Love the One You're With ~ Emily Giffin

This was a total just-for-fun read, and I loved it. Emily Giffin's books don't really apply to my life, per se, but they sure are fun to read.

Ellen Graham has been married to Andy for three months when her ex, Leo, comes back on the scene. The two run into each other in a busy NYC intersection, and old feelings come rushing back. Ellen keeps the run-in a secret from her husband and her best friend, Margot, who just happens to be her husband's sister. When Leo, a journalist, lands Ellen, a photographer, (how ironic, right?) a dream job taking pictures of a famous rock star, Ellen can't refuse. She flies to LA to do the shoot, only to discover that Leo is there - and he'll be writing the article that accompanies Ellen's photos. Ellen avoids Leo, but finds herself thinking about him constantly. She begins to have doubts about her marriage, about Andy, about everything. Did she make the right decision when she married Andy? Is he "the one" for her, or is Leo - the man she just can't get over?

I couldn't put Love the One You're With down. The ending was cute and sappy, and I loved it. I admit that, along the way, I wasn't sure who I wanted Ellen to end up with. Not that I condone cheating on a spouse, because I don't - AT ALL. But Giffin has such a way of pulling me in with her writing that I have a difficult time seeing the black and white of things, just like her characters who are having the life-altering experiences. That said, I was truly glad that things ended the way they did. It was perfect.

4/5

The Host ~ Stephenie Meyer

The earth has been overtaken by aliens, called "Souls," who invade human bodies and gain control of their minds. Melanie Stryder, one of the few remaining humans on the run from the aliens, is captured and implanted with a Soul named Wanderer. Wanderer has previously lived in seven other host bodies, and is somewhat of a celebrity among her kind. She's been taught that invading a human body will be different than anything she's experienced before, but when she awakes in Melanie's body she immediately realizes that something is just not right. In fact, something is very wrong. Melanie is refusing to relinquish control of her mind to Wanderer. But Wanderer isn't giving up. She must somehow find a way to unlock Melanie's hidden secrets, while Melanie fights her every step of the way.

When Melanie begins reliving memories of time spent with her boyfriend Jared and brother Jamie - both still in hiding - Wanderer finds herself longing for them, too. Because Wanderer herself feels such an intense yearning to be with Jared and Jamie, it isn't difficult for Melanie to convince Wanderer to search for them in the Arizona desert, although Melanie isn't even sure if they're still alive. After days spent searching the desert, out of water and on the brink of death, Wanderer and Melanie are found by Melanie's uncle Jeb. He and about thirty other humans have been hiding in underground caves. And Jamie and Jared are two of the human survivors. Wanderer and Melanie become allies as they find themselves up against this group of humans, who won't believe that Melanie is still alive and aware inside her body.

The Host is a good story. I was surprised at how different it is from the Twilight books, when I really shouldn't have been, knowing that this was Meyer's attempt at Science Fiction. I grudgingly admit that I found myself disinterested in the story at times, and sometimes felt that there was just too much detail given. Personally, I didn't care about Wanderer's lives on other planets, but apparently Stephenie Meyer felt it important enough to include detailed descriptions of those past lives. As I worked my way through this 600+ page book, though, I got caught up in the story. The focus on the many different relationships was great, as well as Wanderer's journey to fit in - and her efforts to escape the "Seeker" (an alien who seeks out the remaining humans on earth) who is intent on discovering why Melanie won't disappear. Wanderer develops love and compassion for the humans in the caves, and the humans come to love and respect her as well. So much so that they'll do anything in their power to protect her and keep her with them.

I thought the ending was going to disappoint me, but it didn't. I thought I had it all figured out, and I did to a degree, but I was still surprised at how everything was resolved.

Not as good as Twilight or Eclipse, and maybe not even New Moon for that matter, but still a page-turner. Stephenie Meyer can't crank the books out fast enough, as far as I'm concerned. She has easily become one of my favorite authors.

4/5

The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory

It's 1553, and a teenaged girl with a dangerous secret is caught up in royal intrigue as she tries to serve a scheming lord, an unhappy queen, and the queen's ambitious sister. As Edward VI, only male heir of Henry VIII, lies dying, 14-year-old Hannah Green is helping her father in his London printing and bookshop. Because young girls are not supposed to set print or deliver books, she's dressed in boy's clothing, but that's not Hannah's only secret. She and her father are Spanish Jews who fled the Inquisition after her mother was burned as a heretic. Finding refuge in Protestant England, the Greens observe Christian rituals in public, but privately they still honor the old ways. One day Hannah attracts the attention of a shop customer, handsome Lord Dudley, by innocently revealing that she has the gift of second sight-a particularly useful gift in these uncertain times, when it seems that Protestant Edward will be succeeded by Catholic Mary. Hannah becomes an aide to Lord Dudley, who recommends her to the young king to be his Fool. While serving Edward, she follows Dudley's orders to attend and spy upon the king's older sister Mary, whom she grows to love. When Mary becomes Queen, Hannah attends her at court, but (again at Dudley's request) also makes contact with her sister Elizabeth. Hannah admires the young princess's courage as Elizabeth faces losing her life when Mary starts burning Protestants as heretics. Her loyalties divided, fearful that she and her father are vulnerable in Catholic England, Hannah relies on her wits to survive threats, intrigue, and danger. She must also decide whether she will marry Daniel, a family friend, to whom she is officially betrothed.

