So I have decided to do some book reviews from time to time, since my nose is always in a book. I have a goodreads account but I pretty much just use that to catalog the books I have read and want to read. I downloaded a pretty script font to make the reviews all spiffy. There are four reviews listed here of books I have read in the recent past. I plan to do another book review featuring four more books that I received as Christmas gifts. Here goes nothing.
by Alice Hoffman is probably one of my favorites by her. I enjoyed her other novels such as, Local Girls, Practical Magic, and The Ice Queen. However, some of her more recent works such as, Skylight Confessions and The Third Angel could not hold my interest. However, The Story Sisters seemed very reminiscent of Practical Magic and Local Girls since all these books focus mainly on woman, and then also on sisters. The three sisters in the book are very similar in appearance, but very different as far as personalities go. The book not only deals with sisterhood but also with jealously, loyalty and friendship. This book has a magical element to it as the girls seem like ethereal goddesses and enough charm to weave their own magic. For anyone who is a fan of Alice Hoffman, I highly recommend this latest novel.
by Francesca Lia Block is a novella about, you guessed, a vampire. Now, I know some young adult readers are getting a little tired of the young adult section being turned into the vampire section, but I plead with you to hold out for this book and not just because I am a huge fan of Block (I have read everything by her). The novella may seem like a vampire story that is like all the rest, but I assure you that it is not. This vampire story has a beautifully crafted twist which I thoroughly enjoyed. Like all Block’s writing, this story is highly descriptive and the language is almost lyrical. Another Francesca Lia Block book for my shelf.
by Carrie Ryan is probably the only truly good zombie book I have ever read. The main family in the book are practically living in a gated community in an attempt to keep the Unconsecrated out, but that plan fails. Many of the main character’s (Mary), family and friends become Unconsecrated themselves as she and a few others struggle to break from the undead groups and search for other remaining humans. This book was a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep. I highly recommend this book even if you are not a big zombie fan. You may change your mind after reading this Carrie Ryan novel.
by Nicholas Sparks is very bittersweet. I am concerned about the movie because I am afraid they will change parts of the book and possibly the ending to make it more “Hollywood” and less bittersweet. The book is very Sparks-esque as it features his major theme: love. I have read only two other books by him which included, Message in a Bottle and A Walk to Remember. I have to admit that I am not a huge Sparks fan but I gave this book a chance and I am glad that I did. The central characters are John and Savannah who fall in love (during the summer), and then have to say goodbye as John is enlisted in the military and he is sent off. They communicate through a series of letters while he is away. After some time her letters come less frequently. This story takes an unexpected turn and leaves the reader longing. I was happy that I gave this novel by Nicholas Sparks a chance, and I hope you will too.
