Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

Publisher: MTV Books (October 2004)

240 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $8.06)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This is the story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost her arm to a shark at the age of 13, and her struggle to return to competitive surfing. This story is told in her own words and has heavy Evangelical Christian overtones, which didn’t bother me as much as they normally would have given the inspirational nature of the story itself. This book is written for a younger audience, but I think people of all ages could benefit from the positive attitude and determination of it’s central character, and the themes expressed throughout about overcoming adversity and trying not to worry about things you can’t control. Inspiring story of triumph!

Movie Adaptations:

Soul Surfer (2011)

AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt

TV Rating: PG

My Rating: 4 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Publisher: Puffin (2005)

160 pages, Paperback (Purchased Myself for $3.94)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Summary:

This is the adventures of Pippi Longstocking, a young orphan girl of unusual strength and talents, who lives on her own and marches to the beat of her own drummer.

My Thoughts:

Pippi is entertaining and unusual to be sure, but I’m not sure all (or even most) of her antics are something to be encouraged in youngsters. Despite the questionable message it presents to children on a variety of topics, her headstrong self-assurance did often shine a light on hypocrisy among adults and other unnecessary social mores.  The chapters were a bit long for a bedtime read, so we ended up cutting them in half for our boys. We finished it in a month (11 chapters in total), and the boys particularly enjoyed the part where she entertains two burglars.

Edition Notes:

This Puffin Modern Classics edition included illustrations by Louis S. Glanzman.

Quotes:

“Don’t you worry about me. I’ll always come out on top.” -Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking

“‘But who tells you when to go to bed at night and things like that?’ asked Annika. ‘I tell myself,’ said Pippi. ‘First I tell myself in a nice friendly way; and then, if I don’t mind, I tell myself again more sharply; and if I still don’t mind, then I’m in for a spanking—see?’” -Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking

“‘There,’ said Pippi, ‘that man is lying on the ground and we have found him. We’ll take him!’ Tommy and Annika were utterly horrified. ‘No, no Pippi, we can’t take an old gentleman! We couldn’t possibly,’ said Tommy. ‘Anyway, whatever would we do with him?’ ‘What would we do with him? Oh, there are plenty of things we could do with him—’” -Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking

Married to the Military by Terry L. Rollins

Married to the Military by Terry L. Rollins

Publisher: Tate Publishing (April 2009)

216 pages, eBook (provided to me by the author)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is a collection of ten fictional stories about military wives. These are not sugar-coated, feel-good stories about military life, but an honest look at the trials and struggles that face a military spouse, including everything from frequent moves and trying to raise children with a frequently absent spouse to dealing with battle injuries and grief. Some of these stories were sad, but there were funny moments as well. I think these stories would appeal to those from civilian and military backgrounds alike, because at the core these are stories about married couples and the challenges of life. I liked the way these tough topics were met head-on, with no attempt to glaze over the difficult realities. Great collection!

Dead Man’s Folly by Agatha Christie

Dead Man’s Folly by Agatha Christie

A Hercule Poirot Mystery

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (July 2005)

240 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $6.64)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Ariadne Oliver is organizing a “murder hunt” (a treasure hunt of sorts in which clues are given with the object of solving a fictional murder) as part of a fete at a large manor house, but she feels an ominous sense that perhaps someone is planning a real murder at the same time and she has called in Poirot to see what he thinks. There are a lot of people involved in the planning of this “fete” (which is basically a village carnival), so there are many things going on all at the same time and a variety of relationships making themselves known between people, as Poirot makes his observations. The story has a bit of a house party feel, with all the people and visitors to the house. Poirot is assisted by Inspector Bland and Constable Hoskins, as he makes his inquiries  . . . and Ms. Oliver helps as well in an unconscious kind of way. I will admit I was led completely astray on this one, and the reveal was quite unexpected. Entertaining murder mystery!

