A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Shakespeare's most imaginative and merry play is set in an enchanted wood amidst fairies and sprites.

When Oberon, King of the Fairies, uses his magic upon four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. Who really loves whom? Meanwhile, a band of well-meaning but bungling local actors have their rehearsal sabotaged by the mischievous Puck, who bewitches their leader, Bottom, and Titania, the Fairy Queen. The result is a lively and anarchic comedy which can only be resolved by an elaborate disentangling of spells.

My Review:

I'm starting to wonder if I'm not cut out for the classics. This was a struggle. At first I saw a lot of similarities with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. However, about halfways through, it took a detour and I was confused the rest of the time.

I should have known I wasn't going to be a fan, as I have tried again and again to read, listen, and/or watch this story and I haven't succeeded in finishing till now. I'd rather be watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show.



Also, I just recently read The Iron King which had many of these same characters. Puck, aka Robby, was much more mischievous in a cute prankster kind of way, but here he was such a dolt. I'm sad to say I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

Favorite Quotes:

“The course of true love never did run smooth.”

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!”

Read on April 17, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Classics, Plays, Fiction, Drama, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

One of the best-known stories in American culture, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over 100 years. Best Actress nominee Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, Alice In Wonderland), fresh from filming one of this year's most anticipated films, The Dark Knight Rises, lends her voice to this uniquely American fairy tale.

Follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as they get swept away into the magical land of Oz , where they encounter characters and places you may remember from the movie - and several more that never made it to the big screen - on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City.

"It's such a wonderful book and I was so happy to be a part of bringing it to life", Ms. Hathaway said. "There are a lot of great voices in it. The more fun you have with it, the sillier and the more free you get with it, the better it is because it's a story that can handle it. It's amazing to be able to discover something new about something you feel you know so well."

My Review:



It's the actual story of The Wizard of Oz. Of course it's filled with magical adventures, mystery, dreams, friendship, and a little bit of evil. Like most novels turned to films, the book was way better - from the portrayal of the Scarecrow, The Tinman, and The Lion to the ending - Dorothy was not dreaming about Oz, but actually navigating the mystical land. I mostly enjoyed the back stories of Dorothy's friends (most heartbreakingly The Tinman's). I also heard a lot more tie-in's with the newer film about Oz, including the Porcelain Town, etc. I would definitely recommend this book to any child interested in a fun fantasy.

Favorite Quotes:

“Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable.”

“Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?”

“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others”

“It is such an uncomfortable feeling to know one is a fool.”

“True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid...”

Read on January 30, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fly away with Peter Pan to the enchanted island of Neverland! This first chapter book adaptation of the classic novel, originally published in 1911, tells the story of the boy who never grows up. And when they join Peter on his magical island, Wendy and her brothers are in for exciting encounters with mermaids, an Indian princess, and pirates! Let the amazing adventures begin!

My Review:

Just a cute fairytale about growing up and never growing up, make believe, killing pirates, snotty mermaids, jealousy, war, and a ticking gator.

This was fluffy, and my only complaint was that within the beginning of the story, Wendy kept trying to kiss Peter. I mean c'mon woman, you want to make out with the first boy to crawl through your window, have a little dignity. I suppose I cannot blame Tinker Bell's interference, I'm protective of my friends too, although she had ulterior motives.



I'd recommend this book if you want a blast from the past, and something easy and quick!

Favorite Quotes:

“To die would be an awfully big adventure.”

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.”

“Stars are beautiful, but they may not take part in anything, they must just look on forever.”

“Never is an awfully long time.”

Read from July 13 to 15, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Classics, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell

Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the author of the instant New York Times best seller Swamplandia! (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), a dazzling new collection of stories that showcases Karen Russell's gifts at their inimitable best.

In the collection's marvelous title story, two aging vampires in a sun-drenched Italian lemon grove find their hundred-year marriage tested when one of them develops a fear of flying. In "The Seagull Army Descends on Strong Beach, 1979," a dejected teenager discovers that the universe is communicating with him through talismanic objects left in a seagull's nest. "Proving Up" and "The Graveless Doll of Eric Mutis"--stories of children left to fend for themselves in dire predicaments--find Russell veering into more sinister territory, and ultimately crossing the line into full-scale horror. In "The New Veterans," a massage therapist working with a tattooed war veteran discovers she has the power to heal by manipulating the images on his body. In all, these wondrous new pieces display a young writer of superlative originality and invention coming into the full range and scale of her powers.

List of Stories and Readers:
"Vampires in the Lemon "Grove read by Arthur Morey
"Reeling for the Empire" read by Joy Osmanski
"The Seagull Army Descends on Strong Beach, 1979" read by Kaleo Griffith
"Proving Up" read by Jesse Bernstein
"The Barn at the End of Our "Term read by Mark Bramhall
"Dougbert Shackleton's Rules of Antarctic Tailgating" read by Michael Bybee
"The New Veterans" read by Romy Rosemont
"The Graveless Doll of Eric Mutis" read by Robbie Daymond

My Review:

I really enjoyed the stories. They were detailed and really spun a picture in my mind. I felt the author provided more insight into the stories than a normal novel. There were a lot of endings that were not wrapped up into a nice and neat package. However, I feel that was part of the magic, you could finish off the story in your head to your liking. I haven't read a book of short stories in a while, and then they were more mystery (Agatha Christie) not a broad range of stories. I will definitely be open to reading another similar book.

