#15: Fangirl

I loved the book Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.  I think the reason I loved it so much is because the main character Cath/Cather reminded me a lot of myself.  Normally I wouldn't like a character who is like me, but she made me realize it is okay to be different.  Now, I am not a writer of fanfiction like her, but it was her traits and emotions that I found similar.

The story starts with Cath going off to college and really not fitting in.  She finds it hard to make friends, thinks her room mate hates her, and just really feels very nervous about everything.  She also worries about her dad back home and her party animal sister.  I liked how we slowly got to see how Cath started interacting with other characters.

While I liked the first part of the book, I really loved the 2nd part.  I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will just say that I loved the love story in this book.  It just came me a happy feeling and made me want to cuddle with my husband.

Up Next:  Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

#14: The Prophet of Yonwood

On our mini vacation this weekend we listened to The Prophet of Yonwood by Jean DuPrau on audio book.  This is the 3rd book in the Ember series.

This book did not have the same characters as the first 2 Ember books, since this is a type of prequel.  It is about a girl named Nicki who goes to stay with her aunt in Yonwood, CT in her's great grandfather's house.  He has recently died and her aunt is getting the house ready to sell.  In the book, Nicki meets some interesting characters in Yonwood including a "Prophet" who is believed to tell the city how to avoid some type of futuristic disaster.

It was really funny to see the way the characters behaved in the book.  Poor Nicki was very torn on what to believe and how to act.  I liked the change that was seen in Nicki throughout the book.

I can't really say too much more without giving it away.  It was a pretty good story.  We really didn't see how it fit with the other Ember books until the very end.  I am excited to listen to the next one soon.

Currently Reading:  Fangirl and Outsider in the White House

#13: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart is the story of a teenage girl and her life at a private school.  She is going to a private school that her father went to when he was a teenager.  Her father loves this school and how it gives you connections to other bigger and better things later in life.  He also mentions being a Basset, but doesn't really give Frankie and her sister any more information on that.

The story starts out with Frankie on vacation during the summer and is sick of being treated like a baby.  When she goes back to school as a sophomore, she gets noticed by a boy she had a crush on and starts dating him.  She learns he is also part of The Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds and is determined to find out more about this secret society.  Frankie takes matters into her own hands in a very unique way.

So many things happen along the way that are typical social situations for teenagers.  I really liked the way the different characters were portrayed in the book.  I also really liked the character of Frankie.  She reminded me a little of Flavia de Luce who I really like.

This was a great and easy read for a Secret Society pick.

Up Next:  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

#12: If I Stay

Last night I finished If I Stay by Gayle Forman.  This book was recommended by a friend at book club.  She gave it to me awhile ago and I misplaced it.  I decided to buy a copy so I could get it back to her.

This was a quick read.  It was a sad story and held my attention.  I have to admit though, that I didn't find it amazing like so may others, but it was good.  I didn't cry even though it was sad.  I just felt the whole love story in the book was a little weak.  The idea behind it was great, but I felt the emotions could have been stronger.

As a side note, I didn't like that she made cello players out to be dorks.  They are awesome.  Orchestra rules!

Up Next:  The Disreputable History of Frankie Landu-Banks by E. Lockhart

#11: Kisses from Katie

I recently read Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis.  I heard of this book quite a while ago, but it wasn't available at the library.  A friend of mine who is selling Trades of Hope jewelry, had a copy and let me borrow it.  There is a Kisses from Katie  necklace available from Trades of Hope.

This is the story of Katie Davis who says God called her to go on a mission trip during her senior year of high school.  She looks into and finds an orphanage in Uganda that is accepting volunteers and goes there over Christmas break with her mom.  She immediately falls in love with the work and wants to go back.

Her parents, family, friends, etc. all want her to stay home and go to college, but she really wants to go back and help the children.  She ends up becoming a teacher and decides to live there and adopt children.

Katie is in a constant state of wanting to be with her family, but having a greater desire to help the children in Uganda.  There are lots of Bible references.  I really like her story, but it got a little repetitive.  Still a great woman to be able to do something like this.


Currently Reading:  If I Stay by Gayle Forman

#10: A Casual Vacancy

I finally finished A Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling.  This is the story of a council man dying during his term and all the behind the scene stories of the other council men/women and those looking to fill his spot.

There was so much sadness and evil in the lives of the characters.  I wanted to feel sorry for some of them, but at the same time I hated most of them.  There was so much lack of communication with some of the families and violence and ignorance with the others.

I do admit that this book was really slow moving for me.  I found it interesting, but not in an "I can't put it down" kind of way.  There were just so many things going wrong or making me mad in the book.

I decided I really needed to finish it and stayed up until past midnight last night doing so.  The final part of the book was really the best for me.  So sad and heartbreaking, but it finally made the characters see everything that was infront of them.  I think Rowling did a great job at pulling this book together at the end.

Up Next:  Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

#9: The People of Sparks

We finished the 2nd audio book in the City of Ember series, The People of Sparks.  In this book, the people of Ember escape the underground city and move to Sparks.  Here they are taken in as refugees and given food, shelter, and work.  Some of the Sparks people welcome the new people and others hate and fear them.  Things start out okay and then take a turn for the worse.

Interesting series to listen to for car rides.  It's a pretty good chose for a whole family pleaser.