Book Review: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Genre: Classic Literature
Published: 1847
How I Got the Book: Bought, for a class

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): "Wuthering Heights", Emily Bronte's only novel, is one of the pinnacles of 19th-century English literature. It's the story of Heathcliff, an orphan who falls in love with a girl above his class, loses her, and devotes the rest of his life to wreaking revenge on her family.

My Thoughts: I am a convert. I am a believer of the books awesome power of this book. The characterization of every character is beyond imagination. The writing is thick and dramatic and the atmosphere and tone come alive. I couldn;t believe how truly dark this story was. It is so against the drain of almost everything I else I read from the time period. Roaming around the English countryside at night? Selfish unforgiving soul sucking romance? Oh yeah. It is so NOT romantic, that there's a level of comedy to anyone who described it as such. And the book knows it. It's narrated by someone who think Cathy and Heathcliff are completely insane. And they are! It is so full of violence and complex emotions, it took two readings back to back for me to absorb the full scope of the novel. The only thing I did not care for is the 'newer' generation/offspring...I feel it dampens Heathcliff and Cathy's story too much. But no matter, this book is revolting and such a train wreck...I couldn't look away. I'm not swooning over them but I am in awe of the level of story telling Bronte conjured up. Loved it in all its madness.

Characters: Unlikeable, unrelatable, unpleasent, psychotic, yet oh so familiar and expertly written.

Cover Art: I really like it. The colors are great, it's a nice scene of the moors which is basically a main character.

Overall: ★★★★★

Book Review: The Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti

Book: The Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti
Genre: Non-Fiction, Women Studies
Published: 2009
How I Got the Book: Library, for a class

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): In The Purity Myth Jessica Valenti argues that the country’s intense focus on chastity is damaging to young women. Through in-depth cultural and social analysis, Valenti reveals that powerful messaging on both extremes — ranging from abstinence curriculum to “Girls Gone Wild” infomercials — place a young woman’s worth entirely on her sexuality. Morals are therefore linked purely to sexual behavior, rather than values like honesty, kindness, and altruism. Valenti sheds light on the value — and hypocrisy — around the notion that girls remain virgin until they’re married by putting into context the historical question of purity, modern abstinence-only education, pornography, and public punishments for those who dare to have sex. The Purity Myth presents a revolutionary argument that girls and women are overly valued for their sexuality, as well as solutions for a future without a damaging emphasis on virginity.

My Thoughts: I loved Valenti's tone and voice throughout this book. From the first chapter I found myself nodding along in agreement and crinkling my nose in repulsion of some of the stories she presents. I believe in this crusade, whole heartily. Purity rings are disturbing to me, always have been, and this book gave my thoughts clear words as to why. I no longer believe in virginity and I don't think I really did before reading this book either. There are a lot of misconceptions about her message but Valenti CLEARLY states before even beginning the book : "“Culture, religion, and social beliefs influence the role that . . . sexuality play in women’s lives-sometimes very positively. So, to be clear, when I argue for an end to the idea of virginity, it’s because I believe sexual intimacy should be honored and respected, but that it shouldn’t be revered at the expense of a woman’s well being, or seen as such an integral part of female identity that we end up defining ourselves by our sexuality” (22). It is completely recommended to read this book, essential even. The knowledge and ideas found in this book are eye opening and empowering.

Characters: Not applicable.

Cover Art: I don't know officially but I wonder if its a play on the popular Twilight covers and being ironic with the whole 'deflowering' cultural stratification

Overall: ★★★★★

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Garcia and Stohl

Book: Beautiful Creatures by Garcia and Stohl
Genre: Young Adult
Published: December 2009
How I Got the Book: Library

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haun ...more Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

My Thoughts: Snoozefest. Boring. Way way way too long and drawn out. This book took me literally two months to read. About half-way through the book I just gave up on caring about any character or anything going on plot wise. It honestly could have been 250 pages less and still achieved the same effect. I picked up the book because of the great reviews and I thought a southern Gothic novel would be very compelling. Ugh. I was wrong. The synonpsis makes it sound decent, but it really isn't. The 'exciting' parts at the end of the book are thrown together and so predictable I was rolling my eyes. Pretty much everything that one can guess or assume would happen in this book...did. Very noob. I will not be picking up the sequel or the rest of the series because I negatively care about what happens. Skip it.

