Posted 8:33 AM by FaerieKissed
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J Ellis

I read this book about two years ago, but picked it up again for a class offered on Barnes & Noble University online. This book is an excellent introduction to early American politics. Ellis's premise is that the political world of the 1790s through 1800s was based on character and personal interactions.

The book is divided into six sections. The first section, The Duel, examines the events that led to the Interview at Weehawken between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. Ellis reveals the characters of both men and shows how their ambitions led them to that fateful morning. This vignette intrigued me so much that when Thomas Fleming's Duel was released, I had to buy it to learn more.

The second section, The Dinner, is based on Thomas Jefferson's account of a dinner he held with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison to finalize a compromise where Hamilton's plan for the Federal government to absorb all of the state's Revolutionary debts and tax them accordingly was resolved in regards to the Commonwealth of Virginia (which had paid most of its debts and didn't want to be responsible for the debts of other states) and where the location for the national capitol was agreed (along the Potomac).

The third section, The Silence, describes how one of the most respected men of the era, Benjamin Franklin, could not break the silence imposed by the new government on itself regarding slavery. This section clearly explains why the founding fathers deliberately took it off the table.

The fourth section, The Farewell, examines George Washington's Farewell Address and its historical impact. Ellis really uses this section to bring out the theme of personal character. Washington is an example of the ideal leader for the fledgling nation. A person who is always willing to relinquish his power for the greater good.

The fifth section is entitled, The Collaborators and explores the early collaboration of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and the eventual division between the two. Ellis also focuses on the later collaborations of John Adams and his wife, Abigail, and the collaboration of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. This section is one of the few times I have read much of anything regarding the Adams presidency (outside of his biographies). Ellis states what every political figure of the time knew, that whoever followed Washington into the presidency was ultimately destined for failure.

The sixth section, The Friendship, chronicles the road to reconciliation between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Ellis frames his book between two different methods of resolving differences and makes the comparison between the two situations very clear. Burr and Hamilton cannot get past proving themselves in the right and the other in the wrong. Adams and Jefferson agree to explain themselves to each other (and for posterity) and recognize that they will never reach an agreement.

All in all, the book gets a bit dry in parts. Ellis provides a lot of information as background for the events he discusses. I think I got much more out of the second reading and will probably get more with each future re-reading.

Posted 7:53 AM by FaerieKissed
Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

This is the July selection for the Friends of the Library Book Club. They decided to read a children's book in July as something light and wouldn't take much time. I liked this book. It is a story of an 11 year old boy who is in search of his father whom he believes is a leader of a jazz band. It is told in the first person point of view, and I found the voice to be believable.

Curtis sets his story against the Great Depression. This background provides a wonderful way for him to have his readers experience what living in the 1930s may have been like for a young black boy. In the afterword, Curtis encourages his young readers to talk with their grandparents and listen to their stories about their lives. For it is in the handing down of these stories that the past becomes immortal.

Posted 7:47 AM by FaerieKissed
Update on Seabiscuit

The movie was beautiful and fairly true to the story. There was just no way to get everything in the book into the time frame of a movie. I don't think that Toby McGuire was a good choice for portraying Red Pollard, but that is my only casting dissension. The movie toned down Red's problems and temper. Also, there wasn't enough time for all of the injuries, so the comeback wasn't as amazing as it was in the book.

I really don't see how an adaptation of the book could have been much better given the time constraints.

Posted 3:38 PM by FaerieKissed
Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand

I loved this book! This is one of those books that became a favorite after I was finished. I had such a hard time putting it down. Hillenbrand writes with a lot of drama--leaving readers on the edge of their seats for much of the book. She is a master of the build-up. However, she makes her subjects real. This is no "valentine" to the men in Seabiscuit's life. Hillenbrand focuses on their strengths and their weaknesses. It is these weaknesses that make the story such a triumph.

The movie opens this weekend--and I only hope that it is true to the book.

Posted 7:44 AM by FaerieKissed
Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

This is the third installment of the Hannah Swenson mysteries. It can definitely be read as a stand alone, but there is some background information found in the previous books that is nice to know but not necessary to the enjoyment of this book. In this mystery, a celebrity has come to the small town of Lake Eden for the Winter Carnival only to be discovered murdered in Hannah's shop. I found this book to be delightful and a very fast read (one day). I can't wait to try out some of the recipes!

Lisa's character remains pretty much the same as she was in the previous books. Instead, Fluke is exploring Hannah's feelings towards her two suitors (for lack of a better word), Norman and Mike. Norman, is a steady, dependable average guy while Mike makes her head spin. Hannah definitely enjoys the company of both men, for different reasons. It's an interesting side story.

I was able to solve this one, but Fluke didn't give too much away. Unlike the Anne Perry books I've been reading recently, all of the necessary information is given as the story progresses, not right at the end. Very enjoyable book.

