Hawksmaid

Last night I finished reading 'Hawksmaid' by Kathryn Lasky. It is the story of Maid Marian and Robin Hood,  but it begins BEFORE they were Maid Marian and Robin Hood, and were just a couple of kids that happened to be best friends. The story is definitely fantasy, but is based on true historical events. The characters are seeing the awful things that Prince John is doing to his subject while his  brother King Richard is fighting in a war in France. Many people are suffering from his tyranny so this band of kids decides to do something about it. They start out small, but eventually are doing greater things and are constantly having people join their band of 'Merry Men'. This was a very entertaining story to read, but there were some parts that kind of caught me off guard with how fantastical they were, not gonna lie. However, I would read it again which means it was worth reading.

Cinder and Ella

Last night I finished reading the book 'Cinder and Ella' by Melissa Lemon. I am not going to pretend like it is amazing writing or that I overly enjoyed this book. However, it is a good story with loveable characters and a fun read. I didn't really get "in" to it like I do on other books. You know, like when you literally can not put a book down so you read while you pee. But it definitely was entertaining, and while it is not a book that is a must have on my shelf, I would probably read this again. And if you are a huge Cinderella fan, than you will definitely like this book.

'Cinder and Ella' is about two sisters who also have an older sister who is a spoiled, and a younger sister who is a brat, and their sepparate (and sometimes together) journeys of finding their own happiness after so much darkness has entered their lives after their father goes missing.

Oh, and on a sidenote, the author lives in Kaysville, Ut where I grew up! Neat huh?

Firelight Series

This last week I just finished the 'Firelight' series by Sophie Jordan. There are three books in the series: 'Firelight', 'Vanish', and 'Hidden'. The series is about a girl who is a descendant of dragons and is forced to leave her colony of draki (that is what descendants of dragons are called) after she is spotted by some hunters,  to try to live a "normal" life among humans. Not gonna lie, the first book has some similarities to 'Twilight', but I promise you that Jordan is a much better writer than Meyer and is definitely not as cheesy. I pretty much gobbled up this series reading all three books in a total of two days. These books are filled with adventure, mystery, romance, and loyalty. I would highly reccommend this series.

Disappointments

As many of you know, I am the biggest Harry Potter nerd ever. So when I found out that J.K. Rowling was writing a new book I almost fell over dead with excitement. Last night I started reading it and I only made it through 20 pages before I deemed it as a lost cause. Within those 20 pages not only had I read the F word a dozen times, read about some very crude things, but I was soooo bored! Something that has never happend to me while reading J.K. Rowling. I was beyond disappointed. So my advice is don't wast your time. This book has only received three stars on Amazon and most of the reviews are bad. I had such high expectations, but I feel like the girl off of '27 Dresses' when she says, "I feel like I just found out that my favorite love song was written about a sandwhich."

My next disappointment, though much less of a disappointment than Rowling, was the second book of "Leven Thumps". I had read the first book, and although sometimes reading it felt like a chore, for the most part I enjoyed it. However, I started the second book in the series and didn't get very far. There was no build to the climax, the action just kind of hits you in the face from the very beginning, and I felt a little whiplashed. I also gave that up as a lost cause. However, I am not condeming it like I am Rowling's book. Some readers may enjoy this style of writing very much, it just was not my cup of tea.

The Princess Academy

In case you don't know this about me, I am a HUGE fan of Shannon Hale! I absolutely love her style of writing. I have always been a big fan of "The Princess Academy", so when I came to work one day and saw that there was a second book I was beyond ecstatic! I hurried and re-read "The Princess Academy" so  that I would be ready for when I was next on the hold list for "Princess Academy: Palace of Stone".  When I finally got it I took it home and the next day I  read before work, during my lunch break, and stayed up until three in the morning to finish it. I was not planning on reading it in one day, but there was a point in the book where I was seriously wondering how this could ever have a happy ending. I just had to find out what happened. I love books like that. The one's that are absolutely not predictable, but keep you guessing until the very end. Shannon Hale definitely did not disapoint on this sequel. I enjoyed every single minute of reading this, so much in fact, I am pretty sure I need to get onto Amazon and buy myself my own copy.

I Cannot Live Without Books

The Forgotten Garden

A fellow librarian reccommended "The Forgotten  Garden" by Kate Morton to me and said that she was one of her very favorite authors. I had never heard of this book or this author, but I was very happy for the reccommendation because I ended up loving this book. "The Forgotten Garden" is about a four year old girl who gets abandoned on a ship bound to Australia from England. The girl is found by the man who runs the wharf in Australia and he takes her home and adopts her when there is no one else to claim her. When the girl is 21 the man tells the daughter the truth about her past. The novel is about her journey to discover the mystery of why she was abandoned when she was so young and is trying to find out who her birth parents are. The story jumps from each generation's view point which at first kind of gave me whiplash, but once you get used to the style of writing it is practically impossible to put the book down. Kate Morton is a very talented author and I think I will have to read more of her novels.

