The truth is we're a bit behind on reviewing a few of our 2010 reads. However, I thought I'd give you a comprehensive list of all the books that made the grade of an A or A-. I could be amazing and list every book we read on this post, but really, it's easier if you just click on 2010 in our blog archives near the bottom of the page.
Ahem: (links are to our reviews)
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, by Anne Bronte
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
The Legend of Jimmy Spoon, by Kristiana Gregory
The Great and Only Barnum, by Candace Fleming
Anne of Green Gables Series, by L. M. Montgomery
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas
The Princess Bride, by William Goldman
Tisha, by Robert Specht and Anne Purdy
Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Flavia de Luce Series, by Alan Bradley
The Adoration of Jenna Fox, by Mary Pearson
A Spy in the House, by Y. S. Lee
The Attolia Series, by Megan Whalen Turner
The Case of the Gypsy Goodbye, by Nancy Springer
The Lady in the Tower, by Marie-Louise Jensen
Sabriel, by Garth Nix
Basil of Baker Street, by Eve Titus
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle
Crown Duel, by Sherwood Smith
Lady Grace Mysteries: Assasin, by Lady Grace Cavendish
Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, by Sonora Carver
The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Daughter of Fire and Ice, by Marie-Louise Jensen
Because most of the above list is Memory Mondays, it feels a bit like cheating. So Ryan and I are including our top 10 B+ books from 2010. There are others that were also graded a B+, but these were the favorite of that list:
(In no particular order)
On Viney's Mountain, by Joan Donaldson
Birthmarked, by Caragh O'Brien
When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
Swan Kingdom, by Zoe Marriott (reread)
City of Masks, by Mary Hoffman
At the House of the Magician Series, by Mary Hooper
Sea Change, by Aimee Friedman
The Body at the Tower, by Y. S. Lee
Sherwood Ring, by Elizabeth Marie Pope
Princess of Glass, by Jessica Day George
There are SO many good books that got a B+, B, B-....many out there that deserve a read or two. Feel free to browse our archives. This is just the best of what we've read this year. We had nearly 200 posts, so if you don't find something fun on this list feel free to look around.
Sticky Notes
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Roaring Twenties: Double Review
I hope everyone had a nice holiday season. We had a lovely Christmas with lots of chocolate and a darling 2 year old squealing over every tiny thing.
Now that things have settled down a bit, I can hopefully get back into the groove of reviewing! I must confess I haven't been reading nearly as much, but I noticed a definite trend in the past couple of weeks: The roaring twenties! That exotic decade where women are devastatingly feminine but tried so hard to hide their figures under boyishly cut dresses. Where speakeasies and the prohibition were the hot topics, and long hair was so passe. It was a decade that almost didn't seem to fit between the 1910s and 1930s. And here we are almost 100 years later, as if we can't help being fascinated. And really, you can't.
Bright Young Things, by Anna Godbersen
Young Adult, 2011
from the publisher:
Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star. . . .
Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined - and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.
The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.
Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall - together and apart.
I've had this on my Shelfari bookcase since I heard it was coming out, and then was very patient until my library finally put it on the hold shelf for me. Anna Godbersen wrote the Luxe series and I was a big fan of her writing and creativity. She doesn't fail this time around. Her first paragraphs immediately transport you back to the 20s and within a few words you're caught up in the excitement the author has concocted for you.
The characters are thankfully each their own unique person, and the streets of New York are delightfully captured by Godbersen without seeming cliche or touristy. Cordelia's new relationship with her father was believable, but her new relationship with brother Charlie was odd. I never quite understood whether they liked each other or not - the trust there seemed to hang on an edge one minute and be solid the next. However, I'm sure many questions will be answered in Beautiful Days, the sequel due out December, 2011.
Graded a B+.
(Note: The plot was a B-; the writing brings it up.)
