Being Sixteen by Allyson Braithwaite Condie

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 062010
 


Being Sixteen surprised me. I really enjoyed it. Not that I was expecting not too, I actually didn’t know what to expect. What I liked right away, was how if someone was reading this book that was not of our faith, there are some explanations of our beliefs without being too obvious.

Juliet Kendall is the oldest sister at home, we start her story on her 16th birthday. Right at the beginning, I could tell she is a smart, confident girl who knows her beliefs, but things seemed almost too perfect. She has two older sisters. Emma is serving a mission in Spain, and Maddie is away at college. Carly is 14 and starting her freshman year. Juliet has everything going for her; the start of new relationship, lots of great friends, and a chance to play basketball on the varsity team. But, as like many of us, her trials come slowly, then linger, and then seem to stay for awhile. Little by little events take place that really challenge her testimony, and her self worth. Carly has a secret that effects them all, but Juliet takes it the hardest. And while Carly hides away and struggles, Juliet, while worried about Carly, hides as well. Not just from friends, but her Heavenly Father. Feeling she failed her sister, really takes her down a self destructive path. It just takes stopping the small and simple things that prevented her from asking Heavenly Father for help.
As I read Juliet’s journey, I sympathized with what the girls were going through. I didn’t go through what Carly did, or Juliet for that matter, but I have three daughters, and I can only pray that they stay strong in the gospel and will make good choices. It’s a great story for anyone with daughters.
There was one thing that I felt was unresolved, but this particular event helped Juliet move on to others things.
My rating: 4 stars
I would read it again and recommend it to others
Will I read other book by this author? Yes!
Being Sixteen
Author: Allyson Braithwaite Condie
Published: 2010
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
ISBN-13: 978-1-60641-233-6
Softcover: 249 pages
FTC FYI: Reviewed a free copy from the publisher which did not affect my review.

Peter and the Star Catchers Series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 292010
 


Shanda told me about this series, and I was intrigued. I love Peter Pan. (It’s also one my favorite rides at Disneyland.) It originally was a series of three, but fans wanted more, so the authors released Peter and the Sword of Mercy last year.

The first book is Peter and the Star Catchers. Peter starts his journey in an orphanage. He and a bunch of boys are put on a boat headed to the Rundoon to be slaves to the king. In Starcatchers we are introduced to many key players in the books. And the mysterious starstuff, which carries the plot of Peter’s books. Molly Aster, her father Leonard, Fighting Prawn (leader of the Mollusks tribe), Slank, Mister Grin, Smee, and Black Stache (aka the future Captain Hook) are introduced. So many exciting things happen in this book. There are explanations as to the mysteries of Peter, how he flies, mermaids, the Lost Boys, why Peter doesn’t age, how Neverland gets its name… Too many to name. And, at the end, a special character is born. There is a little bit of unnecessary language, and references, but not in the others.
The second is Peter and the Shadow Thieves. It takes place shortly after Starcatchers. It’s a little darker (which I liked) and really exciting. Peter needs to make it to London to warn Molly of some danger coming to harm her. It takes a couple unnecessary turns that I didn’t love. But, during it, Peter runs into a gentleman named James Barrie (the original writer of the Peter Pan story). He gives some directions that are reminiscent of finding your way to Neverland. The villain, along with others, is Lord Ombra. A shadow thief, that steals shadows to get others to do his bidding. I can’t really go into too much detail without revealing the plots from this and Starcatchers. The end is so exciting, that I had to finish, even though it was 1:00 am.
The Secret of Rondoon grabs you at the start, and doesn’t let go. There is so much action and excitement. Peter is in trouble with The Others, and is wanted in the city of Rundoon because of his “special abilities”. In this third book, you find out about Peter’s parents, and why Peter survived a certain event that took place in Starcatchers. Molly is back, along with George Darling who helped in the second book. Mollusk Island is in trouble and is taken over by a vicious tribe of savages called the Scorpions. This book is in a slight lead for my favorite, closely followed by the fourth. Rundoon has great action and suspense, we are introduced again to characters that were in the first, but not mentioned again until this book.
Peter and the Sword of Mercy takes place 23 years after Rundoon. An old nemesis is back and causing trouble in the palace. He’s after a key to finding more starstuff. We’re introduced to the Skeleton, who is a very intense and scary character. Molly and George married, and get themselves in a pickle, so this time around it’s Wendy (their daughter) who needs Peter’s help. Who can they trust? The police are corrupt and there is danger everywhere they go. Peter is afraid, and seems sad in Mercy. But, creative and surprising things happen on this adventure and old friends are in need of help too. Great ending. I hope there is a Book 5.
What got old for me: In the first three, Lord Aster is, understandably, protective of his daughter and doesn’t want her coming along, or getting herself in trouble, but she always does, and helps save the day. I just wanted him to accept the fact that she is capable of helping, and didn’t need to be held back.

