Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

If you want a good, quick read then Nicholas Sparks is your man. The only downside is that after you have read a few of his books they become a bit predictable. Despite this aspect of the book, I still enjoyed it. I might have written the ending a little differently, because it was sort of strange. As all of his other books, this one is worth reading, but it is not one of his best.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

I first heard about this book a couple of years ago from my stepmom, she was recommending it to me. When I asked her what it was about she said a little girl gets raped and murdered...after that explanation I decided it was not my type of book. Over Thanksgiving my 14 year old sister was reading it and said I had to read it. So, I decided I would give it a shot, I meant it could not be that bad if my little sister was allowed to read it. And, well....WOW!

Yes it's about a little girl who gets raped and murdered (It is the first thing the reader finds out)...but it is so much more than that. It is about life after tragedy, about moving on and not moving on all at once. About how peoples lives are affected by horror, how they cope with the pain...it is really amazing. It does not hit you until you have finished that you have just read something that makes you feel like you are being let in on a secret. I guess that is the WOW factor.

Definitely a must read and buy!

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

I will start by saying that I am definitely buying this book! Now I must admit that I had this book in my possession a few months ago...due to a series of appalling books I became discouraged by the source of these recommendations and decided to return it to the library. However, I continued to hear and read great things about this book and I can now say that I got the shorter end of the stick for not reading this earlier.

I was honestly very happily surprised by this book, I had no idea what to expect. But I truly hope the author chooses to write another book. The characters were absolutely fabulous, and I must admit that the whole old school British perspective on Americans was hilarious. I will be recommending this book to anyone who asks for a book to read!

The Possessed by Elif Batuman

To tell the truth, I am not quite sure why I read this book. I guess I was hoping it would inspire me to read Anna Karenina and maybe War and Peace. All I really learned is that I do not want to go to Samarkand nor do I want to study Russian to any extent. This book might have actually been physically painful for me to read, maybe that is why it took me to darn long to finish!! I do know one good thing that came from finishing it though...now I get to read the next book on my list!

I would recommend this to anyone who has a real passion for Russian literature, history and writers. Other than that, I am not sure it is worth it.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

I picked this up because I remember really liking the movie and Nicholas Sparks is very good at making you fall in love. It is such a sad story, but still wonderful. If you have already read any of Nicholas Sparks books then there is really nothing more to say. If you have not...then you should. He is definitely a wonderful writer, and he alone makes me want to move to North Carolina...well, visit at least! The images of the scenery that he paints in my head are worth the endings!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This was incredible. I cannot believe it was not on my list, but I am very happy it was put in to my hands! I was laughing so hard I had tears, and then I was crying. I cannot believe this book, I wish I could meet these people. It makes me want to ask my grandparent about how they used to live and if they had maids and how thy were treated. So amazing!!

This is definitely a book that goes on to my will buy and must read lists. I will and already am pushing it on everyone I know! And the writing is simply wonderful, I can picture people saying it. I hear they are making the movie, and I know I will go see it. But I am afraid it will ruin the wonderful characters of Aibleen, Minny and Skeeter that I have painted for myself in my head. And of course that horrible Miss Hilly....I will got to the movie just for the pie scene!!

Please read it now!!!

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

With the first part of the final book coming to theaters so soon I can hardly resist finally writing a review on the Harry Potter series! I have decided not to write individual reviews because then it would seem like cheating my book count (not to say that I did not re-read these multiple times!). So I am just going to quickly say that this is my favorite series of all time. I can read these any day of the week, during any mood, and all night long.

I can go as far as saying that I feel lucky to have been of the Harry Potter generation (if there is such thing, and if there is not then I am totally calling dibs). The nail-biting suspense that comes with waiting for the next book or movie to come out. Watching the trailers over and over again, bouncing around the house when any one mentions anything regarding Harry Potter (music included). This is extra easy to write at the moment because part 1 of the Deathly Hallows is weeks away, and I have been doing all of the above mentioned items.

My cousin said something to me the other night and I must write it down because I agree wholeheartedly. We were, of course, talking about Harry Potter and she said that she cannot wait for the day she gets to introduce her kids to the wonderful world of Harry Potter. And as I sit here writing this I can picture doing just that, and all I can do it smile. Ohhhh to see their faces and expressions change!!