And then a similar book, a debut this year was published around the same time. Was I skeptical? Absolutely. Anna Godbersen has one thing going strong for her - she can write. No matter how good of a plot Vixen had, could it live up to those expectations?
The Flappers: Vixen, by Lila Fine and Jillian Larkin
(Note: Lila Fine is mentioned on this particular cover and fantasticfiction.co.uk. However, only Jillian Larkin is given credit in the copy I read and on Amazon.)
Young Adult, 2010
Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle - and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she's engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago's most powerful families, Gloria's party days are over before they've even begun . . . or are they?
Clara Knowles, Gloria's goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch - but Clara isn't as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she'll do anything to keep hidden. . . .
Lorraine Dyer, Gloria's social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria's shadow. When Lorraine's envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone's going to be very sorry. . . .
The story line is intriguing. I expected many similarities to Godbersen's book, although there were less than I had anticipated. The plot keeps moving and you learn to love one of the characters, hate the other, and wonder about the third. And then of course there is Marcus. What would we do without men like Marcus haunting our books and making the girls fall in love with him? A fun wrench in the bike, the plot overall was decent. In its own way, in fact, just as good, if not better as Godbersen's plot. However, the writing didn't quite reach the high expectations I set for it - perhaps I should have read this one first.
Graded a B-.
(Note: The plot is about a B/B-, the writing keeps it at a B- overall.)
And the sequel, Ingenue, is also due out next year. Perhaps another double review? :)
Now that things have settled down a bit, I can hopefully get back into the groove of reviewing! I must confess I haven't been reading nearly as much, but I noticed a definite trend in the past couple of weeks: The roaring twenties! That exotic decade where women are devastatingly feminine but tried so hard to hide their figures under boyishly cut dresses. Where speakeasies and the prohibition were the hot topics, and long hair was so passe. It was a decade that almost didn't seem to fit between the 1910s and 1930s. And here we are almost 100 years later, as if we can't help being fascinated. And really, you can't.
Bright Young Things, by Anna GodbersenYoung Adult, 2011
from the publisher:
Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star. . . .
Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined - and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.
The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.
Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall - together and apart.
I've had this on my Shelfari bookcase since I heard it was coming out, and then was very patient until my library finally put it on the hold shelf for me. Anna Godbersen wrote the Luxe series and I was a big fan of her writing and creativity. She doesn't fail this time around. Her first paragraphs immediately transport you back to the 20s and within a few words you're caught up in the excitement the author has concocted for you.
The characters are thankfully each their own unique person, and the streets of New York are delightfully captured by Godbersen without seeming cliche or touristy. Cordelia's new relationship with her father was believable, but her new relationship with brother Charlie was odd. I never quite understood whether they liked each other or not - the trust there seemed to hang on an edge one minute and be solid the next. However, I'm sure many questions will be answered in Beautiful Days, the sequel due out December, 2011.
Graded a B+.
(Note: The plot was a B-; the writing brings it up.)
And then a similar book, a debut this year was published around the same time. Was I skeptical? Absolutely. Anna Godbersen has one thing going strong for her - she can write. No matter how good of a plot Vixen had, could it live up to those expectations?
The Flappers: Vixen, by Lila Fine and Jillian Larkin(Note: Lila Fine is mentioned on this particular cover and fantasticfiction.co.uk. However, only Jillian Larkin is given credit in the copy I read and on Amazon.)
Young Adult, 2010
Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle - and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she's engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago's most powerful families, Gloria's party days are over before they've even begun . . . or are they?
Clara Knowles, Gloria's goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch - but Clara isn't as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she'll do anything to keep hidden. . . .
Lorraine Dyer, Gloria's social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria's shadow. When Lorraine's envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone's going to be very sorry. . . .
The story line is intriguing. I expected many similarities to Godbersen's book, although there were less than I had anticipated. The plot keeps moving and you learn to love one of the characters, hate the other, and wonder about the third. And then of course there is Marcus. What would we do without men like Marcus haunting our books and making the girls fall in love with him? A fun wrench in the bike, the plot overall was decent. In its own way, in fact, just as good, if not better as Godbersen's plot. However, the writing didn't quite reach the high expectations I set for it - perhaps I should have read this one first.