The Bridge to Terabithia

I know it's been forever since I have been on here but life has been crazy busy this last month and finding time to read has kind of been a struggle. Fortunately for me though I have recently aquired a job as a librarian, so I am surrounded by books all day, everyday. I am finding it extremely difficult to not take a few home at least every week (okay okay, sometimes it's everyday). My latest read was 'A Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson. This book is about two lonely children who are sick of being bullied at school and decide to create a magical world for themeselves where they are king and queen. Through this magical world they learn to be brave and discover the true meaning of friendship. It is a wonderful story of imagination, family, friendship, and coming of age. I read it in about six hours (ish) so it is a pretty quick read.

After I read the book I just had to watch the movie to see if it did it any justice- and it did! I loved the movie and would highly recommend it (after you have read the book of course). You can watch the trailer for it below. And yes, it includes the hearthrob from The Hunger Games (he is such a cutie!).

http://youtu.be/3SvqEIKP4t8

The Maze Runner

A couple of weeks ago I finished 'The Maze Runner' series by James Dashner. The reason it has taken me so long to write this recommendation post is because I debated whether or not to recommend it. I actually couldn't figure out if I like the series or not. Although it kept me up nights with its page turning excitement, each time I finished a book the haunting question of "did I like that?" loomed over me. This question thus far has proven unanswerable, something that is quite baffling to me. It is with this struggle that I have decided to recommend it. If a book can cause me to puzzle over it for such a long time, actually make me stop and think about it and its complexities, than it must be worthy of reading. I would be lying if I didn't say that the book was almost scarring to me. Yes, it has it's entertainment factor, but the fear that this might actually happen to our world some day hovers over me leaving a lasting impression. So my friends, I would definitely recommend this book so that you can judge for yourselves.

“Such a display of death - how could it be considered a victory?” 
-James Dashner-

Desiderata

Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Through the Pensieve

Character Love

To Kill A Mockingbird

I just finished the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee for the third time in my life, and I'm telling you, this book never gets old! It is one of the great American classics that everyone needs to experience at least once. Scout is growing up in the South when racial tensions are high and her father is assigned to be the lawyer defending a black man who is accused of raping a white girl. Although this book suggests a serious plot Harper Lee tales the story from a witty and sometimes even comical tone of voice. You can't help but love Scout with all of her crazy antics. This is a page turner and amazing writing. If you haven't read it then I highly recommend doing so at least once in your lifetime. Or at least watch the movie anyway.

A Good Book Teaches...

A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting.
Henry David Thoreau

Funny

English Hard!

Live More Than One Life

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins, has become a national phenomenon.  And like all phenomenons, there is bound to be some controversy. In case you don't know anything about this series, it is about a futuristic country that includes the capitol and thirteen districts. There was a time when the districts rebelled against the capitol and to prove their power the capitol initiated something known as The Hunger Games. The Hunger Games requires two children, a boy and a girl, from each district to be put in an arena and fight to the death. The last child standing wins fame, fortune, and best yet- extra food for their district for that year.  One guess what the controversy is over... You got it. The kids killing kids part. And of course that is absolutely awful! But to me, that is kind of the point. It should shock you. It should make you stop and think. It should make you question your government instead of following along like a mindless robot. And I think the biggest lesson of all, is that kids should NOT hurt one another. It has been said that these books model our society- and I must admit, I agree. How many violent games are there? How many gangs involve too many kids? And remember how we are in the middle of a national bullying crisis? Violence has become socially acceptable in our society and I feel like these books kind of draw us out on that. These books teach, inspire, make you laugh, make you cry, and make you skip meals because you literally cannot put them down. Suzanne Collins is an amazing author and she deserves credit where credit is due. The movie is indeed incredible, but nothing beats the books. So read it and decide for yourself. And I would love to hear your opinion on this series!

“Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
Forget your woes and let your troubles lay
And when it's morning again, they'll wash away
Here it's safe, here it's warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you.” 

Book Hangover

I experience this ALL the time!

The Shadow Children

Today I finished the seventh book of an amazing series called The Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix. These series are set in the future after the country has experienced a major drought and famine with thousands of people starving to death. The government decided to pass a law that limits parents to have only two children. Luke however, is unfortunate enough to have two older brothers, making him a third child. It is illegal for him to be alive- so he has to stay in hiding for his entire life. If anyone sees Luke, both him and his family can be shot to death on the spot. Luke's whole life he has been living in fear of being discovered- until he meets another third child that is determined to do something about it. Third children are referred to as 'shadow children' because they aren't supposed to exist. This series is about these children's struggle for freedom.

These books are not very long and are definitely page turners making them fast, fun reads. I honestly couldn't  put them down and when I finished one of them I rushed to buy the next one. My husband was definitely ready for the Barnes and Noble charges that went on my Nook to stop, but I couldn't NOT finish the series. The were just too good. Read them, you won't be disappointed!

