The Host by Stephenie Meyer

    The world as we know it is gone.  In the Host by Stephenie Meyer Aliens have now taken over.  The invasion is over and all the humans have been replaced by these centipede type aliens.  They are inserted in to your body and take over everything and just push you out.  The only identification that these "people" are not human is a thin line of silver around the pupil.  But not everyone is that easy to take over. Wanderer, one of the aliens, is put into the body of Melanie Stryder who has been fighting to stay alive for as long as the invaders have been there and insist to stay alive no matter what.  Melanie starts feeding Wanderer memories from her past life and Wanderer begins to search for that life Melanie had.  Wanderer eventually finds a group of humans in hiding and begins to fall in love with two amazing guys.  While Wanderer leans one way Melanie leans the other and it turns into an internal war.  While the real humans have a war against the aliens in the real world.

    It really puts a perspective on how quickly people are to judge but who they really are inside.  It was really entertaining to read because it had romance with just enough action to keep you interested.  I think this book is a lot better than Stephenie's previous series Twilight.  It is not completely about the love triangle though it is a major part of the book.  The antagonists are also a lot better developed and a bigger part in the book.
 
   This book brings up a really big topic that is in today's world, aliens.  You realize how big the universe really is and how much it really means to be human while reading it .  The aliens are constantly saying how unique we are from the other worlds they have taken over.  The senses we have are really remarkable and the emotions we feel throughout our lives are brilliant even though we consider them part of our daily lives.  Although it also brings up the issues humanity does have such as the violence that we consider part of our lives.

   This book could have been a lot better but it was still pretty good. It is quite slow at the beginning but picks up by the end.  The book does have violence and some heated kissing scenes.  I would recommend it to friends but it is not my favorite book ever.  Over all I would give it a B+.

The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien

         What is a hobbit? Well, a hobbit is a mythical creature created J.R.R. Tolkien. A hobbit is about half the size of an average man, and they live in a peaceful country with almost no history of war. They also like to stay in their hobbit holes were they are comfortable. If you want to know more about the hobbits go read the book, but for now this is all you need to know.
         We start in the magical land of the shire. Here is where a very special hobbit lives named Bilbo Baggins. He is one of the many respectable hobbits. One day Gandalf comes and talks to Bilbo about going on this adventure with him. And with Bilbo being a hobbit he kindly refuses for they like to stay where they are comfortable. Then on the next day 13 Dwarves show up in his house along with Gandalf, they eat almost all his food in his house, and Bilbo doesn't like it one bit. He just wants them to get out of his house. So, he lets them stay one more night and they leave him a note in the morning. He decides to go on that adventure, and runs to meet them. On there trip they have many obstacles in their way. First they go and see Elrond at The Last Homely House. He gives them horses and supplies before they go into the Misty Mountains. Then they get banged up while in the mountains, it rains and snows whole bunch, they run into some goblins. Then Gandalf has to go and save them, but not Bilbo. Bilbo gets lost where he finds a ring. He then plays a game of riddles with Gollum. Gollum is a very nasty creature. Then when Bilbo finally makes it out they are attacked by goblins and wolves, only to be saved by huge eagles.  In the end Bilbo ends up really rich and the Dwarves get back their gold and mountain.
           This book is truly amazing. It is very entertaining and exciting in my eyes. The reason why is that it just has so many obstacles the characters have to go through and it makes it exciting. And then they always go from one problem to another it's like give these guys a break already. Although they do get some breaks throughout the book it's not that many.
           If you are looking for a good book to read let this book be it. This book is very adventurous it is filled with many obstacles and many fun parts in it. A+.