Movie Adaptations:

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (TV Series 1989-)

Dead Man's Folly (Season 13, Episode 3)

David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson

Patriarch Run by Benjamin Dancer

Patriarch Run by Benjamin Dancer

The Father Trilogy, Book 3

Publisher: Old Man Press (March 2014)

318 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Violence and Swearing

Billy’s father, Jack, has been gone for almost a decade, and Billy and his mother had moved past his abandonment the best they could, so when Jack returns bringing along the danger that follows him, Billy isn’t sure what to believe about his father or the fact that others are telling him his father is a traitor. Despite being book 3 in the trilogy, you do not need to have read the previous two books to appreciate this story (the books are joined by theme only, there are no common characters, etc). I found the style of writing a bit disorienting at first (moving between past and present, and from one person’s point-of-view to another’s), but felt it was that way on purpose—the reader is just as disoriented as the characters in the story. This story is a clever treatment of a controversial subject, couched in an entertaining action/adventure story that unravels like a mystery. All four of the main characters were complex and engaging, and I enjoyed being able to see each of their points-of-view at turns throughout the story. Great story and I look forward to reading its sequel!

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Book 3

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (October 2013)

545 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a bundle for $14.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

Having traded one dictator for another, Tris, Tobias and a small group of people escape beyond the wall in search of freedom and the truth, only to find out their entire world was a lie and not only that, but they’ve stumbled onto a conflict between two struggling factions every bit as volatile as the one they left behind. Tris and Tobias continue to frustrate me with their lack of communication and the secrets. I really did not like the ending of this book, the painful part seemed unnecessary and depressing. I can understand a grand noble gesture, but that wasn’t even how it turned out, and I don’t think it was worth making everyone miserable for the rest of their lives, just to have that little twist at the end. I’d have much rather had a happily ever after ending.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Book 2

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (October 2013)

545 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a bundle for $14.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

Everything is in upheaval as the various factions (and parts of factions) align with or against the Erudite and their malicious leader, Jeanine. Tris is suffering from PTSD and depression following the events of the simulation-induced attack, causing a strain on her relationship with Tobias, and an unhealthy obsession with sacrificing her life and leading to an indifference about her own death. I must say I wasn’t very impressed with Tris throughout most of this, she becomes even more immature and volatile then she had been in the first book, and her tendency to lie to/not confide in Tobias got really old. Tobias was reduced to following her around trying to save her from her own impulsiveness much of the time. I can’t really say I’m looking forward to the next book, but I will finish the series, because I can’t not finish. If you don’t mind quitting in the middle of a series, I’d just read Divergent and the five stories from Four’s perspective (Free Four, The Transfer, The Initiate, The Son and The Traitor), and call it good. But, maybe the last book will blow me away . . . it would be a nice surprise.

Four Divergent Stories by Veronica Roth

Four Divergent Stories by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Divergent Prequels & Companion Story

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (July 2014)

304 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $10.19)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

This is a collection of four stories told from the perspective of Four. The first three (The Transfer, The Initiate and The Son) are all prequels to Divergent, and take us through Four’s choosing ceremony, Initiate training and the beginning of his life as a full Dauntless member. Many of these events revolve around people or things referred to in Divergent as a part of Four’s past, and it was nice to see the full story behind many of those references. The last story, The Traitor, is a companion story to Divergent, taking us through Four’s version of many of the events that Tris led us through (excepting the knife-throwing scene available in Free Four), but also adding some that were uniquely Four’s and it was interesting to see what was going on with him during that timeframe. Great extra for those who enjoyed Divergent!

Free Four by Veronica Roth

Free Four by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Divergent Companion Story

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (August 2012)

16 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is the knife-throwing scene from Divergent told from Four’s perspective. It is very short, but very insightful and I believe anyone who enjoyed Divergent will enjoy reading this little extra.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Book 1

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (October 2013)

501 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a bundle for $14.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

In a dystopian society that has divided itself into five factions, we follow Beatrice Prior as she turns 16 and faces the decision of which faction she will choose, and what that decision will mean for her relationship with her family and her future in general. This story reminded me of a combination of Hunger Games and Harry Potter, though there is no magic, the school atmosphere and the training that the initiates undergo was similar to Hogwarts. If you are preparing to start this series, I’d advise reading Divergent before moving on to Free Four and Four: A Divergent Collection, because I believe Divergent is best read with the character of Four being somewhat of an unknown mystery. After you’ve finished Divergent, then you can read Four’s perspective in the short Free Four and the four prequel stories. There aren’t many characters in this story that are entirely likable, Tris (Beatrice) included, but the flawed characters were very real, I thought, and I liked the exploration of what it means to have courage or be truly selfless. Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, this ending was so perfect, I’m almost reticent to move on to Insurgent and Allegiant; I’d almost rather read the companion and prequel stories, from Four’s perspective, and have done with it, but I suppose I must continue—let’s hope it turns out well.