Characters: Uncompelling. Lackluster. Cliche. I struggle to remember anything worthwhile about any of them. Oh wait, I remember the cousin of Lena was one of more cartoon-ish and stereotypical charcters I had read in a long time.

Cover Art: Awesome!!! Great font and pretty purple, the whole thing is very eye cathcing and great

Overall: ★★ (one extra star for the cover)

Book Review: Twenty Years at Hull-House

Book: Twenty Years at Hull-House by Jane Addams
Genre: Non-Fiction
Published: 1910
How I Got the Book: library, for a class

Synopsis (from b&n.com): Addams's account about the founding and development of her famed settlement house in Chicago's West Side slums stands as the immortal testament of a woman who lived and worked among those in need.


My Thoughts: Not gonna lie this book was very very hard to get through. It was very boring. It was fact based with dry accounts of pretty much every season in Hull House. I'm not much into history (I had to read this for a TERRIBLE history class) so unless you want an acute look into social work history or sociology...I'd say skip this book. But I do not want to under estimate Jane Addams. She was a TRUE super hero. She's a great role model. My eyes were opened to the struggle she had to overcome opening and running of this house. There are some heartbreaking stories of people she meets but also some true triumphs. Addams helped create so many laws and got the ball rolling for social justice and equality in America. She did more in one lifetime than we can be expected to accomplish in 5 of them. Yet, a lot of ideas I felt were repeated over and over and got tiresome to read and accounts of happenings got blurry after a hundred pages or so.

Characters: Jane was the standout even though the book was really *about* her.

Cover Art: Straight forward and straight laced, a picture of Hull House is to be expected

Overall: ★★

Book Review: You've Come A Long Way Baby

Book: You've Come A Long Way Baby
Genre: Non-Fiction, Women Studies
Published: 2010
How I Got the Book: for a class

Synopsis (from b&n.com): No matter what brand of feminism one may subscribe to, be it first wave, second wave, third wave, or perhaps no wave at all, one thing is indisputable: the role of women in society during the past several decades has changed dramatically, and continues to change in a variety of ways. With Hillary Clinton's recent bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, and with Sarah Palin's selection as the Republican vice presidential nominee, it is more apparent than ever that women are seeking their due and finding their place as an integral part of American culture. In You've Come a Long Way, Baby, Lilly J. Goren and an impressive group of contributors explore the past, present, and future of women in the realms of politics, the arts, and popular culture.

My Thoughts: This book is a collection of essays that deal with women in pop culture. I admit I did not read more than half the article in here but the ones I did read we're interesting. The article I chose to write my paper on was the one on "Chick Lit". The genre itself is multifaceted and largely misunderstood. I'm playing devil's advocate here because I myself don't care for the genre but everyone is free to enjoy and read whatever books they want to. A girl is judged by her snoody counterparts if the cover of her book she's reading is bright pink and yellow? Or has women walking on the beach together? Ridiculous I say. Females as readers also have one great advantage that male readers do not....we are essentially free to read anything. We can read romance, chick lit, young adult lit, historical, biography, graphic novels and anything else with any cover because no genre is cut off from us. We can have any genre we so choose whereas male readers are much more strict in the what the cover looks like and genre they read. God forbid they read about female protagonists! Plus, the article outline women are buying and reading books at much higher rate than men...in recent generations is the first time in written history this has happened. I would recommend this collection of essays to anyone you will surely find an article that will spark your interest.

So whether you are reading comics books, trashy romance, or high literary classics all day...READ ON GIRLS!!

Characters: Not applicable.

Cover Art: Love it! It speaks for itself.

Overall: ★★★

Book Review: Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Book: Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Genre: Victorian Literature

Published: 1891

How I Got the Book: for a class

Synopsis (from b&n.com): Using richly poetic language to frame a shattering narrative of love, seduction, betrayal, and murder, Hardy tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield, a beautiful young woman living with her impoverished family in Wessex, the southwestern English county immortalized by Hardy. After the family learns of their connection to the wealthy d’Urbervilles, they send Tess to claim a portion of their fortune. She meets and is seduced by the dissolute Alec d’Urberville and secretly bears a child, Sorrow, who dies in infancy. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer Tess love and salvation, but he rejects her—on their wedding night—after learning of her past. Emotionally bereft, financially impoverished, and victimized by the self-righteous rigidity of English social morality, Tess escapes from her vise of passion through a horrible, desperate act.