The truth is I love this series, every single part of it...especially the incredible, unexpected ending. J.K. Rowling is a not only an extremely talented writer, but a genius as well. And all of the people, and minds that went in to the movies, they did such a great job with them.

Dumbledore's Army!! (with fist pump)

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

I cannot say that I was really expecting something extraordinary, however I did wait about 4 months for the library to finally get this book to me...so I was hoping it would be better than it was. What it was was strange, plain and simple. The idea was really cool and there is so much more the author could have done with it. I guess it is one of those books that you have to appreciate for what they bring to the table. I think I put it in the same category as the Oscar Wao book I read a while back.

Oh well. To those of you interested in reading it, please do. Just realize that for me it was not worth the four month build up, so if crosses your path pick it up but I would not go out of my way for it. I feel sad saying this, but I just wish it had been more.

Emma by Jane Austen

Another wonderful Jane Austen novel. This is my third favorite from her. I really enjoy how naive Emma is, even though she doesn't think so. There are such amazing characters in this novel, just like all her others! The absurdly cautious Mr. Woodhouse, the pompous Mr. Elton, and the incredible Mr. Knightley. I could go on and on, but I would eventually let something slip about the plot. So despite Jane Austen being my favorite authoress I must keep my entry short or risk ruining the story for someone else!

This is where I leave you by Jonathan Trooper

This was a very strange book. I am not really sure what I was expecting when I picked it up from the library, but it was not this. I do not think I will be recommending this book to anyone, however I do want to see what others think about it.

I come from a very strange, large family and there is always some sort of drama. This book, however, puts the term 'dysfunctional family' in to a whole new light. The entire book is about their inability to coexist...and not I am not giving it away, there is plenty more that happens that I will say nothing of.

The Elegance of The Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

I cannot believe it ended the way it did! All I feel like asking is: Seriously?! I really loved the way it was written, so different from everything else I have read. If anything it is worth reading for the experience. Such different perspectives and ways of thinking between the two characters.

And then there is the actual topic of the book. The conformity to social expectations due to class and wealth, because wanting more is not worth the trouble of fighting for it. I am not sure exactly why, but I found this book to be inspiring. The struggle to conform versus personal liberation.

Outstanding Quote #2

When something is bothering me, I seek refuge. No need to travel far; a trip to the realm of literary memory will suffice. For where can one find more noble distraction, more entertaining company, more delightful enchantment than in literature?

~The Elegance of The Hedgehog

(Quote #1 is back in July 2009)

Romancing Miss Brontë by Juliet Gael

I am not sure exactly why it took me so long to get hooked on to this book. I think that is was due to that fact that I have been reading too fast. I was unable to put this book down once I got about fifty pages in...despite the fact that it took me about a week to read those fifty pages! And now I can say that I read late in to the night and found that I am going to have to re-read Charlotte Brontë's works.

I have a great fascination for historical fictions, and this book did not disappoint in any way. The lives of the Brontë sisters and family are so tragic that you cannot help falling in love with the manner in which they choose to live. I had never really read a biography of any of the Brontë sisters, so I found this book to be all the more intriguing. I heartily recommend it to everyone. It is a powerful book about their lives and human understanding and disposition at the point in time.

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Now I understand why this series seems to have caught on like wildfire. I was not sure how the author was going to transition from the previous book and change the storyline. But he did, and it is amazing! I was afraid it would be all about Zalachenko. It was a great ending to the series, especially after knowing so little about Lisbeth in the first two books.

I think my only problem is that the ending seemed to drag on a bit too much. It was almost anti-climactic. So much happens, the trial ends and then there is still about three more chapters. I still loved the books, so it wasn't that bad...I just prefer books with clear-cut ending, even abrupt endings.

However, this series is definitely going on to my must-buy-list, as well as the must-reread-list. I am also recommending it to everyone I come across...so read it!

The Girl who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

WOW!! I am afraid I read this book way too fast. I truly enjoyed it and wished it was longer. I will be taking my time with the last one (maybe)...it's hard to stop reading. It is interesting to get to know more about Lisbeth and why she is the way she is. Especially why she was given such a harsh psychological review. Really incredible storyline!!

