I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Title: I am Malala

Author: Malala Yousafzai

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2013

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 327

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall Reading Challenge; Nonfiction Adventure; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W43

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Instead, Malala's miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.

I'll admit that I was a bit unsure about reading this one.  I haven't had the best track record when it comes to memoirs/autobiographies from younger people.  Glad I was wrong.  This book was a special treat to read. I loved hearing about Malala's childhood.  Her love of her homeland shines through. We get to see Pakistan through her eyes and it is beautiful. Every once in awhile we get the noticeably different voice of her co-author, journalist Christina Lamb. Those parts had more of a newspaper article feel to them.  While informative about some of the larger political and social events, I kept wanting to hear more from Malala. Overall, an amazing read.  Recommend to all!

Expecting Adam by Martha Beck

Title: Expecting Adam

Author: Martha Beck

Publisher: Harmony 2011

Genre: Nonfiction - Inspirational

Pages: 368

Rating: 1/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall Reading Challenge; Nonfiction Adventure; Read Your Freebies; Well Read Reader - Memoir

John and Martha Beck had two Harvard degrees apiece when they conceived their second child. Further graduate studies, budding careers, and a growing family meant major stress--not that they'd have admitted it to anyone (or themselves). As the pregnancy progressed, Martha battled constant nausea and dehydration. And when she learned her unborn son had Down syndrome, she battled nearly everyone over her decision to continue the pregnancy. She still cannot explain many of the things that happened to her while she was expecting Adam, but by the time he was born, Martha, as she puts it, "had to unlearn virtually everything Harvard taught [her] about what is precious and what is garbage."

Thoroughly disappointed in this one. I was expecting a feel good, yet harrowing struggle through a difficult pregnancy and subsequent birth of her son.  And yet, I could not find any sympathy for Martha and her struggle.  She whined.  The world revolved around her.  Her life ended with the pregnancy.  Ugh!  Get over yourself lady!  I wanted to read of an honest and brutal account of a difficult time, but there were no good lessons within the book.  And the book wasn't at all about her son Adam.  I can't summon any understanding for a woman who has everything, complains about how life changes, and places blame on others. And don't get me started about the supernatural aspects of the book. No thank you!

Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan

Title: Shadowdance (Darkest London #4)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2012

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 427

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall Reading Challenge; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W42; Seriously Series

Once a heart is lost in shadow . . .

Life has been anything but kind to Mary Chase. But the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals has given her purpose. Now she's been tasked with catching a vicious murderer dubbed the Bishop of Charing Cross. But someone is already on the case-and the last thing he relishes is a partner.

Only someone who lives in darkness can find it.

Jack Talent has been alone with his demons for many years. He never expected to have the willful Mary Chase assist him on the Bishop case. Their age-old rivalry reaches new heights-even as their desire for one another reaches a fever pitch. Though he aches to bring her close, Jack's dark secrets are a chasm between them. With dangerous enemies closing in, Jack must find the strength to face the past . . . or risk losing Mary forever.

Another good but not great book in the Darkest London series.  I was never interested in learning more about Mary or Jack from the previous books.  While I may not have loved the characters, the storyline was much better than the previous full novel.  I enjoyed learning more about the Nex and the fallen and the other demons.  I will have to pick up the next volume soon to get my paranormal romance fix.

Darkest London

• #0.5 Ember
• #1 Firelight
• #2 Moonglow
• #3 Winterblaze
• #3.5 Entwined
• #4 Shadowdance
• #5 Evernight
• #6 Spellbound
• #7 Forevermore

Entwined by Kristen Callihan

Title: Entwined (Darkest London #3.5)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2012

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 120

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Read Your Freebies; 52 Books - W41; Seriously Series

Eamon Evernight has always lived in his older brother's shadow. While his brother is fair of hair and lithe in body, Eamon sparks fear with his fiery locks and massive frame-and rumors of a mysterious power. But when his brother has the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful stranger, it's Eamon's help-and quick wit and romantic heart--that he needs. Eamon agrees to write the noble lady...a generous offer that will forever leave him a changed man. 

