Mulling On Monday #18

  2 Stars

  Here we are, yet another dreary Monday as we approach ugly winter. It’s already wet and rainy here, and not very nice out, so that’s just rather unfortunate.

  But, it means I have to stay inside and do something, so, I get to read. And write, since I’m falling behind on my book and on this site. But whatever, here we are.

  The novel that I have for today was one I read over the summer and did not like, even tough lots of people have classified it as ‘an American classic’. One, I’m not American, so maybe I just don’t get the whole thing, but I did not enjoy this novel one bit. Drawn out and pointless, it was a struggle to keep reading.

  The novel is A Separate Peace, by John Knowles, who died in 2001. It’s been deemed a classic, amazing, and such a great read that I picked it up.

  Well, first of all, this was not the novel I thought I picked up. What I had heard of for such a promising read must be somewhere else…or misplaced.

  This novel could quite easily have fit into a short story, so imagine my surprise when I heard that this was indeed a short story before it even came near this 208 waste of time novel.

  Anyways, there were a few things I liked about this novel, or else it would have earned no stars whatsoever.

  What I liked about the novel was the new cover. The colors and the boy in the foreground with the building in the background is wonderful, and I find it to actually be quite pretty. 

  The characters, eventually did develop well enough, and turned into ‘round characters’, who changed by the end of the story (an extreme case of this would be Leper, who ***spoilers*** pretty much loses it and goes mental, such a contrast to his lovely, quiet self. But no, he stars seeing women’s heads on men’s bodies and limbs falling all over, but no big deal, that’s called character development. What???)

  I also liked the setting; it seemed nice, even though I assumed (wrongly, always read the back covers properly) that it would be in England, not New England. But that was my fault. But I thought that for all the metaphors and whatnot, this was the right setting for it.

  What I didn’t like.

  First of all, the characters were very hard to sympathize with; they were very self-centered and coldly focused on goals that made them hard to like. They were also supposed to be 16-17 years old, but I found them oddly immature, especially in the time they were in. I would guess them to be barley 13 if I had to guess without the author throwing the fact that they are old enough to enlist every second paragraph. 

  Along with strange character flips (see spoiler) and with out of place characteristics, the entire thing was hard to read mostly because of the characters.

This means that I also did not like Finny or Gene at all. And if you can’t like the leading characters, or the character’s whose head you are in, then there might be an issue.

  As for the story, like I said, it could have been condensed into 15 pages with little effort. If it had been a short story, I think I would have enjoyed it more than I did. The idea was half decent, it was just the presentation and the characters that killed it.

  Overall, a novel that should not bear the title ‘classic’ without first being a good novel. It needs more character and a better story development.

Phinny is a star athlete with his entire future in front of him. Gene is a brainy kid who shares the same room with him. Soon they become best friends in .he boy’s school that they go to, a peaceful place where the faraway war seem fake and distant.

That peace goes away when Finny falls off a jump from a Tree that belongs to the Super Secret Suicide Society that the boys made up. Finny shatters his leg, and Gene is hiding a secret that could hurt Finny even more…

In a novel that has been called classic, this will make you question right and wrong, and what really matters as a person.

 

 

Author: John Knowles

Published: December 1, 1984

Page Count: 208

ISBN: 0553280414    (isbn13: 978-0553280418)

Books on my Growing List To Read: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

  So, this has actually been on my list of ‘to-read’ for a while, but, I admit, after watching Disney’s Mulan again, I now have a renewed interest in China. This is because these stories are so intriguing, and old China is extremely interesting.

This novel is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See. This is, I am assured a book that is a ‘must-read’ for all girls from teens to seniors. Therefore, I believe I will try it, and I hope to be impressed.

  It is a novel that takes place in 19th century China, where tradition and men ruled domineered. Set in a remote area, the story of two women is supposed to be engrossing, and to ring true with women.

  Okay, if it rings true with women, why women? Do men not have friendships. Okay, so that’s not the point, but I want to know and understand why this is such a driving point for all of the reviews I have seen.

