Since I'm not likely to read another book before the end of the year, I'm going to go ahead with my book year in review post. So if you're looking for anything to read, hopefully this list will help!
"Persuasion" by Jane Austen
Had never read this one before and decided to give it a whirl. It was definitely more mature than her other novels, but still very enjoyable with both lovable and hate-able characters.
"The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova
I had read this one before a few years ago when it first came out but wanted to read it again. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart. It's full of history, almost to the point of it reading like a primary source. But the majority of the information has a purpose to the complex story. Just an FYI, this is for the die-hard, classic vampire fan. No shiny pretty boys here!
"Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
I did and I didn't like this one. It was ultra complex; like reading a really boring text book. But it was cool to get inside my dogs head a little bit.
"Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan
For a dog owner, this book was hilarious, well written, touching, and thought provoking. However I think it would be the same for a non-dog owner. Note: Scott actually read this book. Seriously. He loved it. Scott is not a reader.
"Dracula" by Bram Stoker
After reading "The Historian" again, I had to go back and read one of my favorite books of all time. Such a classic read.
"Enchanted Inc #1-4 by Shanna Swendson
I really enjoyed the first two books of this series. Really fun take on modern magic and wizards. But the last 2 dragged a bit and it felt like the same old story.
"The Throne of Fire (Kane Chronicles #2) by Rick Riordan
2nd book in the series. These are fun kid/tween books if you're in to Egyptian stuff. They're also fun as they're told from kids perspective. I enjoy reading kids books as I don't have to worry about being offended by anything. I can just enjoy the story.
"Austenland" by Shannon Hale
Clever story about an a woman who goes to England for the ultimate Austen experience: costumes, food, language; takes you back in time as if you were in an Austen novel. Complete with dashing Mr. Darcy-ish strangers.
"Whiter Than Snow" by Sandra Dallas
My sister got me hooked on Sandra Dallas' novels. She has the ability to take you back in time to a simpler and harsher time. This one had several intertwining stories about a town high in the Colorado mountains struck by the tragedy of an avalanche. Themes of friendship, forgiveness and acceptance.
"Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker
Also referred to as the 'lost first chapter' of Dracula. Interesting. Creepy. Fun!
"Buster Midnight's Cafe" by Sandra Dallas
Fun story told by two old crows about their best friend who became a Hollywood star.
"The Confession" by John Grisham
Classic Grisham; however this one was really thought provoking. If you're pro death penalty, it'll make you think twice. If you're anti death penalty, it'll also make you think twice. I read reviews that said it was ultra political - and I suppose it was in a way. But Grisham manages to help you see both sides of the issue.
"Peter Pan" by JM Barrie
Hadn't ever read this one before. Really great; but a surprisingly violent for a kids book!
"Book of a Thousand Days" by Shannon Hale
Really great, interesting take on a fairy tale. Set in medieval Mongolia, it's a "Prince and the Pauper" meets "Cinderella" meet "Rapunzel" - but with Yaks and a not so charming Prince.
"1105 Yakima Street" by Debbie Macomber.
#11 in the Cedar Cove series. I want to live in Cedar Cove and be neighbors with all these wonderful people!
"Prayers for Sale" by Sandra Dallas
Another great story of love and friendship. I found I could relate to both of the main characters in small ways, and I learned a thing or two about quilting and what it means to accept people. You can find friends in unlikely places.
"A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron
Another great one for dog lovers. I laughed and I cried as I followed a dog as he keeps being reborn into a puppy and trying to figure out why. All he wants to do is love his "boy" and be near him.
"Ten Miles Past Normal" by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Silly teen novel. Not sure why it sounded interesting to me.
"The Bride's House" by Sandra Dallas
My favorite Dallas novel so far. This book follows the story of 2 women connected through a house in a mining town in Colorado. Very clever and sweet. Dallas loves to use the themes of love, friendship and forgiveness in clever ways.
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
I did and I didn't like this book. I enjoyed the story; the bravery of these women and what they went through. Delicious characters, some were lovable and SO hate-able. My complaint was the extreme over use of the Lord's name in vain. So sue me or call me over sensitive. Call me intolerant because it's such and important book. Well, it is a great story but there was no excuse of the language.
"The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan
More Demi-Gods!! Woo hoo!! This book ties in to the Percy Jackson series, but different characters and different versions of the gods. So fun! Again, I love reading kids books.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson
I had watched the made-for-TV movie of this book a hundred times as a kid but never read the book. So. Classic.
"Jacob T. Marley" by R. William Bennett
I really enjoyed this book! I was a bit suspicious of it at first because I'm such a fan of Dickens and the "Christmas Carol", but I'm glad I read it. Bennett writes in a similar style and does Dickens justice with the back story of Marley. We find out a little bit of why Marley was Marley and why Scrooge was Scrooge.
"1225 Christmas Tree Lane" by Debbie Macomber
Last in the Cedar Cove series and I am so sad. I loved this series. Fun story to finish up on!
"Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham
I've made it a habit to read this one every year and it doesn't get old. I still laugh. And the longer I'm married to my accountant husband the more I laugh about Luther Krank's antics. Quick and fun read; Grisham's humor is so classic.