Delirium

  Love is a disease. Or at least in Lauren Oliver's Delirium it is. Delirium is a post apocalyptic, teen romance, dystopian, science fiction adventure. Wow! Now try saying that five times fast! In this book, Lena, the main character, is rebelling against the government, even if she doesn't in the beginning. She's in a world that everyone gets cured of amor deliria nervosa, or love.  She is terrified of the disease, because it is what killed her mother.
     Lena is counting down the days until it's her turn to get cured. She is trying to avoid the disease at all costs, until she meets Alex. This smart, nice, and most importantly CURED boy begins to capture Lena's attention. She keeps telling herself that what happened to her mother can’t happen to her, Alex is safe, Alex is cured. As time goes on, she begins seeing symptoms of the disease, but she doesn't think much of it. Then she finds out that Alex lied about being cured. Her mind tries to process this information, but she can’t take it in.  And there’s a good reason she doesn’t want to accept the consequence. She's in love. She's caught the disease, but now, she wants the disease. 
     This story held my interest throughout the entire book. It had a feeling like you were her thoughts, as if your were there firsthand when everything happened. Oliver was able to do something many books can’t, and that’s weave together multiple plots. If you look deeper into this extraordinary piece of literature, you find some amazing things. Of course, you see that love is a disease, and that she’s caught it. But you also see her struggle because her mother isn’t there, and then on top of that she is having trouble with her best friend, who is also rebelling. And then, an essential part of all teen books, you have her love life. Which, by the way, isn’t supposed to exist. It’s amazing how some authors can weave a web like this.
This book is similar to Uglies, another teen book. Both books express that some part of human nature is wrong. In Delirium, it is that they fall in love, while in Uglies, it’s the way that humans look. Lena and Tally, who is the heroine of Uglies, both want to be "fixed." They both want to fit in to society, start the perfect section of their life. The thing is, both have something happen that widens their perspective.  Lena and Tally both want to learn more, and neither of them want to go back.
     I think everyone should read this book. It makes you wonder, a little, what could happen to our world in the future. Is something truly wrong with simply humans? Lauren Oliver has created a wonderful book, which is to be part of a three book series. This book can appeal to everyone, because, as mentioned before, it fits in almost every category! Delirium is fascinating, because you watch as this girl goes against everything she's been taught, even though she has no idea what her future holds. A. 

The City of Ember

In an attempt to save the human race, scientists prepared and built an underground city called Ember. They sent people to go live in the city, and establish its grounds. Along with the city, they gave instructions on how to return above ground 200 years later, once all the turmoil of the world had ended. The current citizens of Ember lost the instructions, and therefore were oblivious to the world above.

This story is about Lina, a young citizen of Ember.  She lives with her grandmother and her younger sister, Poppy. One day, she comes across a strange case, containing mysterious instructions. But her little sister chews them up when she is away, so she has to try to piece them back together. They turn out to be the lost instructions on how to get out of Ember! Lina and her new friend, Doon, try to decipher what the instructions mean. They explore the pipeworks, and search for the exit. Eventually, they translate the instructions, and their journey out of Ember begins.

Author, Jeanne DuPrau, does a wonderful job of entertaining and hooking the audience in the first book of The City of Ember series. But she's really trying to get us to step back and look at the bigger picture. DuPrau brings up interesting points about our world. Could things ever get so bad that building an underground city could possibly be the best option for survival? Perhaps she's stressing the fact that if we don't change something, our world will get so awful that there is no way for escape.

Personally, I loved The City of Ember. From the first page, to the last sentence, I was entertained by the suspense of the book. This book is written beautifully and it makes me want to read the rest of the series. If you're looking for a suspenseful, amazing book, The City of Ember is a good read. A

