nursenblack Posted December 30, 2010 Share Posted December 30, 2010 (edited) Nursenblack's Reading List 2011 I have a pathetic goal of 40 books, but at least 2 must be doorsteps. I will mark young adult novels (YA) and novels read via my Kindle. Rating Scale 1-5 1)awful. only fit for a birdcage liner. 2)blah blah. will not recommend to anyone. 3)Ok. liked it, but nothing special 4)enjoyable read. will recommend to others 5)excellent. loved it! Currently Reading My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking (YA) (via Kindle) TBR Pile (Currently on bookshelf) Testimony by Anita Shreve White Oleander by Janet Fitch Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (YA) Dreaming In French by Megan McAndrews Mary Modern by Camille DeAngelis Mathilda Savitch by Victor Lodats The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom Lisey's Story by Stephen King Saffron Skies by Lesley Lokko Emma by Jane Austen Edited December 30, 2010 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted December 30, 2010 Author Share Posted December 30, 2010 (edited) Wishlist (Own, Kindle, or Library) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (reread) Persuasion by Jane Austen The Sherlockian by Graham Moore Room by Emma Donoghue The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff (YA) Ruby's Spoon by Anna Lawrence Pietroni Illyria by Elizabeth Hand (YA) The Girl in the Lighthouse by Roxane Tepfer Sanford The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story by Susan Hill Jane by April Lindner (YA) The Boy with the Cuckoo-Clock Heart by Mathias Malzieu Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (YA) Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan Generation Dead by Daniel Waters (YA) Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw Bloodroot by Amy Greene Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin Hick by Andrea Portes Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier What Was She Thinking?: Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller Edited December 30, 2010 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 2, 2011 Author Share Posted January 2, 2011 (edited) #1 My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking (YA) (via Kindle) Synopsis from amazon.com "Seventeen-year-old Alice Bonham's life feels out of control after she meets Jack. With his fondness for pink Chuck Taylors and New Wave hits aside, Jack's unlike anyone she's ever met. Then she meets his brother, Peter. His eyes pierce through her, and she can barely breathe when he's around. Even though he can't stand the sight of her, she's drawn to him. But falling for two very different guys isn't even the worst of her problems. Jack and Peter are vampires, and Alice finds herself caught between love and her own blood..." My Blood Approves is the first of a young adult vampire series and was amazed to see the kindle version priced so cheap, ao, I bought it. It is a fast read with a slow-moving storyline that is a bit redundant at times, but intriguing enough to be entertaining. I am a bit curious to find out what happens in the rest of the series.(3/5) I have started Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, a reread from a decade and a half ago. uhggg. I feel really old now. Edited January 2, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 Incredibly I've never managed to get around to reading Jayne Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, something I really should have done a while back. I think I'll read it this year actually, so I look forward to hearing what you thought of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 (edited) Rating Scale1)awful. only fit for a birdcage liner. Aww the poor birds who will have to read theose pages while eating... Edited January 11, 2011 by frankie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 Aww the poor birds who will have to read theose pages while eating... lol!! I do pity them, but not very fond of birds anyhow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 (edited) #2 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte(via Kindle) The first time I read Jane Eyre I was fourteen and had really liked (I do believe I skimmed towards the end). This is my second read. I still find it very romantic and the "lovey-dovey" scenes are hard to put down, but I didn't remeber it being so wordy. Almost every dialogue is like a soliloquy - you forget the other person is even involoved in the conversation. That aside, it is a powerful, gothic romance that is a must read classic. (4/5) Edited January 11, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickle Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I am glad it retained its charm for you it is my favourite classic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidsmum Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I read & loved Jane Eyre when I was younger, I think when you come back to a book when your older you get more out of it maybe because you've got more life experience, I certainly found that when I reread Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 19, 2011 Author Share Posted January 19, 2011 (edited) #3 Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (YA) This is the first of the Infernal Devices series and a prequel to the Mortal Instruments series (haven't read those). I didn't know what to expect because I never read jackets and usually only skim synopses, but this did not disappoint. Clockwork Angel is filled with mystery, action and little romance. I can't wait for Clockwork Prince! A must read for lovers of paranormal/fantasy young adult fiction. (4/5) Edited January 19, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share Posted January 22, 2011 (edited) #4 The Girl In The Lighthouse by Roxane Tepher Sanford (via Kindle) Lillian Arrington has always lived isolated in a lighthouse with her secretive parents who never reveal anything about ther past, even to Lillian. Finally, after moving to a new lighthouse, she meets two brothers, whom she becomes friends with, and gets to attend school for the first time. Her mother suffers from a mysterious illness that keeps her in bed for days at a time. Lillian's childhood is happy until her mother gets worse and everything starts to spiral out of control... I won't give anything else away. But if you enjoy VC Andrews novels you will love this. This is a quick, engrossing read that charms you in, then rips your heart out. (4/5) Edited January 22, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share Posted January 22, 2011 Just discovered that there is a follow up to The Girl In the Lighthouse called All That Is Beautiful! A bit pricey, but tempting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 26, 2011 Author Share Posted January 26, 2011 (edited) #5 Mathilda Savitch by Victor Lodato This is a coming of age, debut novel about a precocious girl, Mathilda, who