The First Days by Rhiannon Frater

Title: The First Days (As the World Dies #1)

Author: Rhiannon Frater

Publisher: Tor Books 2011

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 335

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombie; Mount TBR; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: I won it

The morning that the world ends, Katie is getting ready for court and housewife Jenni is taking care of her family. Less than two hours later, they are fleeing for their lives from a zombie horde.Thrown together by circumstance, Jenni and Katie become a powerful zombie-killing partnership, mowing down zombies as they rescue Jenni’s stepson, Jason, from an infected campground.They find sanctuary in a tiny, roughly fortified Texas town.  There Jenni and Katie find they are both attracted to Travis, leader of the survivors; and the refugees must slaughter people they know, who have returned in zombie form.

Oh My!  What a zombie novel!  We are immediately thrown into the action.  The first scene is utterly horrifying.  I was terrified at what would come next.  The book starts in action and just never stops.  Right away I latched onto Katie as my identifiable character.  She is strong and yet has a vulnerable spot.  I loved the chapters told from her perspective.  Jenni was a bit crazy or as Juan would say loca.  I just never completely came around to her.  But I understand that her background as a battered woman defines her current relationships with others in the fort.  The other inhabitants are just as interesting and engaging.  The novel has just the right amount of gore and suspense and then quiet moments between survivors.  I am so glad that Rhiannon Frater was encouraged to publish the book.  I can't wait to dive right into the next installment...

As the World Dies

• #1 The First Days
• #2 Fighting to Survive
• #3 Siege
• #4 Untold Tales Volume 1
• #5 Untold Tales Volume 2
• #6 Untold Tales Volume 3
• #6.5 Deadly Night: Jenni and Katie's Untold Tale

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Title: Persuasion

Author: Jane Austen

Pages: 333

Rating: 5 /5 stars

Reading Challenges: Back to the Classics -- Reread; Mount TBR; Book2Movie; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: Own It!

Book

Say what you want about Elizabeth Bennett, Anne Elliott has always been my favorite Austen heroine.  Underneath it all, she's the one that keeps the Elliott household running, even in Bath.  She understands who she is and what mistakes she has made in the past.  She knows people and how to deal with them.  I love this story of growing up and realizing your mistakes.  Plus Captain Wentworth is just so dreamy!  Definitely my favorite of all of Austen's novels.

BBC Miniseries :

A few years ago I had a short-lived book club with some of my high schoolers.  We read Persuasion and then I hosted a movie night to enjoy a viewing.  Afterward we went around yelling "Wentworth" all over school.  Good times good times.

As to the actual movie, this is my favorite adaptation.  The casting perfectly fits the characters.  Anthony Stewart Head is imposing as Sir Walter, perfect casting.  Amanda Hale  is a nervous wreck of a Mary.  Rupert Penry-Jones is just dreamy as Captain Wentworth.  And Sally Hawkins has those long looks so perfect for playing Anne.  My absolute favorite scene is the first time that Anne and the Captain meet again.  Their looks convey a huge range of emotions.  In that instance, you know that they still love each other even with the betrayals of the past.  And I love all the scenes in Bath if for nothing more than the architecture in Bath.  Even the deviations from the novel fit with the story and characters. I forgive the filmmakers and still watch it over and over again.

Sadie Walker is Stranded by Madeleine Roux

Title: Sadie Walker is Stranded

Author: Madeleine Roux

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2012

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 335

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombie; Mount TBR; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: I own it!

Sadie Walker is one of the survivors in this new world. Living in north Seattle behind barrier that keep the living in and the dead out, she trying to get back to a normal life, while raising her eight-year-old nephew, if anyone even knows what “normal” is anymore.  Then everything goes sideways when Shane is kidnapped by a group of black market thieves and they bring down a crucial barrier in the city while trying to escape, and flood the city with the walking dead. After rescuing her nephew, Sadie and Shane escape Seattle on the last remaining boat, along with other survivors. However, now they must face the complete chaos of a world filled with flesh eating zombies and humans who are playing with a whole new rule book when it comes to survival in their journey to find a new place that they can call home.

