The Lost Symbol- Dan Brown

Title: The Lost Symbol
Author: Dan Brown
Publisher: Double Day
Synopsis: Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to give a lecture at the United States Capitol, with the invitation apparently from his mentor, a 33rd degree Mason named Peter Solomon, who is the head of the Smithsonian Institution. Solomon has also asked him to bring a small, sealed package which he had entrusted to Langdon years earlier. When Langdon arrives at the Capitol, however, he learns that the invitation he received was not from Solomon, but from Solomon's kidnapper, Mal'akh, who has left Solomon's severed right hand in the middle of the Capitol Rotunda in a recreation of the Hand of Mysteries. Mal'akh then contacts Langdon, charging him with finding both the Mason's Pyramid, which Masons believe is hidden somewhere underground in Washington D.C., and the Lost Word, lest Solomon be executed.

     Like many other Archaeology majors, I have a condition called Indian Jones Syndrome (IJS). I was first afflicted at the age of ten when, after visiting the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (The Museum), I taught myself to read hieroglyphics in the event that I found myself on an adventure in which I needed to decode ancient texts to find the lost artifact before some great calamity befell the earth. Since then, I have calmed down a bit and began focusing more seriously on my studies so that I can do legitimate research on the lost cities of our past. But, every once in a while, I skip over the more academic works on archaeology/anthropology and pick up a good 'ol thriller where an Indianesque lead goes on a secret quest and needs to uncover the truth. This is the book I chose when I was overcome with a recent bout of IJS.

     Robert Langdon is back, and if I may say, as crushworthy as ever. In The Lost Symbol, he must decode an ancient Masonic text to save his long time mentor. I must say that I really enjoyed this novel. It was exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading rut. It is fast paced and full of actions. Plus, it is a really quick read because the chapters are really short. Normally, this annoys me. But it really works with the action pact storyline. The chapters propel the story along and each one leaves the reader with a thrilling final line that promotes a book-long desire to keep reading. As usual, the writing is awesome and the storyline as intriguing as ever. I also liked how Dan Brown uses his characters as vessel through which to provide information but I felt sometimes it seemed that the characters were reading verbatim from an encyclopedia. If you're a fan of his other works, you won't be dissappointed. If you've never read his work, this is a great one with which to start. The previous two novels that feature Robert Langdon are companion novels, so you won't miss anything by reading them out of order.

Look out for a book haul in the coming days!
Thanks for reading and welcome to my new followers!
Theresa
The Book Nook

Top Ten Tuesday (2)

The Book Nook's Top Ten Things That:

Annoy me about books! 

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Go check out their blog because it is awesome! There you will find many great reviews and some pretty cool people.

 

1. Stickers- Especially the ones that don't come off or leave behind adhesive residue.

 

2. Long paragraphs- I'm talking about the ones that sometimes go on for pages.

 

3. Unresolved sub-plots- I'm often peeved when an author starts to explore something in the book but never finishes it.

 

4. Obvious ending/plots- If I can guess where the story is going, I'm more like to get bored with it.

 

5. New books with used looks- I don't mind for my books to have wear and tear, if they're used or I've read them multiple times. But if I buy a book new, I would for it to look new for a little while.

 

6. Cover changes- I hate when a series gets a cover change, especially when it's in the middle of the series. I like to have an entire series with the same cover or cover theme.

 

7. Long series- I'm not a fan of series that are too long because I usually lose interest in them. But I feel obligated to finish the series and usually end up reading books that I wouldn't have otherwise.

 

8. Trite story lines- This ties in with number four. If the story line is overused, I won't enjoy the story.

 

9. (Too) Short series- I am not a fan of too short series. I strongly dislike finishing a book but feeling like it was unresolved.

 

10. Cop-out endings/resolutions

 

Thanks,

Theresa

Atlas Shrugged Readalong: Part One Response

    This post is on part one (the first 330 pages) of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged and is for a readalong I am doing. The readalong is hosted by A Literary Odyssey, an amazing book review site based on 250 of the classics. You should definitely check out that site for some interesting insights into the classics. On to my thoughts on the first part of Atlas Shrugged!

    With the state of the economy in the past two years being as dismal as it is, it is not hard to imagine the world that Ayn Rand created. Failing businesses, unemployed workers, and people struggling to afford essential items isn't fictional, it's something that I see everyday. People are losing hope in our world, as in Rand's and some are plagued with thoughts that they will not be able to survive. (See the constant remarks as to "Who is John Galt?"). Because of this, I felt a lot more connected to the background of the story and could really relate to the setting. Even though it is a dystopian world, it was something that I could see happening in the future if the economy does not correct itself. With that being said, there is definitely a disconnect between me and the characters.