is dealing with the death of her sister from a year before. Mathilda narrates with believable teen agnst and disturbed logic. You never know what she will say or do next. Easy, entertaining read, but by no means 'light reading' (it's filled with depression, mental unstability and grief). I can't wait to see what's next from Lodato. (4/5) Next I'm reading Switched by Amanda Hocking Edited January 26, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 (edited) #6 Switched by Amanda Hocking (YA) (via Kindle) Swithced is the first of a YA trilogy about a teenage girl, Wendy, who was almost murdered by her mother when she was six. Wendy has the power to 'persuade' people with her thoughts. She doesn't think it is a real power until she meets Finn, who reveals to her her true identity and takes her away to the world she came from. This is the second book I've read by this author, the first was My Blood Approves (also first of a trilogy), and I have say that they are equally mediocre. However, I do think the idea for this novel was unique, and I am a bit tempted to find out what happens next. Not too bad for a $1 download. (3/5) Edited January 30, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 Yesterday I went to the library and picked up Room by Emma Donoghue and The Secret Country by Pamela Dean. I've started Room and I pretty excited about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted February 1, 2011 Author Share Posted February 1, 2011 #7 Room by Emma Donoghue synopsis from barnesandnoble,com To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits. Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work. Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another. Room is hard to put down from start to finish. It is told entirely from the perspective of five year old Jack and is written in a way that makes it easy to identify with him and still understand the other characters as well. Nothing about this novel is too over-the-top. I think the realness of Room is terrifying. A must read that will not leave your memory! (5/5) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted February 4, 2011 Author Share Posted February 4, 2011 I started The Secret Country by Pamela Dean two days ago, but could just not get into it. So, I abandoned it. I started The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I'mRose Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 #7 Room by Emma Donoghue synopsis from barnesandnoble,com To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits. Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work. Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another. Room is hard to put down from start to finish. It is told entirely from the perspective of five year old Jack and is written in a way that makes it easy to identify with him and still understand the other characters as well. Nothing about this novel is too over-the-top. I think the realness of Room is terrifying. A must read that will not leave your memory! (5/5) First I really like your reviews! Room sounds very good I think I might have to add it to the wish list. The same goes for the girl in the light house, I loved V.C Andres when I was younger so this would probably be good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted February 4, 2011 Author Share Posted February 4, 2011 First I really like your reviews! Room sounds very good I think I might have to add it to the wish list. The same goes for the girl in the light house, I loved V.C Andres when I was younger so this would probably be good one. Thanks! I really believe everyone should give Room a chance. I can't remember how I found out about The Girl In The Lighthouse, but it was a great find. I was really surprised by it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 (edited) #8 The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly (via library) synopsis from barnesandnoble.com "Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones.With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century. Debut author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit." The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate is not only Kelly's debut novel, but also a Newberry Honor winner. I found it enjoyable even though I thought the beginning was rather dull. I love the character of Calpurnia, who wanders what her future will be because she hates household duties, but loves science. This should be read in classrooms, even though the author states that she took some liberties with historical and scientific facts. Great book. (4/5) Up next: Generation Dead by Daniel Waters Edited February 9, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) #9 Generation Dead by Daniel Waters (YA) (via library) Generation Dead is the first of a YA series about teenage zombies. For some unknown reason, teenagers who die are coming back to life. At Oakville High there are a few zombies or 'living impaired' students that are trying to get back to 'living'. Phoebe, a gothic-looking live girl, is intriqued by Tommy, a high functioning 'living impaired' student. Much of Oakville High, and the rest of the country, have a hard time with zombies mixing with the living. But that doesn't stop Phoebe and her friends, Adam and Margi, from befriending the undead. I thought Generation Dead was a very interesting take on zombies and not what I expected. Unique fantasy novel about ignorance and acceptance. (4/5) Edited February 17, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Great review nursenblack, the rest of the series is just as good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 This sounds a very interesting book, will have to read it, many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 I pretty excited about two books I ordered from amazon that I recieved yesterday. They are Illyria by Elizabeth Hand and Delirium by Lauren Oliver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursenblack Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) #10 Illyria by Elizabeth Hand Synopsis from barnesandnoble.com Madeleine and Rogan are first cousins, best friends, twinned souls, each other's first love. Even within their large, disorderly family—all descendants of a famous actress—their intensity and passion for theater sets them apart. It makes them a little dangerous. When they are cast in their school's production of Twelfth Night, they are forced to face their separate talents and futures, and their future together. This masterful short novel, winner of the World Fantasy Award, is magic on paper. I adored this novella by Elizabeth Hand about 'kissing cousins', Madeleine and Rogan. Bite size novel, but a whole lot of story with heart. It's is definitely what I would dub as hauntingly beautiful. (5/5) Edited February 18, 2011 by nursenblack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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