Posted 12:57 PM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

This is the 5th book in the immensely popular series. After a three year wait and a lot of media hype, there was a high expectation for it. Fortunately, it pretty much lived up to the hype and was definitely worth the wait. Rowling is doing an excellent job "aging" her characters. Harry and his friends are now 15 and have the tempers and attitudes of 15 year olds. They have quick tempers, they know everything, etc.

There is much more conflict in this book than in the previous ones. Rowling forshadowed it at the end of the Goblet of Fire, and it was even more intense than I expected. She keeps everything running well and the 800+ pages just fly by.

There are a few surprises in this book that I won't go into here. I was mostly impressed by some of the smaller twists (not the "bad death") that will affect the future storylines. Most of these surprises center around the Weasley family.

Dumbledore's revelation to Harry at the end was not terribly surprising. I really expected something along the lines Rowling choose to take. So, while I wasn't overly shocked or surprised, I was definitely entertained and will enjoy rereading this book.

Posted 1:13 PM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

This is the 4th book in the Harry Potter series, and the books seem to be getting larger and longer. This book breaks with the precedent set in the first three books. It doesn't start with Harry's summer. Instead, it begins with Wormtail and Voldemort and foreshadows the darkness that is beginning to pervade the storyline.

This book is dark. Harry and the reader learn that there are "unspeakable" spells, some of which have no counter. Even some of the characters are losing some of their innocence. Ron, Harry's best friend, is becoming increasingly frustrated by his inability to stand out. Hermoine experiences her first "romance", which causes a rift between her and Ron. Once again, Harry has earned the scorn of the entire school by becoming involved in a tri-wizard tournament that he shouldn't have been able to enter. Harry also experiences his first crush. The book ends hinting to more darkness to come.

There are a number of new characters introduced, and the Ministry of Magic begins to play a more important role in the story. Two other schools are introduced, further expanding the world to the reader.

This book leaves the reader with a number of questions, some of which promise to be answered in the fifth installment.

Posted 11:11 AM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

It was in this book that I noticed how well Rowling is tying things together. Sirius Black, a dangerous criminal, has escaped the wizard prison of Azkaban. Wait, didn't Hagrid borrow Sirius Black's motorcycle to deliver the infant Harry to the Dursleys in the first book? This book really demonstrates how well-conceived and developed the world of Harry Potter is.

Rowling once again creates a sequel that enhances the originals. Events are becoming more dangerous in this book. This is a series, however, that absolutely must be read in it's order because Rowling has a tendency to explain little and big things in her future books.

Posted 1:05 PM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

One thing I enjoy about the Harry Potter books is studying the cover before I even open the book. The cover gives so many clues as to what's in store for me. After reading the book, I study the cover again to see what I missed the first time.

This book is exactly what a sequel should be. Rowling builds on the successes of her first book and enhances the entire experience. This book was just a bit creepier too, but maybe that's only because I'm squeamish around snakes and spiders.

The whole time frame of the book is patterned after the first one--only one year later. The reader can compare Harry's Birthday, Dudley's Birthday, start of school, Halloween, Christmas Break, and the end of the school year. Harry is adapting to the wizard world, and things aren't quite as new to him or the reader, but Rowling expands on her world and introduces new characters without forgetting any of the old.

Posted 12:57 PM by FaerieKissed
Bethlehem Road by Anne Perry

Fans of the Pitt series by Perry will probably enjoy this mystery. Like her other mysteries, this one is set in Victorian London and Perry ties it to a social injustice. Frankly, I'm beginning to think that each book is getting preachier and preachier. The mystery is wonderful. A MP has been murdered on his way home while crossing a bridge. His body is tied to a lightpole so that he appears to be standing (perhaps drunkenly). Inspector Pitt is assigned the case, but he had difficulty finding a motive for the murder. Then, another MP is murdered in the same place using the same method. A third is murdered. Again, same place, same method. Nothing links these 3 men together. I found that very intriguing.

However, the reader is only able to follow along as Charlotte and Thomas learn more about the murders. The information needed to solve the case is only provided once the killer is captured. This was disappointing to me because I like to roll the suspects around in my mind for possibilities, and Perry consistently pointed to only two options (a real suspect and a madman/random act).

A couple of new characters (specifically the primary suspect and Nobby)are introduced, and I would like to see if Perry includes them in future stories.

Posted 10:30 AM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

I picked this book up in 2000 while living in Houston because it was all over the bookstores and I was hearing a lot of buzz. Curiousity made me purchase just the first book to see if it was anything worthwhile. Two days later, I was back at the bookstore to purchase the second and third books (and preorder the 4th).

What charmed me the most about this book was that it was reminiscent of the books I read by Roald Dahl. While reading this book, I became a child again. I was totally drawn into the story. Rowling created a wonderful fantasy world that I enjoy visiting time and time again. I was amazed by the level of detail and creativity. She creates a whole new sport, Quidditch, with it's own rules, teams, and strategies. Her imagination completely blew me away.

I have reread this book several times. I must also say, that with a few very small details, the movie adaptation did justice to the book.