And the new characters that are introduced in to this book. Especially Zala and the blond giant. It is really hard to write about this without giving anything away...so I am going to stop and suggest you go and read it!!

Both ways is the only way I want it by Maile Meloy

I picked up this book because it was on Oprah's list and so far the books I have read from her suggestions have been really good (My Name is Mary Sutter and The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott). This book however was one of my least favorite. They are a bunch of short stories that must have some underlying meaning that I am totally missing. I have always like short stories, mostly those of Garcia Marquez...but this book was beyond me.

I found the stories to be about very strange topics, the only thing they seemed to have in common was that they took place in the middle of nowhere. That and the fact that I hated all of the endings, if you can call them an ending. It almost seems like the author was writing down her dreams and then forget what the rest of the dream was and end the story. Obviously not my kind of book.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

I am so glad that I read this series, even if it was after watching the movies. They are worth reading. The movies did a good job, but there are still huge parts that are left out. And characters that are changed, especially Faramir. I liked his character in the book so much better. Also Eowyn, she is so much more complex and twisted in the books.

This book is especially different because the ending has so much more to it than the movies. If anything people should read the last few chapters because they are not even hinted towards in the movies. It gives more depth to the war, and the reach and power of Saruman. It also shows the strength of the Hobbits despite their size.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

Looking back I wish I had read the books before watching the movies...the suspense would have been so much better. It is pretty amazing what a good job the movies did of following the storyline. Of course there are some differences and parts that are cut out, but overall they are darn close. This is what made it harder for me to truly enjoy the books, in a way I already knew what was going to happen.

Despite this I really like this series. The writing and creativity are truly amazing. I am very excited to read the next book. I enjoy reading more about what Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas are doing...there is a lot more action. I will say that I am interested in see what parts of Sam and Frodo's travels were left out of the last movie.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book!! Ohh, the amazing writing I was missing...beyond believable. This book is totally indescribable. The only real way to understand it is to actually read it. The story line is crazy and mysterious; it has characteristics of a thriller, coming of age, revenge, rape, love....so many different approaches!!

And the characters...the are true genius. Especially the main female character, so hard to understand and yet to easy to like. And the crazy Vanger family! Dear me, I do not think I have ever come across such imagination (I do hope it is not based on some form of reality). I am interested in watching the film, but slightly scared at the same time. I obviously will though. I am also very excited about the next two books...I wonder what the author will come up with next!

The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees

I truly enjoyed this book. I read Little Women a long time ago and it was not one of my favorites. I was a bit skeptical at first about this book, but I believe I have found a new passion for these historical fictions. I had never put much through in to Louisa May Alcott's life and I am surprised by how my I learned from this book alone. And how it prompted me to find out more. It is crazy that she knew Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman.

Aside from the historical and biographical aspects of this book; the fiction part was amazing. I almost wish it had really happened. So scandalous and romantic! And the character of Louisa, so headstrong and fiery, I wish I could have met her. I think I am adding this one to list of books to buy and re-read. Definitely worth having.

My name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira

AMAZING! This novel was unlike anything else I have read. I am in love with the entire thing. The characters, the writing style, the setting...WOW! I think I am pretty close to being speechless. I think everyone should read this book. It is engaging and powerful, and above all extremely well written. I wish I knew someone who has read it so that I can talk about it!!

Mary Sutter is an incredible character, she is inspiring and tenacious. There is a lot of happiness, but mixed in to so much pain, death and goriness. And yet the story never ceases to put you on your toes and twist you around. I am definitely adding this one to my library, it is a must have in my eyes.

Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment

To tell the truth I was not very fond of this book. I truly dislike the way it is written, almost in a god-like way, but not quite...very strange. Especially when it is coming from the dog's perspective. I feel like it should have been one or the other, but not both humans and the Dachshund. How does the author know the dog is in pain? Or how the dog feels while at the animal hospital? These questions kept popping up in my head as I read.