    Atlas Shrugged, for me, has been more like reading Ayn Rand's manifesto than a novel. Throughout part one, I've basically seen her use the characters as symbols or caricatures for ideas that see whats to express. Dagny, my favorite character so far, is an exaggerated view of capitalism and bases her choices on facts and what will yield the best results. As such, she isn't afraid to take a risk on an otherwise unknown company if research shows that it has the best product. Her brother, on the other hand, represents socialist views of doing things for the good of the whole community and helping out the "little guy." With the characters being so exaggerated to fit the type, it was difficult at times to relate to them.

    Despite this, I am looking forward to continuing the novel and seeing where it will go. I am also intrigued with the hint of something greater underlying the events that we've seen thus far. Something big is definitley going on, and I am looking forward to finding out more about what it might be.

To find out more about this readalong and others, visit A Literary Odyssey.
Happy reading,
Theresa
The Book Nook

Tricks- Ellen Hopkins

Title: Tricks
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Synopsis: Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don’t expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words, “I love you,” are said for all the wrong reasons.

 Tricks
A Review

To say I enjoyed this novel,
would be weird. And somewhat
wrong. It is not a novel that a
person enjoys or has fun while
reading.Nevertheless, it is a poignant tale
that is worth reading.

The story begins with five separate tales.
Five teens from different areas, socioeconomic
status, and values. Their stories are slowly
and artfully woven together until they become
one larger story, a tapestry of sadness and desp-
eration.

Each person details their life and what
led them to the worst time of it- living
on the streets of Las Vegas, turning
tricks to subsist. It is more than that
however, because they also detail
their redemption and salvation.

This novel is a heart-wrenching tale
of what happens when we lose con-
trol of our own bodies and how to
begin to gain it back.

I highly recommend this moving story
and hope that if you find yourself in
this situation, you have the chance to
escape.

There's my attempt  at free verse writing. This will be my last review for a while because this is the last novel I finished. I am a quarter of the way through Frankenstein and will have a review for that as soon as I finish it.

Happy reading!
Theresa
The Book Nook

The Forest of Hands and Teeth- Carrie Ryan

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Author: Carrie Ryan
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Synopsis: In Mary's world, there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?

    Since a very young age, I have been fascinated with the living dead. Corpses reanimated through various means; such as, a mad scientist or a viral infection received from a hungry sewer rat. Zombies, in short, are amazing. So, when I learned that there was an entire YA series set in the world post-zombie apocalypse, I quickly added it to my wishlist. I've just finished the first in the series and I LOVED IT!
     From the first line, the book took hold of me. I found every excuse to read and put off important stuff so that  I could curl up with the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Carrie Ryan has done a wonderful job crafting a great novel that introduces us to what I'm sure will be an amazing series. She writes with a power and control over her words usually seen in the works of veteran authors and her ability to manipulate prose astounds me. The story she created is both action packed and filled with the tribulations of first love. Her description of the budding romance between Mary and Travis is truly beautiful.
    The story is very unique and lays a path for more novels in the future without leaving the reader with a cliffhanger. Most action in the first book is resolved, but the greater theme of surviving in a world with the Unconsecrated remains present at the close of TFHT. My favorite aspect, aside from the style, was the characterization. Mary and Travis, along with the other characters, are relatable even though they live in a village surrounded by the undead. Their questions, longings, thoughts, and fears are relevant to people living in 2011. This was another one of my favorite reads of the year, so far. I am looking forward to picking up The Dead-Tossed Waves. Now, I will leave you with some examples of Ryan's amazing writing style-my favorite quotes from TFHT:

"Travis's hand slips away from mine. I feel its absence the way it must feel to lose a limb. Desperate, the ghost of its presence still taunting me."

"I am filled with emptiness as I nod my head because I cannot bare to tell him the truth. Even as he reads my mind, as he proves to me how well he knows me. Even though he already knows my answer. Because I am still hoping that he can fill the emptiness and longing and that tomorrow morning I can wake up in his arms and it will be enough

I don't own those words, though I wish I did. They are the genius of Carrie Ryan.

