Princess Academy

Love love LOVED this book!  Since finishing it, I am hooked to Shannon Hale and I just started my third book by her.

I love Miri.  Her character is developed so well.  She's lovable, sincere, true to herself, and exactly what you hope her to be.  The story kind of reminds me of "How to Train Your Dragon."  She doesn't fit in and isn't a quarry worker like everyone else.  Yet she uses her unique gifts to bring hope and prosperity to her village.  I seriously reread parts because I was so enthralled!  Thanks for recommending it!

Everything

So I really have been reading all of the books, but I never really feel like I have anything profound to say. I've really enjoyed this book club a TON! It introduces me to books I've never heard of and ones I would never think to read, like Anna Karenina - which was really my favorite so far. It was long and worth it in my opinion, so thank-you Mandy for suggesting it.

I've really enjoyed Uglies, Matched was okay but I was hooked, and I really liked the Princess academy. I'm so embarrassed to admit it because they're like targeted for teenage girls and the silly little romances in it, but they keep you reading.

One idea that I have is maybe having a question(s) to answer for each book. That way I have something to write about and we can get different opinions from everyone. What do we think about that? Maybe when we pick a book we write a question...I don't know what, but I've seen book club question lists.

Oh, and I can't wait to have an actually book club get together, it'll be way fun.

Matched

It will be interesting to see where the second book of the series goes, because this book was definitely non-conclusive.

Ally Condie takes Satan's plan and forms a society.  All the choices are made for you, so you'll never make the wrong choice.  And it's clear that individuals never experience true joy or success, because their lives are not their own.  This book reminded me a bit of The Giver.  Cassia is seeking to find a way to live the way she wants to, but by doing so will bring about a new life for everyone, in which they will now be prone to mistakes and suffering.  Interesting...

What do you Think?

I think it would be fun to meet in person and discuss the books. I know that this is not possible for everyone all of the time, and we would of course still blog about the books too...but I want more opinions...so comment PLEASE!

Also, if we meet in person maybe I could host the first meeting say the end of November or first part of December. We could have someone in charge of hosting and assign someone to maybe take notes and post on the blog so that we could get everyone involved. Let me know what you think!

I'm loving it!

Hey ladies!

I just want to say that I'm so happy that we've been able to keep this going.  At Kimberly's wedding Hannah and I talked about all the fun books that we've read. I just love it.  With that being said, I've been a huge slacker.  I started the Hiding Place, but didn't finish it.  And I haven't started the book for September.  So I promise I come on here and read everyone's posts and thoughts about the books.  I've already placed a hold on October's book, thanks Lori! I'll try and get that read ASAP

Do we want to invite some other ladies to join the goodness?  Comment, or just invited them.  We just need their email address to add them as a person who can post.

For November's book I've chosen Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, she's one of my favorite authors.  I've heard it's a good book.  She has a blog you can read too.  http://oinks.squeetus.com/

Much love and happy reading.

Anna Karenina

The thing that struck me most in this book was the contrasts between all of the characters. My favorite character in the book is Levin because of the things that he chooses to pursue in his life.  While Anna is pursuing pleasures and passions throughout the story, Levin chooses to strive for a life of work, family and things that are both honorable and good. I think the story has a good lesson, becuase in the end, Levin is happy and contented with the simple life he has made for himself, while Anna is totally consumed with jealousy and depression. All in all, I enjoyed the story. I wish that I had read an abridged version (if one even exists). And I again apologize for choosing such a lengthy book. I will be nicer to you all next time!

Matched by Ally Condie

I know I'm late choosing a book, but a friend just recommended this one to me.  My new goal in life is to actually post when I finish it.  :)