Insatiable

This book was kind of interesting. It kind of pokes fun at the whole vampire craze right now, while at the same time being yet another book about, what else, vampires. It is pretty clean, just takes a while to get going. The writing is clever. It's not the best book of all time, but I'd give it a solid B- to C+. The cover makes it look like a scandalous romance novel, but it's really not.

Return

I got EJ this book for his birthday, and we have yet to begin reading it. It looks really good--has anyone read this one yet? Any thoughts?

The Overton Window

Rachel Durazzani says:


A pretty good read. I have to admit it wasn't as much of a thriller as I expected. I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat as I had anticipated. However, the research behind the book was amazing. I am so impressed with all the work that went into writing the book (whether the work ALL was done by Beck or not, he was involved). I loved the many references to the founding fathers, and the quotes that were used, and how Beck wove them into the storyline. I love the concept of the Overton Window and that the book itself (as stated in the afterword) is an Overton Window. And although the story is a little farfetched, it did make me think about my role as a citizen of the United States and where we are headed and what I want to do about where we are headed. I also liked that it was not party politics as usual. No one party is to blame and no one party is completely innocent.


Thank you, Rachel! You write great reviews. --The Fiction Fairy

Half Magic

This book was one of my favorite chapter books growing up. I think I checked it out almost every time I went to the library. I have been on the hunt for it for YEARS, but could not remember the title. While browsing through books on the internet last week, I found it again!!! I immediately ordered it off of eBay, and have been loving reading it again. It is clever and fun, even for older audiences. It is the story of four children who come across a magic coin which allows them to make wishes. However, the coin comes with a catch--it only grants HALF of your wish. Thus, if you want your entire wish to come true, you must figure out a way to wish for double of what you want. Depending on your wish, this can become quite complicated. It's a great adventure story, suitable for all audiences. Check it out--it is outstanding!

Born to Run

Rachel Durazzani says:


Awesome! Seriously, awesome. And so inspiring. If you've ever been interested in running or have ever run or have ever considered running, I would recommend this book. This book is responsible for some of the barefoot running trend. But even if you're not ready for that, you should still read the book. It's a nonfiction/documentary that reads like a story. I actually listened to it while training for my 1/2 marathon, and loved every minute of it...sometimes running longer so I could keep listening.

The language, surprisingly, is a bit rough. Not horrible, but just a general warning. Now you can't say I didn't warn you! 

Thank you again, Rachel! The book sounds really interesting. --The Fiction Fairy

The Poisonwood Bible

Rachel Durazzani says:


The Poisonwood Bible is an interesting look into one missionary family's experiences as they relocated to Africa, in an effort to spread Christianity in the Congo in the early 1960s. Each chapter is told from either one of the daughter's or the mother's point of view, making for a quick read. The stories will both inspire you and break your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was a little iffy when I first started and it did take me a little while to get into it. However, once the character development started, I couldn't wait to get back to the book. I was fascinated by Kingsolver's storytelling and how well she brought the characters to life. I found myself thinking of each of the characters long after I finished reading. Kingsolver does an excellent job of transporting her readers to another world in another time. A must read in my opinion.


Thank you, Rachel!! Sounds like a great book. --The Fiction Fairy

The Fiction Fairy is Dying...

Since apparently nobody really reads this blog, I'm thinking about retiring it. :(

Call to Fellow Readers!

We need some new book reviews up here, readers! What have you read lately and liked or not liked? With kids back in school for fall, it is a good time to pick up a book and read when you have the time. Let's hear from some of you out there!

The Last Prophesy

EJ Morgan says:


This book was pretty intense. I had never read any Jon Land books before, but this caught my eye. It is about two Middle-eastern detectives who work for the UN, and they learn of a possible terrorist attack on the USA. While trying to solve this case, they are also working on finding the meaning behind some prophecies made by Nostradamus which actually could help them prevent the attack. It is a good mix of action twists, and mystery. The only downside is one of the minor characters in the book has a language problem. His language is pretty rough, so I would rate it at least PG-13. It keeps you interested until the very end!


