As this was my first time reading this classic, both the feelings of not believing I waited so long a“I like good strong words that mean something…..”
As this was my first time reading this classic, both the feelings of not believing I waited so long and the joy of the initial meeting of these characters were giving me a sense of duality. I was engrossed in this coming of age story from the start and couldn’t help, but adore this family. I listened to the fantastic audiobook version narrated by Laura Dern and a full cast.
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
My thoughts felt entwined with the story and the March family. I found myself thinking about these characters and the time period when I wasn’t reading. Books that call to me in this way stand out. Being fully engaged in a novel that takes place during a significant historical period lends weight to the challenges of that time. I found myself researching the clothing, furniture, customs and more.
“I’ve got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.”
Little Women delves into adolescence giving it a unique perspective and forging a connection for generations of readers. There aren’t many books that take place towards the end of the Civil War and afterward that focus on adolescent characters. Each of the four March sisters have distinct personalities and goals. Alcott demonstrated the importance of each sister’s life goals though they held different views. There was a clear message that there is no singular “right” way to become a fulfilled woman.
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying love is all a woman is fit for.”
Alcott’s forward thinking upbringing by her transcendentalist parents is evident throughout. In fact, Little Women was written on a desk built by her father for her in an era when it was frowned upon and considered unladylike for a woman to have her own desk. It was a widely accepted belief that women should not be in the public eye and to encourage a woman to publish a book would move her from the private sphere to the public. Some physicians of the time also believed that “brain work” (writing) was detrimental to a woman’s health. The Alcott family disagreed and supported Louisa’s writing.
“I rather take coffee than compliments just now.”
This was a wonderful example of everyday life shining brighter than elaborate tales when shown through the lens of characters that so many relate to.
“…..for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.”
In the last book the focus shifted from Anne to her children and in this one there is a further departure as the story moves from the Blythe householdIn the last book the focus shifted from Anne to her children and in this one there is a further departure as the story moves from the Blythe household to the Meredith household. The narrative centers around the Meredith children who meet the Blythe children at Rainbow Valley becoming fast friends.
“We miss so much out of life if we do not love. The more we love the richer life is.”
I wish I could write a review gushing about how I adored another volume of Anne and her friends’ adventures, but as always I’m honest and this novel fI wish I could write a review gushing about how I adored another volume of Anne and her friends’ adventures, but as always I’m honest and this novel failed to pique my interest or stir my spirit. It has never taken me this long to make it through one of these books. It wasn’t a mess, there just wasn’t much to grasp onto as a reader. Outside of the family many of the new characters are two dimensional presented more like lessons than people. The best characters have many sides and these do not. Gilbert has a family member that outstays her welcome and she’s rude and uninteresting as a character and no one has the backbone to put her in her place or ask her to leave. She even slaps one of their children and no one likes it, but they accept it in the name of family. I missed the fiery young Anne in those moments.
“….there is no such thing as a common day. EVERY day has something about it no other day has. Haven’t you noticed?”
After reading a novel titled Anne of Ingleside I should be able to fill pages with the details of Anne’s life at Ingleside. Well, I would be a miserable failure if the task were put before me. After finishing this book, all I can say is her life includes gossiping, some light parenting, and attending dinners. Anne has become a supporting character in a book that bares her name; Gilbert a mere afterthought. Susan their housekeeper has a larger role and speaks more than either of them.
“It’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.”
This book should have been presented as a collection of short stories because it lacks cohesiveness as a novel. It was difficult to sink into the story because of the abrupt changes in direction. There are adventures featuring Anne and Gilbert’s six children and Anne’s stories open and close the book. Anne’s stories were incredibly cookie cutter. It made me sad to read them. Seeing some of Anne’s personality traits pop up in the children was nice. However, the children are written pretty close to perfect in their thoughts and behavior. It reads flat after a while.
“Well, that was life. Gladness and pain….hope and fear ..and change. Always change! You could not help it. You had to let the old go and take the new into your heart…learn to love it then let it go in turn. Spring, lovely as it was must yield to summer and summer lose itself in autumn.”
There’s a lack of direction and the colorful characters are missing. Perhaps because although this is the sixth book in event chronology it was the last Montgomery penned. She died soon after this was written. However, the prose is as beautiful as ever.
“They would glorify the grey days that were bound to come. What would matter drifted snow and biting wind when love burned clear and bright, with spring beyond? And all the little sweetnesses of life sprinkling the road.”
There are smiles to be had in these pages and the lush descriptions of nature still paint quite the picture, but I couldn’t help missing some of the sparkle of the earlier installments.