  What I like about it is that it takes place in China, which sets a wonderful backdrop for novels, and has woven many a wonderful tales, including one of my favourites, Memoirs of A Geisha. I also like that it is a secluded tale, not one buzzing with gossip and city life. I am sick of city life, I would rather enjoy a retreat from it.

  I believe I found this on Goodreads, or perhaps Teenreads, on a must read section. So, obviously it cannot be too bad.

  Which brings us to Goodreads stats. 3.97 rating out of 339804 ratings and 7040 reviews. Popular. And sounds pretty decent, almost guaranteed to be a good read.

  And, by the way, as I was googling this novel, It sounds like there is a movie set to be released based on the book. It’s set for release in 2011. So, now I have to read the novel if I want to see the movie!!

 

A language kept a secret for a thousand years forms the backdrop for an unforgettable novel of two Chinese women whose friendship and love sustains them through their lives.

This absorbing novel – with a storyline unlike anything Lisa See has written before – takes place in 19th century China when girls had their feet bound, then spent the rest of their lives in seclusion with only a single window from which to see.  Illiterate and isolated, they were not expected to think, be creative, or have emotions. But in one remote county, women developed their own secret code, nu shu – "women’s writing" – the only gender-based written language to have been found in the world.  Some girls were paired as "old-sames" in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives.  They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their windows to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.

An old woman tells of her relationship with her "old-same," their arranged marriages, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood—until a terrible misunderstanding written on their secret fan threatens to tear them apart. With the detail and emotional resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha , Snow Flower and the Secret Fan delves into one of the most mysterious and treasured relationships of all time—female friendship.

-From http://www.lisasee.com/snowflower/

Author: Lisa See

Published: June 28, 2005

Page Count: 272

ISBN: 1400060281   (isbn13: 978-1400060283)

Mulling On Monday #17

4 Stars

So, as some might recall, this was one of the novels on my ‘to-read’ list. While I am glad that I read it, it was not quite as good as I had hoped. This was a sad thing, because it had so much potential. However, it still was a good novel, it just fell slightly short of my hopes for it.

This novel is by Carrie Ryan, and is yet another novel to follow up on the dystopian ‘we-screwed-up-now-the-world-is-a-little-strange’ idea that is now becoming popular. Not that this is a bad thing, as it is more interesting than some of the YA novels that are spouting quite a bit of crap.

While, this novel did fall slightly short of the expectations, it was still good. Twisted. A little crazy. A little obsessed. A little frightening. Mary is a different character than many of the ones I have seen lately. And the story is a little different too.

The descriptions are very well done, the mystery enchanting. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting, so that was nice, in a way. It shows that it was enthralling; that I wanted to figure out how this thing ended.

I also like the bizarre love triangle going on in the novel. A little typical, but the way it is presented, and the idea that it builds on is nothing but plain strange.

Also enjoyable was the whole new take on zombies; because, while throughout the book the creatures are presented as ‘un-consecrated’, they are still zombies. That much is easy to see.

What I did not like was Mary’s obsession with the ocean. At first it was a really good driving point, but towards the end it got annoying very quickly. While I understand that the obsession was a way to build everything, it was a real turn off later – anyone who reads the novel may find that she almost goes a little crazy with this.

What I also did not like was how some characters were introduced, and then just as quickly were gone.

One last irritating point was how some things could have been more developed, added in to create more of a mystery, but quite simply were not. That was slightly frustrating, knowing that tiny things that were shown could have been built apon, and made the difference between 4 stars and even 4 ½.

So, like I said, what drew me to this novel was the cover (the US hardcover – I hate the paperback cover) and the strange title. Once you get through the novel, it is pretty self-explanatory, but still. Neat.

Overall, a good read, and I think that I will have to pick up the ‘accompanying novel’. Great for those who like zombie reads or dystopian.

Mary has grown up knowing nothing but the sisters, the village, and the occasional moans from beyond the fence. Ones of the unconsecrated. Ones of danger, pain, and a reminder that life outside the village is impossible. They are the only ones left living.

But Mary’s mother tells of a place far away, of a body of water that stretches on beyond the horizon, and tastes of salt. Mary longs to taste that salty water, but it’s all just a fictional story.