What I liked the most: Each book have many different sub plots going. Peter’s activities, Molly’s, the island, Hook. Each plot is exciting and page turning.
Four stars for the series.
I would definitely read it again.
I would and have read others from these guys. Actually, just Ridley Pearson. He wrote The Kingdom Keepers series, which I really enjoyed.
Peter and the Starcatchers/Peter and the Shadow Thieves/Peter and the Secret of Rundoon/Peter and the Sword of Mercy
Authors: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Publisher: Disney Edition/Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN: Starcatchers 0-7868-5445-6 Published 2004 451 pages
Shadow Thieves 0-7868-3787-X Published 2006 556 pages
Rundoon ISBN -13: 978-078683788-5 ISBN-10: 078683788-8 Published 2007 482 pages
Mercy 978-142312134-3 Published 2009 515 pages
Hardcover
FTC: all books were checked out from the library.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer Annie Barrows

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 222010
 


The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Review by Mindy


Wow, my first review… I picked this book, because it was one that I loved instantly. There was something about it that caught me right away. What I liked most was the humor, and the sweet story. It takes place in 1946, after WWII. A little back ground information: the occupation by the Germans in Guernsey happened during the war, and they stayed for five years. This book is based on those events, just with fictional characters. I loved the creative way in how this is written. It’s a series of letters written to, from, and about the main character Juliet Ashton, and others in her life. Juliet is a writer who wrote a collection of popular newspaper articles about the war, that were published into a book. She receives a letter from a gentleman named Dawsey, who lives in Guernsey of the Channel Islands. They share a common like for Charles Lamb’s writings. In one of the letters written to Juliet from Dawsey, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is mentioned, and over a series of more letters, Juliet is hooked on the islands history, the people, and a character whose story is told by many who live on the island. Elizabeth is her name, and she’s the reason the society received its name and most importantly, how it came to be. During the book, Juliet is pondering on what to write her next book about, and eventually choses to write about Guernsey, and there finds the true subject of her book. So many entertaining things happen to Juliet and her friends along the way as she makes her way to visit Guernsey to tell their story of the occupation.
I could go on and on, but I don’t want to give too much away. However, there are some great lines in the book. One I thought was so funny, and one that describes my love of reading. Isola (a Guernsey resident, writes to Sidney Juliet’s friend and publisher) writes: “Mrs. Gilbert has always been a nasty one, but now I know that she can’t help it–she’s got a big pit in her Benevolence spot. She feel in a quarry when she was a girl, and my guess is she cracked her Benevolence and was never the same since.” And the part that spoke to me was a line from Juliet when she writes that books have “secret sort of homing instinct that brings them to their perfect readers.” Ahhhhh. Love that :)
One of my favorite parts of the book was the end. Isola wrote detection notes because she was trying to figure some things that were happening, and she wanted to be like Miss Marple. I was laughing out loud. I also cried in a spot, but I can’t give that away. After you read the book, let me know if you cried, and at what spot, and we’ll compare notes.
(There is a couple instances of language in the dang family.)
I hope that everyone enjoys this book as much as I did. I really could go on and on and tell you so many more great things. Read it for yourself. It put a smile on my face, and I always have a smile when I think about it.
My rating: 5 stars
Would I read it again: Absolutely. Many, many times
Recommend it: Yes, yes, yes
Would I read others books from these gals: Already have
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Authors: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
Publisher: A Dial Press/A Division of Random House
Published Date: August 2008
ISBN: 978-0-385-34099-1
Hardcover; 274 pages
Dearest FTC FYI: I received this book as a gift.

Introducing Me: Mindy

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 152010
 

Before I did my first review, I wanted everyone to get to know me, and the books I like. I’m a 35 year old (today is my birthday actually) mom of three girls. And wife to an incredible guy, who is such a hard worker and supports us with all he’s got.
My reading style is mainly YA fiction fantasy/scifi. I also read some JF fantasy/fiction. I do branch out, and am more then willing to do so. But, as you can see from the list below, I am a sucker for series books. I love that there is more to a story. I’ve put together a list some of my all-time favorites.

If I were asked what my favorite of series was, it would be Breaking Dawn. But, they are all so addictingly (I know that’s not a word, but I don’t care) wonderful.

My favorites are The Deathly Hallows and The Half-Blood Prince. I feel that when it comes to Harry, that no further explanation is needed :).

This series is so fun. Artemis is great character. He’s a brilliant 12 year old who wants to kidnap a fairy, and gets away with it. So, at first, he’s the villain. My favorite of the six books are: The Eternity Code and The Time Paradox

These books are amazing, which also happen to be my favorite movies.

When I first heard of this book, I wasn’t too sure I was going to enjoy it, it sounded so violent. Even though it was (:), I loved it. It was fascinating, and such a mind-blowing story. I loved Catching Fire as well and can not wait for Mockingjay.

I am a huge Fablehaven fan. I loved this series. But, this picture is here because it was my favorite. So many surprising things happened, I think I finished with my mouth open in awe.

This book and author is very special to me. I am very honored to be Dorothy Keddington’s niece. She is my wonderful “Aunt Rae”. So, picking a favorite of hers is hard because they are all spectacular. But, alas, I think Shadow Song is at the top of the list.

I just read this book about a month ago, and it instantly became an all-time fav. The story is amazing, sweet, funny, and tear worthy. I won’t go too much into it, because it may show up soon in more detail… hint hint

This is oldie but a goodie. I honestly haven’t read it since I was young, but I loved the story. Love and life lasting forever sounded pretty good when I was waiting for those certain boys to call when I was a love-struck teen.

This is another that I have read recently, but loved instantly. It’s another story like Hunger Games, not kids fighting to the death, but (what am I trying to say ?) a very different story to swallow. In the future, if a child is “unwanted” when he/she turns 13, their parents can choose to unwind them. But, it doesn’t work out the way the creators wanted it to. Gripping story.
I have read everything from this gal, Jessica, and this is my favorite.

As with above, I have read all of Shannon’s as well. I love this whole series. Goose Girl and River Secrets are my favorites.
The Maze Runner is another that got me right at the start. I couldn’t stop until I knew what was going to happen.
Here’s a little taste of the books I love and read. It’s funny, when I finished Harry, I thought I would never find anything else to read that I would enjoy as much. When my sister told me about Twilight, I thought the same thing. But, thankfully, I got brave and realized there are numerous amounts of very enjoyable books out there. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity. When I finish a great book, I want to shout it from the roof tops, and now I get that chance!
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