Lady Luella Jane Moran has no interest in an arranged marriage and tries valiantly to dissuade her betrothed from afar. Though her own letters plainly state her case, the words her husband-to-be writes her leave her aching for his touch. Will Lu give in to the desire the missives have kindled within her? Or will desire turn cold when she discovers their true author?

Such a fun little novella to expand the Darkest London universe.  I didn't realize how this story fit into the larger one until the last page, but the story itself was worth it.  I loved following Luella and Eamon as they discover one another and their own destiny.  It was a real treat.  Can't wait to read the next volume.

Darkest London

• #0.5 Ember
• #1 Firelight
• #2 Moonglow
• #3 Winterblaze
• #3.5 Entwined
• #4 Shadowdance
• #5 Evernight
• #6 Spellbound
• #7 Forevermore

Dune by Frank Herbert

Title: Dune

Author: Frank Herbert

Publisher: Chilton Books 1965

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 894

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Scifi and Fantasy; NPR Teen; Ebook; New Author; Monthly Motif - Award Winner

Here is the novel that will be forever considered a triumph of the imagination. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family--and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream.

A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what it undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.

J has been trying to get me to read Dune for ages (at least 2 years).  I finally did it and I'm pleasantly surprised. I actually enjoyed another classical science fiction book. Many complain that the book throws the reader into a complicated world with its own language.  That's true, but I had not problem parsing out the meaning of the words or figuring out the various houses and motivations.  As the book progresses, Herbert touches on  a variety of topics including politics imperialism, race, and religion.  I loved the layers.  On the surface you get a story about a boy/man avenging his family name.  But then we start to see that this isn't just Paul's story.  Instead, it's a story of a universe; a variety of people all striving to survive and thrive under a multitude of restrictions.  I really got into the story and couldn't wait to read what happened to all the great houses and players. Definitely a good read.

No Turning Back by Estelle Freedman

Title: No Turning Back

Author: Estelle Freedman

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2002

Genre: Nonfiction - Women's Studies

Pages: 446

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W40

Repeatedly declared dead by the media, the women’s movement has never been as vibrant as it is today. Indeed as Stanford professor and award-winning author Estelle B. Freedman argues in her compelling new book, feminism has reached a critical momentum from which there is no turning back. A truly global movement, as vital and dynamic in the developing world as it is in the West, feminism has helped women achieve authority in politics, sports, and business, and has mobilized public concern for once-taboo issues like rape, domestic violence, and breast cancer. And yet much work remains before women attain real equality. In this fascinating book, Freedman examines the historical forces that have fueled the feminist movement over the past two hundred years–and explores how women today are looking to feminism for new approaches to issues of work, family, sexuality, and creativity.

This amazing book was our first book club selection for the South Bay Feminist Book Club.  I was excited to revisit a book that was written, published, and read back in my college years. And a reread did not disappoint.  Freedman lays out an extensive argument for feminism in the history of the United States and the world.  Each chapter focuses on a aspect of history from race to politics.  I warn you that this book is dense.  Freedman packs it full of information and theories of feminism.  A very enjoyable and through-provoking read.  I can't wait to discuss it with others next week.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Title: An Abundance of Katherines

Author: John Green

Publisher: Speak 2006

Genre: YA Contemporary

Pages: 228

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W39; What's in a Name - Names

Colin Singleton believes he is a washed-up child prodigy. A graduating valedictorian with a talent for creating anagrams, he fears he'll never do anything to classify him as a genius. To make matters worse, he has just been dumped by his most recent girlfriend (all of them have been named Katherine), and he's inconsolable. What better time for a road trip! He and his buddy Hassan load up the gray Olds (Satan's Hearse) and leave Chicago. They make it as far as Gutshot, Tennessee, where they stop to tour the gravesite of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and meet a girl who isn't named Katherine. It's this girl, Lindsey, who helps Colin work on a mathematical theorem to predict the duration of romantic relationships.

