Maintenace and Challenge Update

Picture Taken By: Me

Posts (Make to look like other posts)

1. The Dowry Bride by Shobhan Bantwal
2. The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry
3. The Book of Names by Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori
4. Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea
5. The Scourge of God by William Dietrich
6. Evernight by Claudia Gray
7. Stargazer by Claudia Gray
8. Marked by Kristin Cast and P.C. Cast
9. Betrayed by Kristin Cast and P.C. Cast
10. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
11. Devilish by Maureen Johnson
12. Need by Carrie Jones
13. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
14. Ready by Lucy Monroe
15. Willing by Lucy Monroe
16. and Able by Lucy Monroe
17. Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
18. Kissing Coffins by Ellen Schreiber
19. Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber
20. Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber
21. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
22. The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
23. Asylum by Patrick McGrath
24. Chosen by Kristin Cast and P.C. Cast
25. You Suck! by Christopher Moore
26. The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
27. Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
28. The Silver Child by Cliff McNish
29. Silver City by Cliff McNish
30. Silver World by Cliff McNish
31. Goddess of the Night by Lynne Ewing
32. Into the Cold Fire by Lynne Ewing
33. Night Shade by Lynne Ewing
34. The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing
35. The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing
36. The Lost One by Lynne Ewing
37. Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing
38. Possession by Lynne Ewing
39. Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith
40. The Choice by Lynne Ewing
41. The Talisman by Lynne Ewing
42. The Prophecy by Lynne Ewing
43. The Becoming by Lynne Ewing
44. The Final Eclipse by Lynne Ewing
45. Captivate by Carrie Jones
46. Night Road by A.M. Jenkins
47. Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper
48. Tide of Terror by Justin Somper
49. Blood Captain by Justin Somper
50. Black Heart by Justin Somper
51. Dangerous Girls by R.L. Stine
52. Sweetblood by Pete Hautman
53. Counting on Grace by Elizabeth Winthrop
54. Torn Thread by Anne Isaacs
55. Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
56. Fallen by Lauren Kate
57. The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber
58. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
59. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
60. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
61. Hourglass by Claudia Gray
62. Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber
63. Love Bites by Ellen Schreiber
64. Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
65. Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
66. Falcondance by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
67. Wolfcry by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
68. Wyvernhail by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
69. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
70. The Hittite by Ben Bova
71. Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson
72. Insatiable by Meg Cabot
73. The Giver by Lois Lowry
74. The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
75. Trust Me by Jeff Abbott
76. First Light by Peter Ackroyd
77. The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd
78. Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
79. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
80. Traveller by Richard Adams
81. The Garden of Eden by Eve Adams
82. 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues
83. When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up by Dr. Michael D. Sedler
84. Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People by Elizabeth B. Brown
85. Untamed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
86. Hunted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
87. Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer
88. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson
89. The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson
90. The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle
91. The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd (2nd)
92. Goddess of the Night by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
93. There’s a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, Illustrated by Steve James
94. Into the Cold Fire by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
95. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole
96. Night Shade by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
97. Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
98. The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
99. Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
100. The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
101. The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
102. The Lost One by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
103. Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins
104. Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
105. Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle
106. Possession by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
107. The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
108. The Choice by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
109. Where Are You Going? To See My Friend by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura, Illustrated by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura
110. The Talisman by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
111. Crabby Pants by Julie Gassman, Illustrated by Richard Watson
112. The Prophecy by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
113. Fergus and the Night-Demon by Jim Murphy, Illustrated by John Mandeers
114. The Becoming by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
115. The Three Bully Goats by Leslie Kimmelman, Illustrated by Will Terry
116. The Final Eclipse by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
117. Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
118. The Little Red Pen by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
119. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Pages

1. About
2. FAQ
3. Policy and Disclosure
4. Book Lists
5. Coming Soon: By Completion
6. Planning to Read: By Author
7. Books Read: By Author
8. Books Read, But No Review: By Author
9. Fun Things
10. Completed Books/Series
11. Completed Young Adult Series
12. Completed Adult Series
13. Plans on Being Completed Young Adult Series
14. Plans on Being Completed Adult Series
15. Challenges
16. 2011
17. Giveaways
18. Links

Picture Taken By: Me

RhiReading's Informal PRR 2011 Challenge

Look above for the maintenance part of this challenge.

