Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
Summary:
When Elizabeth Darcy's sister Lydia shows up unannounced at Pemberley, the Darcy's quiet world is shattered. Wickham and their friend Denny got into an argument and Denny is found dead. Wickham is the chief suspect and that brings even more shame to the Darcy family name, as Mr. Darcy's brother-in-law. Can Elizabeth and Darcy hold their position and their family together under such pressure?
My Thoughts:
This one suffered in comparison to the mini series. I watched it first and then read the book and not only was the fun taken out of the mystery, since I knew who had done it, but I found it a lot less exciting and intense than the show. I admit the mini series took some liberties that I laughed at, particularly with regard to Lizzy's role in the whole thing. Still, it made the book seem a lot slower and more boring. Plus, mystery still isn't my favorite genre of choice. Meh.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Summary:
Carthya is on the brink of war and Jaron is fighting to keep his throne. But when an unexpected threat arises, he is about to risk all in order to keep what is his. He is ready to make a desperate move to save the kingdom, the throne, and those he cares about. Will it be enough?
My Thoughts:
I really liked the start of the series, and I am satisfied by the ending and how everything turned out. I remember enjoying the action and the excitement of watching Jeron do crazy things for his throne and his love. I love how Nielsen is able to plot twists that are fantastic and that I don't usually see coming, though a few of them I do. But, to be honest, it's been a few months and I can't remember much of what happened. So, I guess there's that against it.
-------------------------------------------------------
Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger
Summary:
Sophronia continues her training as a spy and this time is caught up in a conspiracy brooding in London. As their floating school makes its way straight into the heart of the trouble, she and her friends must discover who is behind this plot before it's too late for them all.
My Thoughts:
Well, this series is fun to read when you just want a lark. There are plenty of politics (of the supernatural variety) and intrigue going on to keep you reading. Also, I really like Sophronia, despite her doing some really annoying things in the romance department. I think I do read them for the characters and the silliness. Definitely a nice break from serious stuff (not that I was reading serious stuff anyway.)
-------------------------------------------------------
In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story by David McCullough
Summary from goodreads:
Christmas Eve, 1941. Mere days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House. As war raged throughout the world, the two leaders delivered a powerful message of hope that still resonates today.My Thoughts:
This is basically a transcript from a program McCullough did with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for a Christmas program (I did read this around Christmas - I was super proud of myself for doing some thematic reading, since I don't usually - too bad I didn't get a review posted until May). But it was too short and I really wanted more details about the historical period. There was an interesting address by PM Churchill that made me want to read a bio of him (now to figure out which of the 3 billion to read).
-------------------------------------------------------
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Summary:
An autobiography of the author written in verse, describes her childhood and youth and all that led her to writing stories and becoming the person she is today.
My Thoughts:
Love, love love it! This was fantastic. I know why this won the National Book Award (and other delightful shiny stickers). It is written so, so well (and I sometimes have a hard time with verse novels). The story is amazing and I adored hearing more about the time period and the things Jacqueline dealt with. Her family were awesome (well, most of them)!
-------------------------------------------------------
Chime by Franny Billingsley
Summary:
Briony is living with so many secrets and so much guilt, she can hardly breathe some days. Determined never to let anyone know just what she's done, she leads a painful life of deception. Until she begins to see that things might not have been as she thought.
My Thoughts:
This book was super weird and interesting and confusing. I can't believe how long it took me to get to it (I got an ARC way back when). I was sucked in from the first page! The story was convoluted and I had no idea what was going on a lot of the time, but I have to admit I was wowed. I loved how the end came about and how things just sort of clicked. Intriguing, strange, and very gorgeously written!
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
is a biography of a man of opposites - both gentle and prone to anger, both compassionate and violent. Following not the entire history of Jackson's life, but with emphasis on his years in the White House, Meacham recounts a time in history that helped to shape American politics and the presidency today.
is a humorous biography of Samuel Clemens' early years spent in Nevada and California. Clemens formative years were spent working as a printing apprentice, a steamboat pilot, a gold digger, a newspaper man, and a traveling correspondent before ever publishing under his famous pseudonym.
which has a lot of autobiographical elements from Twain's childhood
by Sid Fleischman
tells the story of Ruby Bridges' experiences being the first black girl to integrate her school back in 1960. Her own reminiscences along with those of her teacher, family, and psychologist combine with photographs to bring this story to life. When Ruby first goes to school, escorted by U.S. Marshals, she is the only child in her class. Nearly all of the white students have been withdrawn by their angry parents. But, that doesn't stop her white teacher from loving and teaching Ruby.
is a beautiful story about the author's return visit to her hometown of Prague after a forty year absence. As she walks the streets and sees familiar and unfamiliar sites, she remembers her own experiences growing up and escaping from the Nazi occupation. Her story, both past and present, is interesting and beautifully recounted.
tells the interesting story of James Holman, a British naval officer who finds himself inexplicably blinded at age 25. His attempts to circumnavigate the world by himself are empowering and frustrating, as he deals with prejudiced and condescending people.
is the story of how the "longitude problem" was solved. The problem was that while latitude was easily kept track of on sea journeys, longitude had no simple tracking system and many voyages ended up getting lost or shipwrecked without this vital information. The story discusses many different proposed solutions of the day, but particularly John Harrison, who was a humble clock maker.
is very obviously the story of William Wilberforce...and the heroic campaign to end slavery in England. William's early life and the events that lead to his conversion to Christianity are told in a way that make it obvious that he was led to fight against slavery. It chronicles his successes and many failures all while touching on the beautiful life he led.
is just what the title suggests. Greg Mortenson was a mountaineer who has the chance to change the lives of individuals in small villages in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This book follows his efforts to get donations and bring schools to the impoverished children of those countries. It is an inspiring tale of his peaceful dream to see these schools built.
Posts