“Oh, the old magic had not gone. The world was still full of it.”...more
Beautiful with a more somber tone than the previous novels, Anne’s House of Dreams, stole my heart, broke it, then mended it with the cracks still visBeautiful with a more somber tone than the previous novels, Anne’s House of Dreams, stole my heart, broke it, then mended it with the cracks still visible. It reminded me of the ups and downs we all experience. There was such life in these pages.
The story is one of newlyweds settling into their own space, which turns out to be much more than a house. It is a decades old home bursting with rich history and a promising future. Anne and the supporting characters love this little house of dreams and so it’s easy as the reader to feel its charm.
I adored the new characters. That’s not often the case with a series. However, Montgomery has a way of introducing new characters and making it feel like they belong, as though the story was just waiting for them to pop in.
This is an emotional novel. There’s a concentration of poignancy and despondency blended with happiness and humor. There’s the usual prose about nature, novels, and friendship, but this book delves deeper. There’s a look at what it takes to continue when life deals another harsh blow. Loss, unfair circumstances, and loneliness each situation is heartbreaking and is studied by looking at different characters in their unique turmoil and life stages. I found it to be a contemplative novel.
The thread of wisdom woven throughout felt like a natural progression that forged a connection to the emotional components. Stunning ...more
This is the fourth book in the series if reading according to event chronology, although it was the seventh written.
The novel covers a three year perThis is the fourth book in the series if reading according to event chronology, although it was the seventh written.
The novel covers a three year period of the characters’ lives and quite a bit of it is epistolary. Anne’s personality shone through her words in her letters to Gilbert. Could you imagine receiving letters from someone as whimsical, imaginative, and outgoing as Anne and hearing about her adventures? I’d be thrilled!
Anne has a new job as the principal of Summerside High School in the quaint town of Windy Poplars. She finds unique lodging and friendships in a house known as Windy Willows. Its inhabitants Aunt Kate, Aunt Chatty, and Rebecca Dew were written wonderfully to play off of Anne and each other.
Not everyone in town is thrilled that Anne received the principal position.
One of the highlights for me was that Anne went back to Green Gables for the Christmas ...more
I remember being a child and feeling like Anne and the supporting characters were people I knew and Avonlea was a place so familiar almost as though II remember being a child and feeling like Anne and the supporting characters were people I knew and Avonlea was a place so familiar almost as though I could close my eyes and visit just that quick. I’ve forgotten most of the minor details so the stories read like they are new to me, but the landmarks, places, and the gut feeling of experiencing something incredible gives me a wonderful sense of deja vu.
Big changes are in store for Anne Shirley as she heads toward her future, attending Redmond College. I had a moment of thinking back on how far Anne has come and was so proud for her character. While visiting, she is hit with the realization that life in Avonlea doesn’t stop when she’s away.
The quirks get real when, Anne experiences living with roommates from different walks of life. I loved the scenes in the little cottage they rent. Multiple suitors come to call. The way the author used these scenes was brilliant because she showed Anne’s growth, added humor, and further developed the plot all through introducing a few suitors. The writing of these scenes is smooth and flows nicely with the other plot lines, but Montgomery accomplished a lot without adding tons of chapters.
I soaked this beautiful novel bursting with life in and had to remind myself to savor it, otherwise I believe I would’ve devoured it in a single sitting. I didn’t want to miss any details and the prose is too lovely to rush through.
These novels cause my heart to ache one moment and soar the next with well placed laughter somewhere in the middle.
Treasure Island published in 1883, has aged like the finest bottle of rum.
I try to read a few classics each year, and Treasure Island is one of my soTreasure Island published in 1883, has aged like the finest bottle of rum.
I try to read a few classics each year, and Treasure Island is one of my son’s favorites, I chose it so we could discuss it. Well, I was WOWED! This is one classic that has stood the test of time. I could see how much it has influenced films and other stories throughout pop culture.
Jim Hawkins finds a REAL X marks the spot treasure map. Sure, there’s a mountain of obstacles between him and Treasure Island. Not to mention, the bloodthirsty pirates after the very map in his possession. Now, young Jim has quite a bit of gumption and an equal measure of luck if you ask me, but will that be enough to make to the island and back in one piece?
I breezed through this in a day. The larger than life characters were wonderfully imagined and made me smile. It didn’t matter if they were friend or foe, I thought the characterization was brilliant and I just soaked this novel right up. The settings were lush, gritty, and realistic. I felt like I was right there swatting mosquitoes alongside the travelers, to be this absorbed in a story is a blast! (The gift of no bug bites is a plus.)
