Another dystopian read.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Our society seems to thrill over this type of literature lately. We all seem to get on a bit of an emotional high from reading books, like this one, that explore the ugly, sick, sad, and disgusting things that come from a world with a corrupted government. (Anyone the least bit disturbed by this?) I have read a ton of dystopian  fiction lately and this book, Witch and Wizard by James Patterson is not a whole lot different from some of the other young adult dystopian fiction books I have read, except for the fact that in this book James Patterson throws in a magic twist by including the idea of the reality of witches and wizards. The central theme in the book- that society has once again uncovered and accused many people, young and old, of witchcraft with the punishment for this crime being death-leads this book in a thrilling direction as witch and wizard, Wisty and Whit, fight for their lives and for their freedom. This book was a fast, fun read with very little unclean language. (I noticed a few choice words used throughout the novel, but not enough to make me feel too concerned. I only felt their usage to be silly and unnecessary.) Other themes found throughout this book are a strong sense of loyalty to both family and friends, and it is also demonstrated throughout the novel the importance of close family relationships that are based on love and trust. (Although one might dispute the trust part of the familial relationship in this story since it isn't until Wisty and Whit are arrested for being a witch and wizard that they even find out that they do indeed have magical powers. Their parents never told them, which could have been for several different reasons, and although there are a couple of moments when Whit and Wisty wonder why they never told them, they don't seem to get too hung up about it and love their parents all the same.) This book could also be considered a coming of age book, since Whit and Wisty are indeed coming of age and coming to terms with their new found magical abilities that just begin to appear once they are taken away from their parents. So, they are left to discover on their own just what they can do with their powers and how in the world they are supposed to control them. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series, Witch and Wizard: The Gift.

My first read in 2012

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.


At the beginning of this year I was at a bit of a loss for what to read. I started several different books  (of which I am still in the process of finishing) but, just simply was having a hard time getting into any of them. So , after looking up different books written by James Dashner, the author of the very intriguing and crazy- to say the least- dystopian series The Maze Runner, I came upon this young-reader book, The 13th Reality The Journal of Curious Letters, and decided it would be nice to read this type of fun, easy, and entertaining book. And, indeed, this book was a great read. It reminded me of one of my favorite young-reader books by Brandon Mull, The Candy Shop War, (If you haven't yet read this book, I highly recommend it.) and of another young-reader book entitled, Janitors by Tyler Whitesides, which is also an exciting and magical type read for upper elementary age readers. My favorite aspects of this book were the strong family and friendship themes that are demonstrated throughout this wild and adventurous story. Dashner isn't shy about not only showing just how much Tick loves his family, but he also delves into his family's perspective in order to show how much they truly love and care about him, too. Tick feels he has the ability to be open and honest with his parents without harsh judgement, especially with his dad, and the demonstration of this value in a young-reader book is something I highly value, and sadly don't see as often in my reading as I would like to. Also, Tick, who is a bit of a nerd, and who has always been bullied by the kids at school , finally has the chance to know what it feels like to have real friends, the type of friends that will stand by him through thick and thin. This series is really already, a coming of age series, and I can see as the book continues on, that not only Tick, but the other kids too, will learn how to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, in their own way. Now, wouldn't just about every young reader learn something from reading about kids like that? This book is a great read for all young readers, boys and girls, who would like to be intrigued by many magical people, creatures, and things, and who have a love for solving problems and puzzles, as that is exactly what they will be doing right beside Tick and his friends as they join them on their adventure to finding out just what the 13th reality is and why they have been chosen to help save their world. Making this book, The 13th Reality The Journal of Curious Letters a good, fun, clean book that almost any young-reader is sure to enjoy.

"Welcome," said Hagrid,

"to Diagon Alley."

Okay, just kidding. I only wish I could welcome you to Diagon Alley, or some other equally great place. But, in a way, many of you out there may feel, like myself, that you have, in fact, been to Diagon Alley- although not for real, through the magical pages (and, you can't deny that they are indeed magical, can you?) of J.K. Rowlings books. And, somehow, for me anyway, that is real enough. Don't you agree?

And, this is why books are one of my very most favorite places to "be" in this whole entire world. (Next to being with my amazing husband and super sweet and adorable baby boy..) Books are the greatest adventure and escape that I can most possibly imagine. My small family doesn't have the money to travel to very many exotic and amazing places, but books have the power to take me just about anywhere, even to places that even money cannot buy, let alone create. Like the wonderful world of Harry Potter, or the amazing land of Narnia, or to the places and people that make up the stories contained in the wonderful Lord of the Rings trilogy. Oh, and you better believe that many, many, and much, much more books have taken me to so many other places to meet so many other people too.. It's more than amazing if you ask me. Is this something you have experienced yourself? Words simply cannot describe the way I feel wrapped within the arms of a good book, one that, through its pages, no matter how many, or how few,  becomes a dear companion to me- a friend that joins me in my walk through life. Still following me? I hope so. And if so, this blog might be a place you will want to visit every now and again.

So, let's try this again. Welcome, to my book blog. The place where I plan to share my feelings and insight into the books I am reading. I probably -no scratch that- I do not have the power to inspire, or set your heart on fire the way in which some books do, but maybe I will read something you might like to hear about, and read too, or I might be able to help you know what books your kids and teens might enjoy escaping into.

The point is, I guess, that reading is important and invaluable. Why? I know. But, do you? Tell me what you think. I'd love to hear all about why "books are [your] happy."