Re-Read and Re-Review - 2nd Review

I'm not going to do a second review for all of them, but I will try to re-read all of them. :D

1. The Dowry Bride by Shobhan Bantwal
2. The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry
3. The Book of Names by Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori
4. Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea
   
5. The Scourge of God by William Dietrich
6. Evernight by Claudia Gray
7. Stargazer by Claudia Gray
8. Marked by Kristin Cast and P.C. Cast
9. Betrayed by Kristin Cast and P.C. Cast
10. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
11. Devilish by Maureen Johnson
12. Need by Carrie Jones
13. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
14. Ready by Lucy Monroe
15. Willing by Lucy Monroe
16. and Able by Lucy Monroe
17. Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
18. Kissing Coffins by Ellen Schreiber
19. Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber
20. Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber
21. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
22. The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
23. Asylum by Patrick McGrath
24. Chosen by Kristin Cast and P.C. Cast
25. You Suck! by Christopher Moore
26. The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
27. Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
28. The Silver Child by Cliff McNish
29. Silver City by Cliff McNish
30. Silver World by Cliff McNish
31. Goddess of the Night by Lynne Ewing
32. Into the Cold Fire by Lynne Ewing
33. Night Shade by Lynne Ewing
34. The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing
35. The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing
    
36. The Lost One by Lynne Ewing
37. Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing
38. Possession by Lynne Ewing
39. Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith
40. The Choice by Lynne Ewing
41. The Talisman by Lynne Ewing
42. The Prophecy by Lynne Ewing
43. The Becoming by Lynne Ewing
44. The Final Eclipse by Lynne Ewing
45. Captivate by Carrie Jones
46. Night Road by A.M. Jenkins
47. Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper
48. Tide of Terror by Justin Somper
49. Blood Captain by Justin Somper
50. Black Heart by Justin Somper
51. Dangerous Girls by R.L. Stine
52. Sweetblood by Pete Hautman
53. Counting on Grace by Elizabeth Winthrop
54. Torn Thread by Anne Isaacs
55. Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
56. Fallen by Lauren Kate
57. The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber
58. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
59. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
60. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
61. Hourglass by Claudia Gray
62. Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber
    
63. Love Bites by Ellen Schreiber
    
64. Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
65. Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
66. Falcondance by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
67. Wolfcry by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
68. Wyvernhail by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
69. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
    
70. The Hittite by Ben Bova
71. Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson
72. Insatiable by Meg Cabot
73. The Giver by Lois Lowry
74. The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
75. Trust Me by Jeff Abbott
    
76. First Light by Peter Ackroyd
    
77. The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd
    
78. Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
79. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
80. Traveller by Richard Adams
    
81. The Garden of Eden by Eve Adams
    
82. 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues
    
83. When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up by Dr. Michael D. Sedler
    
84. Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People by Elizabeth B. Brown
    
85. Untamed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
86. Hunted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
87. Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer
    
88. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson
    
89. The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson
    
90. The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle
91. The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd (2nd)
92. Goddess of the Night by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
93. There’s a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, Illustrated by Steve James
94. Into the Cold Fire by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
95. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole
96. Night Shade by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
97. Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
98. The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
99. Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
100. The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
101. The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
102. The Lost One by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
103. Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins
104. Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
105. Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle
106. Possession by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
107. The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
108. The Choice by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
109. Where Are You Going? To See My Friend by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura, Illustrated by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura
110. The Talisman by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
111. Crabby Pants by Julie Gassman, Illustrated by Richard Watson
112. The Prophecy by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
113. Fergus and the Night-Demon by Jim Murphy, Illustrated by John Mandeers
114. The Becoming by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
115. The Three Bully Goats by Leslie Kimmelman, Illustrated by Will Terry
116. The Final Eclipse by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
117. Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
118. The Little Red Pen by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
119. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (2nd)

Total Finished Re-Reads: 18 Books

Total Definite Re-Reads: 44 Books

Total Maybe Re-Reads: 14 Books

Total Maybe Re-Reads Through Bind-Up Version: 5 Books


Total Not Going to Re-Reads: 38 Books

Banned Books

1. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole
2. Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
3. The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole

Picture Books

1. There’s a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, Illustrated by Steve James
2. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole
3. Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
4. Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
5. The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
6. Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins
7. Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle
8. The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
9. Where Are You Going? To See My Friend by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura, Illustrated by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura
10. Crabby Pants by Julie Gassman, Illustrated by Richard Watson
11. Fergus and the Night-Demon by Jim Murphy, Illustrated by John Mandeers
12. The Three Bully Goats by Leslie Kimmelman, Illustrated by Will Terry
13. Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
14. The Little Red Pen by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Reading Challenges

1. RhiReading's PRR 2011 Challenge
2. Goodreads 2011 Challenge

Read Some Books I Own

1. Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
2. The Little Red Pen by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Pages Read (400 pages each month)

1. January - 483 Pages
2. February - 464 Pages
3. March - 630 Pages
4. April - 1,912 Pages
5. May - 1,774 Pages

Goodreads 2011 Challenge

1. Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer
2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson
3. The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson
4. The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle
5. The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd (2)
6. Daughters of the Moon 01: Goddess of the Night by Lynne Ewing (2)
7. There’s a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, Illustrated by Steve James
8. Daughters of the Moon 02: Into Cold Fire by Lynne Ewing (2)
9. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole
10. Daughters of the Moon 03: Night Shade by Lynne Ewing (2)
11. Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
12. Daughters of the Moon 04: The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing (2)
13. Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
14. Daughters of the Moon 05: The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing (2)
15. The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
16. Daughters of the Moon 06: The Lost One by Lynne Ewing (2)
17. Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins
18. Daughters of the Moon 07: Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing (2)
19. Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle
20. Daughters of the Moon 08: Possession by Lynne Ewing (2)
21. The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
22. Daughters of the Moon 09: The Choice by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
23. Where Are You Going? To See My Friend by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura, Illustrated by Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura
24. Daughters of the Moon 10: The Talisman by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
25. Crabby Pants by Julie Gassman, Illustrated by Richard Watson
26. Daughters of the Moon 11: The Prophecy by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
27. Fergus and the Night-Demon by Jim Murphy, Illustrated by John Mandeers
28. Daughters of the Moon 12: The Becoming by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
29. The Three Bully Goats by Leslie Kimmelman, Illustrated by Will Terry
30. Daughters of the Moon 13: The Final Eclipse by Lynne Ewing (2nd)
31. Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
32. The Little Red Pen by Susan Stevens Crummel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens
33. The Mortal Instruments 01: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson

 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson

Bantam Dell

Published in 1818. Republished in 1967, 1981, and 2003

ISBN 0553212478

216 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



While voyaging through unexplored regions of the ocean where only ice dwells, Robert Walton discovers something more than new regions. He finds a man, Victor Frankenstein, on top of an ice raft. Robert finds a friend in Victor, but he finds out that sometimes knowledge is better left alone through Victor's story --- where Victor was in the same pursuit of knowledge and created a "monster" from it.

Okay, not really a good summary, but it will do. I checked out Frankenstein from my library because I wanted to compare it with The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd, which I will (re) read after I finish this review. :)

Anyways, the version of Frankenstein that I read has an introduction by Diane Johnson, author's introduction and a preface by Marlow before the beginning of the actual story part. I read all those, so I will mention how informative and good they are, of course. However, it is up to you, if you read this version, whether or not you want to read them or not. With the introduction by Diane Johnson, it was very err... informative. She writes information over Mary Shelley's life and how she kind of incorporate it in her story. It also talked about some of the themes that are in the book, so if you want to draw your own conclusions, don't read the introduction all the way. Anyways, I find it interesting, and it saved me some time because I didn't have to research Mary Shelley's life. Anyways, don't read it, read it up to you. ;) Next is the author's introduction. This is where Mary Shelley explains how she got the idea, why she wrote it, and things like that. Not really necessary to read, but it is interesting. Last is the preface by Marlow, where he explains the feelings he had over Frankenstein and makes over comments. Out of all the intro parts, I would say that the preface is the least necessary one, and it is only kind of interesting. However, it is up to you whether or not to read them. :D

Anyways, onto the main part of the novel and what I thought about it. ;) This novel is told by Robert Walton through letters to his sister, Margaret. Through these letters he retells the story of Victor Frankenstein as Victor tells it to him in some sort of lesson format. Why do I say a lesson format? Hmm... Because like Victor, Robert wants to further scientific discovery, and (I think) Victor wants him to learn that with discovery comes some consequences as he found out the hard way. There are other lessons like you shouldn't judge someone by how they look because you never know how good they are on the inside. Also, if you treat them harshly just because of their looks, you don't know how they will react and take it out on someone else. And I guess another one of the lessons is that you shouldn't create something (like life/a child) if you are just going to abandon and hate it. :( Like I said, a lot of lessons about moral compasses and how you should think before you act, and I like how the author makes all these lessons visible and pull your heart to it.

