Book Club

2008-04-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

I've read a couple of books, but haven't been posting...... This book I have found I have to be careful with my reccomendations. I love historical fiction, especially that of the English monarchies BUT this book is "racy".

If you want an EXCELLENT book about historical England check out one of my absolute favorites. An excellent adventure/love story.

May Book

2008-04-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

The new Stephenie Meyer book will be released on May 6th, so lets make this the May book, shall we? You can read the first chapter on the authors website, if you're like me and too impatient to wait for the actual book.

April book

2008-03-31T21:03:00.000-07:00

Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus

This is quite a change from what I normally read. I usually favor fantasy, maybe sci-fi, a little romance now and then. This is non-fiction, about a man's battle against poverty in Bangladesh.

I discovered this book from "O" magazine, because Hugh Jackman said he liked this book. I think Hugh Jackman is uber dreamy, so anything he likes must be good, right?

Muhammad Yunnus won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work, so I am quite excited to read about his economic impact.

Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras

2008-03-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading the third book in the series, and have put the fourth book on hold at the library.

A friend in my ward recommended these books because both her and her daughter loved them. I too enjoyed them, though it was much different then what I thought it would be.

It's about life a couple hundred years from now, where at the age of 16 everyone undergoes cosmetic surgery to make them beautiful. It centers around one character in particular, Tally.

It poses many different points about what society considers "beautiful."

Fablehaven

2008-03-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

I discovered these books after reading through the Deseret Books catalog.

This wonderfully magical series is about a preserve set aside so all the magical creatures of the world can live in peace away from the unsuspecting population. The grandchildren of the couple in charge of the preserve are sent there for a couple weeks, and chaos ensues as the children discover the secrets surrounding the area.

It's a fast, easy read, but quite delightful.

Maisie Dobbs

2008-03-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with this mystery series. One of my co-workers recommended it to me a couple years ago, and the fifth book just came out this year.

It takes place in England after the first World War, so it's interesting to hear a different perspective then an American take on the war.

The author, Jacqueline Winspear, uses such a wonderful writing style, and I find it hard to put the book down, with each book having multiple mysteries included in the story.

Princess Bride post from Marielle

2008-01-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't quite finished the book, but I couldn't resist writing some remarks.

I have loved reading it. I took a short hiatus to read some other "new release" books, but am back on track, and plan on finishing it tonight.

I love that the book is SO SO SO much like the movie. Or I guess I should say the movie is so like the book. Except for the Zoo, everything is quite similar. Even many of the lines the characters speak are taken from the book, like "Humiliations galore," and the ever famous "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife!"

Plus the whole storyline with the author reading it to his sick son, it was just so familiar and welcoming.

I found an interesting website that talks about the author, and the so-called Morgenstern.

And if you go here, you can request the missing scene.

I can't wait to watch the movie now! Just to brag, I gave a massage to Norman Lear, the executive producer of the movie. He was very nice.

What's the January book?

A Random Post from Andrea

2007-12-07T17:38:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I think that the following words belong in the comment section of the separate post, however, due to prolonged silence on my part I am vandalizing the blog with my own personal comments here.
I was waiting to reply on the Princess Academy until I finished the Goose Girl. Why?....I don't know for sure. Maybe to sound wiser or bookier or something. Anyway, I LOVED IT! I finally finished it here in Hawaii. I figured, hey, I've already got jet lag, why not stay up mega late a few nights in a row and indulge myself with this great book? I love the stories that Shannon Hale tells and the way she tells them. Has anyone read Enna Burning?
I didn't see the Britta thing coming. I think I got too involved in the story to figure. I kept thinking that the lead girl would be princess and I wasn't quite sure how everything would turn out in the end with the village boy and her. I don't think that I should be a detective or anything.
I like the integrity she gives her heroines. Both in Princess Academy and the Goose Girl we aren't ever let down by moments of cowardice, backing out of things, dishonesty or weakness. Those moments are often of literary importants to the story, but sometimes it's nice to just read an impossible tale of heroism.
The Good Husband:
Love the "Free to Good Home" ad!
What a great book too. Wow! Who knew all these great books were out there!
I kept agreeing in my mind with one of the comments on the book sleeve. I don't have the book with me to quote it but the jest was something eluding to the familiar comfort of Mma Ramotswe's voice. A few pages into the book she really does feel like an old trusted friend. I like what M said about the characters.

Thanks for the great books so far! This is a great game.

Good husband reveiw

2007-12-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

Anyone looking for a good husband?

This is m. I thought I would write about the book I choose for November, "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive," by Alexander McCall Smith.

This is the 7th or 8th book in the series of The Number One Ladies Detective Agency, and I've read all the previous books. So my intentions were purely selfish when I picked this book, because I knew I'd be reading it anyway, so why not read it with all the other babes?

I love these books because they are so gentle, and have great tips on life. Mma Ramotswe, the main character is "traditionally built" (aka overweight), and she is devoted to the old ways of living in Botswana, where you respect your elders and use proper manners. She is not perfect, but through the different cases she takes, you learn more about her.

One of my favorite things about the books are the supporting characters. Her husband, the car mechanic; the "girl-crazy" apprentices; her plain looking secretary, who scored a 97% on the Secretarial Exam at school; the matron of the orphan school who can get anyone to do anything she wants them to do. They really bring a great dimension to the story.

Some favorite moments from the book: when Charlie, the apprentice who had struck out on his own to start a Taxi service, crashed his car during the first ride; when Mma Ramotswe gave her client the advice to give her employee the key to the cupboard to show that she trusted him, and he ended up stealing all the supplies.

If you haven't read the previous books, I highly recommend it. They are all such quick and easy reads.

Princess Academy

2007-11-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-11-09T20:06:00.001-08:00

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.

2007-11-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Out of the Closet

2007-10-22T11:37:00.001-07:00

How do you guys feel about J.K. Rowling "outing" Dumbledore? Does it really matter? Does it really affect the storyline? Personally, I don't see the point of it. It seems like if it were really important, she would've included it in the book. Furthermore, let' s face it, this is a children's book. Was it really necessary?

Websites suggest that many people were questioning him, given that he had a troubled past and no close relationship with women. Funny, I never thought of this, and probably never would have. What do you think?

P.S. Andrea, P&P is one of my FAVORITE books! Tell us what you think when you finish! Then, go and get the A&E movie version. It's the best one!

The Princess Academy

2007-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

October's book. No slacking, this is the perfect season to read! Put on your sweatshirt and warm socks and get to readin'!

Wahoo book group!

2007-10-10T15:44:00.001-07:00

All right, sorry about the lame names and probably some confusion. babeswithbooks is our yahoo ID, (sorry I wasn't feeling to creative). chickswithbooks.blogspot is our address. (again, not feeling creative).
My orginals were suzieisagoddess, and suzieismyidol so, feel grateful. The password is the same on both, you should have got the email. Anyway, this should be fun!