Thanks for reading and until next time,

I'm Theresa with
The Book Nook

Dystopian Challenge

Hello book lovers,

This is my official post stating that I am participating in the Dystopian Challenge hosted at Bookish Ardour. I am committing to the Contagion level, which is 15 books, but I have a feeling that I will eventually jump to the next level. My most anticipated read in Dystopian this year is Wither by Lauren DeStefano.


Keep checking back for reveiws!
Theresa
The Book Nook

XVI- Julia Karr

Title: XVI
Author: Julia Karr
Publisher: Speak
Synopsis: Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council–ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world–even the most predatory of men–that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina’s worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina’s mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past–one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.

    In Nina's world, innocence expires at sixteen. After that, you receive a government issue tattoo, XVI on your wrist, that adverises to the world that you are legally able to consent to sex. The government commercializes the "sex-teens" in the media, making the concept out to be cool. Nina dreads her sixteenth birthday, especially after her mother reveals something very important to her before she dies. Nina must use all he strength to protext herself, her sister, and uncover her mother's murderer.
     Going into the book, I was apprehensive because I've read mixed reviews on the novel. They were certainly misplaced, however, because I really enjoyed this novel. I do see where some of the critique comes from. If you are thinking this novel is solely about the "sex-teens," you'll be disappointed. It is more of a murder mystery set within a dystopian society with the "sex-teen" being more of a sub-plot. With the misleading synopsis aside, I really enjoyed this novel. Julia Karr put a lot of thought into her setting and thought of a great deal of interesting aspects of her world. Also, the characters of Lena and Sal are intriguing. However, I think that Wei is my favorite character because she is the archetype of the rebel in this novel. The murder mystery really added to the story as a whole and was by far the driving action. The ending left the reader with quite a cliffhanger and set up the possibility of sequels. I'm really looking forward to continuing this series.

Until next time,
Theresa
The Book Nook

Delirium- Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Haper Teen
Synopsis: Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

      Love has been the driving force behind some of the greatest artistic endeavors of the world. Men and women have constructed grand temples, written literary masterpieces, and sacrificed their very lives for the salvation of their loved one. It is a concept so present in our lives that many people base their existence on attaining the greatest love of all. Many books feature love as a central theme, motif, or symbol. Despite its permanence in our world, Lauren Oliver was able to craft a novel centered on love that is so original and thought-provoking.
Delirium tells the story of Lena, an almost 18 year-old girl living in Maine in the near future. In her society, the government has declared love a disease (aptly named amor deliria nervosa) and made it illegal, punishable by death or worse. On their 18^th birthday, each person receives the cure. Lena, having suffered greatly because of the disease, anxiously awaits her own procedure and the cure. That is until 95 days before she is scheduled for it, when she falls in love.
     Lauren Oliver has written a very unique, creative, and touching story. Her writing style nicely complements the plot and is very descriptive. Oliver shows you (with her words) Lena’s world, feelings, and thoughts. I had trouble with this at first because I read this immediately following the first Percy Jackson novel, which has a very different style to it. I was so busy reading the descriptions, I couldn’t get into the story. If you feel this way, read on! Once I became accustomed to Oliver’s style, I couldn’t put the book down. The writing that once held me back propelled me into the story.
      In turn with the writing, I love the characters that she has created. Not only are they relatable and accessible,  but they actually remind me of myself. I could really relate to Lena and the things through which she was going.
     Plus the action was ever present in the novel. I was turning the pages throughout the novel. Likewise, the ending did not disappoint and left me dying for the sequel, Pandemonium. This is one of my favorite books of the year!

Go read this book!
Theresa
The Book Nook

Percy Jackson and the Olympians- Rick Riordian

This post will be updated when I finish the series. I'm trying to review series together if they are complete. Check back in a few weeks in you're interested in reading my thoughts on the series!

Theresa
The Book Nook

Bad Girls Don't Die- Katie Alender

Title: Bad Girls Don't Die
Author: Katie Alender
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Synopsis: When Alexis’s little sister Kasey becomes obsessed with an antique doll, Alexis thinks nothing of it. Kasey is a weird kid. Period. Alexis is considered weird, too, by the kids in her high school, by her parents, even by her own Goth friends. Things get weirder, though, when the old house they live in starts changing. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in. Kasey is changing, too. Her blue eyes go green and she speaks in old-fashioned language, then forgets chunks of time. Most disturbing of all is the dangerous new chip on Kasey’s shoulder. The formerly gentle, doll-loving child is gone, and the new Kasey is angry. Alexis is the only one who can stop her sister — but what if that green-eyed girl isn’t even Kasey anymore?