Thank you, EJ! --The Fiction Fairy

The Help

Rachel Durazzani says:




The Help is a historical fiction about black women and their white employers in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. It is told from the perspective of three women - two servants and one white woman - who each take turns telling their stories. It is such a fascinating look into the south and what it was like to live in pre-segregation America. I found myself completely invested in each of the characters, and at times I felt like I was transplanted to the deep south. I was so sad when the book came to an end and have thought about it so many times since I finished. Definitely my best read of the summer and one that I will read again.

I would give it a PG-13 rating for some strong language and disturbing descriptions. 

Thank you, Rachel! --The Fiction Fairy

Austenland

This book was one I just came across while wandering the rows of the library, and it ended up being a pretty fun one. It is about a woman who signs up for a "Jane Austen Retreat," in which women who are obsessed with Mr. Darcy and the other Austen heroes spend a week in a sort of role-playing world, and get to live out their fantasies with actors who work at the retreat. It's interesting, because the heroine discovers a lot about herself, and about what she really wants in life. Mr. Darcy may or may not be all he is cracked up to be in the imaginations of women all over the world. A fun summer read! I would say it is PG.

The Last Summer (of You & Me)

This book is the story of two sisters, Alice and Riley, who spend their summers on Fire Island together with their parents. It is a sweet story about growing up, sister relationships, young romance, and dealing with tragic events. It is a quick read, and the story definitely moves along and pulls you in, as each sister struggles to find herself, and assert independence in her life. It is from the author of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, so it definitely has that more teenage element to it. However, it is a bit more mature than that series, which some sensual scenes which can be a little too racy at times. For this reason I would give the book a PG-13 rating.

The Moroni Code

EJ Morgan says:




This is a very interesting book. It is a mystery, problem solving story about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. It has some pretty cool twists and is written very well. Plus it has a a good spiritual side. The author put in a lot of factual information about the translation of the Book of Mormon and I found it very cool and informative. Its a quick read and really fun. I highly recommend it and give it a PG rating. 






Thanks, EJ! --The Fiction Fairy

Eat Pray Love

Rachel Durazzani says:


This was an interesting book for me. I read it in two parts, putting it down after a few weeks because I had a difficult time getting into it. The book is about a woman who takes a year of her life to travel to three different countries - Italy, India and Indonesia - while finding herself and figuring out what she believes in. The first few chapters, as she described needing to "find herself" and why she spent a  year of her life traveling, was not my favorite part. I found it kind of boring and off-putting. However, once the she got into her actual traveling I enjoyed it much more. I thought that the Italy section would be my favorite, however, my favorite was her time in Bali. The descriptions of the various places she visited were so descriptive and inviting that I felt like I was there with her, too. And it certainly increased a desire in me to see more of the world - places I've never been. So all in all, it's probably worth a read. I am curious to see how the movie turns out!




Thank you Rachel! --The Fiction Fairy

Mr. Darcy: Vampyre

Ok, this is just a totally fun, silly book. It is a continuation of the Pride and Prejudice story. It picks up right after Darcy and Elizabeth get married, and takes a fun twist, for those who love Twilight. It is a quick read, and purely entertaining, with some fun twists. It's a little corny, but hey, sometimes that's fun, too. Rated PG.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

This is the book I'm reading at the moment...it is amazing! I didn't want to wait to finish it to review it. I am loving the style of writing, the interesting story line, and the fact that so far it is quite clean. It is the story of a little girl who can taste the emotions of those who prepared her food. For example, when her mother bakes her a cake, she tastes the sadness her mother is feeling and the struggles she is going through. It is very unique, and makes you think. I hope it has a good ending, cause I am loving it!

The Berenstein Bear Series

So, I thought a good kid's book deserved a shout out. This series is, in my opinion, one of the best children's series out there. They are fun, cute, and teach good lessons to kids. Almost everyone has read them, and has their own favorites. Mine are "Too Much Junk Food," "No Girls Allowed," "Stage Fright," and "Messy Room." What were some of your favorites?

The Compound

Melanie Connell says:


Evan, Jenna and I just read a book that was a page turner from beginning to end.  It's called The Compound, by S.A. Bodeen.  It's a book about a billionaire father who builds a shelter in the case of a nuclear winter for his family.  It's written from the perspective of his teenage son and is very fascinating.  There are some disturbing themes, but it is a young adult book and would still be rated PG. 