Graded a B-.
(Note: The plot is about a B/B-, the writing keeps it at a B- overall.)
And the sequel, Ingenue, is also due out next year. Perhaps another double review? :)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Daughter of Fire and Ice, by Marie-Louise Jensen
I am pleased to have yet another of Marie-Louise Jensen's books ready for review. I read it a few weeks ago, but the holidays/pregnancy are catching up with me! I actually couldn't find this on Amazon and while I considered Book Depository, my husband was going to England, and bless his heart, he got me a copy. He actually got me a few other works that the US is behind on publishing, but this one I HAD to read first:
Daughter of Fire and Ice, by Marie-Louise Jensen
Young Adult, 2010
from Marie-Louise Jensen's website:
"A sense of menace grew on me all morning. A shadow of approaching doom. That was the first warning…"
My only problem comes from one chapter that bothered me mostly because I'm married. (And I feel that marriage should come with total and complete fidelity.) However, that's a personal opinion and is not reflective of Jensen's writing.
So, the final word? Read it!
Graded an A-.
For more reviews of Marie-Louise Jensen's books:
The Lady in the Tower
Between Two Seas
Daughter of Fire and Ice, by Marie-Louise JensenYoung Adult, 2010
from Marie-Louise Jensen's website:
"A sense of menace grew on me all morning. A shadow of approaching doom. That was the first warning…"
Stolen from her family by a cruel Viking chieftain, Thora's future looks bleak. Yet Thora has visions, and in one she foresees a daring escape with a new companion. Seizing this chance involves stealing a ship bound for Iceland - but someone must die. The journey is dangerous, and a fateful encounter will change the course of their lives. Soon Thora will know hardship and the bitterness of forbidden love. And all the while she and her new-found companion fear their crimes may catch up with them….
This time around, Jensen added a bit of magic or ability, if you will, that adds a little spice to Thora's adventures. And while the story starts off at a happily normal pace, it doesn't stay that way. Before you know it your breath is catching, your heart is racing and you're punching pillows with reckless abandon. And then of course, there's the Viking history and culture that is fascinating, written 'up close' so you can appreciate their situations, sympathize with their every day problems, and experience it all first hand for yourself. Of course, I told my husband more than once (while reading it) that I never wanted to be a Viking! Everything ends as it should, thankfully, and you close the book with satisfaction (although your pillows may be a bit worn out).My only problem comes from one chapter that bothered me mostly because I'm married. (And I feel that marriage should come with total and complete fidelity.) However, that's a personal opinion and is not reflective of Jensen's writing.
So, the final word? Read it!
Graded an A-.
For more reviews of Marie-Louise Jensen's books:
The Lady in the Tower
Between Two Seas
Friday, December 17, 2010
Failed to Finish Friday
I'm not a huge fan of these posts, but....well, they happen. And what's more, these were books that I was a) looking forward to big time, and b) looking forward to big time by other people.
Pegasus, by Robin McKinley
YA, 2010
I know I just heard audible gasps from people. What? You couldn't finish THIS?! I know, I know! When I go out of town, I bring sometimes upwards of half a dozen books to read, and then slam through them in a few short days. But this time...while I liked the plot idea and the characters, it was a bit of a slow start. Plus there were times where it was written very passively, almost languidly if you can write languidly. I think I may give it another shot in the future - after all, this is Robin McKinley for crying out loud. But for now I'm depressingly adding it to my 'failed to finish' list.
Star Crossed, by Elizabeth Bunch
YA, 2010
*Note: My cover was different.