       Katie Alender’s, Bad Girls Don’t Die, was the first novel of its kind that I have ever read. As a horror novel, I expected to be scared reading it. I, however, was pleasantly surprised. Alender’s tale is creepy in some points, although they don’t last long. It is more a story of thrills than horror and the power one person can hold in overcoming difficulties. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They were relatable, accessible, and had morals. The story itself was fun and had an air of intrigue to it. The mystery of the novel seems to resolve itself only to reveal that there is more to the story than what is visible on the surface. This book is a quick read and an enjoyable one at that!
     This is the first book in a series of ghost stories for young adults. The sequel, From Bad to Cursed, comes out on June 14, 2011.

Happy reading!
Theresa
The Book Nook

Nevermore- Kelly Creagh

Mix one part blonde cheerleader with equal parts paranormal dreamland, deep, thoughful goth, and just a sprinkling of Poe and you've got one hell of a book. Which is exactly what Kelly Creagh brought us in her debut novel, Nevermore. Published in August of 2010 by Atheneum, Nevermore will keep you turning all 560 pages.

Synopsis: Isobel and Varen come from opposite ends of the high school social order: Isobel is a popular, blond cheerleader; Varen is a goth loner. Paired for a project on Edgar Allen Poe, their bare tolerance for each other turns to grudging respect after Isobel dumps her possessive, violent boyfriend. But as she spends more time with Varen and learns about the life and works of Poe, gruesome creatures start to stalk and threaten her. Poe's horror stories originated from his trips into the realm of dreams, and Varen's own dreams and writings have led him there, too. Now Varen is being held prisoner, and only Isobel can rescue him from his nightmares and keep the supernatural creatures from overrunning the real world.

I had extremely high hopes for this novel. Poe is one of my favorite authors thanks to all his stories my American Lit teacher made me read (like anyone has to force me to read =]). Let me just say that my hopes were not disappointed. What starts as a seemingly trite retelling of the same cliche about the paranormal (I mean a cheerleader falling in love with the goth loner, shocking!), Nevermore quickly developed into an amazing patchwork of subplots woven together with the thread of the budding relationship between Isobel and Varen. Who, by the way, are two amazing character and are not only not cliche but also deeply original. My two favorite aspects of this novel were the characters and the plot. Varen's character development was truly amazing and I actually wished that I could be in Isobel's place and receive all of his attention. This story was tragically beautiful and I am (not so) patiently awaiting the sequel. I urge you to go read this book! Kelly Creagh is an amazing writer!

That's all from me,
The Book Nook
Theresa

Modern Fairy Tales- Alex Flinn

When I was younger, I was so completely enamored with the idea of a fairy tale life. Princesses, princes, evil witches, poisoned food, white horses, castles, and of course- happy endings. However, as I grew older, and more cynical, I began to harbor a deep-seated loathing for fairy tales. This was mainly because I saw them as being completely unattainable ideals that could never be realized in our world. However, maybe I was being too harsh on the fairy tales, after all sometimes happily ever after is the reality. Alas, I digress, here is my review over two of Alex Flinn's modern retellings- Beastly and A Kiss in Time.

Beastly is a modern retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast. It was publised by Harper Teen in 2007 and has 336 pages.
Synopsis:Privileged, popular, and proud, high school student Kyle Kingsbury knows he can get away with virtually anything because of his good looks and his father's money.  But Kyle goes too far when he sets out to humiliate a mysterious and unpopular girl at the school dance.  The girl turns out to be a witch who casts a spell on Kyle, turning him into a beast who is now as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside. The only way for Kyle to break the curse is to fall in love with someone who will look past his appearance and love him in return.

Beastly was an overall enjoyable read. It was light-hearted, adorable, with great dialogue and some funny scenes. At the same time, it carries a very important message about the power of love and true beauty. I liked this book. Some of the ideas Flinn added to modernize the book, like the chat room for mythical creatures, were unique touches that really helped the book along. At the same time, you could definitely see the basic storyline of BATB in the plot, characters, and events. The only problem I had with the book is that Flinn seemed to rely to much on that story and the ultimate happy-ending. I felt that she knew that her ending was going to put Adrian and Lindy together and therefore she didn't really develop much of her own storyline. The ending came too easily and without enough conflict for me. That aside, the book is certainly worth a read.

A Kiss in Time is loosely based on the story of Sleeping Beauty. It was published by Harper Teen in April of 2010 and had 400 pages.