The Shadow Children Series in Order:
1. Among the Hidden
2. Among the Imposters
3. Among the Betrayed
4. Among the Barons
5. Among the Brave
6. Among the Enemy
7. Among the Free

The Beauty of Literature

Happiness

A Potter Generation

This blog of mine would feel pretty empty without a tribute to Harry Potter somewhere. We are the Harry Potter generation after all. No one else, past or present, can say that they grew up with Harry. The first book came out when I was ten years old, the last, when I was twenty. I was 14 when the first movie came out and 24 when the last movie hit theaters. These books and movies were one of the strongest influences in my world, at the time of my life when I was discovering who I was, while I was learning to leave my childhood behind and become an adult. Just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I really did grow up with them, and somehow, they became my friends too. Unlike some book fads that have gone around where everyone was jumping on the bandwagon left and right, Harry Potter is actually GOOD literature. J.K. Rowling is a genius! All of her twists and turns, and being able to connect the last book to the first one is incredible. You know she didn't just sit down and write the first book without thinking about how the rest of the series were going to turn out. I think she knew, or sort of knew, how it was all going to end by the first books publication. She is an amazing author that captivated not only audiences of all ages, but all over the world as well. Harry Potter has been published in over 200 countries and has been translated in over 65 languages! These books really are universally loved and cherished, and if you haven't read them yet, then now is the time to start. I promise you that you will get so much more out of the books than you ever can from the movies. Don't get me wrong, I love the movies, but the books are just so much more.... magical. 

"Whether you come back by the page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." -J.K. Rowling-

WE ARE THE HARRY POTTER GENERATION.

we defended the stone,

we found the chamber,

we freed the prisoner,

we were chosen by the goblet,

we fought alongside the order,

we learned from the prince,

we mastered the hallows.

WE OWE IT ALL TO J.K. ROWLING ♥ 

C.D. Quote

Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.
-Charles Dickens-

Fire of the Covenant

If you read the first post of this blog you'll remember that I mentioned this book. Seeing as this book helped me out during one of the lowest points of my life, I think it deserves to be the first book recommendation of this blog. "Fire of the Covenant" by Gerald N. Lund is about the three LDS handcart companies in 1856 that  made their way across the wilderness to their new homes in Utah. This book illustrates not only the struggles, heartache, and trials that these brave pioneers had to face, but it also contains spirituality, the bond of families, and even includes a little romance in the mix. I fell in love with these characters and felt like I was right there along side of them pulling that dratted handcart across the prairie. It will make you laugh and cry, increase your spirituality, and make you VERY grateful for what you have. Don't let the size intimidate you- it's worth it. I promise.

Hello!

Welcome to my new blog! I have decided to start this blog because I wanted to have a place that is all about the book nerd in me. This blog will be my virtual Beauty and the Beast library- the library that I think the book nerd in all of us dreams of having one day. This blog will be filled with book recommendations, favorite quotes from authors, and everything book nerdy related. I already have so many post ideas that I don't even know where to begin! I guess the best place to begin is the beginning right? So here is my beginning..... 

It is my belief that my love affair for books began with my parents. I remember when I was little they would take me and my sister to the library and we would fill our arms full of as many books as we could carry. At night we would lay in bed while one of our parents would read to us. One of the best times was during Christmas. In the month of December my dad would bring out his collection of Christmas picture books and read them to us- it was always one of my favorite Christmas traditions. The love affair grew in Kindergarten when I unraveled the mysteries of letters and words for myself. Books opened up new worlds to me and I couldn't tear myself away from them. The first book I really remember falling in love with was The B.F.G. when my third grade teacher read it to our class. My favorite part of elementary was being able to go to the library and pick out books and hearing stories from our librarian, and sometimes if you were good you got to read in one of the bean bags. Then in Jr. High reading became a homework assignment and you had to read so many pages each term. I remember other kids complaining about having to read so much, but I was the kid that would have enough pages read for the entire year by the end of the first term. Then came the day where my parents had to ground me from reading because if I opened a book my other homework would get neglected. That's when my summers turned into major read-a-thons for me. When I was in high school things got pretty bad for me and I ended up going to a psychologist because of some suicidal thoughts that I had been having. After talking to me for a bit, my psychologist reached up on his shelf and took down a book and told me to read it. It was a church book called 'Fire of the Covenant', about the Mormon pioneers. This book saved my life in the most literal sense. I wish I could explain why exactly this book had such an impact on me, I have no idea. I think it's just because I knew that if the pioneers could go on, then so could I. Books can relate to you like no other family member or friend can. They can teach, comfort, inspire, and inform. So from Dr. Seuss to Harry Potter, books have been a constant companion and friend of mine. I love books. 

"A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend." 

-Author Unknown-