Oh!  Such ambiance.  Such suspense.  Such horror.  I was concerned that a continuation of Allison Hewitt's story would disappoint.  That book had such vibrant characters that I worried.  Thankfully I was wrong in my concerns.  This story jumps right into the action and never stops.  We follow Sadie and a ragtag band of misfits as they try to survive after The Outbreak.  I loved the setting of the Pacific Northwest.  I could almost hear the seagulls and smell the brisk salt air wind.  This zombie novel doesn't have much gore, but it sure has enough terror and gotcha moments.  I loved this book so much that I plowed right through it in one sitting.  Great novel!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling -- Part 2

Because there are two movies, I tend to think about this book in two parts.  So I am splitting my review into two parts corresponding with the break in movies.  Part 2 covers pages 503-759 of the hardcover edition.

Title: Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 2007

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 759

Rating:   5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP

How I Got It: Own it! (in pretty hardcover no less)

This one is a reread for me.  It's been awhile since I read the series.  I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants.  SO that's what, eight years ago?  I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it's been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts.  Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc.  And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun

Favorite scenes:

• Break-in at Gringotts --  This entire scene feels like an amusement park ride complete with scary dragon.
• Harry standing up for Professor McGonagall -- Such a small gesture, but beautiful.
• The entire last 100 pages of the book -- Of course.  Amazing.  Heartbreaking.  Satisfying.

Favorite character(s):

• Neville Longbottom -- Who knew the scrawny kid in the first year would eventually land the killing blow to Nagini and stand up to all of the Death Eaters.

Other odds and ends:

• The story of Ariana's death is just heartbreaking.  That story alone explains so much about Dumbledore and his regrets.
• Along the same lines, Helena Ravenclaw's story involving the Bloody Baron also breaks my heart.
• Snape's memories feel like a stopping in the story although I understand why they are there and that they set up Harry is truly understand what he needs to do.
• I loved that Draco gets a semi-redemption in the end.
• I burst into tears not when Fred, Remus, and Tonks died, but when the ghosts appear in the forrest.  Ugh!  I bawled for pages afterwards.
• I still think I could have done without the epilogue...

Favorite quotes: 

"Because," said Harry before Hermione could answer, "sometimes you've got to think about more than your own safety!  Sometimes you've got to think about the greater good!" (pg. 568)

"Hallows," murmured Dumbledore, "not Horcruxes, Precisely."  (pg. 713)

"It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it.  Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprose that they wear it well."  (Dumbledore pg. 718)

"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!" (Mrs. Weasley pg. 736)

Movie fun Part 2

My favorite scenes:

• Inside the Lestrange vault.  The multiplying treasure is just gorgeous to watch.
• At much as I like the ending battle scenes, they are very different than the book's versions.

Things I wished to see, but didn't:

• Some of the little moments in the book that just aren't there.

Other odds and ends:

• The opening shot of the dementors surrounding the castle and Snape standing in the window is breathtaking.  Beautifully shot.
• I love the conversation between Griphook and Harry at the cottage.  Griphook has the right mix of contempt and curiosity.
• The dead Gringott's employees was a bit of a weird addition.
•  Loved the little before the battle moments of preparation, especially Mrs. Weasley and McGonagall calling forth the statues.

Harry Potter:

1. The Sorcerer's Stone
2. The Chamber of Secrets
3. The Prisoner of Azkaban
4. The Goblet of Fire
5. The Order of the Phoenix
6. The Half Blood Prince
7. The Deathly Hallows
   1. Part 1
   2. Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling -- Part 1

Because there are two movies, I tend to think about this book in two parts.  So I am splitting my review into two parts corresponding with the break in movies.  Part 1 covers pages 1-502 of the hardcover edition.

Title: Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 2007

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 759

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP

How I Got It: Own it! (in pretty hardcover no less)

This one is a reread for me.  It's been awhile since I read the series.  I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants.  SO that's what, eight years ago?  I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it's been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts.  Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc.  And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun:

Favorite scenes:

• Goodbye scene with the Dursleys -- It's bittersweet.  You want to hate the Dursleys for how they treated Harry and yet I love how Dudley finally says something.  And I screamed at Petunia to say something comforting...
• Bill and Fleur's wedding -- I love the descriptions and seeing all the Weasley's together (expect for Percy of course).
• Bathilda Bagshot and Godric's Hollow -- I know what's coming but this scene still scares the crap out of me.  Maybe it's the dead body, maybe it's the snake.  All I know is it is extra extra creepy.