It took me awhile to get into this book, but once I did, I was right there with the characters.  Green has a way with characters that's for sure. I love the quirkiness of all the characters, especially Lindsey. The storyline wasn't the best thing, but worked well with the characters. I even loved reading about the math behind Colin's theorem.  It may not be my area, but it was a great nerdy addition.  Not quite as good overall as The Fault in Our Stars, but I still really loved this one.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Title: Fingersmith

Author: Sarah Waters

Publisher: Riverhead Books 2002

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 584

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 21st Century Women Authors; 1001 Books; Mount TBR; New Author; Lucky No. 14 - Books vs. Movies

Sue Trinder is an orphan, left as an infant in the care of Mrs. Sucksby, a "baby farmer," who raised her with unusual tenderness, as if Sue were her own. Mrs. Sucksby’s household, with its fussy babies calmed with doses of gin, also hosts a transient family of petty thieves—fingersmiths—for whom this house in the heart of a mean London slum is home.

One day, the most beloved thief of all arrives—Gentleman, an elegant con man, who carries with him an enticing proposition for Sue: If she wins a position as the maid to Maud Lilly, a naïve gentlewoman, and aids Gentleman in her seduction, then they will all share in Maud’s vast inheritance. Once the inheritance is secured, Maud will be disposed of—passed off as mad, and made to live out the rest of her days in a lunatic asylum.

With dreams of paying back the kindness of her adopted family, Sue agrees to the plan. Once in, however, Sue begins to pity her helpless mark and care for Maud Lilly in unexpected ways...But no one and nothing is as it seems in this Dickensian novel of thrills and reversals.

Oh... I really liked this one.  In the beginning of the novel, I thought I would tire of Sue's narration, but then things started happening and plot twists were revealed.  And suddenly I was right in the thick of the story.  I was rooting for Sue to find her escape and her happiness.  I did not see her future as laid out as one carefree, but I was hoping for a bit of happiness.  This book kept me guessing as to what was just around the corner.  I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

Movie:

I've loved Sally Hawkins ever since I saw her in Persuasion.  I got really excited when I saw that she was playing Susan. After watching the movie version, I'd have to saw that I like the book even more.  This was a faithful adaptation of the story, although they changed the order slightly.  We get much more from Maud's point of view right away.  But I understand.  For the movie version, this just works better.  We are still experiencing the twists and turns as the plot moves forward.  We will get the big reveals. And we get all the great characters brought to life on screen.  Definitely recommend this one.

Fairest: The Return of the Maharaja

Title: Fairest 3: The Return of the Maharaja

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2014

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 144

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; 52 Books - W38; Read Your Freebies; Seriously Series

When Nalayani seeks the help of the Maharaja to save her village from the Dhole, she uncovers a secret that could change the Fables Universe forever: the still alive and long-thought dead Prince Charming!

Oh yes!  I love this series almost as much as I love the original series: Fables.  We get some of the characters from the original series (hello Prince Charming!), but expanded storylines.  We also get to explore some of the other worlds alluded to in Fables.  In this volume, we get to travel to Indu where Mowgli was from.  I loved Nalayani's character.  She's a strong, nonsense woman.  The perfect foil to Prince Charming.  And the ending was fantastic.  I hope we get to see these two again in the series.

Fairest:

• #1 Wide Awake
• #2 Hidden Kingdom
• In All the Land
• #3 The Return of the Maharaja
• #4 Cinderella - Of Mice and Men

Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan

Title: Winterblaze (Darkest London #3)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2012

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 411

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W37

Once blissfully in love . . . Poppy Lane is keeping secrets. Her powerful gift has earned her membership in the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, but she must keep both her ability and her alliance with the Society from her husband, Winston. Yet when Winston is brutally attacked by a werewolf, Poppy's secrets are revealed, leaving Winston's trust in her as broken as his body. Now Poppy will do anything to win back his affections . . .

