books 2010 #32 - 37

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've been vacillating between 3 and 4 stars on this one. I was excited to read it, and it definitely held my interest, but I didn't like it as much as the first two in the series. It's darker, which is no surprise for a dystopian, world at war scenario.

I really do like Katniss. She feels real to me – reluctant and scared at times, yet passionate and gritty enough to do what needs to be done. Peeta's character had more depth here, but it seemed like Gale's had less, which was disappointing. The plot was unpredictable, so bonus points on that front. Overall, pretty enjoyable, but I don't know that it's appropriate for the younger YA set.


Making Children's Clothes: 25 Stylish Step-by-step Sewing Projects for 0-5 Years by Emma Hardy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Love it! So many cute projects, most of which I would like to try. Eva flipped through it with me and said, "I want that!" on almost every page. Looks totally doable, too, even for this novice seamstress.



Here be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was completely sucked in to this long, historical novel about 13th century Wales and England. This is all that I love about historical fiction. It was complex, smart, and informative. The characterizations were very well done, full and real. And, as usual, I found myself feeling surprised by how little human interactions have changed over the centuries.

Best of all, it was epic, which I find highly enjoyable.


Love and Other Impossible Pursuits by Ayelet Waldman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Here's the thing: maybe I just am not a fan of Ayelet Waldman. This looked and sounded intriguing, but I ended up not liking the main character much, and that was a problem for me. She just seemed so selfish. I get that she was flawed, human, yada yada yada. But when you break up a marriage, there are plenty of consequences, most of them complicated and unpleasant. I reiterate: I cannot stand it when I feel like a book is trying to make me root for infidelity. This is probably one I should have not bothered to finish.



River Jordan: A Novel by Augusta Trobaugh

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a pleasant, easy, quick read. I enjoyed the characters and their voices. I think I would have liked it better if I hadn't been comparing it to Trobaugh's Swan Place, which I ultimately liked more.



The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After talking about this book at book club, I liked it better. I'm inching towards 4 stars now.

It definitely held my attention, I liked that it sent my mind in all different directions, but if anything I found myself wishing it were a little creepier. And revealing, if subtly, the identity of the little stranger in the very last paragraph seemed somewhat abrupt in this 500-page book.


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