Favorite Quotes:

“I wanted to touch the edges of my life - the same instinct, I think, that inspires young mortals to flip tractors and enlist in foreign wars.”

“There is a loneliness that must be particular to monsters, I think, the feeling that each is the only child of a species. And now that loneliness was over.”

Read from May 01 to June 24, 2013

Top 5 Genres*: Short Stories, Fiction, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Horror
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

On January 15, 1947, the torture-ravished body of a beautiful young woman is found in a vacant lot. The victim makes headlines as the Black Dahlia–and so begins the greatest manhunt in California history.

Caught up in the investigation are Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard. Both are obsessed with the Dahlia–driven by dark needs to know everything about her past, to capture her killer, to possess the woman even in death. Their quest will take them on a hellish journey through the underbelly of postwar Hollywood, to the core of the dead girl’s twisted life, past the extremes of their own psyches–into a region of total madness.

My Review:

This was definitely a twisted and dark book. There were so many story line changes, and a multitude of complex characters and relationships to try to keep track of. I've read the the actual story of the Black Dahlia, and I know this story definitely does not reflect the actual events in time.

Taking that into consideration, I enjoyed the book overall. To be honest, I had a completely different review in my head, until I read the afterward. I have now forgotten the direction I wanted to take it. I enjoyed the relationship the narrator draws out between the story and his personal life.

Favorite Quote:

“Some people don’t respond to civility.”

Read from June 06 to 17, 2013

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Mystery/Crime, Fiction, Mystery/Noir, Historical Fiction
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

When we first meet 14-year-old Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. That was before the milk carton photos and public service announcements, she tells us. In the sweet, untroubled voice of a precocious teenage girl, Susie relates the awful events of her death and her own adjustment to the strange new place she finds herself. This story of tragedy is transformed into a touching, even funny novel about family, heaven, and living.

My Review:

This was a story with a lot of potential, but then I found it to be long and unnecessarily drawn out. I found many times I had continued reading but had not retained what I read. Usually at that stage, I will go back and re-read what I didn't comprehend, but I found that I just didn't care, and it really didn't seem to matter.

I thought the Detective was a sleazeball, along with Abigail. Harvey needed justice, way more than what was doled out to him in the end. I am happy that Lindsey, Buckley, and Jack had found their way in life. I liked how Samuel treated Lindsey. Grandma Lynn was a cute and crazy ol' bat, and Holly was a strange and unnecessary character. Ruth was interesting and I really liked Ray, but he really needed to move on. Now, about the love making scene between Ray and Suzie, who was in Ruth's body (despite the fact that Ray and Ruth fooled around while they were younger, she preferred women) was just a little too much for me. It seems like that would be a violation of Ruth's body to the extreme. Even though both Ray and Ruth are in their twenties, Suzie was still 14 years old, I mean, sure she may have wised up while viewing the world from her heavenly perch, but it was just too weird.

In closing, this wasn't a bad book, I just couldn't see myself recommending it to anyone.

Update: I have since seen the movie and I have to say that I now understand Holly's role. Although the movie wasn't that great either, I'd have to say I preferred it over the book. So, although I had mentioned I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, I would recommend the movie over the book if you are intrigued.

Favorite Quotes:

“Murderers are not monsters, they're men. And that's the most frightening thing about them.”

“Because horror on Earth is real and it is every day. It is like a flower or like the sun; it cannot be contained.”

“Our only kiss was like an accident- a beautiful gasoline rainbow.”

“Loss could be used as a measure of beauty in a woman.”

“Life is a perpetual yesterday for us.”

“Sometimes the dreams that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had.”

Read from October 07 to 14, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

The niece of Syvia Perlmutter, one of only twelve child survivors of the Lodz ghetto in Poland, shares her aunt's experiences of the Holocaust in free verse that relates the courage and heartbreak she lived during a time of terrible circumstances.

True story of my Aunt Sylvia's childhood in the Holocaust in WWII. Out of 270,000 people who entered the Lodz Ghetto in Poland, only 12 children walked out alive. My aunt was one of the twelve.

My Review:

This was an easy read if you mean that it was written in such a simple manner. A simple but gripping manner. This is a story of one of the only 12 children who survived in the Lodz ghetto during the Holocaust.

It is written by a descendent of the little girl, but written in her own words. As the women tells her story, she tells her story as if she is currently reliving the experience, in a child's voice. This makes this story evening more haunting and heartbreaking, which does not make this an easy read.

I am normally not one to shed tears for books or movies, but admittedly found myself balling my eyes out at the end. In truth, I'm not sure why, I was pissed people could do this to other people, I was happy they survived, I was horrified and relieved, I was just so overcome with a mix of emotions.

I would definitely recommend this book to older children learning about the Holocaust.

Read from January 25 to 31, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Historical Fiction, World War II/Holocaust, Young Adult, Historical, History/World War II
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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