The Plot Against America

This book is for those who enjoy politics and history. It's actually a pretty fascinating concept. The basic premise is about what our country would have been like if Charles Lindbergh had won the presidency in the 1940's instead of FDR. It follows the Roths, a Jewish-American family suffering from the persecution of those around them. It's absolutely fascinating, because it paints an America that is quite different from ours historically, yet it really seems quite plausible at the same time. It's kind of scary to think about how much a President can change the history of a country, especially looking at the President we have now. Makes you think.

This book is PG.

Her Fearful Symmetry

This book is really interesting. It is very well written, and creates a very unique look into the lives of a few different people who come together in a twisted story of love, obsession, hauntings, and the purpose of life.

The story is very intriguing, and the twists in the plot had my jaw dropped in disbelief. After finishing it, I did find it a bit unsettling. If anyone else has read it, I'm curious as to how they felt about it! If you are looking for a story that is filled with twists that makes you think, this is a good summer read.

It is the story of a set of twin girls, who's mother also had a twin. They become entangled with their Aunt's life, when she passes away and leaves them her home in London. They begin to unlock the secret's of their mother and Aunt's fractured relationship, and begin to wonder if their Aunt's spirit may not be as far as they think...

I'd say it is PG-13, for a few swear words.

Beloved

This book is very intense, let me warn you. If you are interested in slave culture, this book is absolutely fascinating. The writing and word imagery is GORGEOUS. Toni Morrison is truly one of the most talented female authors of this century.

This book is the Pulitzer Prize winning story of a former slave, who has escaped with her daughters to freedom, and is trying to start a new life. She is constantly haunted by "Beloved," a daughter who was murdered years before. She believes her daughter's spirit comes back into her life in the form of a woman, who mysteriously appears one day and becomes an intricate part of their lives. There are interesting twists and revelations throughout the book, as the author explores the relationships between men and women, women and their daughters, and even life and death.

This book is PG-13 for more adult themes, and some sensuality.

Dies the Fire

Chad Brazee says:


What if one day all of our toys that we depend so much on in this modern world were suddenly just taken away? These books start with just that on March 17, 1998 at 6:15 PST. In a flash of light and sharp pain, all of the world's electronics, engines, and guns just stop working and the world is thrown into a Armageddon-like chaos. Now without our normal weapons and communications, you better learn the sword and bow quickly if you want to see 1999. This is definitely one of the most original books I have ever read, and I loved every page of it. It is a more mature book with some swearing and other mature topics. It takes a good look at the best and worst of humanity when the world falls apart around them. One other interesting note--it takes Mormons into account, which I have never seen in an a post apocalyptic book. 


This book is part of a series, and is rated PG-13 for more mature, disturbing storylines. 

In Cold Blood

This book is creepy, I'm not going to lie. It is the true story of the murders of a small town family, that shook the town to its core. Truman Capote wrote a book about the case, and spend a great deal of time with the two murderers. He grew to know them and their background, and tried to understand why they did what they did. Oddly enough, he actually ended up falling in love with one of the killers. This is not portrayed in the book, just a side note. This book is a little slow moving, but a very interesting look into the minds and motives of killers. 

This book is PG--a little violence, and disturbing images.

p.s. if you have access to edited movies, watch the movie "Capote" before or after you read the book. It is outstanding, and shows the story of how he wrote this book. It is rated R.

March

Today's book is another Pulitzer Prize winner. The story is very interesting--it is the story of the father from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. If you have read Little Women or seen the movie, the father is away at war for most of the story, and has a minimal part in the book when he returns. This book explores his life at war, the relationships he formed, the mistakes he made, and the letters he received from home. It is a great story, but if you love Little Women you may be a little hesitant to love this book. It does change your idea and impression of Mr. March. It is a fascinating sort of "parallel" to Little Women, however. Enjoy!

This book is very tame, probably a PG.