A Walk to Remember- Nicholas Sparks



Now, I am not going to lie to you. The main reason I read this book is because it is short and I knew I'd be able to finish it. With that being said... I ended up falling in LOVE with the book and was nearly heartbroken when I reached the last page. First it started just reading a few pages a night before I decided it was time for bed... but in no time, I was reading chapters a night or whenever I got the chance. It quickly twiddled its way into my pathetic heart. If I had to describe this book in 3 words or less I would say it is touching, inspirational, and bittersweet. I must agree with the Sunday New York Post when they say," An extraordinary book...touching, at times riveting... a book you won't soon forget." In this story, you follow as Landon goes through a change of heart and falls in love. You can't help but 'Ahhhhh! :)' as see how he changes and read about his teenage-hood in the 1920's. This book quickly grabs your heart and inspires it. That may be why I love it so much. Also, it may be that I am just a romantic-loving teenage girl... but hey.  A few major themes in this book are totally that true love can overcome anything, that hearts can always change, and with love everything is possible.  I think that is the main thing that Nicholas Sparks is trying to say and was very wise in saying that- because I totally agree. Love IS everlasting and with it, amazing things can happen. Ultimately, this book was so sweet and I would read over and over if I had the time. It snatched my heart and changed it... maybe it will do the same for you.

And good news, for those of you major lazies... it has a movie! Though it may not be very true the events in the book.. the main idea is the same.

Little Women~ Louisa May Alcott

The book that I read this month was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. After reading the seemingly never ending book, I found myself wrapped in the lives of the  poor, but yet so happy March family. As you read through the book, you read about the lives of Mr. and Mrs. March and their four lovely daughters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. It tells of the many adventures they go on and the ever so abundant trails they have to face. The many different kinds of characters really just make the story though. Meg is the eldest and most motherly of the group. She is beautiful and kind. Jo is an amazing writer but has a short temper which is oft to get her in trouble but she is always trying to be her best. Beth is the quiet, shy girl that you can't help falling in love with. She is the peacemaker of the home and is always quick to help someone else before herself. She loves the piano and plays it quite well which many times brings peace to the home and joy to others' hearts. Amy is the youngest daughter that fancies much in money and riches even though they are few. Many times she feels her age gets in the way and is oft to feel left out. She also has a short temper which causes some trouble with Jo. Although so different they all get along for the most part with the help of their loving, gentle mother who is always watching out for them and helping them to become sensible little women. Mr. March is very much adored by all and many look up to his example. He gave his all for his family even though it is not as much as he wishes and shows nothing but love for his four daughters and lovely wive. These are but a few of the characters that really shape this story and make it unique.

If I had to describe this book in a few words I would say it is entertaining, real-to-live, and just simply grand. Yet, if I had to give it a rating I would give it a B. It was very well written and I loved all the characters it introduced and morals it taught but in the beginning it was boring, slow and hard for me to get into. No worries though becauces once it started moving it just went and was a joy to read. The way the author has written it, you really forget that it is fiction because the adventures, though some rather silly, could really happen in a normal, every day life. You just can't help to laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry, and feel as though you are right there with the March's through everything. Also, as you go through the author has cleverly put in little morals such as anger brings no lasting joy and when you all stand together, then you are all stronger. You learn with the daughters as they slip and their mother gives them clever old lady advice. I feel like this book has taught me many life lessons that I might have not learned otherwise. Throughout the whole book, the author really stresses that money isn't everything and even though you are poor you can still have a life full of joy. I must agree when she says this. Riches, though they may bring joy for a while, will never bring anything more lasting and having people who love you and good memories to look back on is a hundred times more important than some lousy golden ring and endless closet of clothes.  You can really hear the author's voice as if she is telling you the story herself and that makes it a little more personal. I really liked this book even though sometimes the language was a little hard to understand; but that is probably just because it is old and old people/ things get that was some times. I don't know if I would read it again, but I would definitely tell anyone to read it if they are looking for a close to life story that will make them laugh, smile, cry and if you're me, yell at the snotty characters. I loved this book and sure didn't waste my time reading it.

*Like my last few books, there is a movie for this one as well. Since it's probably at least an hour... I will just include the trailer for it and you can find it on Netfllix or something. :)*

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

"Saving CeeCee Honeycutt" is really just a feel good book. It's not suspenseful or exciting, you just read it because you want to read a really great book. The story reminds me of the book "The Help" it has strong female characters and it kind of focuses on African-American rights. The book is really good and I think that most people will enjoy reading it.

