Austenland by Shannon Hale

If you think I am on a Shannon Hale kick, you are ABSOLUTELY right!

First, I have a caution with this book. I would not want my 16 year old son to read this book. There are some details between boy and girl that I don’t want him to dwell on. I think that this book is for an older audience than that. I would classify this as an adult book as most others do also. She handles situations very respectful, well, and tactful.

I couldn't put the book down, which probably doesn't surprise you with a book from Shannon Hale. Most of her books I would read more than once though, and this one I probably will just read once, but who knows.

Jane loves "Pride and Prejudice" especially on DVD with Colin Firth. It is the secret that she feels guilty about. She hides her DVDs because of that guilt.

Her great aunt, Carolyn comes to visit. She notices the hidden DVDs and when she passes away she leaves Jane a vacation to Austenland. In Austenland, they recreate the time period of Jane Austen's books. They dress like, talk like and act like this time period.

Jane decides to do it go there and has quite the adventure.

I really enjoyed this story. I do recommend this book and getting caught away in a fun bit of romance and men. I think there are many things about it to get caught up in too.

Happy reading to yah!

River Secrets by Shannon Hale

This is a great book. I love the character of Razo. He is a fun, loving guy. This book follows him and what a fun adventure it is!

The Tiran people come and offer an exchange of people. A select few of the Bayern people will go to Tiran and another select few of the Tiran people will go to Bayern. This is done in hopes to promote peace among the two countries.

Razo finds himself among the group that goes to Tiran along with Enna, Finn and Talone. He wonders why. He doesn't think he has anything special about him. The people seem hostile and want war with his country. He discovers some things about himself he didn’t know about before.

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book, it is great. I look forward to Forest Born on September 19, 2009 where the story can go on.

Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

This book doesn't disappoint. It is adventurous, fun, romantic, and thought provoking. Enna is Isi's (Anni's) friend. Enna's brother finds a piece of vellum and learns how to use fire. He seems to change because of it and not in a good way.

Meanwhile, Isi is having a problem with the wind. It is very loud and her husband finds her a place that doesn't have as much wind that is low in the castle.

War is on the horizon with a country that wants to take back their land from many generations ago.

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book. It is a delight. I had a hard time putting this book down. It is wonderful!

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

I am officially a Shannon Hale fan. This book was wonderful and I want more. Fortunately, there are more books about this same place called, "The Books of Bayern." I will be reading them.

I was hooked on his book by page 2. I recounted what had happened so far from page 2 to my husband. When I said it aloud I realized that everything was intriguing and so much happens even by page 2. I relished every word and couldn't put the book down.

Ani is born with her eyes closed. She doesn't open them until her Aunt comes and tells her stories in the middle of the night. She is close to her aunt and her Aunt teaches her many things and stories that come in handy later on in the story. I don't want to say too much because there's much to be discovered on your own.

I highly recommend this book and would love to read it again--if I didn't have more of her books to try.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Okay, if I were to only read inside the cover I would have never read this book. She talks of private parts right off. I think this inside cover is to attract those who may be a reluctant reader. The book doesn't have a lot more parts like that, but there is a naked scene, that made me uncomfortable. But, that was a reality to be aware of.

That being said, I loved this book. It deserves the Newbery Honor Award. It is intriguing to learn about Alcatraz and Al Capone, the prisoner. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end. Whether I realized it or not, I learned things about this famous prison.

I was also really interested in Moose's sister's problems. She covers Autism beautifully and with compassion. It helped me feel grateful that those with Autism seem more understood now-a-days. There is still room for improvement in today's world though.

I was able to listen as the author talked to a bunch of teachers and librarians and I was impressed to learn that her sister had the same type of problems. She talks with understanding and a knowledge of being there. I found the theme that we love those with Autism and they do much better to be beautiful.

It is a wonderful book and I couldn't put it down. I love the characters. I'd recommend this any day.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett illustrated by Tasha Tudor

After trying to read the last two books, this one was just beautiful.

This is a story about an amazing girl that is being dropped off by her father at a girl's school. Their relationship is described beautiful and you know they are close.

This is a little girl who doesn't give up. This girl has fortitude. She is strong and goes through much but still comes out a Princess.

This is good, beautiful writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Books not to read!!!!!!!

Yuck and YUCK!!!

This book talks of Oral sex in a lot of description. I bought the first book to see if I'd like the series. It starts out innocent enough and then unexpectedly it described a scene of oral sex and without realizing it I had an awful image in my mind. YUCK!!!! I couldn't even give it to DI....I gave it right to the trash.

This book was on display at the library. It looked fun...swords...kings....perhaps castles. Well right from the first it was very sexual. I didn't enjoy it at all. Bluck!!!

Warning, Warning with these books. They are not my kind of book!