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 Gone
With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
ISBN # 068483068X
What can I say about this book other than
that it changed my life? I skipped school one day in 7th grade
so I could read it. I've since read it about ten times and
seen the movie at least as much.
The movie's great-but the book's even better.
Did you know that in the book Scarlett has three children
and not just one? And that one of my favorite characters,
Will Benteen, doesn't even appear in the movie at all? Just
some of my favorite trivia tidbits from this awesome story.
You will be swept away by the characters, the story and the
emotions-regardless of whether you like Scarlett or not.
For those of you living in a cave, GWTW
takes place in Georgia during the American Civil War. The
heroine, 16-year-old Scarlett O'Hara is the spoiled eldest
daughter of a plantation owner in Georgia. The book follows
her life through the turmoil and degradation of 4 years of
brutal war and the loss of everything she loves and then through
the years of Reconstruction as she fights for the survival
of her family, much to the chagrin of those she is trying
to save. Of course, it's also one of the grandest love stories
of all time. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara have become
synonymous with Romeo and Juliet, and when you read the book
you'll find out why. And don't forget to bring along the hankies!
 Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
ISBN# 0385302304
This is the book that convinced me to take
a two week trip to Scotland with my husband just so I could
see if touching ancient stone monuments would send me back
in time. The book is that convincing. Whether you're a fan
of time travel novels or not, it doesn't matter. This is an
emotionally gripping novel, fast-paced, action-packed, and
superbly written, and should not be missed by any lover of
books.
Claire Randall, a combat nurse in WWII,
is in Scotland on her honeymoon when she is mysteriously transported
back in time 200 years to the time of the Scottish uprising.
The realism of the setting will transport the reader, too.
Claire must use her wits not to be captured by the British
or thought a witch by her captors, as well as resist falling
in love with the man she is forced to marry in the 18th century
since she already has a husband in the 20th century.
The love story between Jamie Fraser and
Claire Randall is right up there with Romeo and Juliet and
Scarlett and Rhett-you will fall in love and, if you're like
me, demand to be taken to Scotland on the first available
flight. The best part of OUTLANDER is that it's only the first
book in a long series. The most recent, A BREATH OF SNOW AN
ASHES, is on top of my 'to be read' pile so be looking for
a review of it here.
 …And
Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
ISBN# 0425174409
You've probably already guessed that I
love really thick books. Unfortunately, when I read the above
three, my life was completely different inasmuch as I actually
had time to sit for long periods of time over a juicy novel.
Now, I gravitate toward smaller books because I can squeeze
them in between my own writing as well as the demands of two
children and a husband. Still, I would drop everything if
a book as wonderful as any of these were to find its way into
my hands.
AND LADIES OF THE CLUB is an extremely special
book. I was given it as a gift my junior year in college right
before Christmas break. That was the year my dad took my brothers
and me to Switzerland to go skiing. I was so engrossed in
this book that it killed me to have to put it down to sleep,
much less actually hit the slopes. Each morning, I'd reluctantly
buckle on my boots and skis, do a couple of runs, then return
to the chalet where I'd cozy up to a fire and read the rest
of the day. My dad was not a happy man but I was certainly
a very happy reader!
The author was a young woman when she started
the book in the 1920's and continued to work on it well until
her eighties when it was finally published. The book is a
sweeping saga encompassing the decade before the Civil War
and beyond. It involves the lives of two best friends growing
up and coming of age during the War and the aftermath. A ladies
club is interwoven seamlessly, introducing new characters,
and saying goodbye to others. The two main characters are
old women by the end of the book and you will feel as if you've
felt every heartache and every joy in their lives. Don't miss
this book!
Check back for more book faves--I
always have a pile on my bed stand and I love to talk about
books almost as much as I love to write them!
- Great young adult reads
 If
I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince? - Melissa Kantor
ISBN 078680960-4
Lucy Norton is sixteen and never had a boyfriend.
She moves around a lot because of her dad's job. Recently
they've been living in San Francisco and Lucy is happy there.
Her dad suddenly marries a woman with twin daughters and moves
with them to Long Island. Lucy calls herself Cinderella, complete
with a wicked stepmother and two evil stepsisters. But something
in her life is missing- a prince. Isn't she supposed to get
one to rescue Lucy from her horrible life? This romantic comedy
was a great book and I enjoyed it a lot. I highly recommend
it.
 A
Deadly Game of Magic - Joan Lowery Nixon
ISBN 0-440-92102-3
Lisa and three other teenagers get caught
in a storm and take shelter in a house. Even before they step
into the house they know something is wrong. The couple who
answers the teenagers' knocks act terrified and jittery and
leave in a hurry. Inside the house is Lisa's dream- magician's
props and tricks. However, there's a catch. Doors open and
close, the dog in the house won't go into the back room, and
a hand walks across the mantel. The teenagers rely on Lisa
to get them out of there as quickly as she can, but it becomes
a lot harder, especially when they begin to suspect they're
not alone in the house. Joan Lowery Nixon is one of my favorite
mystery writers, and this book is my favorite. It kept me
in suspense throughout the novel. Anybody who likes mysteries
or wants to be a magician should check this book out.
 Animal
Attraction - Jamie Ponti
ISBN 1-4169-0987-7
Jane is Plain. At least, that is what she
thinks of herself. She is seventeen, never had a boyfriend,
and is depressed. So this summer she decides to change that.
Jane is thrilled when she is accepted as one of the hot mermaids
at a theme park. She thinks it will be a way to catch guys.
But her hopes crash when she discovers she has to wear a furry
beaver costume in 90 degree heat all day. She doesn't look
too hot, especially with melted rubber bands in her hair.
Jane's friends build her self confidence, give her a new name
and identity, and force her to make this her best summer yet.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I am not a fan of books
written in present-tense, but I completely forgot because
the story was so good. I recommend Animal Attraction
for people who love a funny romance novel.
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