But when Mary enters the sisterhood, secrets begin to emerge, and the ocean doesn’t just sound like a fairy-tale anymore.

In a novel that is chilling and haunting, The Forest of Hands and Teeth is one that will make you wonder about hidden truths…and what could be hiding under your eyes.

Author: Carrie Ryan

Published: March 5th 2009

Page Count: 308

ISBN: 0385736819    (isbn13: 9780385736817)

Mulling On Monday #16/Mission Re-Read The YA Book Shelf

Overall, 3 Stars

So, now that things are more back to normal, I am going to be able to write more often. Yay. 

  Anyways, so for my first re-appearance, Monday Mulling is back! (This is also technically the Young Adult Mission, but for now it’s mixed) And the best part is, it’s back with a new series. Well, technically, the last book in the series, but nevertheless, it’s a new book with quite a buzz about it.

  Any guesses?

  So this series. I loved the first novel. Absolutely, without a doubt, loved it. Caught my attention and brought me to the dystopian genre. It was dark, it had a sense of ‘what-if’ reality, the characters shone. It was a great thing. So I was very excited for the second one.

  The second one, I disliked. Almost extremely so. I was less than impressed with the writing and character development. I found the plot too rushing, with little time to breathe- and not in a good way.

  As for the third one. There was so much hype and excitement for it. I thought the author would redeem themselves and fix everything that they had done wrong in the second one. After all, I waited anxiously for a year +.

  Did that happen?

  Quite frankly, no. I was actually really upset with the author, and felt that the third one was no where near redeemable. The first one was the best and the author couldn’t touch that. Which is sad to say, and I really hate to say it.

  Overall, the series is a great idea, and the first book makes it to the five star list. But the other two left me feeling so disjointed and disappointed that the series, overall, only gets three stars. That’s saying something.

  How did I even find this series?

  I admit, I saw it on Stephanie Meyer’s site. This was when Twilight was low-key and not as over-the-top as it is now. It was a good suggestion, and I am glad that I have read this series, I’m just disappointed with the last two.

  Anybody figure out what series this is?

  It’s The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

   On that note, here is the rest of the review, book by book.

  The Hunger Games

5 Stars

  This novel I was over the top impressed with. Great characters, a good pace, amazing story idea that is very haunting. Everything about this novel was lovely. I really liked the idea of the dystopian world. It’s changed my way of thinking, quite literally.

  What I thought was so great was the set up. Everything was well paced, the timing impeccable, and she knew how to get the readers on the edge of their seats.

  And while I wished the book was longer, just for more reading time, I feel that the novel was the right size for what Collins wanted to give us. Everything was nicely in it’s place, and she knew what she was doing.

  What I didn’t like in this novel was the ending. I was surprised to see such a cliff-hanger, but I took it in stride and immediately looked up when the next novel was coming out.

  Other than that, this book is highly enjoyable and I would recommend it.

Katniss is a sixteen year old girl living in a world of danger and foul-play. But it’s not from the foreboding woods and the people she lives with ; it’s the Capitol, a pro-apocalypse controlling government that has taken over the ruins of North America and turned it into a running, controlled Panem, where all is restricted.

But to get respect for what they have so graciously done, and to put down any rebellions like District 13, who has been blown to bits, The Capitol holds games. The Hunger Games.

Twenty four kids, two from each district are sent into a world-simulated area to kill each other. The rules are simple; be the last to survive. And that is Katniss’ plan.

In a novel raw with emotion and power, The Hunger Games is sure to please, and make you think about true government corruption.

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: September 14th, 2008

Page Count: 384

ISBN: 0439023483    (isbn13: 978-0439023481)

Catching Fire

3 Stars

  This novel, I had to read and re-read about four times to finally even enjoy it.

  There is just something off about this novel, which I feel, is the beginning of the downfall of the series. It’s fast-paced, yes, but, too fast, where it feels like you don’t even have time to process what has just happened two pages ago. Things appear and disappear randomly. It feels disjointed and not properly planned out.

  The characters undergo some development, but I feel like there was not enough for this sequel.