This is only the second Philippa Gregory book I have read, after The Other Boleyn Girl, and it doesn't come close to being as interesting as the first. It took me awhile to read this book; it didn't grab me and pull me in like The Other Boleyn Girl did. Still, The Queen's Fool was pretty good. Hannah was a great main character, but her constant divided loyalties between Mary and Elizabeth annoyed me. I wanted so badly for her to tell Robert Dudley, Dr. Dee and Elizabeth to shove it! I understand that she was trying to protect herself and her family from being exposed as Jews, but she could have done that by going away with Daniel and her father when they first asked her to. No need for her to stay at court and play into Robert's hands, like so many other women did, although she fancied herself in love with him. I admired her devotion to Queen Mary, though. She was a true friend to Mary when no one else would be. And I was pleased that she finally 'grew up' and realized that Robert Dudley was no good for her. What she really wanted was what she'd always had.

4/5

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead (formerly the United States of America). The government has been overthrown, and Gilead is being led by far-right conservatives. Handmaids like Offred ("Of Fred") are good for only one thing - getting pregnant. Every month Offred is forced to have sex with the Commander of the home she is living in, while the Commander's Wife lies in the same bed. She is not allowed to read, work, make money, or look directly at another person.

Her memories often drift back in time to the days when she was happily married to Luke and raising their daughter; when she had a job, friends, and her own name. All of that is gone now, and all she can do is hope to get pregnant with the Commander's baby; a baby that will be ripped from her arms and given to the Commander and his barren wife to raise as their own. Once she has a baby, she'll be passed on to the next Commander and Wife, in hopes that she'll provide this new couple with a baby as well.

This book was disturbing, yet very interesting. It's frightening to think that our society could ever reach the level that it has in The Handmaid's Tale - a society of barren Wives, housekeeping Marthas, Handmaids, Commanders, and spying Eyes. A society where any wrongdoing will result in exile to 'the Colonies' (toxic nuclear waste dumping grounds) or even death by public hanging. Yet it could happen, scary as it is.

I liked Offred. I felt bad that her entire life was reduced to going to the market and sleeping with the Commander. I think she tried her hardest to make her life as good as she possibly could, given her circumstances.

My only real complaint, besides some profanity and disturbing scenes, was that the book ended rather abruptly. I was left with a feeling of uncertainty about what really happened to Offred.

3.75/5

The Book Thief ~ Markus Zusak

With Death as narrator, Markus Zusak's haunting novel follows Liesel Meminger, The Book Thief, through the fear-filled years of Nazi Germany. The story opens as the ten-year-old girl takes her first book shortly after her younger brother's death. Both children were en route to the foster home of Hans and Rosa Hubermann in a Munich suburb. Despite Rosa's sharp tongue and Hans's lack of work, their home is a loving refuge for the nightmare-ridden girl. It also becomes a hideout for Max, a young Jewish man whose father saved Hans's life. Liesel finds solace with her neighbor Rudy and her creative partnership with Max. Accompanied by Rudy, the girl copes by stealing food from farmers and books from the mayor's wife. There are also good moments as she learns to read and plays soccer, but Hans's ill-advised act of kindness to a Jewish prisoner forces Max to leave their safe house. The failing war effort and bombing by the Allies lead to more sacrifices, a local suicide and, eventually, to great losses. Reading books and writing down her experiences save Liesel, but this novel clearly depicts the devastating effects of war. With richly evocative imagery and compelling characters, Zusak explores behind-the-lines life in World War II Germany, showing the day-to-day heroism of ordinary people.

(I found it too difficult to write my own summary of this book, so I use the one above, courtesy of Barbara Wysocki of the School Library Journal.)

What can I say about this book? It was amazing, beautiful, haunting. I've never read anything like it. Seriously, I am at a loss for words. I honestly don't know how to review this book. I highly recommend that you read it yourself; then you'll understand why I'm having such a difficult time putting my thoughts down in writing. I finished the book last night, and am still thinking about it.