Favorite character(s):

• Kreacher -- Bet you weren't expecting that one...  I really love how he begrudgingly but finally accepts Harry as his master.  Plus his sneakiness comes in handy when they are trying to find the locket.
• Ron -- He leaves, he's a git, but he redeems himself by destroying the Horcrux and trying to get on Hermione's good side throughout most of the book.

Other odds and ends:

• I cried over Hedwig and downright bawled over Dobby.  I cried for them more than I did when Dumbledore died.  Plus I got a bit verklempt with George's injury.
• I detest Scrimgeour with a passion.  Ugh!  So not sorry when he dies.
• I love the description of Luna's bedroom with the painting of her friends.  She is always one of my favorite characters.

Favorite quotes: 

"He looked away, trying not to betray the resentment he felt.  There is was again: Choose what to believe.  He wanted the truth.  Why was everybody so determined that he should not get it?" (pg. 185) -- When Harry learns of Rita Skeeter's book.  He has to get over these selfish thoughts to see the truth later on...

Movie fun Part 1

My favorite scenes:

• Big chase scene with the 7 Harrys -- It's different than the book but with the same adrenaline rush and danger.
• Bathilda Bagshot and Godric's Hollow -- Creepiest scene ever.  I jumped in the theater when Nagini is revealed.  I jumped again in my home when I knew exactly how it was going to happen.  Creepy creepy!
• Favorite hands-down: The Tale of the Three Brothers -- I loved loved loved the animation and the creepy shadow figures.  It fits perfectly with the story and set-up.

Things I wished to see, but didn't:

• More Lupin and Tonks.  The movie cryptically alludes to Tonks' pregnancy, but it's mostly left out.  Pretty big deal in the books.
• Something with Dumbledore and his family.  I like that side story in the books and yet no mention in the movies.
• Wormtail death.  Stunning him in the cell just seems to let him off easily.  I would have felt more complete with his death.

Other odds and ends:

• I liked the change in opening to Rufus Scrimgeour's statement about the Ministry.  While it is untrue, I like the foreshadowing and foreboding it creates.  The same is true for Hermione, Ron, and Harry's saying goodbye to their "homes."
• Fleur's dress is just gorgeous.  I really wanted to see more of it.
• I like how they folded visions from Voldemort into some backstory for those nonrabid fans.

Harry Potter:

1. The Sorcerer's Stone
2. The Chamber of Secrets
3. The Prisoner of Azkaban
4. The Goblet of Fire
5. The Order of the Phoenix
6. The Half Blood Prince
7. The Deathly Hallows
   1. Part 1
   2. Part 2

Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun by Gita May

Title: Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun

Author: Gita May

Publisher: Yale University 2005

Genre: Nonfiction - Biography

Pages: 256

Rating:  4 /5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey -- 750s; Mixing It Up -- Biography

How I Got It: Library Loan

The foremost woman artist of her age, Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1755—1842) exerted her considerable charm to become the friend, and then official portraitist, of Marie Antoinette. Though profitable, this role made Vigée Le Brun a public and controversial figure, and in 1789 it precipitated her exile. In a Europe torn by strife and revolution, she nevertheless managed to thrive as an independent, self-supporting artist, doggedly setting up studios in Rome, Naples, Venice, Milan, Vienna, St. Petersburg, and London. Long overlooked or dismissed, Vigée Le Brun’s portraits now hang in the Louvre, in a room of their own, as well as in all leading art museums of the world.

I first encountered Vigee Le Brun in my Women Artists class in college.  I instantly liked her neoclassical style of painting.  I can't believe that I never picked up a biography in the intervening years.  Thankfully I snatched this from the library shelves.  May does not disappoint in giving insight to a talented woman painter of the late 18th century.  Vigee Le Brun had the fortune of natural talent, a family that supported her painting, and the acquaintances of many rich patrons.  Originally my favorite of her paintings was Marie Antoinette with Her Children (1787), but after reading more about her own life, I love her self portraits.  She had a way of capturing people in a moment.  The paintings are less static than more neoclassicists.  I get a sense of movement in the poses.  They are almost like candid photographs.  Behind her actual art, I loved hearing about her early life and later travels throughout Europe.  And I now have a deeper understanding of the French Revolution's effects on the participants.  Overall,  a great biography of a great artists.