  What I did like was the introduction of the threat of Snow. He was a major threat before, but in this her seems even more frightening. He’s not a nice guy, to be sure.

  What I also liked was that the Quarter Quell was involved. However, this one is a mixed case for me, because I feel like it was too set up, to ‘on-purpose’. It just annoyed me a little.

  Overall, disappointing for me, but alas, these things happen.

In the next book of the Hunger Games series, this novel goes through the ‘after-life’ of the two winners of the Hunger Games. However, winning is no longer just a luxurious home, food on the table, and money in your hand. The Capitol is not exactly pleased with how the last Games turned out, and they are determined to  let the two winners know.

In a fearful, fast paced sequel to the first novel, this is one novel that will answer some questions; and pose some more.

 

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: September 1, 2009

Page Count: 400

ISBN: 0439023491   (isbn13:978-0439023498)

Mockingjay

2 1/2 Stars

  In the highly anticipated final novel to end The Hunger Games series, this novel is fast paced with unexpected twists and turns that are compelling. It wraps up the series and answers many of the questions posed after finishing the last novel. Who will Katniss end up with? What happened to everybody? What will the Capitol do?

  And that is probably the nicest thing I can say about this novel. Perhaps I’m just bitter about being disappointed again with this series, but I was actually angry with the novel. I spent how long waiting for it, and then how long reading it? I give up my time and money to read an author’s work. If they don’t give, then I believe I have a reason to be a little upset.

  Endless killing. Hopeless suspense. An ending that suddenly stops the blurring of action. What???

  The characters that had been so meticulously developed ending up meaning little to nothing because they change so much in this novel.

  Which brings to the the idea that this is a pure war novel. And that Katniss’ life and her feeling mean next to nothing in this. They could have killed her off for all I care, I was so upset.

  So. Here is the novel that I am extremely disappointed in. Collins, I am very upset with you, and expected so, so, SO much more from you. The story had such potential, everything had amazing potential and something that could be so useful, but I felt you threw it away. And thus, I am both saddened and angry.

  Overall, a major disappointment.

In the final book of the series, this novel is fast paced and desperate. With enough power to answer the remaining questions, and enough creativity to give new life to the characters, the last novel is a rocky and emotional ride.

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: August 24, 2010

Page Count: 400

ISBN: 0439023513   (isbn13:978-0439023511)

So that is that. Hope that you had a better experience with these novels.

Monday Mulling #15

3 ½ Stars

Well…it’s been a while. Sorry. But here I am again, and I have not abandoned you all. I just was unable to get to a computer for the past few…2, 3 weeks to write a good review.

But I have returned, and I plan to give you what you were missing.

The latest novel that I was able to read was Becca Fitzpatrick‘s novel, Hush, Hush.

This novel has been getting quite the hype around the book world. It;s one of those paranormal teenagers novels, but this is not full of wolves and vampires and witches…just fallen angels.

The cover caught my eye majorly on this one; pretty in a dark way, the grey-scale angle contorted in mid-air, with the red accents was just lovely.

Overall, it was an interesting novel, if not sickeningly similar to Twilight in some places, which nearly drove me mad. The plot line was done well enough to hold interest, but not so overwhelming that you couldn’t follow it either.

The characters are mostly developed, but I suspect that the questions I had/have will be continued in the next book(s).

What I really liked about this novel was the fallen angel idea. I thought that it was different, and that by being different, it could turn out to be a very amazing book.

However, I admit I did not have any expectations when reading this. There was nothing really I wanted out of this novel, which was rare.

What I did not like about the novel was how some things were random. All of a sudden, things were just…there and gone. Plot points were revealed and things were discarded. It was a very fast paced novel, and I think that the author wanted to keep it that way, thus the fast-ball plot points.

This is shown in the very beginning of the book. When you open the novel and start reading, you feel like you have really missed something. The thing is, nothing has been missed; rather than the author starting off slowly and building something up, she just builds the story up right away.

The only other point that irritated me was Patch and what is going on with him. Firstly, name is a little out of place, but, I can easily deal with that, I have seen stranger names than that. Secondly, the similarities between dear Patch and Edward Cullen killed me a little inside. A plea to all authors is develop your own characters, please. However, it was not too terrible, just somethings were too Twilighty.