The Boleyn Inheritance

Jessica Brazee says:

This book is a sequel to The Other Boleyn Girl, set during the tyrannical reign of King Henry VIII. The book follows the King's fourth and fifth marriages through a tangled web of deceit, greed, lust, betrayal, and treason. The captivating story is told through three voices: that of Anne, the genuinely sweet new queen; Katherine Howard, the queen's silly maid in waiting who is posturing to be the next queen; and Jane Boleyn, the Queen's right hand, with deviously selfish motives of her own. The historical story explores the fallout of Queen Anne Boleyn's treasonous effect on the mad king and the danger his future wives and court inherited. A great read if you enjoy the scandalously entertaining Tudor era. PG13 for adult themes.

--Jessica Brazee

No Country for Old Men

Today's book is pretty intense. This book is outstanding--great story and character development. It is a very intense story, with one of the creepiest villains I've ever read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.

It is the story of a kind of average Joe, who comes across a drug deal gone bad and an abandoned bag of money. As he decides he and his wife need this money, a professional killer is sent to track him down. It is a chase, that will leave you wondering, is there a hero in the story?

I would say this book is PG-13, based on some violence, and a few swear words.

Gilead

Today's book, "Gilead," is a Pulitzer Prize winner. It is the beautiful story of a retired Reverend, nearing the end of his life, who decides to write letters to his very young son about his life, the lessons he learned, and the advice he wants to pass on. It is a truly touching look at relationships, courage, love, forgiveness, and Christianity. It is a little bit on the slower side, but is still a pretty quick read.

This books is very tame, and I'd rate it a PG.

The Ranger's Apprentice Series

I loved these books, and when my kids are old enough I will most defiantly read these books to them. They are for young-to teenage readers. They are a coming of age story, set in a land that is much like medieval Europe. The author is a great story teller. What makes these books great is the characters. I feel like I know every one of the characters in these books, even the ones that oppose the main characters. Best of all it has a good dash of humor. These are great adventure books, especially for boys.


Right now there are eight books in the series.

--Chad Brazee

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Today's book is "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer. I can honestly say this book changed my view of life and death. It is incredibly moving, and poignant. It is about a young boy who's father dies in the World Trade Center on September 11th. It is a very interesting journey through his young mind as he works through the grief of losing his father, and his mother starting to move on. Though it may not seem like it could be, it is actually laugh out loud funny at times. Other times, you cannot help but cry with him. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this book, is the fact that it is a sort of graphic novel. There are pictures, which are "collected" by the little boy. There are also very interesting literary techniques that Foer uses which may surprise you. With this book, he has truly made a name for himself in the literary world as a very creative, smart author. This book is definitely worth your time!

I would rate this book PG-13, due to a few swear words, and some interesting things his little boy mind thinks about. Nothing horrible, just typical boy curiosity.

How to Post Your Review....

Ok fellow readers, this is how I think things will work the best. If you have a book you'd like to give a little shout out to, just email me the name of the book and whatever you want to say about it. It doesn't matter if it is a long description, or a simple "I liked it or didn't like it." Just send it to me, and I will post it onto the blog! Please, please share!! We want to hear your opinions. My email address is TheFictionFairy@gmail.com. Thanks, everyone!

The Hunger Games

I heard for a long time that this book was good, but I was pretty skeptical. I'm not a huge futuristic fiction fan, and I didn't think I would like it. However, when I was fresh out of books, I decided to pick it up off the shelf and give it a try. I loved it! It is outstanding. The story is simple, yet very compelling. It is a real page-turner, and a quick read.

The basic premise is this: in the future, there is great poverty, and the people have been divided up into certain districts. Every year, two youth from each of the twelve districts must enter into a televised competition in which they must kill each other off, Lord of the Flies-style. Of course the plot becomes very dramatic and complicated, as relationships are formed. It's a great summer read, and the sequel was recently released.

The parallels to today's world are also interesting--it really makes you think.

A third book is on the way, as well. For those who have read it, what did you think?

For the Love of Books!

Family and friends! I decided to start this website because, well, I love books! I know lots of you out there enjoy reading too, so why not share together? Feel free to write a little review of a fiction book you are reading! It's always fun to find a new summer read. If there is a book you are considering reading but want to know if it is worth the time, throw the question out to the group! Chances are someone out there has read it. Always remember, here you are among friends...now let's get this started!