My current favorite painting: Self Portait in a Turban with Her Child 1786

On Target by Laura Rowley

Title: On Target: How the World's Hottest Retailer Hit a Bulls-Eye

Author: Laura Rowley

Publisher: Wiley 2003

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 224

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey -- 380

How I Got It: Library Loan

In On Target, award-winning business journalist Laura Rowley examines the methods and the success of the company from its shrewd merchandising strategy to its clever marketing campaigns, ingenious branding effort, and extensive philanthropy . An excellent education in how to beat the competition even in a crowded and weak retail market, Target's story details the history and incredible success of a unique company and an enticing, unmistakable brand. Both insightful and entertaining, On Target offers important business lessons for executives and managers in need of a bull's-eye.

I have to admit up front that I absolutely adore Target.  And much of what I love is due to Target's very careful approach to retail.  I am not naive enough to think that marketing doesn't affect me, it does, but I don't care.  I love Target and their products too much to change stores.  Rowley lays out the various arms of Target's approach to retail.  Target has married the old style department style to Walmart's style of discount.  We the consumers get the best of both worlds: cheap prices and stylish quality goods.  What more could you want?  Thankfully I live less than 1/2 mile from a Target with everything I need (it's not a SuperTarget, but does have a medium sized grocery area).   I go to grab kleenex or a loaf of bread and end up browsing through the clothes, season items, and home decor.  I love the one stop shopping with style.  Target has created the plan for business and dominated their current market.  They will keep getting my dollar if the prices and style continue.

Ten Discoveries that Rewrote History by Patrick Hunt

Title: Ten Discoveries that Rewrote History

Author: Patrick Hunt

Publisher: Plume 2007

Genre: Nonfiction -- History

Pages: 226

Rating:   5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey -- 930s

How I Got It: Library Loan

Renowned archaeologist Patrick Hunt brings his top ten list of ancient archaeological discoveries to life in this concise and captivating book. The Rosetta Stone, Troy, Nineveh's Assyrian Library, King Tut’s Tomb, Machu Picchu, Pompeii, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Thera, Olduvai Gorge, and the Tomb of 10,000 Warriors—Hunt reveals the fascinating stories of these amazing discoveries and explains the ways in which they added to our knowledge of human history and permanently altered our worldview. Part travel guide to the wonders of the world and part primer on ancient world history, Ten Discoveries That Rewrote History captures the awe and excitement of finding a lost window into ancient civilization.

I loved this book!  A beautiful blend of storytelling and archaeology, I sped through the pages eager to read about the next big find.  To be fair, I already knew about each of these discoveries, but Hunt create such a great narrative I couldn't resist reading.  The discoveries themselves are breathtaking.  Who didn't dream of being an Indiana Jones style archaeologist at some point in their childhood?  The people behind these discoveries were just that.  I loved reading the stories behind the discoveries and the impact on history.  A great short introduction to amazing finds in archaeology.

Slanted and Enchanted by Kayla Oakes

Title: Slanted and Enchanted: The Evolution of Indie Culture

Author: Kayla Oakes

Publisher: Holt 2009

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 256

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z -- O; Dewey -- 700s

How I Got It: Library Loan

As popular television shows adopt indie soundtracks and the signature style bleeds into mainstream fashion, the quirky individuality of the movement seems to be losing ground. In Slanted and Enchanted, Kaya Oakes demonstrates how this phase is part of the natural cycle of a culture that reinvents itself continuously to preserve its core ideals of experimentation, freedom, and collaboration.

Through interviews and profiles of the artists who have spearheaded the cause over the years—including Mike Watt, David Berman, Kathleen Hanna, and Dan Clowes—Oakes examines the collective creativity and cross-genre experimentation that are the hallmarks of this popular lifestyle trend. Her visits to music festivals, craft fairs, and smaller collectives around the country round out the story, providing a compelling portayal of indie life on the ground. Culminating in the current indie milieu of music, crafting, style, art, comics, and zines, Oakes reveals from whence indie came and where it will go next.

Not a bad book, but not really my cup of tea.  I read too much of this as sarcastic and/or pretentious.  I just couldn't get into this book at all.  At many points, the author presupposes knowledge of indie movers and shakers.  I just don't have that knowledge.  I felt lost and confused many times throughout.  I just kind of skimmed through this and immediately forgot it.