Now for the things that are both good and bad. Another thing I like is how the descriptions just pull you into the book, and you can just imagine how it might look like, but it does kind of get tiring to read all them to the point where you just skip over it. So, the descriptions are both a good thing and bad thing since there are so many of them. And I think that's all the things that are both good and bad. Now, this could be good or bad to you, depending how you are, but I don't think it was really "horror" since I didn't drop the book and run away. I don't like horror since I get scared a little too easily sometimes, so the book being kind of horrorless might appeal to some of you.

While I loved the lessons, descriptions, and emotions the novel tries to surface on you, I didn't like how disappointing it was, and how empty some of the actions were. But then again, I think this book is more a "lesson" one than an action or any other type of book. Though, I was still disappointed on how it ended and the lack of details of the actual experiment and other actions, which is why it is rated 4 out of 5. Though, even though it is sort of disappointing and leaves you wanting more, it leaves enough to make you think about things you normally wouldn't or try not to. Also, the character development doesn't happen that often in Mary Shelley's version, so the book is disappointing on that end as well. However, you feel sorry for both Victor and the monster on both ends --- and feel like they are both stupid in their ways of thinking.

Overall, the disappointment is a little bit overshadowed by how it makes you think how humane you really are. Also, the lessons it teaches and the emotions it shows leaves a strange mark on your heart. I definitely will read it again because of the emotions it brings out, that is, if I ever decide to re-read it. Though, I don't think I will check out the same book because this one is kind of falling apart. :X

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Mary Shelley
Goodreads: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson
Library Thing: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson
The Lost Entwife: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Introduction by Diane Johnson

Book Musing: How to decide? | Challenge Update

Picture Taken By: Me

How do you decide which books to buy? Or do you mostly pick to support your local public library for reading books?

For me, it is usually like this:

1. Read at library.
2. Put on my birthday/Christmas wish list.
3. Buy it whenever I can.

Though, sometimes it is like this:

1. See review on a blog or while searching the Internet.
2. Put it on my wish list, if the review is good.
3. Buy it whenever I can.

As one of the many adults who doesn't have a job and still living and assisting their parents around their house, I don't have that much money to spare to buy that many books. So what do I do to get the books I review, I support my public library because that is usually how your local government decides how much funds your public library gets.

How do I know this? I know because I volunteer at my public library, and the librarians told me that they keep track of these things: how many patrons come in and out, how many swap books/videos patrons check out, how many regular books and videos patrons check out, how many volunteers volunteer, the amount of total hours all the volunteers do together, how many employees they have, how many hours and days they are open during a certain length of time, how many books weren't return, how many replacement books were ordered, total amount of the money they earned (late fees, replacement card fees, etc.), how many people show up for their programs, and many more things. >.<

Another way they get funds is donations (books and money) from patrons, local organizations, and other things. For my library, they get donations from patrons and the volunteer membership organization, Friends of the Library, donates books/money towards the library. It is usually the Friends of the Library who do the fund-raising and helps with free programs for my library. So, if you see books for sell at the library or anything for fund-raising at your library, check to see where the money goes to. Helping out your library like that is usually what helps them get funds to books that people don't return, new books, get missing books in a series, and many fun programs - like my library does with Family Fun Night. :D

It is the library's, book review blog's, and authors who don't know when to end series (the ones who have 15+ books and still are ongoing) fault that my book wish list is so long. Luckily, I still have my library, who is usually pretty good with requests and have a lot more books than me, so I can still read (and review) books for fun.

So how do you get your books? How do you decide which books to buy? And, is there anyone else but me who uses (supports) their public library to review books a lot?

Picture Taken By: Me

For the Goodreads 2011 Reading Challenge, I have finished 1 book out of the 65. You can see the post below. :X

That's pretty much the only challenge I have completed. :S

Oh, I'm going to try to make little image headers (of pictures I have taken) for blog posts, so it will be prettier. :X Since I'm the one that took the pictures, please don't use them without permission. :) Another note, those of you who have been in snow may know the reason why I made that as the challenge image. :D Also, the font name is on there just in case if you want to use that font for your own headers. :D

Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer

THE ROYAL DIARIES SERIES

Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer

Scholastic

Published in 2000

ISBN 0439129087

214 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



The story of the very last Grand Duchess of Russia, Anastasia, told through a fictionalized diary by Carolyn Meyer in the Royal Diaries series/line.

