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!