Change.edu by Andrew Rosen

Title: Change.edu: Rebooting for the New Talent Economy

Author: Andrew Rosen

Publisher: Kaplan 2011

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 240

Rating:  4 /5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey -- 370s

How I Got It: Library Loan

While low-income students can’t find a spot in their local community colleges for lack of funding, public four-year universities are spending staggering sums on luxurious residence halls, ever-bigger football stadiums, and obscure research institutes. We have cosseted our most advantaged students even as we deny access to the working adults who urgently need higher education to advance their careers and our economy. In Change.edu: Rebooting for the new talent economy Andrew S. Rosen clearly and entertainingly details how far the American higher education system has strayed from the goals of access, quality, affordability, and accountability that should characterize our system, and offers a prescription to restore American educational pre-eminence.

A bit of a departure from my Shakespeare and romance novels.  I was craving some thought provoking nonfiction, and I got it.  Although I mistakenly believed this book was aimed at K-12 education when I grabbed it, I came to really enjoy the examination of our nation's higher education system.  Overall, I agreed with Rosen on the large issues at play in higher education: money allocation, focus on education, displaced interests.  We have gradually gotten away from education our next generation and focused on money, prestige, and image of colleges.  We need to take a hard look at our post secondary arena and determine what we really want.  What is the purpose of college?  If we need skilled students exiting into the new technological world, we aren't fulfilling the need.  A very thought provoking book.

The Lost Millennium by Florin Diacu

Title: The Lost Millennium: History's Timetables Under Siege

Author: Florin Diacu

Publisher: John Hopkins 2005, 2011 (2nd edition)

Genre: Nonfiction - History

Pages: 237

Rating:   3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mixing it Up -- History; Dewey -- 900s

How I Got It: Library Loan

We measure history—its defining moments, landmark documents, and great figures—by dates. The French Revolution began in 1789, the Magna Carta was originally issued in 1215, and Julius Caesar died in the year 44 BC. What makes these dates correct, though? Is it possible that there is a massive gap in the historical record and that the calendar we use today is off by about 1,000 years? Sparked by a chance meeting at a conference in Mexico more than fifteen years ago, Florin Diacu sets off on a journey into the field of historical chronology to answer these fascinating questions.

This book reads like a detective story, describing in vivid detail Diacu’s adventure back in time as he explores the shocking theory of a lost millennium. He meets a colorful cast of characters along the way. Chief among them is Anatoli Fomenko, a Russian mathematician who supports drastically revising historical chronology based on his extensive research in ancient astronomy, linguistics, cartography, and a crucial manuscript by Ptolemy. Fomenko, however, is not the only one to puzzle over time; Isaac Newton, Voltaire, and Edmund Halley, among others, also enter into this captivating quest.

I usually love history books (any history book), but I found this one to be too dense for my liking.  I found Diacu's questions on chronology fascinating, but the writing felt clunky to me.  I had to read and read some of the passages to get a real sense of his intent and methodology.  Maybe I have been spoiled with story-like history books (Mayflower, The Great Mortality, The Ghost Map) that I am now a foreigner to dense historical papers.  Whatever my problems, I just did love this book.  And while Diacu has his doubts about some of the revisionist theories of chronology, I find much of it too confusing too care.  This book is only for the deep academic and possible mathematicians...

At the Queen's Summons by Susan Wiggs

Title: At the Queen's Summons (Tudor Rose Trilogy #3)

Author: Susn Wiggs

Publisher: Mira 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 384

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romance; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it!

Feisty orphan Pippa de Lacey lives by wit and skill as a London street performer. But when her sharp tongue gets her into serious trouble, she throws herself upon the mercy of Irish chieftain Aidan O'Donoghue.Pippa provides a welcome diversion for Aidan as he awaits an audience with the queen, who holds his people's fate in her hands. Amused at first, he becomes obsessed with the audacious waif who claims his patronage.Rash and impetuous, their unlikely alliance reverberates with desire and the tantalizing promise of a life each has always wanted—but never dreamed of attaining.

After reading The Maid's Hand, I wasn't sure about the third book.  I didn't really like Lark and this time I wanted a good female character.  I got one!  Pippa is fun and feisty.  She's naive but adventurous.  I loved her interactions with every single one of the other characters.  Wiggs set up a great dynamic between Pippa and Aidan.  Of course I guessed her family connections within the first chapter.  Thankfully the romantic relationship between Pippa and Aidan and the struggle between Aidan the English kept me engaged throughout.  And I love how this one brought the trilogy full circle with the prophecy from Zara and the continuation of the Tudor lineage.  Great historical romance!

