Princess Academy

I put her up because she is my favorite Princess.

So the Princess Academy.........I really liked it! There is just something to me about those innocent young stories that I love. I remember fantasizing stories like this when I was younger. That I was secretly a princess, and someone would come and get me when I turned 16 to live in my castle.

My favorite thing about this book was that she didn't become the princess, and realized what was most important to her. I think that it is really important for young girls to know that they don't have to be a princess to be someone great. She loved her mountain home, and wanted to make it the best place for her. She also helped her village realize their own worth, helped them be rewarded for their hard work.

When I attended Shannon Hale's book signing, she said that writing this book was one of the most painful experiences of her life. She didn't give specifics, but said it was a really hard book to write. I was surprised to hear this because for me, the book had a really easy flow to it, it almost seemed to simple. I guess that is the measure of a good writer.

Let me ask you this though, did you have the ending figured out? I suspected it when Britta pretended she couldn't read, then when she was sick. Not that it ruined the book for me, it was just a little predictable.

All in all a good read!

December's Book

No, watching the movies doesn't count.

Ms. Southam will be watching you!

Cerebral discussion to follow as well as Christmas treats served by Suzie at her Girls Gone Wild sleep over.

Hey, I posted! I'm a genius! This is Marielle, by the way.

I don't want Suzy to have all the say about books, so here is one of my favorites. It's called "The Bartimaeus Trilogy" by Jonathon Stroud. There are three books (obviously, it's a trilogy), and the first book is at the left, titled "The Amulet of Samarkund."

It's a JUV book, but it really is fun. I would be reading and just start laughing out loud, and my husband would look at me like "oh, wow, are you laughing at a book?" Trust me, read it!


But read "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive" first.

So, after reading "The Princess Academy" and liking it I decided to go on with the Shannon Hale books and read "The Goose Girl". I liked this even better than TPA. For me, it was a great book about adventure, romance, and finding one's true potential and embracing unique talents.

I actually went to her book signing last night in Bountiful. She's quite the kooky lady, but really fun spirited. It is always impressive to me when an author can interest readers of many ages. (yes, I was there with a bunch of 5th-7th graders). Any way, if you enjoyed TPA you'll like this one too!

AND, for all of you P&P fans.........she just published a book called "Austenland". It's about a girl who is completly fixated on Colin Firth in the A&E movie adaptation. Anyone who has seen this movie knows what I am talking about. This is my next read, I'm excited because I thought I was the only one!! Aparantly there are a lot of us dorks.

November's Book!

Marielle has picked "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive" by Alexander Mccall Smith for the book of November.

Also, Andrea has volunteered for December's pick.