What I've Been Reading

This is a list (and opinions about) what I've been reading this summer. I know I should put authors and pictures but I'm blogging from my phone again so that's a ton of work. Feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: I have, of course, read this before and will no doubt read it again. If you haven't read it yet, shame on you.

The Hunger Games: Another book I've already read and loved. This is definitely one you need to try. It's kind of impossible to explain the plot adequately, but I've never heard of anyone that has read it and not liked it.

Catching Fire: Another re-read. The second installment in what will be The Hunger Games trilogy. If you read the first one you'll love reading this one too.

Dear John: What can I say? I was desperate for a book and this was four bucks at walmart. All in all it was pretty
typical Nicholas Sparks and I enjoyed it.

The Last Song: Same story as the previous, but a little more embarrassing since Miley Cyrus was in the cover. Not bad but so so predictable to the point of hoping you finish so that the story will finally go how you know it's going to.

Savvy: This book is written at an upper elementary level. It's about a family that has magic come to each member when they turn 13. An unusual set of circumstances and a pink school bus make the main character's thirteenth birthday even more unusual. A nice fantasy novel and a quick read that any age can enjoy.

Story of a Girl: I read this on a friend's recommendation. It's a teenage finding yourself type of novel. I didn't really like it. In fact, I didn't like it at all. The writing was good, but the plot did nothing for me. Not to mention it did the one thing I really hate in a book. It just stopped. No finishing point, no wrap up, just the last page. I hate that.

A Curse Dark as Gold: I read this book on the same friend's recommendation. It's the rumplestiltskin (forgive my spelling) story retold. Though it was a little slow to start I really loved reading this book. After the first third I didn't want to put it down and ended up staying awake far too late finishing it.

The Graveyard Book: My children's lit teacher suggested this to the class last summer. He was on the Newberry committee and pushed hard for this one to win. It's the story of a boy that is raised by the inhabitants of the graveyard when the rest of his family is murdered. The story seems to wander a little bit rather than maintaining one line from start to finish, but overall it was quite the enjoyable read. Even my dad liked it (though he does love to read).

Cyrano: This is a retelling of a popular old story. You may not recognize the name, but you've likely heard the story of the ugly man who writes beautifully agreeing to write love letters in the name of a much more handsome man to the woman they both love. Not the best thing I've read this summer, but the tragedy and selfless love in it were definitely worth picking it up at the dollar a bag book sale.

The Chosen One: I've only once been steered wrong by the book suggestions of the YA librarians at the local library. They came through for me once again with this book. It's the story of a 14 year old girl living in a polygamist colony who finds out she has been 'chosen' by the prophet to marry her 60 year old uncle that already has seven wives. This book is extremely well written, a little but horrifying, and a great read. This is another that I stayed up all night to finish.

Lost: This is the story of a 16 year old girl working in a factory in New York during the early 20th century. It tells of the dangers and difficulties of her world as well as the destructive ability of grief. The setting feels real and the author seems to have done her research. The plot moves along nicely. My only issue is with some of the dialogue. It tends to come across like 'yoda speak' probably in a misguided attempt at dialect that is just distracting.

Well, congratulations if you've made it this far. I know pictures make a post more exciting, but like I said: it's quite hard from my phone. Expect part two of this post after I get through a few more books.