Audible’s dramatized version is simply outstanding!
It is an indescribable feeling to begin a book with no expectations and be carried away to another time and place, a wondrous escape.
I love these beautifully written novels. Anne of Avonlea tells the story of Anne from the ages of sixteen through eighteen. She has put off attending I love these beautifully written novels. Anne of Avonlea tells the story of Anne from the ages of sixteen through eighteen. She has put off attending college for the time being to help at Green Gables and takes a job teaching at the local school.
Marilla takes in a set of orphaned twins, Davy and Dora. The twins have complete opposite personalities. I wondered why the author made Dora’s character so overlooked by the other characters. Especially, as the children’s mother had just died. No one seemed to look past her quiet exterior and try to get her to come out of her shell, nor did imaginative Anne consider that quiet Dora might be an imaginative soul on the inside. It just seemed like she was in the background. It bothered me. Rambunctious Davy, on the other hand, gets loads of attention in a case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. He showed a lack of understanding that other people had feelings or mattered at times. He was written over the top. The other characters talk about how he’s their favorite twin and that he needs them more. It just sounded misguided to me. It showed me the characters’ flaws for sure and also made me think about the expectations people had for the behavior of boys and girls.
Anne has some growing pains as a teacher. It was interesting to see her struggle through finding a balance between ideals and reality. Haven’t we all been there?
We also see she hasn’t lost her lovely imagination or the ability to see beauty and joy in nature and friendship. I love how she and Diana call all the outdoor landmarks names that sound straight out of a fairy tale just like when they first named them in Anne of Green Gables. It makes me want to name my pond. ...more
Edited to add: In the time since I reviewed this my son also read Call of the Wild and found himself engaged in Buck’s story. He dropped a copy into m Edited to add: In the time since I reviewed this my son also read Call of the Wild and found himself engaged in Buck’s story. He dropped a copy into my lap and said, “You said this was good and it is amazing, I can’t put it down, but it makes me feel so many things!” He also said his grandmother picked up his copy and read half of it when he left it on her table, so he brought it back so she could finish it the next day. She couldn’t wait to tell me how much she loved “the Alaska book”. I love how books make the rounds like this.
Call of the Wild deserves its place among the classics of literature. Raw and filled with brutality, if you’re looking for a warm fuzzy tale about dogs look elsewhere.
The story is told from the dog’s perspective and we see his difficult, harsh journey from stolen pet to sled dog during the Alaskan gold rush and beyond. The character development here is off the charts amazing. I was wowed by it. There’s fantastic language and imagery throughout this little book. It pulls zero punches and there’s an underlying truth woven throughout the story that is thought provoking.
For me, a great novel is one that causes a reaction from the reader. I have read this book twice and both times I experienced a multitude of emotions. Everything from sadness at the challenges set before Buck to outrage at the asinine characters he has to endure.
I’m probably in the minority by liking how the story ends, but it seems fitting.
I’m gonna go scratch my dog behind the ears now and try to ease my shredded heart. This book destroys me and I still love it....more
I was not prepared for the epic level of cuteness this book has going for it. Remember those book fair posters that had the kittens on them and said tI was not prepared for the epic level of cuteness this book has going for it. Remember those book fair posters that had the kittens on them and said things like Hang in there? That is the level of cute I’m talking about… Mega-Cuteness. ...more
Each time I read a novel in the Red Rising Saga I wonder how much a character can endure before they break.
When I began rWhat a novel to end 2023 on!
Each time I read a novel in the Red Rising Saga I wonder how much a character can endure before they break.
When I began reading the first novel in this series, Red Rising, I wavered in my feelings about it. I went back and forth about what to make of Darrow the main character. I found the world building intriguing, but initially he annoyed me often. Even with the frequent, over the top, monologues that plague book 1, I had to admit the kid had grit. He’s only 16, in the first novel and I kept reminding myself what 16 year olds are like and decided to give book 2, Golden Son a shot. Book 2 made me sit up and take notice in a more serious way. I felt invested in the plot and the characters became more engaging.
Morning Star is book 3 and the tension radiates from it. It’s all out war with everything on the line. Witnessing the characters crack jokes under pressure and trying to scrape together moments of happiness under the stress of war made them feel more real and endearing. Morning Star captured my attention and managed to shock me with the turns the plot took. I read a lot (a ridiculous amount of books) it’s not easy to surprise me, but this book managed to.