I admit that the first two-thirds of the book left me wondering just what was going to happen. As I was reading, I couldn't decide if I liked the book or not. But the last third of the book, when all my questions were answered, decided it for me. I ended up loving it.

The characters all wormed their way into my heart. Liesel, Rudy, Hans, Max, even Rosa (although Liesel, Rudy, and Hans were my absolute favorites.) The ending was sad, and I cried and cried. I didn't want the book to end. I wanted to spend more time with these characters that I had grown to love.

5/5

Helen of Troy ~ Margaret George

This epic novel tells the story of Helen of Sparta, later known as Helen of Troy. From her time as a young girl, denied access to the outside world because of her beauty, to her life after the fall of Troy and beyond, this book tells it all.

When Helen was a young girl of nine or ten, a Sybil pronounced a prophesy upon her: that she would be "the ruin of Asia, the ruin of Europe, and because of her a great war [would] be fought, and many Greeks [would] die." Not wanting the prophecy to come true, her parents forbid Helen to leave the confines of the palace. She was a beautiful child, and grew to be a beautiful young woman. Her face was hidden from everyone, and whispers that she was the most beautiful woman in the world were commonplace.

When Helen was fifteen, her father and mother, the king and queen of Sparta, announced that it was time for Helen to marry. Helen chose Menelaus, younger brother of the Mycenaean king, Agamemnon, who himself had married Helen's older sister Clytemnestra. Menelaus was a gentle, good man, and had accomplished a great feat to win Helen's hand. Helen fancied herself in love with Menelaus, but sadly felt no passion for him. After the birth of their daughter, Hermione, Helen pleaded with the goddess Aphrodite, asking the goddess to help her feel desire for Menelaus.

Aphrodite granted Helen's wish, or so Helen thought. Upon her return to the palace, however, Helen caught a glimpse of Paris, Prince of Troy, and fell madly and passionately in love with him. Helen says,"I could not keep my eyes from Paris. For the first time in perhaps my entire life, I felt desire course through me. I wanted to possess him, devour him, take him away in a chain and have him always at my command. At the same time I wanted to give him anything he desired; anything. And I wanted to be with him every instant. And so far we had not spoken a single private word." (p. 149)

Paris' young age worried Helen, for he was only sixteen years old to her twenty-five, but after a few short days with him, Helen left Menelaus and Hermione to flee to Troy with Paris. Her decision would eventually bring about the ruin of Troy.

I love that George chose to write the book in Helen's voice, from her point of view. That made the story really come alive for me. I love the movie "Troy" (the one with Brad Pitt as Achilles, Eric Bana as Hector, and Orlando Bloom as Paris), so I knew I'd love this book. It was truly fascinating, and I enjoyed the span of the book. I liked becoming better "acquainted" with Greek mythology, and the different characters that took part in the Trojan War.

I also adore the book cover. Isn't it gorgeous?

I definitely want to read more from Margaret George.

4.25/5
Thanks to my sister, Beth, for recommending this book!

At First Sight ~ Nicholas Sparks

At First Sight is the sequel to True Believer (which I wasn't all that impressed with), and it's been sitting on my nightstand, unread, for years. I grabbed it a couple of nights ago because I forgot to bring my Chronicles of Narnia book to bed with me and didn't feel like getting out of bed to retrieve it. So a spur-of-the-moment decision led me to finally begin reading this book.

In True Believer, we were introduced to Lexie Darnell, a small town librarian, and Jeremy Marsh, a science magazine columnist. Jeremy had left NYC for Lexie's hometown of Boone Creek, North Carolina to investigate mysterious lights seen in the town cemetery. He never anticipated falling in love with Lexie just a few short weeks after meeting her. He'd been married before, and gotten divorced because (among other things) his wife had wanted children, which Jeremy had been physically unable to provide her.

At First Sight begins where True Believer left off. Jeremy and Lexie have just discovered that, by some miracle, they are expecting a baby. Lexie's grandmother, Doris, somewhat of a psychic, swears the baby is a girl--and she has yet to be wrong in her predictions. Jeremy, realizing that he doesn't want to ever be away from Lexie, proposes. They begin making preparations for spending their lives together; they plan the wedding, buy a new car, and buy and renovate a house.

Life is crazy enough at the moment, but Jeremy begins receiving anonymous e-mails warning him that Lexie may be hiding things from him. Even his best friend questions the quickness with which everything has happened, concerned that Jeremy is rushing into marriage with a woman he hardly knows. When, during a routine ultrasound, it's discovered that there may be complications with the baby, Jeremy and Lexie rely on their love for each other to carry on.