My Thoughts: You must go and read this book. It's dark and moody one of the most observant books I have ever read. It a complete literary food for for thought buffet. This is an onion of a book, layer after layer of themes and issues. One thing I love about this book is that it is complete backhand to Victorian ideals. Rape culture is a tangible real thing is you believe in it or not and it is mind blowing how little has changed in 120 years. From victim blaming, lack of help, and the scary notion that many people today, like in the 19th century, actually THINK that Tess(or any woman in general) may have wanted it. My brain weeps for humanity. Regardless, this book is a true masterpiece. The prose and the description of the countryside to the Gothic-like scene are incredible. The ending is genius.

Characters: Tess is sympathetic. Angel Clare is a wolf in sheep's clothing, weaker than Tess in so many ways. Alec is one of the creepiest characters I have ever read. I'm getting the willies just thinking about him!

Cover Art: A painting of a woman doing something? So original! lol not.

Overall: ★★★★★

Book Review: Oroonoko by Aphra Behn

Book: Ooronoko by Aphra Behn
Genre: Classic Literature
Published: 1688
How I Got the Book: required for class

Synopsis (from amazon.com): When Prince Oroonoko’s passion for the virtuous Imoinda arouses the jealousy of his grandfather, the lovers are cast into slavery and transported from Africa to the colony of Surinam. Oroonoko’s noble bearing soon wins the respect of his English captors, but his struggle for freedom brings about his destruction. Inspired by Aphra Behn’s visit to Surinam, Oroonoko reflects the author’s romantic views of native peoples as being in "the first state of innocence, before man knew how to sin." The novel also reveals Behn’s ambiguous attitude toward slavery: while she favored it as a means to strengthen England’s power, her powerful and moving work conveys its injustice and brutality.

My Thoughts: This may sound crazy but I really thought in the beginning of the book when Behn is describing Oroonoko and the king, I sincerely pictured Africans in tradition stereotypical royal clothing in a palace and all that jazz. Yet I found, through class discussions, that I was in the wrong picturing that. I liked my interpretation though...but anyway this was such a good story. The writing is a struggle to get through, perhaps that is why I was so confused in the beginning. I would love to read this as a modern adaptation. I love that women were trail blazers in slavery, child labor, equal rights even back in the 17th century. So many classes have proven this again and again. This story was pretty heartbreaking by the end however. Behn set out to prove a strong point and provided a strong anti-slavery agenda behind a well told story. Recommended to expand your reading horizons.

Characters: Oroonoko is admirable and well described. The secondary chracters are pretty standard.

Cover Art: I like this cover because it kind of fits my original interpreation of the society Oroonoko lived it.


Overall: ★★★★

Book Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Book: Fire by Kristin Chashore
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Published: October 2009
How I Got the Book: Library


Synopsis (from b&n.com): She is the last of her kind...

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.


My Thoughts: Omg. What happened?! This book was an EPIC fail. ***SPOILERS A PLENTY***

Cashore was shaping up to be one of my new favorite authors with Graceling. I couldn't wait to read this companion novel. I loved Katsa and Po and how wonderfully refreshing the strong female character was.

I should have skipped Fire. Though it starts out really interesting. I liked the character Archer (in the beginning!!) and the background on Fire's father Cransel. It was shaping up to be a great world and book with the mystery of the archer thrown in. Fire's moster powers were intruiging...until you learn that she does nothing with it because she is too scared. And then you learn she needs a horde of guards with her at aaalll times, even though she's the one with powers. Then when she is moved to King's City...the whole book went stangnant and the author tried to superimpose traits on cardboard characters. Her whole relationship with Archer made no sense. The book was going to be thrown out the window at this point.
How about none of the relationships made no sense. Brigan abuses her the first they meet. (Oh but wait, he is justified in doing this to a woman because of her father, as if that makes any sense in this world or fantasy). Nash pretty much sexually assults her upon the first meeting. (But wait, the reader is told repeatedly that no man can even stop himself when he see's Fire. I don't like this subtext AT ALL). Other reviewers are saying she's some strong female character? WHAT? She's about as strong as Bella Swan, and violence towards women was FAR too prevalent in this book to settle with me. Leck was an incredible villian and the story picked up when he was around but I was pretty much over the book when he did show up. Fail.