I also found that it was anti-climactic. It seems like the climax was about twenty pages in and from there it's slow decline. I could almost guess the end, but I finished it anyway. I think it is a cute story and it was worth reading because I have Dachshunds...but for everyone else, especially those who do not own pets; I cannot say they would like it. I am not sure who I would recommend it to.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This is my second favorite book of Jane Austen's collection. I love the character of Anne Elliot and how she is constantly trying to please everyone, despite the consequences to herself. However, she realizes how much she loves Captain Wentworth and does not stop caring for him. I love the way the plot unravels and the relationship between Anne and Wentworth grows.

I must also say that one of my favorite passages is when Sir Walter Elliot describes the men and women in Bath. I could read it over and over again and continue laughing. The author does such a wonderful job of making him a pompous pain. And Miss Elliot, oh I am happy she ends up alone. I cannot wait to re-read this later on!!

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

I believe that this series is one of my favorites. They are so entertaining and creative...I can barely put it down to interact with the world! I really do hope there is another one on the way. I really want to know where Sookie and Eric stand. As usual so much has changed among the characters that now I am not sure who I prefer. I like Eric, but I think Sookie could use some girl time...or a steady guy like Sam. Oh the possibilities!

I think that this one was almost as gruesome as the book when Sookie went to the big vampire council. I am bit sad about Eric's maker, I wish he had been a bit more. Eric being so incredible and everything, I expected his maker to be along the same lines. I guess he was supposed to be bored with society and life, but it would have been cooler if he was more active. I really want there to be another one!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

I really liked this book and the end of the series. Again, it is no Harry Potter...but it has its own creativity that stands out as well. I am still not too happy with Kronos. I feel that he could have been a bit more outstanding, compared to the other Titans he seemed a bit puny. However, the other characters made up for it. I especially like the Party Centaurs and Mrs. O'Leary. They were so entertaining!!

I am very happy about how the series ended. I think the author did a wonderful job tying up all the knots and making sense out of the characters. In the end everyone had a place, which I liked. I am also going to say that Percy redeemed himself at the end, when he talks to Zeus and the other Gods...that was one of my favorite parts of his character!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

The labyrinth is incredible! I am becoming more and more impressed with the creativity in these books. It is very entertaining...I find myself unable to put the books down. I love the new characters that are introduced to this book, especially Rachel. She is so down to earth and real that it makes the book seem more likely to be true. I also think it is refreshing for Percy to have another love interest, even though I hope he ends up with Annabeth.

I also must say the Nico is one of my favorite characters. He is so much more complex and unpredictable than Percy and even Annabeth. I cannot wait to see what role he plays in the next book. I am also going to say that Kronos was not as impressive as I thought he would be, maybe this is just the beginning, but he does not seem like a Titan to me.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

This series is really growing on me. I should probably slow down and cherish them, but they are way too exciting and I just have to know what happens next!! So far I really enjoyed this book the best. The characters and their choices and dealing with their parental issues. I love the modern mythological twist, it is so entertaining.

I cannot wait to read the next book, now that their are new characters and there is a new twist in the plot. I really wonder about Nico and Bianca. I hope we learn more about their history and what happened to them during all their missing years. Okay, too much suspense...on to the next book!!

Lord of the Rings: Felloship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

I am very happy I finally picked up this series. I truly enjoyed the movies, and as a rule of thumb books are always better...However, I never expected it to be this different. I cannot wait to read the other two books!! I mean the basic tale is the same, but they differ in the end by a lot. I think I am going to watch the movie now so that I can compare them more closely.

I must say that I really do enjoy the author's way of writing. I will also admit that there are times when a go faster than simple speed reading. In other words, I cut out some of the long winded sections. And all of the Elvish language and he songs, they are very entertaining and talented, but again a bit too long for my liking. Aside from that, I love the book. The characters are wonderful, the descriptions are fantastic, and the entire tale is work of genius!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

I know that it might seem a bit crazy, but I have already finished the second one!! I guess that says something about the series, or about myself...Who knows!! Either way I enjoyed it thoroughly. I felt that the plot was a lot better than the first one. I bit more adventurous. The ending was totally unexpected which was very refreshing. It also makes me glad that I don not yet have the next book or I would have already started it!!

I truly enjoyed the characters in this book, especially Tyson. I am hoping to see him in the other books too. It is good to see the characters from the previous book grow, I really like the direction they are taking. Not quite as predictable as I thought they were before. I am very excited for the next book!!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

I was introduced to this series by my younger sister, whom said it was one of her favorite series so far. After finishing this book I can see where she is coming from. This was a very entertaining story, very similar to Harry Potter. However it is not quite as good or creative. Not to say that this book was not full of imagination, it just seemed to be trying to out shine Harry Potter and not quite making it.