Synopsis: An agreeable, fluffy expansion of "Sleeping Beauty," this novel conflates the traditional story with that of an American teenage boy. Talia (the princess) has the world's most overprotective parents—not without reason, of course. Seventeen-year-old Jack's parents think about him only when they are criticizing him. When he awakens Talia with a kiss, she is thrust more than 300 years into a future in the 21st century.

I enjoyed A Kiss in Time much more than Beastly. Perhaps that's because Sleeping Beauty is my all time favorite, perhaps not. =) All bias aside, the story line, characters, and plot felt a lot more unique than did Beastly's. I enjoyed the novel and found it entertaining. Talia's growth as a character was probably my favorite part of the novel. It is far from a deep, thoughtful novel but it is perfect if you're looking for a quick read to fill in between other novels. It would make the perfect beach book. It was overall really good and I definitely recommend it.

Until next time,
The Book Nook
Theresa

The Sweet Far Thing- Libba Bray

The Sweet Far Thing is the third and final novel in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy written by young-adult author Libba Bray. It was published on December 26, 2007 by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House, and has 848 pages in the U.S. paperback edition.

Synopsis: It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father alaudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.
The Order—the mysterious group her mother was once part of—is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.

If I had to describe this novel in five words, they would be: this book is freakin' awesome! Hands down, this is my favorite novel in the trilogy and for good reason. At the same time that Gemma is coming into who she is and what she must do in concern with the Realms, so too is Bray really exploring with her characters. The characterization of Gemma, and others in the novel like Kartik, is superb. I felt so connected to the characters and could really relate to their struggles and joys. I could not wait to finish this novel but at the same time reading it was bittersweet because I knew that it was the last one. The ending was powerful and left me with the feeling of awe that only a thought-provoking, powerful ending can. If you have not read this novel, I highly recommend that you do.


Stay tuned for more very shortly!
The Book Nook
Theresa

YouTube Channel Premiere

Dear Book Lovers,

You are cordially invited to the premiere of Book Nook Reviews on YouTube. Please join us next Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. when the first video will launch. This channel is going to be filled with awesome bookish videos, including hauls, reviews, and topic discussions. Appropriate attire is required.*

Hope to see you there!
The Book Nook
Theresa

*You can get super, fancy schmancy dressed up if you so desire. But just know that by appropriate attire, I am of course referring to your most comfy pajamas and slippers. I'll be wearing my Snuggie (it's blue) and my green Grumpy slippers because who doesn't enjoy watching fellow book vloggers in their jammies!

Delirium!

As I write this, I will try to contain my excitement. I'm afraid, though, that I have never been good at containing anything, least of all my emotions. I finally have in my possession a copy of...DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (Told you!) I have wanted to read this book since I heard that it was coming out but I never had the funds to justify buying it at full price. However, I finally caved at bought it at my university's B&N on bursur (which is like credit). So, now I can read it and enjoy and not have to worry about paying until the end of the year! YAY!

Obviously I did a horrible job at containing my excitement but this book is just too amazing not to SQUEE at. I've only read the first page and I'm already in love with it. (I haven't had the cure for amor deliria nervosa so I'm still susceptible to the disease). The whole premise is something that is so interesting.

Anyway, that was just a quick little blurb from me.
What are you guys reading?

xoxo Theresa
The Book Nook

IMM (1)

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly feature/meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. If you have never been to her blog, you're crazy and go now! She has great hauls, really insightful and honest reviews, and beyond amazing giveaways.

This is my first IMM and I'm really excited. It's actually my first "haul" of any kind that I'll be sharing with you. I don't usually buy books in bulk because I already have so many that I have to read (my TBR is out of control). Also, I realize that these are usually done on Sunday and review the weeks worth of books but I'm impatient so I'm doing mine on Tuesday. Anyway, enough of my rambling. Let the haul begin:

1. The True Story of Hansel and Gretel- Louise Murphy (200+ Challenge).
2. Charade- Sandra Brown (200+ and Chick-Lit Challenges).
3. Sundays at Tiffany's- Jame Patterson (200+ and Chick-Lit Challenges).
4. A Room with a View- E.M. Forster (200+ and Classic Challenges).
5. Howard's End- E.M. Forster (200+ and Classic Challenges).
6. One Hundred Years of Solitude- Gabriel Garcia Marquez (200+ Challenge).
7. The Dog Said Bow-Wow- Michael Swanick (200+ Challenge).
8. The Golden Unicorn- Phyllis Whitney (200+ Challenge).
9. The Memory Keeper's Daughter- Kim Edwards (200+ Challenge).
10. Dashing Through the Snow-Mary Higgins Clark (200+ Challenge).
11. She's Come Undone- Wally Lamb (200+ Challenge).
12. The Bridge to Terabithia-Katharine Paterson (200+ Challenge).
13. Brave New World- Alduous Huxley (200+, Dystopian, and Classic Challenges).
14. Dr. Zhivago- Boris Pasternak ( 200+ and Classic Challenges).
15. Atlas Shrugged- Ayn Rand (200+ and Classic Challenges).
16.The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood- Rebecca Wells (200+ and Chick-Lit Challenges).
17.Survivor in Death- J.D. Robb (200+ Challenge).
18. This Lullaby- Sarah Dessen (200+ and Chick-Lit Challenge).

That's what I got in my mailbox this week, what did you get in yours?

xoxo Theresa
The Book Nook

Top Ten Tuesday (1)

The Book Nook's Top Ten Books That:

I Just HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Bookshelf

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Go check out their blog because it is awesome! There you will find many great reviews and some pretty cool people.

 

This is my first Top Ten Tuesday, but I doubt that it will be my last because I am a compulsive list maker. So, yay for lists! This week's list is definitely relevant to my live as I have a lot of books that are in need of loving. As a challenge for myself, I'm going to read all ten of these books this year!

 

Let the list begin:

 

10. The Grimm Fairy Tales- The Grimm Brothers

 

9. Gone With the Wind- Margaret Mitchell

 

8. World of Pies- Karen Stolz

 

7. Love in the Time of Cholera- Gabriel Garcia Marquez

 

6. Atonement- Ian McEwan

 

5. Jane Austen in Scarsdale- Paula Cohen

 

4.The Pilgrims of Rayne- D.J. McHale

I would actually like to read the entire Pendragon series this year. I never got past the Quillan Games but I loved the ones that I did read.  

3. The Last Days- Scott Westerfeld
I am a huge fan of Scott Westerfeld and I loved Peeps but for some reason this novel just didn't do it for me and I stopped reading it.

2. The Lost Symbol- Dan Brown

1. The Murder of King Tut- James Patterson
I'm an Anthropology major who concentrates on pharaonic Egypt and I still haven't read this. I guess I'm apprehensive because I don't want to lose my vision of how stuff went down during the Boy King's last day.

Thanks for reading!
Look out for a small book haul and some more reviews in the coming days!
xoxo Theresa
The Book Nook

The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld

Welcome to another installment of The Book Nook! That is, to the one follower I have other than myself. Hello, Bonnie from B&N! I’ve read a lot of great books in February and I’ll be getting those reviews posted soon. I’m also playing around with the idea of doing vlog reviews. I love watching them on YouTube but I’m not sure how I feel about posting my own. Any thoughts?
Alright, let’s get right into the book reviews I have for today. This series comes from the amazing Scott Westerfeld and I have been reading it for years-literally. I finally found the inspiration to finish it and I have some thoughts to share with you. The series is know collectively as the Uglies Trilogy (even though there are four!) and it includes Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras. They were published between 2005 and 2009 and average around four hundred pages each. The series is dystopian and set in a post-Rusties (that’s us) America. Despite its YA rating, the series has some interesting jabs at our society’s blatant destruction of the world around us. With themes including corrupt governments hell-bent on maintaining power by keeping the people in a state of altered reality while at the same time experimenting on indigenous populations and brainwashing, these novels really bring to light some interesting commentary on the state of our existence and what it might be like if our society doesn’t curb its appetite for pollution and environmental mayhem. While I’m sure the future won’t play out exactly as Westerfeld has written it (hopefully no one discovers the recipe for making oil-eating bacteria), his prose is still relevant to our society and I could see so much of us in the “futuristic” characters.
Overall, the series was entertaining and thought-provoking. The reader definitely had a sense of the underlying message of our destructive nature. It wasn’t all Big Brother and the environment though, there were some awesome fight scenes and hover boards! Plus, an entire new language of slang that was bubbly-making indeed (despite some of the bogus events of the novels). The series is certainly worth reading, especially if dystopian novels are your thing, or you enjoy pulling tricks. I would give the series a rating of at least a mega-Helen (that’s for you Zane because you were my favorite!).
Until next time,
xoxo Theresa
The Book Nook