Movie Adaptations:

Divergent (2014)

Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jai Courtney

Movie Rating: PG-13

The Big Four by Agatha Christie

The Big Four by Agatha Christie

A Hercule Poirot Mystery

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (January 2004)

208 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $6.64)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Poirot has become aware of an international crime ring known as “The Big Four” and he seeks to find out the major players and put a stop to their dastardly deeds, but they lead him on a merry chase always eluding him at the last moment. Captain Hastings, newly returned from South America, narrates this story, and it features Inspector Japp and John Ingles as fellow investigators. Poirot tracks this group of criminals over the course of many months, trying to get his mind off it with a new case now and then, only to find out that the new case is related to “The Big Four” in some way. I enjoyed trying to figure out in each new scenario who Number Four (elusive master of disguise) was portraying. Entertaining Read!

Movie Adaptations:

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (TV Series 1989-)

The Big Four (Season 13, Episode 2)

David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 
by Roald Dahl

Publisher: Puffin (2004)

155 pages, Paperback (Purchased Myself for $6.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Summary:

Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory has been closed to the public for a long time, but now five tickets are being offered for a tour inside, and the children lucky enough to find them will win the honor. Charlie Bucket, a sweet, poor boy who lives with his parents and both sets of grandparents in near starving conditions, is hoping he will be one of the lucky few to get a ticket.

My Thoughts:

This book was a little darker than I remembered, not shying away from talking about people starving or other unpleasant facts of life. I chose this as the first real chapter book to read aloud to my boys at bedtime, and the length of the chapters was perfect for it (most chapters only being 3 pages or so). We finished it in a month (30 chapters in total), and my boys (5 and 7) really enjoyed it once they got used to settling down to listen. The Oompa-Loompa’s little preachy songs were great (I didn’t sing them, I just read them like a poem), and Mr. Wonka himself is a little crazy, but I liked the funny way he had of ignoring or talking over anyone who tried to disagree with him. Great read-aloud book for bedtime!

Edition Notes:

This Puffin Modern Classics edition included illustrations by Quentin Blake.

Quotes:

“But there was one other thing that the grownups also knew, and it was this: that however small the chance might be of striking lucky, the chance was there.” -Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

“Sometimes, he would stand motionless outside the gates for several minutes on end, taking deep swallowing breaths as though he were trying to eat the smell itself.” -Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

“Whipped cream isn’t whipped cream at all unless it’s been whipped with whips. Just as a poached egg isn’t a poached egg unless it’s been stolen from the woods in the dead of night! Row on, please!” -Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Movie Adaptations:

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson

TV Rating: G

My Rating: 5 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

To me this is the original, classic adaption. Gene Wilder is just creepy enough and plenty strange to suit me. I love the Oompa-Loompas and their little songs. This movie is a musical and has quite a few tunes in it, many of them memorable. My kids loved it, enjoying all the silly sort of slap-stick comedy it has. Great movie!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly

Movie Rating: PG

My Rating: 3 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

It is possible my impression of this movie was colored by growing up with the 1971 version, but I thought this was a little too trippy and, as you would expect from Tim Burton, rather dark. Johnny Depp is just a little too frightening for me in this. This film also adds a backstory to the Wonka character, featuring a dentist father.

The Threshing Circle by Neil Grimmett

The Threshing Circle by Neil Grimmett

Publisher: Grimpen Publications (February 2014)

294 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Attempted Rapes, and Violence

A tragic wrong from WWII was covered up and left to fester in the Crete countryside until many years later when a young English couple arrived and started digging it up again, bringing Kirsty (the town tavern owner) and Barba Yiorgos (a crotchety, influential local man) along for the ride. This murder mystery is wrapped in family vendettas, mystique and traditional superstitions that seem to spring from more truth than fancy. The tension between Kirsty and Barba Yiogos made for an interesting partnership as they set out on their investigations, though Kirsty’s distrust bordered on paranoia and petulance at times. This story was as much about uncovering the whys and wherefores of the WWII murder, as it was about the investigators escaping the threat they’d woken with their probings, making the second half of the book more thriller/suspense than mystery, but riveting nonetheless. This includes some pretty gruesome violence, but I thought it perfectly complimented the dour, unforgiving tone of the setting. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending . . . it was both beautifully haunting and disappointing . . . wishing they’d had more time. Truly Gripping Read!