Sunday Shorts

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury by L.J. Smith
published 1992
308 pages

Synopsis from publisher -
Love can kill

Elena: with Damon at her side, and wild with her craving for blood, the changed Elena struggles to control her desires.

Damon: his hunger for the golden girl wars with his hunger for revenge against Stefan.

Stefan: tormented after losing Elena, he will do anything to get her back. Even if it means becoming what he once despised. . . .

Getting what they want may come at a deadly cost.

My thoughts -

Well, it certainly doesn't get LESS cheesy, but it was a satisfying wrap-up to this guilty pleasure series. I did enjoy the campy drama, and can't help but think Elena is a far better role model for teen girls than Bella Swan. I don't know that I am interested enough to pursue the next trilogy in this series, but I certainly had fun with this one.


Finished - 10/7/13
Source - South side library
MPAA Rating - R for violence and adult themes
My rating - 7/10

Kid Konnection - It's Raining, It's Pouring by Peter, Paul, and Mary

Kid Konnection is a weekly feature hosted by Booking Mama, featuring all things kid's books. Since I spend a good deal of time each week reading kids books, I thought it would be fun to join in!

It's Raining, It's Pouring
text - public domain
music - Peter, Paul, and Mary
illustrations - Christine Davenier

published 2012




Synopsis -
One of the most beloved children's songs gets a rollicking picture book treatment by the beloved trio Peter, Paul & Mary. Featuring witty and whimsical art by the renowned illustrator Christine Davenier, this stunning new book offers plenty of fun, whether it's raining or not.

Complete with a CD featuring Peter, Paul & Mary's marvelous version of the title song, along with Peter Yarrow singing "Believe Town" and Noel Paul Stookey performing "Glory of Love" this beautiful picture book is perfect for rainy days, bedtime, or any time.

My thoughts -

David and Sophia really enjoy singing - especially singing along with songs they know - so when I found this lovely book with the classic children's song that included a CD of Peter, Paul, and Mary performing, I knew they would love it. They were both so excited the first time we listened, and it's been a daily request since we checked it out from the library.

The illustrations are fantastic, and the book itself tells a story greater than just the song - Grandpa bumps his head and the grandkids have to come inside during a rainstorm. Most of the kids play hide-and-seek, except for one little one that chooses to read with Grandpa, instead. By the end of the game (and the end of the book), all the kids can be found with Grandpa. It's good to read aloud, and great to listen along with the CD. This one is a delight!

Do you have any suggestions of book-and-CD combos? I think it's something we'll have to start doing more frequently!

Book Thoughts - If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
published 2009
320 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces — to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

My thoughts -

I find myself a bit conflicted about this novel. Forman certainly gives readers an affecting novel, full of hard decisions and sad goodbyes. Mia is an engaging and sympathetic heroine, surrounded by friends and family who all act perfectly appropriately given the extreme situation. The writing was quite good, and I liked Forman's use of flashbacks to tell Mia's story.

I think, for me, it just felt a little too perfect - Mia's parents are perfectly understanding about everything in her life. Her boyfriend is perfectly accepting of her, even though they are worlds apart. Her friends are perfectly funny. Her little brother is perfectly precocious. It seemed a little bit like Foreman set up this world on purpose, so the reader had no choice but to feel sorry for Mia - to understand completely why she would NOT want to stay.

I think I was looking for a little more conflict - I little more shading - to make Mia's pre-accident world feel a little bit more realistic. I think it would have made her difficult decision feel a little more true. I certainly didn't NOT like the novel - it just felt a bit simplistic, and I would have appreciated more depth.

I know this novel is almost generally beloved in the blogging world, and I do understand why. It's a lovely story of unconditional love and acceptance. It raises some interesting questions, and keeps the reader guessing until the last page. With just a BIT more nuance, I would have enjoyed it very much.

Finished - 11/10/13
Source - South side library
MPAA Rating - PG-13 for language and adult situations
My rating - 7/10