Speak

This story is a required reading for Jonathan's 9th grade English class. When he started reading it, he said that it was good, so I read it, too. It is an excellent story and I can see why it is required in so many high school English classes. The narrative style held my captive attention. Melinda is a very sympathetic main character that may, hopefully, encourage teenagers to find compassion for an outcast, understanding that there may be more than meets the eye. It's been awhile since I read a book that was hard to put down, but Speak was just that book, young adult or not. (5.0/5.0)

True Colors

This was the second book that I've read from author, Kristin Hannah. I enjoyed the dialogue much better this time and looked forward to reading each day, but overall, I was disappointed with the story. True Colors is a story about three sisters, Vivi Ann, Aurora, and Winona and their relationship with one another over a span of 20 years. The story has been described as very emotional, but I just didn't have that experience. Although the ending can be labeled as "happy", it just wasn't that satisfying to me. (3.0/5.0)

On Mystic Lake

Okay, I really don't think that I'm in a position to give a bad review. I mean, who am I to judge the work of someone that made it to a point to publish a book? That being said, I can only give an opinion of why a book may not work for me. On Mystic Lake is one of those books. I really loved the story. During the part of the book where the main character, Annie, is taking care of Izzy, the daughter of Annie's two best high school friends, Kathy and Nick, after Kathy's death, I couldn't put the book down. But for me, dialogue is EVERYTHING, and the dialogue in this book was...unnatural. These characters used dialogue that was overdramatic and to me....it just didn't work. On the positive side, I enjoyed the scenery descriptions and as I said, the storyline. I'm going to give this author another chance as I begin my March book club selection, True Colors, also by Kristin Hannah. (2.5/5.0)

Second Chance

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author, Jane Green, let us into each character's mind, rather than just the narrator's. I thought that was pretty clever. Old friends reunite because of a tragedy and, in turn, renew their friendships. I suppose because I've had similar experiences, I was really moved by the story. It was well-written, funny, and heart-warming. (4.0/5.0)

Library Loot

I've been in a little reading slump with everything else that's been going on lately, but I finally made it to the library today. I checked out four books and my goal is to finish all four. I'm sure that's usually your goal, but I've been averaging about half of my "loot". I've enjoyed Sarah Dessen so I checked out Someone Like You, I'm on the third in the Harry Potter series, I choose a Kristin Hannah, On Mystic Lake, and Disobedience by Ruth Hamilton.

My book club has chosen True Colors, by Kristin Hannah, for our March book. I've got my hands full for the next couple of weeks! I started reading On Mystic Lake today and I'm enjoying it so far, so I have high hopes for True Colors. Additionally, I love sister stories!