Overall, a good novel, but not outrageously amazing. i liked it, but anybody who is strongly opposed to paranormal teenagers running around will not enjoy this.

Nora Grey is a normal, teen-aged girl. Average. Unexeptional in most ways.

That was until she met Patch, who is the opposite in every way. The only thing they share in common is that they are now forced bio partners.

And Nora thinks that Path is different. Dangerous, scary even, considering that somebody has been stalking her, and Patch seems to fit the bill.

But when Nora tries to confront him, she finds herself mysteriously drawn to him; in a deadly way.

In a novel that is fast-paced and frightening, Hush, Hush, is a novel for all who love paranormal YA-fiction.

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Published: September 27th 2009

Page Count: 391

ISBN: 1416989412    (isbn13: 9781416989417)

Mulling On Monday #14

1 ½ Stars (Ew)

This will have to be a quick review, but, nevertheless, it will still be a review. Besides, with this novel, there is very little to say.

So here is a novel that I found on Teenreads. So I went over to Goodreads, and saw the outstanding reviews, and thought that perhaps I would try it.

I hated it. Absolutely hated it. The only thing that saved it from only being a star is the mere idea, and the cool cover.  Everything else was such a turn off for me.

I finished it only becuase I wanted to see if it would redeem itself. But no, I remained disappointed out of my mind.

What I liked was the idea. Ghosts, and a girl who can see one; the mystery of their interlocked pasts. The idea sounded pretty neat.

What I did not like.The entirety of the book, I think.

What really turned me off was the whole ‘sex on top of the stage where a bed magically appears, and to do so while a drama class goes on beneath’. Yeah. That I did not like. And everything just went down-hill so fast from there, it made me sad.

The characters were not as well developed as I would have liked to seen, considering the author had plenty of time to work with, considering the ghost had been a ghost for 130 freaking years. Develop the character please! And the girl was a Disney princess type, with very little to work with, hoping for her prince to save her. Too bad that did not happen.

The characters also tended to be very crude, rude, and while I understand they are supposed to be abusive, there was no need to drop the f-bombs every second word. I not usually strongly opposed to swearing in novels, but it became a little over the top.

The descriptions were also not there.

What was also a turn-off was way things were prestented. It just didn’t work.

Overall, I really don’t recommend this novel, as it is disappointing, and I can’t tell people to read it.

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

Published: October 23rd 2007 by Atheneum

Page Count: 320

ISBN: 0689861761    (isbn13: 9780689861765)

Book of the Week: The Two Princesses of Bamarre

4  Stars

I have to put this novel up as book of the week, because I finished it yet again this weekend, and I have remembered how much I adore this novel. It’s quirky, cute, and different.

Yes, it’s yet another young adult novel, but this is, in my opinion, that captures young girl’s hearts.

And what a favorite; two princesses, fighting, magic, swords and a quest. I mean, when you are a young girl or teen this book has everything you could want without being overwhelmed.

I first read this in grade six, I fell in love. Princess and fairy tales with a older Disney quality to it, it was great.

The story is well developed, lopes along at a great pace, and works in the context that the author wants it to. It’s a fun read. It’s enjoyable. It’s a story that forces a princess to grow up and buckle down.

For the most part, I think I loved this novel more than the lovable Ella Enchanted. This novel is about getting over your fears, struggling, and finding the courage you need in the deep spaces.

What I had issues with was the length. It should have been longer, and therefore, a better, more developed ending, but, what can I say.

This is a fantasy plum full of monsters, an impossible quest, and finding things you never knew you had. I love it, and, overall, it’s great for girls who love their Disney princess’, but wish that perhaps they had a little more oomph.

Meet the two princesses of Bamarre. One is blonde and beautiful, courageous, and craves adventure. The other is brunette, tiny, timid, and just seeks a calm life. When the two used to play, it was always Meryl that saved her younger sister Addie from the dreaded grey death.

That all changes in a moment, when Meryl falls while declaiming the epic poem of Drault. This time though, grey death is not a game…and Meryl is not able to save herself.

