it up.

The setting of this book is odd, but both jarring and strong.  I felt completely transported to this desert world that felt completely alien.  It was disturbing at points, but mostly reminded me of my introduction to Star Wars.  Everything is new and strange, with shades of the familiar.

What really kept drawing me back to the pages was Melissa Marr's characters.  Some books out there will beat you to death with "bronze hair" and "piercing green eyes".  After a while, these repetitive descriptors become monotonous.  It was refreshing to have an author give more vague descriptions of her characters, and free your imagination to fill in the details of their appearance.

Will read and write soon!

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A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn

TITLE:  A Spear of Summer Grass
AUTHOR:  Raybourn, Deanna
GENRE:  Fiction/Romance

DATES READ:  12/31/2013 - 1/19/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I received this book as a birthday present in 2013, and I loved the cover from the beginning.  Once I got into it, I could not put it down; I was constantly looking for excuses to read just another chapter.

I appreciated the overall plot, but it was the setting in Africa that sold it for me.  I could close my eyes after reading a chapter and instantly see, smell, and hear the African savannah.  It was truly a joy.

While I didn't always agree with the protagonist, Delilah, I understood and appreciated her.  All of the characters were so dimensional and well-developed.  I loved Ryder and Dodo, and all of the society high life.  But my heart lies with both Gideon and Tusker.  A perfect beach read!

Will read and write soon!

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The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

TITLE:  The Bell Jar
AUTHOR:  Plath, Sylvia
GENRE:  Fiction/Classic

DATES READ:  11/20/2013 - 11/25/2013

MY RATING:  3/5

Another classic done, and DONE.  I actually finished this one fairly quickly.  Overall, I really understood The Bell Jar.  I feel at some point everyone feels like they're suffocating, everyone is staring at them, and there is no way out.

Esther Greenwood set my teeth on edge, but she was the perfect character.  I love how much Boston was its own character within this classic.  You really get a sense of the time period, including gender roles.  Definitely a book worth reading for anyone.

Will read and write soon!

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Allegiant by Veronica Roth

TITLE:  Allegiant (Divergent #3)
AUTHOR:  Roth, Veronica
GENRE:  Fiction/Dystopian

DATES READ:  11/15/2013 - 11/20/2013

MY RATING:  4/5

After devouring both Divergent and Insurgent, I decided to finish the series.  My boyfriend once again fueled my book addiction by purchasing this for our anniversary!  But without further ado...

This book absolutely destroyed me... and in all of the best ways that a book can.  Allegiant totally surprised me.  The ending was gritty and realistic.  It really rang true as the end to the series, and I always appreciate that.

I love Tris, and her character (despite her "unique snowflake" qualities sometimes), but my favorite character was Tobias.  I love that this book switched between their drastically different personalities and points of view.  I felt that Roth fielded that beautifully.  It is bittersweet that the series is over, but I am happy to have completed another series.

Will read and write soon!

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Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

TITLE:  Northanger Abbey
AUTHOR:  Austen, Jane
GENRE:  Fiction/Classics

DATES READ:  11/1/2013 - 11/15/2013

MY RATING:  3/5

I decided to keep going with my more classic trend with Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.  I would really like to get through all of the Austen novels, when I get the chance.  So, far I've only read this one and Pride and Prejudice.  This was definitely a classic Austen novel.  And I adored Catherine's character, no matter how plain Ms. Austen wrote her to be.  I feel that's the best sort of heroine.

I abhor Isabelle's character.  I feel like we've all had a friend like her in the past, and it difficult to read from the outside perspective.  Sometimes it's rather easy to be fooled when infatuated with the idea of friendship.  Tilney seemed extremely realistic, and General Tilney was outrageous.  Overall, it was fantastic.

I suppose I understand the need for the ghost story and Northanger Abbey as a whole.  It didn't really add to the characters at all.  But it was an excellent setting!  As always, I feel every woman should read Jane Austen's works.  Another one for the shelf!

Will read and write soon!

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The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

TITLE:  The Jungle
AUTHOR:  Sinclair, Upton
GENRE:  Fiction/Classics

DATES READ:  10/11/2013 - 10/31/2013

MY RATING:  2/5

I originally picked this book up because it was recommended reading for my coursework, and I have to say... I'm proud of myself for sticking to it.  This book is a classic that almost everyone has heard of, but it's certainly not the most uplifting in the world.  It depicts the struggle of immigrant workers coming to the United States when the Beef Trust was king.  I think it's a must read for anyone looking into the past of our country, and the struggles it's people have gone through.

The food related issues caught my eye the most, and they were startling.  The descriptions were extremely well detailed, and gruesome.  Jurgis was quiet a stubborn character, and I have no doubt that everyone has an ancestor as such.

Overall, the classic had the somber notes of the time period, and I felt little resolution from the propaganda ridden ending.  Definitely worth the read.  You'll feel more intelligent for it.

Will read and write soon!

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The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

TITLE:  The Masque of the Black Tulip
AUTHOR:  Willig, Lauren
GENRE:  Historical Fiction/Chick-lit

DATES READ:  9/23/2013 - 9/28/2013

MY RATING:  3.5/5

So, I dove right into this one right after I finished the first one in the series, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.  I feel that this second novel was an excellent addition to the first novel.  I fully enjoyed the new characters and their connections with the old ones.  Miles and Amy were both wonderful!

I have to admit, I really love stories where romance develops between friends.  I felt the relationship was so realistic.  Especially considering the first novel.  They were meant for each other from the start.

I already go the third book in the series from the local library book sale, so I should be starting that one soon!  I can't wait to see if there are any more.  I will definitely be looking for more of this author's work.

Will read and write soon!

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