Characters: The charcters were down right dislikable and wishy-washy in their actions. Fire was actually one of the worst female characters I have read as of late, which is surprising coming from someone who wrote the best I've read...Katsa. Now, I would probably not read anything else unless it has to do with Gracelings by Cashore.

Cover Art: Great colors and very nice composition (the cover is better than the actual book!)

Overall: ★

Book Review: Great Expectation by Charles Dickens

Book: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Genre: Classic Literature, Victorian
Published: 1860
How I Got the Book: required for class

Synopsis (from b&n.com): Great Expectations tells the story of Pip, a poor orphaned boy who wishes to transcend his humble upbringing. He finds himself unexpectedly given the opportunity to live a life of wealth and respectability but learns as his life advances that his money is tainted and the girl he loves cannot return his affections. He is forced by circumstance to learn to seek happiness in the very things he gave up in the pursuit of a place in city life. With its famous cast including Miss Havisham, Mrs. Joe Gargery and Jaggers, this is one of Dickens' most renowned novels.

My Thoughts: Of all the Victorian literature I read, this is the one that was hardest to read for me. It never once clicked. Dickens is know for his sense of humor...umm yeah I didn't get it. His characters were caricatures. I know for a fact he has been criticized about this before. I didn't find them funny or charming. Pip's life is thoroughly told and I enjoyed the perspective he had as an older narrator. He is justified in being a brat and learning his lesson even if it does come too late. A lot of the book I felt was bogged down by unnecessary scenes. After reading this I feel Charles Dickins is pretty overrated, the canon of literature is whacked out. I loved the move with Gwenyth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke...much better than this book. I wanted to like it but I just didn't.


Characters: Pip was a good character and I loved the crazy old Miss Havisham...but that's as far as it goes. I did wonder if Dickens ever actually MET a woman in his life...

Cover Art: Pretty ugly. It is a scene from the book but is off putting...on second thought that's a good thing.


Overall: ★

Book Review: Mill on the Floss

Book: Mill on the Floss
Genre: Classic Literature, Victorian
Published: 1860
How I Got the Book: required for class

Synopsis (from b&n.com): Based closely on the author's own life, Maggie's story explores the conflicts of love and loyalty and the friction between desire and moral responsibility. An accurate, evocative depiction of English rural life, this compelling narrative features a vivid and realistic cast, headed by one of 19th-century literature's most appealing characters.

My Thoughts: It feels like a massive task trying to recount everything that happened in this book. It is a gauntlet of a story. We meet Maggie and Tom Tulliver when they are children. Maggie steals the spotlight and jumps off the pages right away. She is smarter and is more dynamic and unfortunately because of her sex she is overlooked and stereotyped. Also a theme that is presented, like many Victorian writers, is the fall from money. This book has also got me saying "just floating down the river..." you have to read to see what I mean. This book generated lots of critical thinking and great class discussions. I found a couple of my classmates saw different scenes in this book way different that I had seen. There are so many little details and nuances, its called "hyper-realism"...that genre may be a hit or miss with you.


Characters: Maggie Tulliver was a great lead character, she was conflicted and felt real. Her brother Tom was a jerk most of the time...but justified for the most part. I really liked Philip Wakem...Team Philip!

Cover Art: Subdued painting of a mill on the floss? haha Can it be anymore straight forward? I think not! I like it.


Overall: ★★★

Book Review: Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

Book: Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Published: August 2006
How I Got the Book: Bought

Synopsis (from b&n.com): Summer, 1954.
U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels comes to Shutter Island, home of Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Along with his partner, Chuck Aule, he sets out to find an escaped patient, a murderess named Rachel Solando, as a hurricane bears down upon them.

But nothing at Ashecliffe Hospital is what it seems.

Is he there to find a missing patient? Or has he been sent to look into rumors of Ashecliffe's radical approach to psychiatry; an approach that may include drug experimentation, hideous surgical trials, and lethal countermoves in the shadow war against Soviet brainwashing ...