You remember Bunce from A Curse Dark as Gold. I never reviewed it here (I have no idea why.), but I did enjoy it. A Rumpelstiltskin retelling, it was very enjoyable - not perhaps a top favorite that year, but definitely something I'd reread in the future. So, I waited breathlessly for her latest, crossing my fingers that it was another keeper.
Digger is an interesting inquisitive character who's as street smart as they come. And her situation is full of coincidences and mishaps that push the plot forward. But everything felt very very much like historic London with a pinch of Italy thrown in. Because it was SO similar to that London feel, it frustrated me when it wasn't. History didn't fit her needs, so she created a new country - I'm fine with that as long as the new country is unique enough to be its own. I know this is incredibly nit-picky of me, but it's a small pet peeve that drove me nuts until finally abotu a third of the way through I gave up. This one I can also see trying again at some point, but not in the near future.
Hopefully our next posts will be a bit more positive. We haven't read a lot - many pressing commitments over the holidays, etc. But I can give you a hint - I read Bright Young Things and loved it.... :)
Pegasus, by Robin McKinleyYA, 2010
I know I just heard audible gasps from people. What? You couldn't finish THIS?! I know, I know! When I go out of town, I bring sometimes upwards of half a dozen books to read, and then slam through them in a few short days. But this time...while I liked the plot idea and the characters, it was a bit of a slow start. Plus there were times where it was written very passively, almost languidly if you can write languidly. I think I may give it another shot in the future - after all, this is Robin McKinley for crying out loud. But for now I'm depressingly adding it to my 'failed to finish' list.
Star Crossed, by Elizabeth BunchYA, 2010
*Note: My cover was different.
You remember Bunce from A Curse Dark as Gold. I never reviewed it here (I have no idea why.), but I did enjoy it. A Rumpelstiltskin retelling, it was very enjoyable - not perhaps a top favorite that year, but definitely something I'd reread in the future. So, I waited breathlessly for her latest, crossing my fingers that it was another keeper.
Digger is an interesting inquisitive character who's as street smart as they come. And her situation is full of coincidences and mishaps that push the plot forward. But everything felt very very much like historic London with a pinch of Italy thrown in. Because it was SO similar to that London feel, it frustrated me when it wasn't. History didn't fit her needs, so she created a new country - I'm fine with that as long as the new country is unique enough to be its own. I know this is incredibly nit-picky of me, but it's a small pet peeve that drove me nuts until finally abotu a third of the way through I gave up. This one I can also see trying again at some point, but not in the near future.
Hopefully our next posts will be a bit more positive. We haven't read a lot - many pressing commitments over the holidays, etc. But I can give you a hint - I read Bright Young Things and loved it.... :)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Some great news!
So, a lot of why we're slow to blog (but still reading, I swear!) is of course the holiday season, but another big part is some big wonderful fabulous news...
We're expecting! It's a girl, which we're very excited about since we already have a boy. For a fun opportunity to vote on our name ideas, go here. I'm due in April, and although it changes our family proportions, our blog name will stay the same. :)
Meanwhile I'm in the middle of The Two Towers (I just finished Fellowship of the Ring). I'm rereading the trilogy since it's been at least....10 years?! But on my bedside table at this moment just waiting is Pegasus by Robin McKinley and Bright Young Things, by Anna Godberson. Two much-looked-for books this year!
Again, feel free to give us your two cents worth by voting:
Or if you don't like the options, hey, give us some more ideas!
We're expecting! It's a girl, which we're very excited about since we already have a boy. For a fun opportunity to vote on our name ideas, go here. I'm due in April, and although it changes our family proportions, our blog name will stay the same. :)
Meanwhile I'm in the middle of The Two Towers (I just finished Fellowship of the Ring). I'm rereading the trilogy since it's been at least....10 years?! But on my bedside table at this moment just waiting is Pegasus by Robin McKinley and Bright Young Things, by Anna Godberson. Two much-looked-for books this year!
Again, feel free to give us your two cents worth by voting:
Or if you don't like the options, hey, give us some more ideas!
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