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christianreader2016-09-09 11:47 pm
birdienl.livejournal.com) wrote in christianreader2016-09-09 11:47 pm
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My August reads
Kiera Cass – The heir 4/5
In the fourth novel of Kiera Cass's Selection series, we follow the daughter of America Singer, princess Eadlyn, as she goes through her own Selection to find a husband.
On the one hand, this was a nice, simple, happy read like the three previous books in this series. There are many interesting new characters to root for, although Eadlyn herself takes some warming to. On the other hand, the problems I had with the previous books somehow increased in this one. It's all a bit too simple and predictable and the background of the story and world this takes place in is sooo vague. I understand this is YA lit and I shouldn't expect too much, but still. I do still want to read the next and last book, just to find out how everything ends!
I bought this book last year when I went on holiday to Yorkshire (though I didn't visit the pub myself). It's an interesting story about a very special rural piece of England, with lots of history and traditions. Still, somehow I had expected something else from the book blurb and the cover. More humorous tales of running such a remote pub and the interesting customers. And less of a history lesson about the Yorkshire Dales. The book also ended on a bit of a low note, which didn't increase my overall opinion of the book.
Books in August: 5
Books in 2016: 21
In the fourth novel of Kiera Cass's Selection series, we follow the daughter of America Singer, princess Eadlyn, as she goes through her own Selection to find a husband.
On the one hand, this was a nice, simple, happy read like the three previous books in this series. There are many interesting new characters to root for, although Eadlyn herself takes some warming to. On the other hand, the problems I had with the previous books somehow increased in this one. It's all a bit too simple and predictable and the background of the story and world this takes place in is sooo vague. I understand this is YA lit and I shouldn't expect too much, but still. I do still want to read the next and last book, just to find out how everything ends!
Jo Baker – Longbourn
This is Pride and Prejudice from the other side, the story told as the servants see it: housekeeper Mrs. Hill, maid Sarah and the new valet. We read how they helped the Bennet sisters get ready for the Netherfield ball, but also their own stories of love and loss.
This book pleasantly surprised me. I had to get into the language and very different style of storytelling for the first 50 pages or so, but after that I was taken along with the characters' pursuits quite smoothly. It was very interesting to read about the lifes of the servants in the early 19th century. This book does shine a different light on some of our beloved P&P characters and I understand that might not be to everyone's liking. But I few it as a story apart from Austen's work, so it didn't bother me to much. It might have helped that I attended a lecture about this book where we dove into many of the historical details of the period.
John Ortberg – Know doubt 4,5/5
This is Pride and Prejudice from the other side, the story told as the servants see it: housekeeper Mrs. Hill, maid Sarah and the new valet. We read how they helped the Bennet sisters get ready for the Netherfield ball, but also their own stories of love and loss.
This book pleasantly surprised me. I had to get into the language and very different style of storytelling for the first 50 pages or so, but after that I was taken along with the characters' pursuits quite smoothly. It was very interesting to read about the lifes of the servants in the early 19th century. This book does shine a different light on some of our beloved P&P characters and I understand that might not be to everyone's liking. But I few it as a story apart from Austen's work, so it didn't bother me to much. It might have helped that I attended a lecture about this book where we dove into many of the historical details of the period.
John Ortberg – Know doubt 4,5/5
I loved this honest and hopeful book about faith and doubt. It was very readable, but not to the point that it simplified everything too much. I really liked the personal stories of the author and other people and the metaphors of living with faith and doubt that are easy to remember.
Katherine Reay – Lizzy and Jane 4,5/5
Katherine Reay – Lizzy and Jane 4,5/5
Lizzy is a celebrated chef with her own restaurant in New York. She has a troubled relationship with her father and sister Jane. When Lizzy's cooking inspiration runs dry, she decides to visit her sister, who's battling cancer. This trip might change everything for both sisters.
I hear so many good things about Katherine Reay's books, so I was sort of surprised and dissapointed I didn't like her first book Dear Mr. Knightley more than I did. This book definitely made up for that, because I loved it! The story is so unique and the characters feel so very real and alive. The relationships also feel very realistic, although I thought the central romance moved maybe a little too quick? I loved all the references to classic literature (Mrs. Reay's trademark) and how she incorporated them into the story through food was wonderful!
I hear so many good things about Katherine Reay's books, so I was sort of surprised and dissapointed I didn't like her first book Dear Mr. Knightley more than I did. This book definitely made up for that, because I loved it! The story is so unique and the characters feel so very real and alive. The relationships also feel very realistic, although I thought the central romance moved maybe a little too quick? I loved all the references to classic literature (Mrs. Reay's trademark) and how she incorporated them into the story through food was wonderful!
Neil Hanson – The inn at the top 3/5
In the '70s, Neil Hanson and his wife take over the running of the highest pub in England, somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the Yorkshire Dales. Their customers are both local farmers and hikers and tourists. The book describes their first year of settling in in this special community.
I bought this book last year when I went on holiday to Yorkshire (though I didn't visit the pub myself). It's an interesting story about a very special rural piece of England, with lots of history and traditions. Still, somehow I had expected something else from the book blurb and the cover. More humorous tales of running such a remote pub and the interesting customers. And less of a history lesson about the Yorkshire Dales. The book also ended on a bit of a low note, which didn't increase my overall opinion of the book.
Books in August: 5
Books in 2016: 21