Or is there another, more personal reason why he has come there?


My Thoughts: Wow! I loved this book. The tone is absolutely tangible. I bought it on a whim before the movie was released. It kept me up all night reading! The first book I read all year that was 100% unputdownable. When I finally did manage to pry my eyes away I had nightmares that I was on Shutter Island! I don;t think I've dreamed about a boom since I read Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. But I digress...Shutter Island is just as much a character as Teddy or Chuck. This novel kept me guessing the whole way. I have my theories that differ from the the slant of the movie. Basically the ending (no spoilers) could go one of two ways and the movie chose one way and I believe in the other way (there's proof in the pages). There are so many twists and turns, smoking guns and dead ends. I would pretty much recommend this book to anyone.

Characters: Everyone is suspicious and not who they seem. You literally cannot believe one of them which make its intriguing but also you can't really sympathise with any of them. Teddy, the lead, is the best but still as a reader I found I kept him at arm's length.

Cover Art: I don't care for this cover. The lettering bothers me I think. The picture is okay...I think I will say that the movie edition cover is better...what a rarity!

Overall: ★★★★★

Book Review: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Book: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Genre: Classic Literature, Victorian
Published: 1855
How I Got the Book: required for class


Synopsis (from amazon.com): North and South is a novel that exposed Victorian inequalities. Margaret Hale a woman from the South of England moves to the industrialized North of England where she is shocked by the huge inequalities between the rich and the working class. This serves as a backdrop for a conflicted love story. Margaret finds herself falling in love with John Thornton, the owner of the local mill. But her concern for the Mill's striking workers complicates the relationship. A classic tale of class and love.

My Thoughts: I couldn't find a great summary of the plot ANYWHERE online and that leads me to say that this book is WAY over looked. If you like classic literature or Victorian Lit...read this now! It's smart, well built, perfectly written. It offers a superb look at industrialization. I feel like I have walked the countryside and cramped London streets with Margaret! And Margaret and Mr. Thornton's love is one of the best and most convincing I have ever read. I *got* that these two people were in love and were compatible despite being 'North and South' opposites. The big issues in the book are class and country versus city. The dialogue is sharp and interesting. I feel Gaskell does it better than Austen, but hey we all know who gets the glory despite what I say.




Characters: Margaret is a fantastic heroine. She was an advocate and spoke her mind. She felt real. And I heart Mr. Thornton...not perfect a good complicated character and a good match for Margaret. The Higgins family was a good representaion of the working class.


Cover Art: Once again a painting of a woman doing something. Eh, I think this book deserves better.


Overall: ★★★★

Book Review: Twelfth Night

Book: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Genre: Drama (Comedy)
Published: 1623
How I Got the Book: required read for class


Synopsis (from amazon.com): "Twelfth Night" is the story of Orsino, a nobleman in the kingdom if Illyria. Following a shipwreck Orsino employs Viola, who when abandoned by the shipwreck disguises herself as a man named Cesario. Soon Viola falls in love with Orsino, however Orsino is in love with Lady Olivia who has fallen for Viola, believing her to be a man. "Twelfth Night" is a classic Shakespearean comedy of mistaken identities.

My Thoughts: This is the first comedy of Shakespeare's I have read. It's always surprising to me how *funny* something almost 400 years old could actually be. But that is why Shakespeare is the master. Androgyny never gets old. There is also undeniable homoeroticism. I loved it. I actually wrote a paper on female homosexuality disguised as friendship through dialogue on this play. The whole concept of loving someone in disguise then unfalling in love with them because of gender but falling in love with someone who llooks like that person is so far fecthed and crazy. It was just a light read overall. (Even though Shakespeare is very hard to read, yes even to an English major...I can admit that.) How it all magically works out is ridiculous. I still very much prefer Shakespeare's tragedies any day.

Characters: Cartoony, over the top, and not complicated but it *is* a comedy what can you do?


Cover Art: I like this edition of Shakespeare's works, nice script and nicely colored background.