Their relationship is now put to the ultimate test. Winston Lane soon regains his physical strength but his face and heart still bear the scars of the vicious attack. Drawn into the darkest depths of London, Winston must fight an evil demon that wants to take away the last hope of reconciliation with his wife. As a former police inspector, Winston has intelligence and logic on his side. But it will take the strength of Poppy's love for him to defeat the forces that threaten to tear them apart.

I really wanted to like this volume.  I loved the first and second books in the series.  I thought I would continue to enjoy this series.  I did like the storyline involving the demon Isley.  It was interesting was we got an expansion of the Darkest London world.  But there were two things that turned me off from the book: main characters and sex scenes.  The main characters, Winston and Poppy, paled in comparison to Archer and Miranda or Ian and Daisy.  I just could not like these characters no matter what they did.  Because I didn't like the main character, I found myself yelling at the book more than enjoying it.  My other issue was with the constant sex scenes.  Now I like a good steamy sex scene in my books, but it seemed that every other chapter was a sex scene.  After awhile, I started skimming those sections.  Too much and too much almost sex.  It got old after awhile.  This novel isn't billed as erotica but paranormal romance.  I expect a few sex scenes, but more plot and character development.  I didn't get it.  Unfortunately this volume fell a bit flat for me.  I hope the next in the series is better.  I own Shadowdance and I would like to read about more in the world. I guess we will see next month...

Darkest London

• #0.5 Ember
• #1 Firelight
• #2 Moonglow
• #3 Winterblaze
• #3.5 Entwined
• #4 Shadowdance
• #5 Evernight
• #6 Spellbound
• #7 Forevermore

Washington by Ron Chernow

Title: Washington: A Life

Author: Ron Chernow

Publisher: Penguin Press 2010

Genre: Biography

Pages: 905

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; U.S. Presidents; Chunkster; 52 Books - W36

Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. With a breadth and depth matched by no other one volume biography of George Washington, this crisply paced narrative carries the reader through his adventurous early years, his heroic exploits with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, his presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and his magnificent performance as America's first president. In this groundbreaking work, based on massive research, Chernow shatters forever the stereotype of George Washington as a stolid, unemotional figure and brings to vivid life a dashing, passionate man of fiery opinions and many moods.

This was a chunk of a book and I loved every page of it.   Chernow gives us a story, not a collection of random facts about Washington.  The narrative flowed from one event to another interspersed with quotes from contemporaries and even Washington himself.  I was lost in this portrait of an enigmatic figure in American history.  A majority of the book was spent on the Revolutionary War and subsequent Presidency, but we do get a nice look into early Washington.  I may have known what he did during the French and Indian War, but it was nice to read what he had to say about that time.  Chernow's tome is not for everyone, but those willing to invest in a good chunk of time should definitely pick it up.  Great biography!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Simon Pulse 2007

Genre: YA

Pages: 485

Rating: 4/5 stars  Movie: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Book to Movie; 100 YA; NPR Teen; Fantasy Project

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

I enjoyed this volume way more than most of the YA paranormal books I've read in the past.  It wasn't amazing, but at least I was entertained.  I guessed most of the twists in the book, but they weren't completely obvious.  The characters were interesting.  The storyline kept my attention.  I want to know more about the world of the Shadowhunters.  I have the second and third volumes in the series.  I will definitely be reading them soon.

Movie

First starting to watch the movie, I thought "oh okay, it's the same."  But I was mistaken.  As the movie continues, more and more things are changed.  There are some direct quotes here and there and mostly the characters are the same.  However, there are many changes to Valentine and the entire ending is different.  I can't quite decide if I like the changes or not.  I think that if I saw the movie without reading the book, I would have liked the movie just fine.  As I read the book, I had to change my perspective.  They didn't turn the book directly into a movie.  They used the book as a starting off point.  Becuase it isn't a bad movie by itself, I still rated it 4 stars.