Mustering up all of her courage, and then some, Addie takes it apon herself to save the sister she admires so much.

On the way, she will discover more than she ever though she would know…and maybe find love to go with it.

In a volume where terror and fantasy collide for young adults, Gail Carson Levine’s The Two Princesses of Bamarre will delight girls everywhere.

Author: Gail Carson Levinge

Published: February 5th 2004 by EOS (first published 2001)

Page Count: 304

ISBN: 0060575808    (isbn13: 9780060575809)

Books on my Growing List to Read: Academy 7

I want to read this book, even though I was really turned off by the cover; it screams ‘young adult’ just a little too much for my liking. But, I will roll with it, and hopefully it comes with a coverslip that I can take off.

This is a novel that is just over a year old, as it was published in May 2009. Written by the author of Aurelia, (which is supposed to be pretty good) Anne Osterlund, this looks like a novel that has a twist of everything in it.

It is supposed to be a sci-fi, young-adult, fictional, fantasy novel, and it’s supposed to be a mix of The Host, Alanna, and The Hunger Games. So. It should be  decent.

I found this while I was looking at her former novel, Aurelia, which, truth be told, I was going to do as my next Books to Read article, but this is just too close to my latest favorite type of novel, mixed in with what I have loved the most in the past.

I find the whole space thing also a little iffy, but that it most definitely becuase I really have a thing where I just don’t like the whold space thing. It’s dark, seems dirty, and I just don’t like it. It’s strange, I know, and there is more to it than that, but this is about the book, and not my strange thing against space.

Reading the reviews on Goodreads, I think that perhaps there may or may not be a sequel, but to those who really enjoyed it, it sounds like there should or will be one.

And speaking of Goodreads, there are 877 ratings, with an 3.93 average rating, and 213 reviews. So, sounds like it is definitely worth a try. yet another novel for this summer…which is just around the corner!

With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin—son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance— consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship—and romance—begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined. . . .

-From http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711714-academy-7 (No synopsis on the author’s site)

Author: Anne Osterlund

Published: May 14th 2009 by Puffin

Page Count: 259

ISBN: 0142414379    (isbn13: 9780142414378)

Mulling On Monday #13

2 Stars

I seem to have issues finding a newer novel by an author that I have not read before. The newest novel to fall short of my expectations is A Curse Dark as Gold, by Elizabeth C. Bunce. It was a novel that I had wanted to get my hands on for a while, but just did not have the time to do so. So I finally did, and I find myself disappointed.

What is going to be hard about this review is telling what I did and did not like without giving too much away.

It is supposed to be a re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin. While I was able to see why this would be, and how it would be, I had issues finding exactly where it was. If anything, then it could have been a novel that did not have to reflect a re-telling of any fairy tale, though, again, I can see where it comes into play.

I found the pacing to be off in this novel. In some parts, it was very, very skilled, and had excellent timing. In other parts, not so much. It could be choppy and hard to read.

And while I realize that the majority of it is supposed to have a fairy tale quality to it, I found parts to be unrealistic and not believable. This comes in many forms, whether the decisions made by the characters, to the strange occurrences and ideas. I mean, the author notes that this is supposed to take place just before/the very beginning of the industrial evolution, but it seemed to be more of a Lord of the Rings type era with the magic and curses and such. It was very frustrating for me.

I also did not like, of course, the ending. Abrupt, if not foreseen, not to mention that it left much to be desired. It was too open ended. It did have the closure needed to end a book; it is not like it just ended, but it still seemed abrupt for what I was expecting.

What I did like were the characters. The majority of the characters were deep, well rounded and for the most part kept you guessing. I say the majority because two stick out in my mind that I feel were not adequate. The first one is Jack Spinner. The second is the heroine herself.

Jack Spinner is a character that is, yes, very much essential to the novel, however, towards the end he became more shady and random. He was not the character that I wanted to see. He was choppy and very much random. I also did not like that he seemed to be a bit of a head case, which gets explained by the end, but it threw me a bit.