Overall: ★★★

Book Review: The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

Book: The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Genre: Fiction
Published: June 2009
How I Got the Book: Library


Synopsis (from b&n.com): Connie is looking forward to starting work on her graduate thesis over the summer, when her mother asks her to sell an abandoned house once owned by her grandmother in Salem, Mass. Relunctantly, Connie moves to the small town and inhabits the crumbling, ancient house, trying to restore it to a semblance of order. Curious things start to happen when Connie finds the name "Deliverance Dane" on a yellowed scrap of paper inside an old Bible, and begins to have visions of a long ago woman condemned for practicing "physick," or herbal healing, on her neighbors in 1690s Salem. Interspersed with modern-day sections are chapters on the actual witch trials, revealing the fascinating story of Deliverance Dane and how she got caught up in the tragic events.

My Thoughts: I thought this book was great. I am fascinated by the Salem Witch trials. Howe did a great job flexing her knowledge of the time period with flashbacks. It got very deatailed and intimate with the trials and what it was like to be a fly on the wall following the accused. Very well researched; and I liked the modern storyline (though it was really predictable, some things were suppose to shock the reader...not me. But that's okay.) Some of the parts of the book got pretty spooky, it set a very cool tone. She lives in an abandoned house with mysterious events happening and some descriptions were perfect for an autumn night. I was also interested in the academia part of the book. It showed the reader a glimpse into what it takes to get a doctorate. I also liked the generations of women through the book.

Characters: I liked the main character Connie but her mother irritated me to no end. You have to read the book to understand but after awhile her lofty antics got old. Sam, the love interest, was cute. He didn't wow me too much.


Cover Art: Gorgeous! And it fits the content of the book SO well.


Overall: ★★★★

Book Review: When Everything Changed by Gail Collins

Book: When Everything Changed by Gail Collins
Genre: Non-Fiction
Published: October 2009
How I Got the Book: required reading for class


Synopsis (from b&n.com): When Everything Changed begins in 1960, when most American women had to get their husbands' permission to apply for a credit card. It ends in 2008 with Hillary Clinton's historic presidential campaign. This was a time of cataclysmic change, when, after four hundred years, expectations about the lives of American women were smashed in just a generation.

A comprehensive mix of oral history and Gail Collins's keen research--covering politics, fashion, popular culture, economics, sex, families, and work--When Everything Changed is the definitive book on five crucial decades of progress. The enormous strides made since 1960 include the advent of the birth control pill, the end of "Help Wanted--Male" and "Help Wanted--Female" ads, and the lifting of quotas for women in admission to medical and law schools. Gail Collins describes what has happened in every realm of women's lives, partly through the testimonies of both those who made history and those who simply made their way.



My Thoughts: I am so proud to be a woman! But let me tell you...I would not want to live in any era earlier than the one I am in. I am also no history buff, but this book is very comprehensible. Some of the the stories outraged me while others were triumphant. Too many people have a stereotypical view of feminism (butch, man hating, etc...) but with those stereotypes also comes ignorance of the woman's movement. This is a must read for all women. It's informative and entertaining. There is such a wide range of history touched on divided into small segments that it is not a chore to read. It was a long hard road that we as women are still battling and this book let's you know where we were and how much we need still need to do.

Characters: No true characters in this book just real people telling their incredible stories =)



Cover Art: Simple and the lettering stands out well


Overall: ★★★★

Book Review: Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

Book: Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

Genre: Classic British Literature
Published: 1847

How I Got the Book: required reading for a class


Synopsis (from b&n.com): When her family becomes impoverished after a disastrous financial speculation, Agnes Grey determines to find work as a governess in order to contribute to their meagre income and assert her independence. But Agnes' enthusiasm is swiftly extinguished as she struggles first with the unmanageable Bloomfield children and then with the painful disdain of the haughty Murray family; the only kindness she receives comes from Mr Weston, the sober young curate. Drawing on her own experience, Anne Bronte's first novel offers a compelling personal perspective on the desperate position of unmarried, educated women for whom becoming a governess was the only respectable career open in Victorian society.


My Thoughts: I really liked the character of Agnes. She was angry but kept level head on her shoulders throughout her crazy governess jobs. The first family she governs are sadistic. Agnes keeps her moral character throughout. That a huge theme Victorians tackle is the fall from money, how characters deal with the loss and gains of fortunes. Also, another theme that is presented is the governess. It's sad that educated girls had hardly any options in the 19th century. This book deals with society and the hardship that a girl with sense has to endure being around people who lack sense but don't need to worry about money. I love the ending, it happens on Agnes' terms. Her dreams are fully realized within a world that works against her. It's not a dramatic story, it is slow moving but is saturated with social commentary.