Tudor Rose Trilogy:

• #1 At the King’s Command (or Circle in the Water)
• #2 The Maiden’s Hand (or Vows Made in Wine)
• #3 At the Queen’s Summons (Dancing on Air)

The Maiden's Hand by Susan Wiggs

Title: The Maiden's Hand (Tudor Rose Trilogy #2)

Author: Susn Wiggs

Publisher: Mira 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 352

Rating:  4  / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Romance

How I Got It: I own it!

Roguishly handsome Oliver de Lacey has always lived lustily: wine, weapons and women are his bywords. Even salvation from the noose by a shadowy society provides no epiphany to mend his debauched ways.Mistress Lark's sole passion is her secret work with a group of Protestant dissidents thwarting the queen's executions. She needs no other excitement—until Oliver de Lacey drops through the hangman's door and into her life.

As their fates become inextricably bound together in a struggle against royal persecution, both Oliver and Lark discover a love worth saving…even dying for.

A good light and fluffy romance to cleanse my palate after a ton of Shakespeare and some nonfiction.  I enjoy these romances from time to time, especially the historical romances.  While this one isn't set in my favorite time period, Regency England, it is set in an interesting time period, Queen Mary's reign.  I love the Protestant vs. Catholic subplot that ran throughout the novel.  It gave the book a bit more than just a romance.  We see Lark at work with the Samaritans.  It's easy to imagine the unease in England during that time period.  Actually I love how the entire trilogy traces the Tudor House from Henry VIII to Mary to Elizabeth.  A nice touch.  As to the romance itself, It was good.  It wasn't excellent in my mind because of the character of Lark.  While Oliver doesn't much change throughout the novel, Lark does a 180 in personality.  I had a bit trouble believing the change or even rooting for you.  She just seemed so jaded yet naive.  Why would Oliver even fall for her?  For my disbelief, I knocked off a star.  But I really did enjoy it.  Since I am now in the mood for romance, I am going to finish off the series with At the Queen's Summons.

Tudor Rose Trilogy:

• #1 At the King's Command (or Circle in the Water)
• #2 The Maiden's Hand (or Vows Made in Wine)
• #3 At the Queen's Summons (Dancing on Air)

Liberty Defined by Ron Paul

Title: Liberty Defined: 50 Essential Issues that Affect Our Freedom

Author: Ron Paul

Publisher: Foundation for Rational Economics and Education 2011

Genre: Nonfiction - Politics

Pages: 328

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey -- 320s

How I Got It: Library Loan

In Liberty Defined, congressman and #1 New York Times bestselling author Ron Paul returns with his most provocative, comprehensive, and compelling arguments for personal freedom to date.

This is a comprehensive guide to Dr. Paul's position on fifty of the most important issues of our times, from Abortion to Zionism. Accessible, easy to digest, and fearless in its discussion of controversial topics, LIBERTY DEFINED sheds new light on a word that is losing its shape.

I picked this up on a whim.  Throughout the primaries, I was intrigued by Paul's statements and seemingly exclusion treatment from the Republican Party.  So what's wrong with this guy?  According to my reading of his book, plenty.  Now let me go back.  For the most part of this book, I was with him.  And then in each chapter, he seemingly goes of the deep end.  I just couldn't follow through on most of his arguments.  I keep hearing myself going "yes, I completely understand" until I got to the ending paragraphs of each chapter.  Then my statements changed to "what the hell?  why did you just go there?"  Often his rational arguments start just fine and then he jumps tracks to a totally different argument to end.  My main problem is that most of his ideas are interesting but they could not be put in place given our current reality.  We need to start with our current reality and start making laws to achieve an ultimate end.  Bottom line: I will not be voting for Ron Paul in any election.

Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love

Title: Cinderella Vol. 1: From Fabletown with Love

Author: Chris Roberson and Shawn McManus

Publisher: Vertigo 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 144

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fables Series; Mount TBR

When supernatural artifacts from the Homelands begin surfacing in the modern world, it falls to Cinderella, Fabletown's best kept (and best dressed) secret agent to stop the illegal trafficking. But can Cindy foil the dark plot before Fabletown and its hidden, exiled inhabitants are exposed once and for all? Whether she's soaring through clouds, deep-sea diving, or cracking jaws, Cindy travels from Manhattan to Dubai and hooks up with a handsome, familiar accomplice who may be harboring secret motives of his own. Meanwhile, trouble brews back home in Fabletown when Cindy's overworked, under appreciated assistant decides to seize control of The Glass Slipper, Cindy's exclusive shoe boutique.