This book is about Cecelia Rose Honeycutt, the daughter of a mentally ill woman named Camille. When CeeCee's mom's illness starts to take a turn for the worst CeeCee basically has to raise herself and become her mother's babysitter. When things start to change in her life her father decides that it would be best for her to move to Savannah with her Great-Aunt Tootie. When CeeCee and Tootie get to Savannah CeeCee meets Oletta, Aunt Tootie's cook. Her and Oletta form a very strong friendship and end up becoming best friends.

I thought that this book was really great. The book started of REALLY slow, but I pushed myself to keep reading and I ended up really enjoying it. If I had to say one thing that I didn't like about the book it would be that the antagonist doesn't really do much in the story, she doesn't make the story more intense. Other than that though the book was really good and I enjoyed reading it. A-

The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl

This book is based on the brothers Grimm's fable, The Goose Girl. However, the author added some very unique things that make the book what it is. The book begins in the lovely kingdom of Kildenree. Anidori-kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown princess of Kildenree has just been born. Anidori is a strange newborn. She is not born wide eyed and full of wonder, she is born with her eyes shut tight and nobody can provoke her to open them.

After three long days and two long nights of healers and her mother begging her to open her eyes and show them she was normal a woman comes dressed in green in the middle of the night. Her aunt. She picks up the child and speaks to her. She tells stories until she opens her big eyes and begins to listens.

Ani (as her aunt calls her) is practically raised by her aunt and loves to listen to her speak. Her aunt teaches her many things but one thing in particular is how to speak to the birds. Swans mostly but Ani picks up the others language fast. She ia told of how horses are born with a word on their tongue. They are born knowing their name and if you are there and you here them say it you may speak with that horse. Her aunt tells her tales about the three launguages. People-speaking(being able to persuade other people), Animal-speaking, and nature-speaking which which was lost or forgotten a long time past.

Her mother notices how her daughter prefers the company of the swans or her horse Falanda(she knows his name and so she can speak with him)and decides to send her aunt away. Years later Ani is still not as normal as what the Queen would like so she agrees to have her sent to be the new queen of Bayern. Bayern is a neighboring kingdom of Kildenree and is in need of a queen. Ani is not exited to go but her lady-in-waiting, Selia is anxious to leave. So they set off knowing they will never see Kildenree again.

As they draw near the destination strange things start happening. Things like Ani almost getting knocked into a waterfall or almost falling into a gorge. Ani doesn't think these are accidents. She suspects someone is trying to get rid of her...and she's right. People who are part of the group that was escorting her to bayern( I'm not going to say who)are trying to kill her so they can take over. They almost succeed but she escapes and falls helplessly into the hands of fate which kindly take her to a woman named Glisa and her son fin who help her. Since she is probably being searched for she changes her name to Isi. She travels from Gilsa's house to the palace to see is the people who tried to kill her are there. They are and one of them is dressed in the princess's clothes! They have convinced everyone that that girl is in fact the Princess. Instead of giving her self up by saying she is the Princess she requests the job of the goose girl and is that request is(of coarse) granted.

Isi makes many friends while she works as the goose girl but has difficulty keeping her identity a secret. For one thing she has fair hair. You might think that that is no big deal but it is. people from Kildenree have fair colored hair and Bayer folk have dark hair. She meets a strange man one day and they become very close. Isi's strong spirit and brave heart help her as she tries to gain back her title and learn the new and surprising talent she acquires.

I loved this book because there was surprisingly little romance in it and way more fantasy then you'd expect. I love the magical aspects of the book and also how you can tie everything back to real life. Such as the people-speaking I think the author is telling us that people who are good speakers and are persuasive have power over us. Also if you think about how they treat Ani/Isi because she's different I think there's a message there to. Probably about how just because someone is different doesn't mean they aren't people.

Although some people think this book is slow it is still one of my favorite books and I recommend it to everyone.