That said, I will be reading the rest of the series. I also must mention that I finished this book in one day. Not because it was an easy read but because it was catchy and exciting. It is also full fun twists and unexpected turns. I found it particularly hilarious that the entrance to the Underworld in in L.A. I wonder what the author is trying to say about L.A.?!! Those little witty and sarcastic inserts were my favorite part!

What I Thought I Knew By Alice Eve Cohen

I loved this book. I cannot believe that this really happened, such a crazy story to be true in our medically advanced and technology crazed era only makes this more powerful. This story makes you question your ideals and beliefs, but when you finish you feel overwhelmed and totally inspired. I think everyone should read this book.

It took me a bit to get going, and then I could not put it down. It was not until the very end that I fell in love with it. The only barrier was the lack of love. As a reader you could see it was obviously there, but the author had trouble admitting this was a bit sad and painful to me. However, now that I am finished I can understand her story and I love the way it is told.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

It took me a while to get in to this book, but at the end I finally understood the hype around this story. I am still not sure if I really loved this book, I definitely like it. The characters of Rosaline, August, June and May are really incredible. Such strong women, so loving and understanding. It makes you wish they actually exist and you could go meet them. And the art of beekeeping...so enthralling!!

I think my issues lie with the fact that the story drags on unnecessarily, it could easily have been written as a short story and had a similar affect. I also am not sure I am happy with the main character, Lily. She constantly complains about how she wishes she were not such a liar, but she does not make any effort to actually stop. Maybe I just cannot get in to her shoes or something, but I cannot get over the fact that she seems to be really ungrateful until the very end...literally.

Despite all of this I really can appreciate this book as it puts a different view to the Civil Rights movement. Giving it almost a backseat feel, when it is actually very much present in their everyday lives. In the end I think it is one of those books that really depend on the personality of the reader.

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

I cannot believe it took me this long to finally read one of Tolkien's novels!! The Hobbit is a fantastical tale told in such an incredible way. I love the way it is written with such ease and familiarity, as though it is not the first time the reader has heard this tale and already knows about Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, the elves and the dwarfs. Which makes you feel like you really do know the characters the way the author says you do...very different in a refreshing sort of way.

I am very excited to read his trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Bilbo Baggins and how truly nice he was. Even more, how he kept surprising himself more than the others in his ability to be a burglar! This is a must read on my list, so much imagination it's hard to believe one person came up with it. I wonder about the life of J.R.R. Tolkien and what inspired this tales.

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

This was a wonderful book! I am impressed by how easily the author can create these incredible novels. There is a trend in his writing, but it does not get tiring. In fact, he mixes up the endings to such an extent that you finish each book feeling totally different. This novel in particular was really good, one of my favorites. The characters are fantastic!

I find it very interesting that the author chooses to use prologues and epilogues in all of the novels I have read. Especially since the ending would be entirely different if one chose not to read the epilogue. I wonder if he has always done this, I guess I will have to read his first novels. No problem there!!

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

WOW!! I am not sure how to describe this book. It was incredible! I am going to see the movie tomorrow when it comes out. I loved the fact that it made me cry like a baby and then I ended with a smile and a warm feeling inside!! I am sure I will read this book again; the anger, the falling in love, the description of the location, the disappointment, the pain, and the unexpected ending!!

I really enjoyed Ronnie's character. She was so complex, it was hard to predict how she would react or what she would do. I loved her sarcasm, too. She was very refreshing, appearing to be hard on the outside, but she was a very good person. I was scared to read the book at first because I was afraid it was going to be really sad, like Dear John. But I was happily surprised by the ending. I cannot wait to read the rest of his books!

Zorro by Isabel Allende

I really enjoyed this book...I was expecting something totally different, but in the end I am glad the author wrote it the way she did. It is all about the childhood and events that lead to the creation of El Zorro!! There were a few parts that dragged on, but overall I really liked it. It was not all about his adventures, which might have been redundant after a while. It mixed in history and culture to make a great story!!