A spin-off from the regular series, we get to know Cindy the spy just a bit better.  I loved the spy novel/Bond movie feel to the entire series.  Cindy is sarcastic, smart, funny, and down right dangerous.  I love her.  As much as I like Snow White in the regular series, Cindy is a whole new breed of Fable.  And I love how her cover in Fabletown is an affair with Beast and the vapid owner of a shoe store.  Nice cover Cindy!  It makes her real personality so much more fun.  I will definitely be adding the other Cinderella series, Fables are Forever, to my TBR list for next year.

Cinderella:

• #1 From Fabletown with Love
• #2 Fables are Forever

Twelfth Night by Shakespeare

Title: Twelfth Night or What You Will

Author: William Shakespeare

Genre: Classic Plays

Pages: 92

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Shakespeare; Book2Movies

Play

I've always been a fan of Twelfth Night.  I am going to say it's because of the mistaken identify.  I love the interplay between the characters and their identities.  Viola is an amazing female character for Shakespeare.  I feel for her.  I understand her.  I admire her wit and intelligence.  I may say that she is my favorite of Shakespeare's women.  The best scenes are the interplay between her and the Lady Olivia.  We see this great back and forth of wits.  With my love of characters, I do have a few issues with the play.  What happens to Malvolio?  How does Olivia feel about marrying Cesario's (Viola's) dead brother mistakenly?  I might have some issues with the consequences.  I also have an issue with the unresolved Clown.  What happen's after?  It seems that Shakespeare ended the play a bit too early.

Extra fun note curtesy of IMDB: The play was referenced in the movie V For Vendetta. The character V quotes: "Conceal me what I am, and be my aid...for such disguise as haply shall become the form of my intent" as he's dancing with Evey.

Movie Adaptation -- 1988 Kenneth Branagh directed production

This isn't a movie adaptation, it's a filmed stage production.  I love that the audience gets the feel of being in the theater.  However, I do not love the set design.  Everything is gray and white and a barren graveyard.  I just so not a fan of the stark set.  A bit more color would have been nice.  Plus, the clown was very tiring and his hair just distracted me.  It was an interesting adaptation, but not my favorite (and definitely not my favorite Branagh Shakespeare.  I much prefer Much Ado About Nothing or Othello.

Haunts of San Jose by David Lee

Title: Haunts of San Jose

Author: David Lee

Publisher: Schiffer Books 2008

Genre: Nonfiction - Ghost stories

Pages: 176

Rating:   2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey -- 100s

How I Got It: Library Loan

More than a million people live in the city of San Jose, and its ghosts reside right alongside the population. These contemporary stories are the result of an extensive quest for ghostly phenomena taking place from one end of the city to the other. Whether it's a haunted house on Stockton Avenue, the ghost begging for a police officer to find his murderer outside the Japanese Tea Garden, or the ghost in overalls and a cowboy hat at Tres Gringos, on Second Street, the haunts of San Jose will make you shiver as you walk the streets! Now you, too, can visit with these spirits, at your own risk!

Okay, I'll admit to loving a good ghost story every once in awhile.  I love picking up the Haunts of ___ ___  books on places I've lived or visit.  Yet, this volume was just disappointing.  While the actual meat of some of the stories were interesting, the writing and research left much to be desired.  It felt more like someone's short hand notes than a book.  Plus, some of the interviews and stories were very thin...  Glad I got this from the library and didn't actually buy it.

This Book is Overdue by Marilyn Johnson

Title: This Book is Overdue: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All

Author: Marilyn Johnson

Publisher: HarperCollins 2010

Genre: Nonfiction -- Library science

Pages: 272

Rating:  5 /5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey - 0-99s; Mixing It Up - Social Science

How I Got It: Library Loan

This Book Is Overdue! is a romp through the ranks of information professionals and a revelation for readers burned out on the clichÉs and stereotyping of librarians. Blunt and obscenely funny bloggers spill their stories in these pages, as do a tattooed, hard-partying children's librarian; a fresh-scrubbed Catholic couple who teach missionaries to use computers; a blue-haired radical who uses her smartphone to help guide street protestors; a plethora of voluptuous avatars and cybrarians; the quiet, law-abiding librarians gagged by the FBI; and a boxing archivist. These are just a few of the visionaries Johnson captures here, pragmatic idealists who fuse the tools of the digital age with their love for the written word and the enduring values of free speech, open access, and scout-badge-quality assistance to anyone in need.

