The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I have had this book before it became popular because of the movie.  I remember trying to get my book friends to do it for book club.  But, at that point I hadn't read it.  So here I am many months later....the movie here and on DVD and I just barely finished it.  It is a very good book.  It tells the story in three different perpectives.  Two of these people are black (Minnie and Aibileen) and they work at white people's houses as maids.  The other is white (Skeeter) and she wants to write a book about "the Help."  Skeeter grew up with a maid in her life.  She was raised by her and she loved her with all her heart.  When she comes back from college her maid is gone and no one will tell her why she is gone.  Skeeter looks at her friends and their help and how they are treated.  Those things lead her to the idea for the book along with her desire to write.

This book is about writing the book and the adventures that come along with it. I learned much and felt much as I read this book. There is a part that was not wholesome about an intruder in Minnie's employer's backyard.  I kind of wish that wasn't there but, other than that I thought the book was well written.

The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

December 8th is the day this book will officially come out.  It is fun to have read it before it has come out.  This was a gift to me from a great friend who has more connections than I.  I had loved Prudence Bice's first book the Widower's wife.  This one was great too...if not even better. 

I love the story line.  It is just fun.   It starts with the young girl, Georgiana (Georgie) stealing a kiss from Ridge, one of her best friends.  Little did she know that she wouldn't see him for 5 years after the kiss.   Her family went to New York for what she thought was a visit and it ended up that her family stayed there.

This is a love story and I loved every minute of it.  It's another one of those books I just couldn't put down.  I love the characters and I love the way they interact with each other.  It was just so fun.   I can hardly wait for her next one.

Perceval by John Perkins illustrated by Gennady Spirin

The illustrations in this book are absolutely incredible.  It gives the book such an authentic feel to it.

I had the opportunity to be attend a symposium when Gennady Spirin was speaking.  His son acted as an interpreter.  I was impressed with his vast experience and how he really thinks things out.  He has such good values and character.  It comes out in his illustrations I believe.

This book has a great story that made me think about curiousity and asking questions.  This is in the days of the knights of the roundtable.  It is about a boy who wants to be a knight.  His mother is heartbroken but lets him go.  She gives him advice as he leaves.  He does follow most of the advice.  I haven't heard this story before but it is a famous story.

This book is very fun.  A quick wonderful read with candy for the eyes.  I hope to re-read it again.

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

Love this series.  It's hard to put these books down long enough to eat, drink, or sleep.   Once I get started reading them I just can not stop.  I enjoyed these books quite a bit.

This book is written in Curzon's point of view instead of Isabel's.  It was good to see through his eyes the happenings of Valley Forge.  I would not have liked to have been at Valley Forge.  I had no idea about the happenings that went on at that time.  I learned a lot and have much sympathy for the soldiers and for slaves.  Laurie Halse Anderson sure can create wonderful characters that it is hard not to like them.  It's hard not to pull for them as they go about the story.

I look forward to the next book (not out yet) called, "Ashes."  I might be like my kids on a vacation trip in the car..."Are we there yet?" or in this case..."Is it published yet?"

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Here's a book that is absolutely TOUGH to put down even for a minute.  I finished this one very quickly.  I am going to be off in a few minutes to read the next volume of this story called "Forge." 

This is a story about a girl working as a slave.  She finds her owner has passed away.  Her owners last will was to set her and her sister, Ruth, free upon her death.  Things don't always work like they should and the new owner of the property (the nephew of her deceased owner.) has different ideas.   You grow to love Isabel all through the story.  It is one of the resiliency of the human soul.  It is one of hard work.  It will touch your heart.  I do not cry easily BUT I cried in this book.  I loved this book!

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Well, I did it.  I completed the series.  I enjoyed this book but had a hard time starting it.  I have been so busy lately and yet I know that if I start it is hard to put it down.  I was happy to have some time to read it.  It was truly a great way to end a series with a spark of....there could be something more about the subject in the future. 

This book is the story of the battle against the Titans.  They are going to try to take over Olympus.  It has lots of twists and turns and the unexpected creeps up very often.  It was a book that you never knew what was going to happen yet.  I liked the sparks of romance in it too.  I enjoyed reading it.  Kudos to a great book.

Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

This was a love story and adventure.  Mettie Ivie Harrison has such a unique way about writing.   I really like this book.

Izzie is in love with Mark.  Her mom is a witch.  She has a best friend that is acting strangely toward her and she doesn't know why.  Then a new boy comes to the school named Tristan.  Life changes dramatically when he comes to the school.  I'll let you discover that for yourselves but, I never expected the fun in the story plot.