Characters: On the surface Agnes is calm and collected but underneath she is willful, smart and independent. She is a great heroine. The brats she has to govern are great, and in modern day...I know these people. Great characterization.

Cover Art: A painting of a girl doing something? Fitting. If not very overdone *shrugs*


Overall: ★★★★

Book Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Book: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Genre: Young Adult

Published: December 8, 2009

How I Got the Book: Library

Synopsis (from b&n.com): Seventeen-Year-Old Luce is a new student at Sword & Cross, an unwelcoming boarding/reform school in Savannah, Georgia. Luce’s boyfriend died under suspicious circumstances, and now she carries the guilt over his death with her as she navigates the unfriendly halls at Sword & Cross, where every student seems to have an unpleasant—even evil—history.

It’s only when she sees Daniel, a gorgeous fellow student, that Luce feels there’s a reason to be here—though she doesn’t know what it is. And Daniel’s frosty cold demeanor toward her? It’s really a protective device that he’s used again . . . and again. For Daniel is a fallen angel, doomed to fall in love with the same girl every 17 years . . . and watch her die. And Luce is a fellow immortal, cursed to be reincarnated again and again as a mortal girl who has no idea of who she really is.



My Thoughts: This book had a lot of potential. The opening scene is great. It hooks the reader right in I feel. Though, I pretty much guessed what was going to happen throughout the novel because I was reminded of that opening scene so much. But it was pretty strong regardless. Then we meet and narrator follows around the main girl, Luce. She is so boring and cardboard I can't remember anything at all that stood out. Actually this book and Fallen really blur together for me. This one involves reincarnation, which I LOVE. One thing I was not impressed with was the dreaded love triangle. I had no clue why she liked the 'other" guy Cammore than a friend. I just completely missed the chemistry, if there was any. It got annoying and I wished it would have just fizzled out. But I did really like the relationship between Daniel and Luce. It was a very nice relationship and developed at a great pace. The end didn't thrill me as much as I thought it would have. It wasn't as epic as I anticipated. (I'll definately never give away blatant spoilers in this blog!!)



Characters: Luce...needs character, depth, spice...anything! Daniel was alright to me. The author spent a lot of time developing him and her angel world and it showed.



Cover Art: Incredibly beautiful and stylish! But I have no clue how it relates to the story at all....?


Overall: ★★★

Book Review: Beowulf

Book: Beowulf (unknown author)

Genre: Epic/Classic
Published: between the 8th-11th A.D.

How I Got the Book: Read for a British Lit class


Synopsis (from b&n.com): Part history and part mythology, Beowulf opens in the court of the Danish king where a horrible demon named Grendel devours men in their sleep every night. The hero Beowulf arrives and kills the monster, but joy turns to horror when Grendel’s mother attacks the hall to avenge the death of her son. Ultimately triumphant, Beowulf becomes king himself and rules peacefully for fifty years until, one dark day, a foe more powerful than any he has yet faced is aroused—an ancient dragon guarding a horde of treasure. Once again, Beowulf must summon all his strength and courage to face the beast, but this time victory exacts a terrible price.



My Thoughts: I was forced to read this. It was for a class, and I had a general idea of what it entailed. Even translated this is hard to get through. Endless amount of bloodlines (because omg! it was the most important thing everrrr back then) and allusions to wars and territories are discussed. Ugh. I know I know, I am an English major...but it sucks that this above all manuscripts survived so long. This book was too patriarchal and had too much testosterone for my liking. The so called action and adventure was not to my liking either. There was nothing I liked about Beowulf at all.


Characters: Vaguely sketched I would say more like cartoon characters. As I said above there is more emphasis on who is related to who and ancestry. Which, thank God, we evolved from in the modern society. Grendal was an alright villain/monster and his mother was pretty creepy so I was only moderately interested when they were in the text.


Cover Art: I included a picture but my edition had no cover...I read it out of an anthology.

