Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Climbing the Stairs


Title: Climbing the Stairs
Author: Padma Venkatraman
Pages: 256
Cover Rating: 5/5
Character Rating: 5/5
Plot Rating: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5

I have been meaning to write about this book. I read it a long time ago, but I thought it was very good. As you can see from my ratings, it is one of my favorites. I thought that the characters were very well thought out. I liked them especially because at times they gave you reason to hate them for their decisions, yet you still loved them. All in all, I DEEPLYrecommend this book, especially to those who like to gain an understanding to other cultures. (I think you would like this book Bostan.)

Plot:

Fifteen-year-old Vidya dreams of going to college, an unusual proposition for a girl living in British-occupied India during World War II. When tragedy strikes, Vidya and her brother Kitta are forced to move into a traditional household with her grandfather and her extended family, where men live separately upstairs and the women who live below are meant to be married, not educated.

Breaking the rules, Vidya finds refuge in her grandfather’s second-floor library. There she meets Raman, a young man also living in the house. Surprisingly, he treats her like an equal and encourages her intellectual curiosity. But soon it’s clear Raman wants more than just friendship, and when Kitta makes a shocking choice the family cannot condone, Vidya’s life becomes a whirlwind of personal and political complications. Will she be strong enough to survive the storm?

With the lush settings and heady emotions that mark the best Indian literature, Padma Venkatraman’s debut novel is an epic story of love and loss set against a unique moment in history. Readers of all ages will find deep empat
hy with Vidya as she battles between ideas and emotions while struggling to pursue her dreams.

The Ramsay Scallop


Title: The Ramsay Scallop
Author: Frances Temple
Pages: 310
Cover Rating: 3/5
Charater Rating: 5/5
Plot Rating: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

I have to say that I really LOVED this book. And it did make it into my favorites. (Which is hard to do) I immensely loved all of the characters and how human they were. They were very relateable, and yet very strong. I think the most changed character in the book was Elenor(Nora), she changed from an uncertain child, into a strong womanly figure. Thomas also changed greatly, I think mostly in his opinion of Elenor. He also became more forgiving of himself and others. All in all I GREATLY LOVED this Book, and recommend it to all who have a love for historical fiction.

Plot:

14-year-old Elenor of Ramsay's fiance, Thomas of Thornham, returns from the Crusades. The couple, uncertain of their roles in life and their feelings about each other, are reluctant to wed. Wise Father Gregory sends them on a pilgrimage to Spain; this not only buys them time but forces them to become better acquainted. Their journey is full of unexpected adventures, joys, and hardships. They see new sights, make new friends, and learn new things. By book's end, both are at peace with themselves and gracefully accept their lot.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Red Sea


Title: Red Sea
Author: Diane Tullson
Pages: 169
Character Rating: 2/5
Cover Rating:4/5
Plot Rating: 3/5
Overall Rating: 2.5/5

At first I was not a very big fan of this book. I thought that the main character, Lib, was a complete and total brat, and needed a SERIOUS attitude adjustment. But as the trials increased, she became a better person. Which I was VERY glad of. All in all it was not a total disappointment, but it did not in the end hold up to my expectations. Some of her past, was a little disturbing, and I wish they had not brought it up. So over all, I do not recommend this book. If you read it, that is fine, but I defiantly am not going to tell you that you need to go and buy this book. (sorry to all of those people out there that this was there favorite book.)

Plot:

Fourteen-year-old Libby didn't want to go on a year long sailing adventure with her mother and her stepfather, Duncan, and she isn't about to let them forget it. Traveling through the Red Sea, Libby causes them to be late and make a dangerous crossing alone. When modern-day pirates attack, Duncan is killed and Libby's mother is left seriously injured and unconscious. Libby is left alone on a crippled boat to find safety and help for her mother. Libby must call on all her strength and face some hard truths about herself if she is to survive and reach land.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Where the Lilies Bloom

Title: Where the Lilies Bloom
Author: Vera and Bill Cleaver
Cover: 3/5
Charaters: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3/5
Pages:210

This was a very quick read for me, but I thought it was pretty good. I thought that Mary Call was a very strong main character. I also thought that Romey was very mature for his 10 years of age, but he also was realistic because he did show his age in some of his actions. I thought he was very well thought out, and I admit, I did like the book. It was a little short for my taste, but all in all was a good short read.

Plot:

Mary Call has true Appalachian grit. When her dying father makes her promise to keep her brother and sisters together forever on the mountain and take no help from strangers, she is determined to keep her word. No matter what.
At first Mary Call is sure she can run the family just fine on her own. Romey and Ima Dean help her gather herbs to sell in town, using the riches of the mountains to keep the family clothed and fed. But winter sets in all too quickly. As food runs low, and the tiny house begins to cave in under the weight of the snow, Mary Call leans that the land where the lilies bloom is also a cruel and unforgiving land that demands a price for her stubborn pride.


Robin Hood


Title: Robin Hood
Author: Edith Heal
Pages: 626
Overall Rating: 4/5
Cover: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5


The only reason why I have not given this book a 5/5 in everything was because of it's involvement with the Holy Virgin, which I did not exactly appreciate, but if that was not in it I would without even thinking given it a 6/5. I liked it immensely and thought it was wonderful. The characters were amazing in every way. I was totally in love with the way Ms. Heal depicted Robin Hood. I have heard a lot of different versions of Robin Hood, and I have never so far found one that I have liked as much. I also liked all of his Merry Men. They were all lovable and loyal to the fullest extent. All in all I thought it all amazingly well done. I DEA PLY recommend this book to all lovers of adventure, that have a bit of wit and humor. I loved it...

Plot:

England is divided. The King is gone. And to top that all of the kings dim witted brother is trying to take over why he is away. Who could but help the nation at such a distressing time? None other than a seemingly lowly Saxon, by the name of Robin Hood. How is he going to help? By his wit and humorous Jokes on Rich and unsuspecting Normans. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor. All the while trying to help to unite England. In his quest there is to be found much laughter and yet sadness. Will he succeed in his quest?