I had many reactions along the journey these characters have been taking and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. The character growth has been outstanding and there’s endless potential with the world building here. There is such heart and tenacity at the core of the story, it feels truly epic. I listen to the audiobook version of these and the narrator is excellent. The high intensity featured in some scenes comes to life through the narration, I was impressed with the performance.
These characters and their intricate world have grown on me and I plan to revisit them in book 4 soon....more
Beautiful writing, interesting characters, and complex thoughts make The Sun is Also a Star, a fantastic read. My favorite aspect of this novel is howBeautiful writing, interesting characters, and complex thoughts make The Sun is Also a Star, a fantastic read. My favorite aspect of this novel is how we get glimpses into supporting characters, seeing what drives a person shows them in a whole new light. This my first time reading Yoon, but it won’t be my last. Beautiful thought provoking story that challenges stereotypes, I loved it....more
Individual Ratings: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord 3 Stars The Assassin and the Healer 3.5 Stars The Assassin and the Desert 4 Stars The Assassin and thIndividual Ratings: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord 3 Stars The Assassin and the Healer 3.5 Stars The Assassin and the Desert 4 Stars The Assassin and the Underworld 4.5 Stars The Assassin and the Empire. 4.5 Stars
I read these prequels without reading the Throne of Glass series first. So, this served as a true introduction to the world and its characters. While some of the stories are significantly stronger than others, they fit together successfully to introduce the young heroine Celaena. She has a lot to learn, but more important is her incredibly brave heart. It’s clear that Celaena will prove to have a bit of steel in her spine, sometimes that’s almost immediately evident with certain characters. She glows with inner strength.
The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
This story sets the plot in motion for the rest of the short stories that follow in the collection. It’s a big catalyst just shaking up everything, making it a critical selection to read. However, I found myself trudging through it. It’s common among intricate worlds to find the first glimpse either a bit dull or chaotic.
Two teenage assassins are introduced Celaena and Sam. Despite their age, the duo are already professionals within their deadly trade. They are sent to collect a debt, but upon discovering the debt is a cargo of slaves, they turn everything upside down.
Sam is doggedly devoted to Celaena and it’s evident to everyone except her. This is a tactic often used to make a character endearing to readers. It’s so easy to love those wholeheartedly devoted guys. Isn’t it?
Celaena is a brazen character. She’s presented here in a way that it’s obvious the world hasn’t humbled her yet. She struts around like she’s ten feet tall and bullet proof. It becomes noticeable that her attitude has been conditioned by The King of Assassins, her boss, who also raised her. He has told her repeatedly that she’s the best of the best and she’s let this praise go straight to her head and heart. What happens when the person who’s been giving you all that praise gets angry? Wrathful even?
The Assassin and the Healer
On the surface this story reads like a filler, but I found it an enjoyable, engaging read. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a thread from this short story picked up later on, it would make for a brilliant tie in. It showcased Celaena’s compassion and generosity.
While Celaena is waiting for a ship to take her to Yerpa, she stays at the White Pig Inn, which also boasts a disgusting tavern. There she meets Yrene Towers who’s employed there. Towers longs to train as a healer and has been struggling to save enough earnings to move on from this dead end job. After thwarting an attack on Towers one night, Celaena begins instructing her in self-defense. She later takes steps in ensure Towers can flee her awful job and study to become a healer at last.
The Assassin and the Desert
As punishment for her actions in Skull’s Bay Arobynn, The King of Assassins, sends Celaena to train with the Silent Assassins in the desert amid the stifling heat. She only has a month to earn The Mute Master’s approval.
Talk about reading something in a single sitting! I was engrossed, entranced, engaged all the “en”s! The desert setting, Celaena struggling with new surroundings, people, and expectations and The Mute Master was brilliant. He was giving me ‘80’s Karate Kid vibes. I loved it. Some cloak and dagger moments sped up the momentum and kept things interesting.
The Assassin and the Underworld
Celaena returns from the desert to the Assassin’s Keep intent upon buying her freedom from Arobynn, but she lacks the kind of experience it takes to understand a person like Arobynn’s motives and machinations. Especially, having been raised under his thumb as his favorite, making her more gullible.
He knows she loathes slavery so he offers her a job. An opportunity to assassinate a prominent figure in the world of slave trade. She accepts and Sam Cortland, offers his services to assist her in her goal. Their task takes them from dank sewers to soaring rooftops and what they discover is more disturbing than either imagined. It changes everything.
High stakes from beginning to end this one had its hooks in me. Excellent!