Let's start with what urged me to check it out from the library. I decided to checked it out because I just love The Royal Diary series and the Dear America series since I love historical fiction. :D

I know this is for middle school and below, so it won't have all the elements that a young adult or adult book will have, so I will try not to go into the lack of details. For a middle school book, it does have the right amount of details and big words. Though, the one thing I can't forgive is how the diary entries are so out of place in the beginning that it is actually kind of boring, but it gets interesting once War World I starts up. Once those entries show up, it isn't that boring since they come pretty much in order and you can make sense of it. Yeah, so that is only thing I really don't like about the book, and that is the only reason why it is a 4 star instead of a 5 star. ;)

Now for the things I loved. I just loved how you can tell the author did her research over the matter, and she tried to keep it as accurate as she possibly can. Also, you can almost imagine how it might of felt like to live during World War I as Anastasia --- or, maybe, as any young, rich noble girl in Russia. Second thing I loved is that you can almost sense almost the kind of personality Anastasia might of have --- the mischievousness and playfulness almost pop out of the pages. And like all the Royal Diaries, I like the history notes, pictures, and other information the books usually come with. Also, I like how both the Royal Diaries and the Dear America books are pretty much fast reads --- I finished this one in pretty much 1-2 days. :D Oh, I also love the historical aspects of the books. :)

While like with most of the Royal Diaries or Dear America books, if you know the history, it already kind of spoils it, but what really makes these books special is how the authors in those series can pull off how a young teenager might have felt during that time and give that person a personality you can imagine relating to. So, despite being an adult, I still enjoy these book series because of the history and the other things I mentioned above.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Carolyn Meyer
Goodreads: Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer
Library Thing: Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer
The Book Lover: Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer

Resolution

Picture Taken By: Me

As a resolution, I decided to re-read all the books I have read.

Why? After reviewing for a year, I know what I'm missing now. So, of course I need to modify all of my old reviews. Don't ask me why. I have a weird thing of liking my reviews to look alike. >.<

Oh, I won't re-read all the books, just the ones where I think the reviews could be better.

Anyways, does anyone else have a resolution for their book review blog?

Recently Updated:

1. Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People by Elizabeth B. Brown
2. When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up by Dr. Michael D. Sedler
3. 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues

I'm going to make my 2011 PRR Challenge here. It is a informal challenge from RhiReading.

1. Re-Read existing book reviews to make better reviews.
2. Finish re-vamping my book review blog and leave it that way. :X
3. Read 65 new books for the new year. For the Goodreads 2011 Reading Challenge.
4. Read some banned books.
5. Read some of the books that are collecting dust in my book shelf. :X
6. Join some reading challenges.
7. Review some picture books.
8. Read at least 600 pages each month.

Moved...

Picture Taken By: Me

I moved my old Wordpress blog onto a free hosting site. :D

Why? Because I wanted to use pretty skins and Google Friend Connect (GFC). :P

I'll still use my old one, but it will be only used just in case if this site goes down due to bandwidth issues. Or, I might just post it on my Goodreads account until the bandwidth resets. ;)

Currently re-doing all the review posts to match this layout.

VIEW THIS BLOG IN FIREFOX. :X

COMPLETED

1. Review Posts
2. Side Bar

PAGES

1. 0 Pages out of 19 Pages: 0% Completed as of 1/7/2011
2. 0 Pages out of 19 Pages: 0% Completed as of 1/8/2011
3. 5 Pages out of 19 Pages: 0% Completed as of 1/9/2011

1. About
2. FAQ
3. Policy and Disclosure
4. Book Lists
5. Coming Soon: By Completion
6. Books Read: By Title
7. Books Read: By Author
8. Planning to Read: By Author
9. Books Read, But No Review: By Author
10. Fun Things
11. Completed Young Adult Series
12. About to be Completed Young Adult Series
13. Completed Adult Series
14. About to be Completed Adult Series
15. Single Book Young Adult
16. Single Book Adult
17. Giveaways
18. Challenges
19. Links