I have read other books of hers and I truly enjoy her way of writing. She talks to the readers, not simply telling a story, but telling it to you personally. Almost like you are sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories! Isabel Allende is wonderful! I had been meaning to read a book in Spanish and this one was a great start. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Now that I am done crying I can write my review!! I am also over (more or less) the shock of the ending. I guess it would have been worse if I had not read the prologue. Despite the ending I really enjoyed the book. It was extremely well written. And the story was truly heartbreaking, which I am guessing is what Nicholas Sparks was going for.

I really want to go visit North Carolina now...the descriptions in the book are beautiful. I can only imagine how breath-taking they are in real life. I plan on reading all of his book eventually...hopefully the next one has a classic happy ending. I know that sounds like a sell out, but a good happy-ever-after love story never hurt anyone. Plus I am out of tears!!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book was amazing! Now I finally know why people talk so much about it...The story and the life lessons are incredible. And the characters...Oh my!! And to think that it is not even in it's original language. Oh how I wish I new Portuguese!! I know that translating something does not mean that the story is not the same, but I do believe something is always lost when it is taken out of its original form. I guess now I need to learn Portuguese!! The writing blows me away in English...I cannot even imagine how wonderful it must be to read it in Portuguese.

Anyway, I think this book is a must read for everyone. It is inspiring. A young man searching for his Personal Legend, and all the world coming together in strange ways to help him. And then there is the Soul of the World and the omens, which is such an interesting concept. There really are no words to describe how different and awesome this book was. And how everything comes back to a circle...it is really amazing!!

Read it!!!

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I have read the two previous books that feature Robert Langdon (which I loved)...and this one was no different. Dan Brown is a genius! He takes real ideas, real places, real organizations, and real conspiracies and creates these incredible stories. The best thing is that they are action packed and totally unpredictable.

I think that this book is even more interesting because it deals with Washington D.C. and the leaders of the United States. Something that many may not be comfortable with...which is addressed in the book. Despite this, the whole conspiracy is very entertaining and it makes you wonder whether or not it is true. I love his writing style and ability!!

I wonder if he will write another book with this same character. He definitely has the audience for it. I cannot wait to see the movie for this book. Even though the other movies were very different from the books, they were still worth watching. This one will be very entertaining...such a rush!!

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

I really love this series. I am very happy that there is another book coming out soon!! This book was crazy! Having fairies from hell was a very interesting twist on the whole fairy ideal. Especially since they are not small and cute, they are tall and sexy and self-centered. Nothing like Tinker Bell!!

I am happy that Sookie and Eric are now a couple. Or some what of a couple!! Their whole relationship is very strange...but extremely entertaining!! I wonder what is going to happen in the next book. Especially with the Weres and shifters coming out...it will be interesting to see how the author spins their story.

I also woder what the next characters are going to be...every book we learn about a new type of creature or a new major character. I wonder what will come next!!

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

I never thought I would say this...but I really hope Sookie and Eric become an item!! I know that once I finish writing this I am going to read my comments from the past books and I will probably be laughing at how many times I have changed my mind about the various characters. Especially Eric!

This book was different from the other because there were so many climaxes. In the other books there is usually one big bang. But this books has about five of them. After the first few I realized there had to be more to come because I was not even half way through the book. There was a werewolf bang, a vampire bang, a human bang, a witch bang....I loved it!!

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

WOW! This was by far the craziest of all the books. I cannot believe how much happens in such a short time span. That is what I love most about this series, they are short books and the action starts right away. There is no wasted time or paper, everything is action packed! I cannot wait for the last two books!!

The best part is that I do not know what to predict for the next two books. Sookie is definitely going to see Quinn again, but who knows what is going to happen to their relationship. And the whole Eric and Sookie being tied together is not only strange, but extremely creepy. I am pretty sure I do not want Sookie ending up with Eric. However, that is likely to change because at the end of each book I feel differently about all the characters.

It is not even worth speculating about what will come next, even if it is entertaining. The whole series is so unpredictable!! I wonder whether or not the HBO series will stick to the books. If so, they have a very expensive budget ahead of them! No matter what, though, I doubt they will compare to the books...it will be interesting to watch True Blood and see how it compares.