The Assassin and the Empire
Celaena and Sam need the cash from a big job. They are two of the best assassins around so what gives? Arobynn and the guild have cut them out of being hired. They’ve basically been blacklisted.
Do they realize how far the King of Assassin’s reach extends?
Sam manages to find a contract against all odds. It’s dangerous, a near impossible task even. They are to take out a well-guarded crime lord and his deadly right hand man. Celaena and Sam are talented assassins, but even so they expect this to be a difficult challenge.
When Arobynn showed his hand a little in this story I wasn’t surprised, but it’s interesting to see how different characters inspire a following. He’s at the helm of ruthless deadly assassins, but so is The Mute Master and yet, their leadership techniques are night/day. Arobynn is calculating, manipulative and views people as possessions existing solely to suit his whims. Reminiscent many times of pawns on a chess board or a puppeteer wielding strings. His mind games were at play in multiple characters’ actions including much of their personal behavior. The amount of dysfunction he leveled subtly and aggressively sets the stage for all kinds of future possibilities.
Ultimately, there are great tragedies dealt out in this brief tale, but there’s also a fleeting glimpse of hope.
Heartache and hardship have a way of trimming away the fluff and nonsense to show the steel beneath. Celaena is just coming into own and she’s a survivor.
I am certain she will rise from the ashes of unfair circumstance. And her badassery will become the stuff of legend....more
“You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a cookie look smug.”
Kingfisher’s work has a unique cozy vibe. She blends whimsy and charm marred by a shadow of d“You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a cookie look smug.”
Kingfisher’s work has a unique cozy vibe. She blends whimsy and charm marred by a shadow of danger with a deft hand. It’s no wonder this novel has received multiple accolades including the 2021 Lodestar Award for Best YA Book and The 2020 Nebula Award for Middle Grade and YA Fiction.
When our pear trees produced this year, I grabbed a few and headed into the kitchen to prepare homemade cakes and loaves of pear bread. I thought this audiobook would be a perfect fit for a day of baking. To my surprise, one of my teenagers heard the book playing, pulled a stool up to the island informing me that he was “into this one”. (Push me over with a feather-I didn’t see that coming-major points to Kingfisher) ...more
I love the cover after reading the novel, but this book is drowning in stereotypes and just no. Clearly, some of these characters needed psychologicalI love the cover after reading the novel, but this book is drowning in stereotypes and just no. Clearly, some of these characters needed psychological help and I don’t recall that ever being mentioned in the story. The style of writing flows and is easy to read, but I found myself cringing way too much along the way. ...more
Wow, this novel has so many layers, I felt like I was going through it with a fine tooth comb. Reading this felt like an exploration of scenery, politWow, this novel has so many layers, I felt like I was going through it with a fine tooth comb. Reading this felt like an exploration of scenery, politics, alchemy, characters, places, and oh, yes of course, books. The saying “knowledge is power” kept creeping into my mind as I read this. And the Great Library is exercising absolute power. Imagine a library that replaces government and controls books and their knowledge with a stranglehold, at any cost. Physical books are illegal for anyone outside the library to own and dire consequences are visited upon any who attempt it. There are many twists which kept me interested. However, the pace dragged in some parts. Sometimes that happens with the first novel in a series. I will check out the next installment because this world is original, thought provoking, and exquisite....more
Death Doom and Detention is the second novel in Darynda Jones’s Darklight trilogy. I’ve never read book three, so I can’t say for sure, but this read Death Doom and Detention is the second novel in Darynda Jones’s Darklight trilogy. I’ve never read book three, so I can’t say for sure, but this read like a book that acts as a wobbly stepping stone between book 1 and book 3, serving mostly to stretch the story a bit. Not much happens in this one until the last 1/3 pages.
Lorelei is prophesied to end a war, that will wreak havoc upon humanity, before it begins. Thus, making her a super special teenage girl with a target on her back. (It’s YA, what else did I expect? ...more
This was a reread that I tore through in a day. I’ll read anything Jones writes. I don’t have to read the synopsis. I don’t care what the book’s aboutThis was a reread that I tore through in a day. I’ll read anything Jones writes. I don’t have to read the synopsis. I don’t care what the book’s about. If she wrote it, I’ll read it. Death and the Girl Next Door is the first novel in the YA series Darklight. The characters are fun. The plot doesn’t come in super strong until the second half, but it works with the story. It was important to get a feel for the characters and how they interact before all the big revelations. It was refreshing to read a YA novel without the whole “main character at the center of a love triangle” thing- I felt like applauding. I enjoyed diving back into this world again....more
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