July Book List

[chestnutcurls]

Avalon High by Meg Cabot
This is probably Meg Cabot's smartest book (and most suspenseful!). It's Arthurian legend set in a modern-day Maryland high school. Loved it.

Whatever Makes You Happy by Lisa Grunwald
The main character of this novel is writing a book about the history of happiness. Along the way she realizes that her kids and childhood-sweetheart husband aren't making her happy, so she has an affair with a famous artist. It's a well-written story and I could understand the character's motivations, but I'm so tired of how prevalent the boring-marriage, passionate-affair plotline is in women's fiction. It depresses me. I refuse to believe that this is my fate. :P

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
I've already said my piece several times. But it must be noted that Deathly Hallows is (I think) the first book I've ever started reading again as soon as I was done. I read it twice on my vacation. The best. Bar none.

Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman
I randomly found this book at the library and was blown away by how great it was. It's about Julie and her best friend, Ashleigh, who tends to get carried away by crazes. Her latest craze is Jane Austen, so she talks Julie into crashing a dance at the local boys' prep school with the goal of finding some eligible young bachelors. :) They do, and then everything unfolds in an Austenish way with suppressed feelings, anonymous poetry, etc. LOVED IT.

Books for July: 6
2007 year to date: 60

Sorry for my continued absence from LJ. I remain insanely busy, both at work and at home. If something important happens, let me know. :|

Comments

[cargile24.livejournal.com]

I finished-
HP- #5, #6 and #7.
A Match to The Heart, a book about a woman who was struck by lightning
A History of Pirates
Mad Dogs, Englishmen and the Errant Anthropologist
(field work in Malasia)
still working on: The Complete C.S. Lewis,
Walden, and Le Morte d'Arthur

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

That lightning book sounds interesting! How was it?

[cargile24.livejournal.com]

It was very descriptive. I can say I liked it, it just wasn't necessarily my cup of tea through the whole thing.

You might would probably like it. Funny, we live in the same city and never see each other. The last time I saw you was 2(?) years ago. Anyway, since I never see you, would you like me to mail it to you? You can have it, if you like. :)

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Well, maybe you and I and Robin should have lunch next week and I can get it then. :)

[moredetails.livejournal.com]

I've not read any Meg Cabot yet, but I'd like to. I've probably asked you this before but now I forgot: which would you recommend I start with?

[renaberena.livejournal.com]

Oh man, I recommend Cabot also. She's great. :)

[moredetails.livejournal.com]

I know, I think you told me what to read but I can't remember.. remind me? :)

[renaberena.livejournal.com]

Brenda might have more insight into this, but I first started on Cabot's Boy Series- The Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One. The Queen of Babble was really good. I've also read some of her teen books (All American Girl, Teen Idol, etc.).

[moredetails.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I need to check my library. I wonder if she has any on audio.

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

This one was my favorite. :) For some reason I'm not as into her adult books. I prefer Princess Diaries and All-American Girl. I also liked Teen Idol.

[moredetails.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah I forgot she wrote Princess Diaries too. So you think I should start with this one that's your favorite?

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Yes. :)

[renaberena.livejournal.com]

I love your book reviews, Brenda. I always get book ideas from your lists!

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

:) Thanks!

[modmerseygirl.livejournal.com]

Yay for Brenda's book lists! I really enjoy Meg Cabot's books -- I picked up her latest, Jinx, yesterday. (Have you read her Mediator series? I love it!)

Hope all is going well there! *hugs*

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

I haven't, but I want to. :)

Thanks!!

[modmerseygirl.livejournal.com]

I definitely recommend The Mediator Series. I think you'd really like it. :-)

I picked up Avalon High yesterday, and have been reading it this afternoon. You're right, it is SO GOOD.

Now I want to go back and re-read all the Twilight books again. *sighs*

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Me too! I´ve been wanting to go out and buy New Moon - I don´t actually have that one. :)

[modmerseygirl.livejournal.com]

Oh, cool! :-)

I've been meaning to get Twilight in hardcover (I have it in paperback form)....Changing Hands Bookstore offers personalised, autographed copies! They also have Stephenie's next book, The Host, listed (it releases in spring 2008). :-)

[hestergray.livejournal.com]

Avalon High was funny and interesting! I second Kimma's suggestion of her Mediator series. :)

Enthusiasm sounds good too! I put it on my list of things to read.

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

You'll really like it!

[kiwiria.livejournal.com]

but I'm so tired of how prevalent the boring-marriage, passionate-affair plotline is in women's fiction. It depresses me. I refuse to believe that this is my fate. :P
Yes, yes and YES!!!! It's starting to really depress me, and I'm likely to put away a book/movie with that plot. Especially after... well, you know...

On a happier note I'm definitely adding "Avalon High" to my 'to read' list.

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Thanks for relating. :| *hugs*