I had my likes and dislikes with this book. It wasn't one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books by any means, but it wasn't my least favorite, either. I liked the simpleness of both Jeremy and Lexie. They were ordinary people, but the love they felt for each other was tangible. Also, I was completely surprised by the ending; Sparks is great at writing endings with an unexpected twist. Overall, a pretty good story.

3.75/5

In other news, I saw on TV tonight that a Prince Caspian movie will be coming to theaters on May 16. Prince Caspian was my favorite of the Chronicles of Narnia books (as well as my favorite character from the books), so I'm actually pretty excited to see the movie. I remember that I wasn't all that impressed with "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" when I saw it on DVD, but having read the books now, I want to give it another try. Maybe I'll enjoy it more, knowing the story.

The Last Battle ~ C.S. Lewis

In the last days of Narnia, King Tirian has heard rumors that the lion Aslan is back, and commanding the Narnian creatures to commit terrible acts. Tirian discovers that the Aslan in question is actually a false Aslan, a donkey wearing a lion skin. As a final great battle between good and evil threatens to change everything as they know it, the inhabitants of Narnia find themselves confused and unable to determine who to follow.

When the last battle is raging, Tirian finds himself in an old stable. When he looks around, he is astonished to see that the inside of the stable is nothing like he thought it would be. Inside he finds a beautiful green meadow, blue skies, and seven of Narnia's previous kings and queens, among them Lucy, Edmund, and Peter Pevensie, as well as Jill and Eustace, and Polly and Digory (who witnessed the creation of Narnia in The Magician's Nephew, and are now on hand to witness it's destruction). In one of my favorite sections from the book, Tirian says:

"It seems then, that the Stable seen from within and the Stable seen from without are two different places."

"Yes," said the Lord Digory. "Its inside is bigger than its outside."

"Yes," said Queen Lucy. "In our world too, a Stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world."

Beautiful.

It took some time for me to decide how to rate The Last Battle. I didn't particularly like it, until the very end. But the ending was so beautiful, so allegorical, that my opinion of the book changed completely. The last 30 pages alone make the book worth reading.

4/5

The Silver Chair ~ C.S. Lewis

Eustace and Jill are hiding from bullies at their school, when Eustace tells the story of his time spent in the land of Narnia. Thinking they'd rather be in Narnia, they call upon Aslan and ask to be transported to the magical land. Jill comes face-to-face with the lion, and he gives her four signs that will help her and Eustace on their journey. They have an important mission to accomplish in Narnia--finding the missing son of King Caspian, who is growing old and wants to find his son before he dies. Prince Rilian has been missing for a decade. Many brave Narnians have tried to find him, and all have failed. With help from the Marsh-wiggle named Puddleglum, Jill and Eustace leave on a dangerous journey to discover the whereabouts of Prince Rilian, in hopes that they can reunite him with Caspian before it's too late.

I found The Silver Chair kind of boring from the start. I don't know if it's because I've read so many Narnia books in such a short time, or if I just wasn't interested in it. Eustace and Jill were dull (I'm sad that Eustace was so boring in this installment because I found his character very interesting in the previous book), and I found them both annoying at times. I even found Puddleglum to be a boring sort of character until almost the end of the story, when he saves the children and Rilian from the Queen of the Underworld, who was attempting to place an enchantment upon them.

Definitely my least favorite of the Narnia books so far. I did enjoy the underlying message about following Aslan's (God's) instructions, though. Jill and Eustace were slow to remember what Aslan had told them, and as a result they were faced with unexpected troubles.

I hope The Last Battle is better! I'm looking forward to seeing how the series ends.

3/5

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader ~ C.S. Lewis

Lucy and Edmund Pevensie, along with their bratty cousin Eustace, are transported through a painting into the land of Narnia. They find themselves onboard the Dawn Treader, King Caspian's boat. Caspian and his crew are on a voyage to discover what happened to the seven men sent to sea by Caspian's evil Uncle Miraz. The friends want to explore as much of the East as they can, and hope to sail as far as Aslan's country at the End of the World.

This book takes the reader on quite an adventure. I found myself totally immersed in what was happening to Caspian, Lucy, Edmund, and Eustace. I think my favorite part in the book was when Eustace woke up to find that he had turned into a dragon. I loved the transformation he went through, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally.

I also loved the very end of the book, when Edmund and Lucy are talking with the lion, Aslan. Aslan has just informed the two children that they will never be in Narnia again, and they are understandably upset. But what upsets them most of all is that they will never get to see Aslan again, or meet him in their own world. Aslan says "But you shall meet me, dear one. . . . There I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."

As much as I enjoyed this book, though, I think it's time to take a break from the Chronicles of Narnia series. I'm all Narnia'd-out. So, I'm planning on reading One Tuesday Morning for my church book club, and then resuming the CoN books. A break will do me good.

4/5