Mortal Instruments (DNFed series)

• #1 City of Bones
• #2 City of Ashes
• #3 City of Glass
• #4 City of Fallen Angels
• #5 City of Lost Souls
• #6 City of Heavenly Fire

Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon

Title: Becoming Mona Lisa

Author: Donald Sassoon

Publisher: Harcourt 2001

Genre: Nonfiction - Art

Pages: 337

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; TBR Pile; 52 books - W35; Well Rounded Reader - Art/Design

The Mona Lisa is widely recognized as the most famous painting in the history of art--and an undeniable icon of pop culture. Her celebrated face is used to sell everything from champagne to automobiles, and appears on ashtrays, mouse pads, and refrigerator magnets. More than any other art object, the Mona Lisa demonstrates that something can be high art and pop, classic and cool. Likewise, Donald Sassoon's elegant narrative is as much the story of one painting's ascendance to the status of global icon as it is the popularization of serious and distinguished art. A professor and acclaimed writer, Sassoon provides a fascinating account of Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance genius who created the picture; who the mysterious subject was; why it gained its unrivalled position in the art world; and how it has come to be used and abused by other artists and the international advertising industry. Lavishly illustrated, Becoming Mona Lisa is at once social, cultural, and art history of the highest order.

Meh!  I thought this would be a great look into why the Mona Lisa is so popular.  And while it is, I felt that the writing and overall book construction left much to be desired.  It was just so clunky.  I had a lot of trouble paying attention to the pages.  I gave it 3 stars because the subject matter is interesting and there were interesting bits.  I was just bored through a majority of it...

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

Title: Moonglow (Darkest London #2)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2012

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 382

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Monthly Motif - Alternate Reality

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . . Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . . 

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . . Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul. 

I thought I really enjoyed the first volume in this series, Firelight.  How is it that the second volume is even better?  I immediately fell for Daisy and Ian.  I was rooting for them the entire time.  The complications were riveting.  The world expansion was a nice surprise.  As was the inclusion of Miranda, Archer, Poppy, and Winston.  I was lost in this book until the very end.  I could not put it down!  Definitely a winner!  I can't wait to read the third volume.  I hope we get to see more of Poppy and Winston and special appearances by all the already know characters and a few shadowy figures.  I want more!

Darkest London

• #0.5 Ember
• #1 Firelight
• #2 Moonglow
• #3 Winterblaze
• #3.5 Entwined
• #4 Shadowdance
• #5 Evernight
• #6 Spellbound
• #7 Forevermore

The Orphans at Race Point by Patry Francis

Title: The Orphans at Race Point

Author: Patry Francis

Publisher: Harper Collins 2014

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 547

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; New Author; Monthly Key Word - October; Lucky No. 14 - Blame It on the Bloggers

Set in the close-knit Portuguese community of Provincetown, Massachusetts, The Orphans of Race Point traces the relationship between Hallie Costa and Gus Silva, who meet as children in the wake of a terrible crime that leaves Gus parentless. Their friendship evolves into an enduring and passionate love that will ask more of them than they ever imagined.

On the night of their high school prom, a terrible tragedy devastates their relationship and profoundly alters the course of their lives. And when, a decade later, Gus—now a priest—becomes entangled with a distraught woman named Ava and her daughter Mila, troubled souls who bring back vivid memories of his own damaged past, the unthinkable happens: he is charged with murder. Can Hallie save the man she’s never stopped loving, by not only freeing him from prison but also—finally—the curse of his past?

I feel like this is a good book, but not a great one.  I enjoyed reading it, but didn't have any strong feelings at the end.  I didn't get into the world as much as I would have liked.  I didn't connect to the characters as much as I would have liked.  And yet, the writing was good, the storyline was thought out, and the characters were interesting.  I guess I just wanted a bit more from the book.  I'm giving it 4 stars on the strength of the writing and storyline.

Reasons My Kid is Crying by Greg Pembroke

Title: Reasons My Kid is Crying

Author: Greg Pembroke

Publisher: Three Rivers Press 2014

Genre: Nonfiction - Humor

Pages: 202

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Well Rounded Reader - Humor; 52 Books - W34

A glimpse into the tribulations of parenting that is part documentary, part therapy, and completely hilarious.

It all started when busy father Greg Pembroke posted a few pictures online of his three-year-old son, mid-tantrum, alongside the reason his son was crying: He had broken his bit of cheese in half. In Reasons My Kid is Crying, Greg collects together photos sent from parents around the world, documenting the many, completely logical reasons why small children cry.  Among them: “I let him play on the grass” . . . “He ran out of toys to throw into his pool” . . . “The neighbor’s dog isn’t outside”.  The result is both an affectionate portrait of the universal, baffling logic of toddlers—and a reminder for burned-out parents everywhere that they are not alone.

Grabbed this one off of the library's New Books shelf after hearing about it from another blogger.  Too hilarious!  Arthur hasn't hit full-blown toddler crazy stage, but I remember when the twins would cry over silly things.  I had a nice few minutes chuckling to myself at the absurd things kids cry about.  Very quick and light-hearted, but enjoyable.

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

Title: Ten Things I Love About You (Bevelstoke #3)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon Books 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 377

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Monthly Key Word - September (Number); Lucky No. 14 - First Letter's Rule

Ten Things You Should Know About This Book

1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.

2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.

3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.

4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.

5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.

6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.

7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to

10. Happily. Ever. After.

I started this book on the strength of the second in the series.  I was not disappointed.  It turned out better than the second book.  I loved the characters of Annabel and Sebastian.  I loved their predicament.  I loved the storyline.  Until we got to the last 30 pages.  A bit disappointed about the almost deus ex machina, but then fake out.  The writing got a bit clunky at the end.  But overall, a solid historical romance.

Bevelstoke

• #1 The Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever
• #2 What Happens in London
• #3 Ten Things I Love About You

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2007

Genre: YA

Pages: 230

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; US of YA; New Author

Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

One of those books on the big "Must-read" list and I find that I'm just a little too old to fully appreciate this volume.  It's a good read, but I didn't connect to it on a personal level.  I did enjoy the little cartoons sprinkled throughout.  This feels like a great read for middle to high schoolers. Will keep it in mind for the twins in a few years.

Sunrise by Mike Mullin

Title: Sunrise (Ashfall #3)

Author: Mike Mullin

Publisher: Tanglewood Press 2014

Genre: YA Thriller

Pages: 554

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; 52 Books - W33; Seriously Series; Chunkster

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions.

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever—and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

While I've really enjoyed this series, the last book in the trilogy was a bit of a letdown to me.  The writing and storyline were a bit uneven.  I found my mind wandering during the story.  Bad things keep happening to Alex and company.  At a certain point, it almost becomes like a comedy.  "Oh the cannibals are attacking again... didn't this happen last week?"  And the problem of redundancy got to me at a certain point.  I just wanted to find out what happened at the end.  I did, and it was fairly satisfying, but wasn't the best book I've ever read.

Ashfall

• #1 Ashfall
• #2 Ashen Winter
• #3 Sunrise

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Title: The Little Prince

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Publisher: Reynal & Hitchcock 1943

Genre: Children's Literature

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy Project; 1001 Books; New Author; Monthly Key - July; What's in a Name - Position of Royalty

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Richard Howard's new translation of the beloved classic--published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's birth--beautifully reflects Saint-Exupéry's unique and gifted style. Howard has excelled in bringing the English text as close as possible to the French, in language, style, and most important, spirit. 

Somehow I have gone 32 years without reading The Little Prince.  This is the year I rectify that slight.  And I'm so glad that I did.  This is a delightful little story that appeals to all ages.  It's usually shelved in the children's section, but really it could be shelved anywhere.  The nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout make it a classic.  I love that this story has some many different layers.  I feel like this is a volume that once read again would yield an entirely different outcome.