The heroine, Charlotte, by the end made me really angry. She is so inconsistent, one moment believing in the curse and all that it pertains, and the next denouncing it and calling it folly. Okay then. Her random decision at the fair also made me angry, because who does that? Unless she was drunk (and I checked; she was not, she was just out of character) it does not seem to make sense.

However, they do all end up rounding out nicely by the end.

What I also liked was the cover. The hands bound in gold thread is a very clever idea, kudos to whomever thought of that. The girl also just suits the book.

I also liked learning about the process of the mill…the little that was talked about. The descriptions were fabulous, and I highly enjoyed the strange superstitions that the ‘village people’ had.

Overall, a ‘meh’ book, that I do not think I will be adding to my personal collection anytime soon.

Charlotte Miller needs some serious help.

With a mill to run, a town to keep together and her father’s recent death, any surprised that could cripple the mill could spell disaster.

Too bad her father neglected to mention the enormous debt that he racked up for some unbeknownst cause leaving Charlotte Miller and her sister Rosie in a heap of trouble.

With the bank calling in the debt, they have a very limited time to save the town, their life, and the mill.

The fact that the mill is cursed is not too big of help either.

Any help is welcome. But could the help they get actually cause more heartache and pain? Or will they be able to save everything that they hold dear?

In Elizabeth C. Bunce’s debut novel, A Curse Dark as Gold is a retelling of a classic fairy-tale where so much went wrong, with too much to lose.

Author: Elizabeth C. Bunce

Published: March 1st 2008 by Arthur A. Levine Books

Page Count: 396

ISBN: 0439895766    (isbn13: 9780439895767)

Books On My Growing List To Read: Stolen

Here is a novel that sounds frighteningly great, in one of those ‘so-creepy-it’s-compelling’ ways.

It is Stolen, by the new author Lucy Christopher  (http://www.lucychristopher.com/). This is a novel that I think will be good, becuase it just sounds so strange!

This novel was published May 4th 2009, so it is a newer novel. It was her debut author, and I think that is sounds just strange enough to be worth the read.

I came across this novel on Teenreads, where I go occasionally to find books that are coming out and what books are supposed to be really well done, and great for YA novels. The synopsis caught my eye; a girl stolen right out of an airport? Drugged? Hidden? Strange.

This is a stand-alone novel, and it explores a syndrome that happens when people who are kidnapped start to feel for their captors, sometimes even partly falling in what can be love. It is a frightening truth that does happen to people who do go through this hell.

Goodreads stats? Well, there are 179 ratings, the average rating is 4.23, and there are 64 reviews. So it is flying a little under the radar, considering that it has been out for a year, but we shall try it and see how this turns out.

Hopefully this will turn out to be a good novel. Can’t wait to get to the library this summer and get some books to read!

Told in a letter to her captor by 16-year-old Gemma, Stolen explores the influence that a really wild and remote space can have on the inner development of a young woman.

Gemma, a British city-living teenager, is kidnapped while on holiday with her parents. Her kidnapper, Ty, takes her to the wild land of outback Australia. To Gemma’s city-eyes, the landscape is harsh and unforgiving and there are no other signs of human life for hundreds of kilometres in every direction. Here, there is no escape. Gemma must learn to deal with her predicament, or die trying to fight it.

Ty, a young man, has other ideas for her. His childhood experience of living in outback Australia has forever changed the way he sees things. But he too has been living in the city; Gemma’s city. Unlike Gemma, however, he has had enough. In outback Australia he sees an opportunity for a new kind of life; a life more connected to the earth. He has been watching and learning about Gemma for many years; when he kidnaps her, his plan finally begins to take shape.

But Ty is not a stereotypical kidnapper and, over time, Gemma comes to see Ty in a new light, a light in which he is something more sensitive. The mysteries of Ty, and the mystery of her new life, start to take hold. She begins to feel something for her kidnapper when he wakes screaming in the night. Over the time spent with her captor, Gemma’s appreciation of him develops into what could be referred to as Stockholm syndrome.

-From http://www.lucychristopher.com/books.html

Author: Lucy Christopher

Published: May 1st 2010 by The Chicken House (first published May 4th 2009)

Page Count: 304

ISBN: 0545170931    (isbn13: 9780545170932)