I loved this book.  Or maybe I loved the love letter to libraries and librarians.  I have always found libraries to be homes away from home.  I've felt at ease in every library I've ever set foot in.  They are my world.  And so I was just as scared as Johnson when I heard people saying that the rise of the internet meant the death of libraries.  No!  They are changing to fit the times and yet they still fill a much needed service in our world.  Johnson is obviously also a lover of libraries.  Throughout chapters on varied topics, her own personal love of libraries comes through.  I found myself talking out loud throughout the book.  I agreed with Johnson, I rallied against detractors, I urged on the radical progressive librarians.  I must say that nonfiction books rarely get me this riled up.  Thank you Johnson for reaffirming my feeling that libraries are needed and that librarians are awesome people.

Some of my favorite quotes:

• Good librarians are natural intelligence operatives.  They possess all of the skills and characteristics required for that work: curiosity, wide-ranging knowledge, good memories, organizational and analytical aptitude, and discretion. (pg. 6) -- With those qualifications, I would be a great spy and librarian!
• "...librarians consider free access to information the foundation of democracy, and they're right." (8) -- Amen to that!
• "Writers seldom just stop writing.  We're like serial killers in that way.  You have to stop us, because we cannot stop ourselves." Happy Villain (66)

P.S. I also found many new librarian blogs to follow...  Just what I need, more blogs.

Antony and Cleopatra by Shakespeare

Title: Antony and Cleopatra

Author: William Shakespeare

Genre: Classic Plays

Pages: 139

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Shakespeare

I admit that my view of this play is colored by the amazing tv production that was Rome.  I can't ever hear about Marc Antony or Cleopatra now without thinking of those specific portrayals.  It was definitely a problem going into this play.

I did find some interesting aspects of the play.  There is such a difference between the Roman characters and the Egyptian characters.  Rome is all business without any flowery language.  We get many more descriptive pieces from Cleopatra's side.  And speaking of Cleopatra... she's such a complex character.  One minute I hate her, the next I sympathize.  I didn't think I could have such conflicting feelings for a notorious historical figure.  Ultimately I see her as a ruler trying to hold onto her power any way she can.  First with Caesar, and then with Antony, she tries in vain to keep Rome from displacing her from the throne.  Even through that, I see a woman stuck in a much larger battle centered in Rome but being fought in Egypt.  Maybe that's why I feel for her.  At any rate, I loved Shakespeare's complex portrayals of the characters.  It's not one of my ultimate favorites, but it's a good history/tragedy.  And it's definitely a much better tragedy than Romeo and Juliet.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Title: The Importance of Being Earnest

Author: Oscar Wilde

Genre: Classic play (1895 play / 2002 movie)

Pages: 92

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics -- Play; Mount TBR; Books2Movie

How I Got It: Own it

Play:

I absolutely adore this play.  The back and forth between Algy and Jack keeps me going.  I love their battles of wits.  And the mistaken identity aspect adds way too much fun.  Plus, Wilde is the best at turning a phrase.  This play is full of great lines and comebacks.

Some choice quotes:

"When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other people." - Act 1

"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his." - Act 1

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!" - Act 1

"Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven’t got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die." - Act 1

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train." - Act 2

"I could deny it if I liked. I could deny anything if I liked." - Act 2

"Oh! I killed Bunbury this afternoon. I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon." - Act 3

"The chin a little higher, dear. Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn. They are worn very high, just at present." - Act 3

"Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?" - Act 3

"I've now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest." - Act 3

2002 Movie:

The movie adds things here and there, but overall keeps the spirit of the play.  I love all the actors.  Rupert Everett plays he best scheming Algy.  Colin Firth is divine as Jack/Ernest.  Dame Judi Dench always plays the stiff Brit.  And Reese Witherspoon plays the perfect innocent,  but not really innocent, Cecily.  The addition of Cecily's governess/tutor.  Does anyone else think that Archer's manservant is modeled after Algy's manservant Lane?  I think so.