Overall: ★

Book Review: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Book: Dear John
Genre: Fiction
Published: October 30, 2006
How I Got the Book: bought for upcoming movie


Synopsis (from b&n.com): An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever.


My Thoughts: This is an unmistakable Nick Sparks novel. Now, take that how you want. It is the same atmosphere, same tone and mood as everything else I have read by him (the Notebook, the Wedding, and A Walk to Remember). To me, I like what Sparks offers up. To some others they may have exhausted his plot devices. I feel the military aspect of the story was very realistic and true to life. Some things I didn't care for like Savannah unreadability. She confused me just as much as she confused John. I liked the whole John and his father sub-plot although the deus ex machina was predictable at the end. And speaking of the end, I loved it, the very last page got me.

Characters: Gave me a tooth ache. They were painfully sweet and always did the right thing all the time, if they misstepped once or twice it was hardly noticeable and didn't have a grand effect.

Cover Art: Pretty, whimsical, not overly attention grabbing but fitting.

Overall:

Book: NightLight: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon
Genre: Young Adult/Spoof
Published: November 3, 2009
How I Got the Book: for Christmas


Synopsis (from b&n.com): "About three things I was absolutely certain. First, Edwart was most likely my soul mate, maybe. Second, there was a vampire part of him–which I assumed was wildly out of his control–that wanted me dead. And third, I unconditionally, irrevocably, impenetrably, heterogeneously, gynecologically, and disreputably wished he had kissed me."

Pale and klutzy, Belle arrives in Switchblade, Oregon looking for adventure, or at least an undead classmate. She soon discovers Edwart, a super-hot computer nerd with zero interest in girls. After witnessing a number of strange events–Edwart leaves his tater tots untouched at lunch! Edwart saves her from a flying snowball!–Belle has a dramatic revelation: Edwart is a vampire. But how can she convince Edwart to bite her and transform her into his eternal bride, especially when he seems to find girls so repulsive?


My Thoughts: This was actually funny at times. There were little quirks that the authors threw in that reminded me of the Naked Gun movies. The book consists of random events; silly things happening out of no where most of the time. Some of the time I got it...some other times I did not get the references. I know the Twilight saga in and out, but this book went in some oppositie directions I feel. Now the funny parts condisted of the description of Edward everytime he wlked into a room (his hair was described different everytime, lol) and obsessive way Bella cooked every meal for her dad. I'd recommend this book for Twilight or former Twilight fans with a sense of humor.

Characters: An exagerated, over the top parody of Bella, Edward and the gang...just not as in depth as Twilight of course.

Cover Art: Pretty funny. It's painfully obvious this is about Twilight...just chewed up.

Overall:

Book Review: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Book: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre: Young Adult
Published: October 1, 2009
How I Got the Book: From my dad for Christmas :)


Synopsis (from b&n.com): For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.



My Thoughts: I became very frustrated with this book early on. From the cover of this book it's incredibly obvious that it's about angels...fallen angels at that. This is deduced by a quick glance at the cover. I love fantasy books with richly created fantasy beings, events, worlds and so on. I want to hear the history, struggle, and new twist on the likes of witches, vampires, werewolves, and now here is a YA book dedicated to angels. Yes! I thought to myself. Well, in actuality this book moves at a snail's pace. Yes, it's a HUGE secret through 90% of the book that angels are among us on earth. I wanted the secret to come out so I can learn more about their world and conflicts. Now I didn't expect them to come right out and say it- but the book is SO obvious in characters, I wanted to hear about the angels. By the end with the conflict coming to a head, I feel as though the book DID pick up. I found the author's take on angels WAS cool and interesting but it came so late in the book. A crappy ploy to sell us the 2nd book, I feel. I will pick up the second book because I do want to give the author another chance to get the world full of angels in gear. And for those people who read Twilight: just take out the word 'vampire' and add 'angel' and you have Hush Hush, but of course Twilight did it much better.

Characters: Nora, the protagonist, felt very flat to me. She was unrelatable, and Patch felt like Edward if Edward was an angel. The author did a very good job of describing the characters in a physical way. Any secondary character was forgettable.

Cover Art: Phenomenal!!! It's the reason I put this book on my Wishlist hehe. Beautiful black and white with a touch a red (which I realize is the trend but this one got it right).


Overall: