Her County Gentleman (A Timeless Romance Georgian Anthology)

Her County Gentleman

Published by Mirror Press

Description: 

This anthology features three novellas set in the Georgian era.

SPRING AT TRIBBLEY HALL by Sian Ann Bessey
When Charlotte's grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister's wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay. Not only is it lambing season, but he's also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot. When Charlotte and William first meet, he does not realize that the lovely young lady is the granddaughter in question, and she assumes that the man dressed in work clothes in the barn is a servant. Soon afterward, however, Charlotte stumbles upon a clue to William's sheep's disappearance, and when her life is placed in jeopardy, William is forced to choose between saving his unwanted houseguest and catching the thief.

 
LOVE OF MY HEART by Sarah M. Eden
Cordelia Wakefield has never lived anywhere but London and is not overly happy when her family is forced to retrench to a small estate near Teviotbrae, Scotland. An ill-fated game of battledore and shuttlecock brings her face-to-racquet with Sebastian, who runs the home farm at nearby Teviot Castle. What begins as a clash of personalities, expectations, and preferences, soon leads to a friendship neither had expected. As the magic of Teviotbrae weaves its spell, the possibility of something more than friendship begins to blossom. But what future is there for a lowly farmer and a London lady?

 
MISS SMITH GOES TO WILTSHIRE by Rebecca Connolly
Martha Smith wants to marry for love, and will not be persuaded otherwise. She is highly sought after in Society for her beauty and status, but refuses to consider any suitor whose only claim is that his prospects meet with her mother's approval. Her widowed mother has had enough of Martha's romantic sensibilities, and is sending her to stay with unfortunate cousins in Wiltshire to show her that marrying for love is a risk that is too great. Benjamin Steele, Lord Hillier, is working on his new and dilapidated estate when he first catches sight of the striking Martha Smith. Becoming Lord Hillier has only brought him a house that needs significant repairs, tenant farms that had been abandoned, and only the money he'd already possessed. He wants meaning in his life, and he's more than willing to work for it. Though worlds apart in all else, on this point they can agree: a life of meaning would change everything.

Review: 

 I really enjoyed each of these stories! As much as I love a story with a good ball or such, the country setting for these stories was perfect! I loved seeing the details of life in each story, from caring for lambs to dealing with an estate in poor condition. Each story had characters whom I immediately liked, people who felt real and who you'd want to be friends with. It was easy to cheer for them to each find their own happily-ever-afters. All three stories are very well written and engaging; I can't pick a favorite because they were all delightful. For the Audible version, I enjoyed the narrator's expressive reading. Wonderful collection! 

I read/listened to an copy provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Lions of Little Rock

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

In 1958, the high schools in Little Rock, Arkansas are closed in attempt to prevent desegregation. Twelve-year-old Marlee still attends her junior high, and her father, a teacher who seems in favor of desegregation, still has his job. However, Marlee's mother, who is supposed to teach at a high school and whose position on segregation Marlee's not really sure of, reports to an empty classroom, and her sister Judy is eventually sent to live with their grandmother so she can attend school. At school, Marlee, who doesn't talk to anyone outside her family meets a new girl, Liz, who befriends her and helps her start to find her voice. However, when another classmate finds out that Liz is actually "colored," Liz has to leave school. Faced with the loss of her first real friend, Marlee starts to realize what her feelings about integration are, what friendship is worth, and that some things are worth speaking up for.

I loved this book. I loved Marlee and seeing her growth, and Liz was so smart and spunky; she was great. I loved seeing Marlee's evolving relationships with her family members, too. I loved learning more about this time in history. I'd heard about the Little Rock Nine, of course, but I don't know if I'd ever heard about the Lost Year before. I found this book to be very readable and while I found it to be so interesting just for my own reading, I wish my kids were older so I could share this book with them! This book is a great discussion book--there's a lot of stuff to talk about. This was a really powerful story.

I listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator.

5 stars.

Drops of Gold

Drops of Gold
By Sarah M. Eden

When her father's death leaves her destitute and no one to turn to, Marion lies about her name, her class, and her qualifications in order to obtain a position as a governess. When she arrives at Farland Meadows, she finds that Caroline, although really too young for a governess, is a delightful child but both she and her handsome but troubled father, Layton need more joy brought into their lives. Layton Jonquil is pleased with the changes in his daughter brought about the new governess and finds himself falling for her, but after the tragedy of his first marriage, combined with the difference in their stations, he can't allow himself to act on those feelings.

Yet another delightful read for fans of Regency romances in general and Sarah Eden's works in particular. Both Marion and Layton are endearing characters, and Caroline is adorable. Guest appearances of Layton's large family (including Phillip, hero of Friends and Foes) add to the fun. There's a good mixture of deep issues and humor, and there's really nothing not to like. (On a small side note...the issue of why a governess is hired instead of a nursemaid and the discrepancy in the salary occurs wasn't ever really explained, so I wasn't sure what the point of that little plot point was...and I would have liked a little bit more of an explanation.)

*I've read the book and listened to the audiobook as well and enjoyed both.

5 stars.

For Elise

For Elise
By Sarah M. Eden

Miles Linwood and Elise Furlong were the best of friends during their childhood. However, shortly after the both of their fathers were murdered, when Elise was fifteen, Elise disappeared. For four years, Miles wondered and worried and searched for his friend but found no trace of her. When a chance encounter leads him to find her, Miles can scarcely believe the changes in his friend. Once light-hearted and carefree, Elise now guards her emotions tightly and doesn't trust easily. A widow and young mother at age nineteen, Elise has obviously suffered, but Miles soon finds that there is much more to Elise's story--including a very good reason not to trust him. But having found his old friend and becoming more enchanted with her and her baby each day, Miles must find a way to regain Elise's trust...and her heart.

No surprise, Sarah Eden has written another awesome book. I pretty much love every character she's ever written (okay, except for the villains who we aren't supposed to love anyway). I liked the element of mystery in this novel (and was pleased that I figured out who-dunn-it early on into the novel). I also liked the fact that there was a good reason for the disconnect between Miles and Elise; I feel like a lot of romance novels just have the whole "I don't know if he/she likes me" misunderstanding as the central conflict, and this one had more than that.

 The only bad thing about finishing one of Sarah Eden's books is that then I have to wait for her to publish another one. :(

I read the book once and did the audio book once, and I enjoyed both.

5 stars.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

By Laini Taylor

Little, Brown, 2011. 418 pgs. Teen fiction

Summary:

Karou is not exactly your average teenager. She goes to an art school in Prague, but her artwork, sketches of monsters that everyone assumes are just from her imagination, is actually a reflection of the only family she has ever known. Brimstone, a chimaera wishmonger who collects teeth, has raised her from the time she was a child, and while she sometimes resents that he won't explain who Karou is or what exactly he does with those teeth. Akivia is an angel soldier whose job pits him against the chimaera, but when his latest mission brings him into contact with Karou, who while seemingly human also has traits of the chimaera, he sets out to find out who she is. Their attraction is almost instantaneous, but their worlds have pitted them against each other.

Review:

This one started out a little slow for me, probably because I'm impatient with world-building and would have liked at least a few answers about what a chimaerae even is a little earlier in the book, but once Karou and Akivia run into each other, things picked up really quickly and the book was completely gripping from that point on. I couldn't wait to see how things would play out, and when the book ended, I definitely wasn't ready for it to be over and now am eagerly awaiting the sequel. One thing that did strike me partway through the novel was that I wasn't sure why the author decided to make this a teen novel. She could just as easily have made Karou a twenty-something college art student...and that might have made it slightly less awkward when she and Akivia are attracted to each other, since he's at least half a century old. (Okay, I know, it's been done in Twilight...and I suppose some people are okay with that, but to me, it's kinda odd.)

4 stars. With a fair amount of sex and sexual tension, some language and violence, and the thematic material (of a war between the seraphs and the chimaera), this isn't one for younger readers.

I listened to the audiobook and though the narrator was very engaging.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

By Susan Cain

Crown, 2012. 11 hours or 333 pgs. Adult Nonfiction

Summary:

Cain explains how U.S. culture favors extroverts, often ignoring the assets of introverts, who are dismissed as being shy and easily overlooked and simply because they are often not as loud, have their insights and skills go unacknowledged. However, Cain argues, with highly informative and interesting research, that the very skills that as so easily dismissed, such as thoughtful-thinking and autonomy, often are just what businesses, organizations, and individuals need to succeed. She shares stories of successful introverts (including Warren Buffet and Steve Wozniak) and how their success came because of, not in spite of, their introvertedness.

Review:

This book is AWESOME! It has so many fascinating topics of discussion, from how the Harvard Business school model has affected American culture and even education for kids, how Evangelicalism by nature is extroverted and can cause frustration in introverts who want to be a part of the faith, and the difference between American emphasis on extroversion and Asian emphasis on introversion. It was all very thought-provoking and written in a very engaging style.

For those who are introverted, this book is liberating, as it reassures us that we are not socially inept, of less worth than introverts, and doomed to a lifetime of being overlooked. Instead, Cain encourages embracing our particular skills to achieve success. For extroverts, this book would be just as valuable, as it explains the personalities of 1/3 to 1/2 of the population. It would be particularly helpful to business managers, as they might learn not to overlook the introverts who could truly benefit their organizations, or force them into work styles that aren't beneficial to them. I personally think this should be required reading for just about everyone.

I listened to the sound recording; Kathe Mazur did a great job as narrator.

5 stars. A little bit of language, but not enough that anyone should think it outweighs the many merits of the book.

The Outcasts

The Outcasts
By John Flanagan
Philomel Books, 2011. 434 pgs. Teen fiction

In Skandia, sixteen-year-old boys must go through brotherband training, where groups must work together while competing against other brotherbands as they try to prove themselves ready to take their place in Skandian society and in the Skandian wolf ships. Hal Mikkelson is half-Skandian, half-Araluen, which, in the eyes of the other Skandians, means he's outsider and probably always will be. His only friend, Stig, is the son a Skandian who stole from his countrymen and then high-tailed it out of the country, which leaves Stig as an outsider as well. They, along with six other outcasts, aren't chosen for a brotherband and by default become a brotherband, the Herons. Competing against larger brotherbands, no one expects the Herons to succeed, but Hal and his new friends are determined to show that they aren't the losers that everyone thinks they are.

In this companion series to The Ranger's Apprentice series, readers will quickly draw parallels with the other series, with small, underdog Hal (similar to Will), strong but not as bright best friend Stig (similar to Horace), and the wise mentor Thorn (similar to Halt). While there are definite similarities, there are enough difference to make the book distinct. Readers familiar with Ranger's Apprentice won't be disappointed by the new series, but it's not necessary to read the other series before diving into this one. Highly recommend to anyone looking for rip-roaring good fun.

John Keating does a great job with the narration of the audiobook.

5 stars. Clean read.

Cinder

Cinder
By Marissa Meyer
Feiwel & Friends, 2012. 390 pgs/540 mins. Teen fiction

In a future world, Earth, after the Fourth World War, has been divided into five nations. While they haven't had any more wars with each other, they are constantly threatened by the Lunars, the people who live on the moon, and for many years, a horrific, incurable plague has been killing off many of Earth's citizens. Cinder, has the misfortune of being a cyborg and being hated by her stepmother, is the best mechanic in New Beijing, and Prince Kai comes into have her fix an android. As she hides her identity as a cyborg from him, Cinder and Kai begin to develop a friendship. At the same time, however, Cinder's stepsister, Pearl, who is Cinder's only human friend, catches the plague. Cinder is "volunteered" as a research subject for doctors to study the plague. However, it turns out that Cinder isn't an ordinary cyborg, and she isn't who she thought she was--and her true identity is something that could quickly get her killed if anyone finds out the truth.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about a science fiction retelling of a fairy tale; it seemed like an odd combination. It turned out to be pretty awesome, actually. Cinder is a wonderful protagonist; I love cheering for the underdog and watching her try to deal with who she is and how to free herself from a pretty miserable existence. The developing romance between Kai doesn't get as far in this book as readers might like, but it leaves us something to hope for in subsequent books in the series. There's kind of a lot going on with the plot, but Meyer did a great job weaving all of the plot lines together. Highly enjoyable and an easy recommendation. I listened to the audiobook, and I recommend that as well.

4.5 stars. Clean read.

Airman

Airman
By Eoin Colfer
Hyperion, 2008. 11 hrs, 22 mins. Teen fiction

Conor Broekhart was born to fly. In fact, he was born flying--in a hot air balloon over Paris. Returning home to the Saltee Islands off the Irish coast, Conor quickly becomes friends with Princess Isabella, despite her daily, or hourly, or even minutely, threats to have him hanged. He's even given the opportunity to study with Isabella's tutor, a Frenchman named Victor Vigny, who shares Conor's interest in flying. Both are determined that they will fly someday; however, their plan is cut short when the evil Hugo Bonvilain, Marshall of the Saltee Islands, puts into effect his plan to kill the king. Conor discovers his treachery, but Bonvilain catches him, and after convincing Conor's parents that Conor died with the king, sends Conor to Little Saltee where he works in the prison mines, gathering diamonds that make the corrupt Bonvilain rich. Feeling forsaken by his family and his love (Isabella), Conor is determined to forget his former life and survive the wretched conditions of the prison long enough to escape.

With flying, corruption, evil schemes, and a good villain (meaning, a bad villain that you can hate as much as Conor hates him) this book is a good pick for most teen guys, as well as quite a few teen girls. John Keating, as always, does a good narration, making this a good choice for those looking for a good audiobook as well.

3.5 stars. Clean read, other than some very, very slight usage of "d***" and "h***" (although, in some cases, it was comparing prison to the real place, so I'm not even sure if that counts as cursing).

This Dark Endeavor

This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
By Kenneth Oppel
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011./Brilliance Audio, 2011. 298 pgs./8 hours, 7 minutes. Teen fiction

Victor Frankenstein and his twin brother Konrad are as close as brothers can be, although lately a certain young lady has started to come between them. Still, when Konrad falls ill, Victor is determined to do whatever it takes to save him, even if it means invading his castle home's forbidden Dark Library, where he tries to uncover the secrets of alchemy in order to concoct an elixir of life to save his brother.

Oppel does a satisfying job of writing a story that explains why someone who venture into the dark and forbidden world of alchemy and potions. Victor is usually a likable character--and certainly a sympathetic one, as readers will understand his feelings of jealousy and frustration toward his brother--but occasionally, his hot-headed, passionate responses to things make him a little less than gentlemanly. Overall, though, a good choice for fans of historical fiction and adventure, teen guys, and anyone who likes their fiction slightly on the darker side.

4 stars. Clean read for the most part--slight innuendo. (Really slight).

Princess Ben

Princess Ben
By Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Brilliance Audio, 2008. 7 hours. Teen fiction

Princess Benevolence, or Ben for short, is the niece of the king, and as he and his wife have not produced an heir, she, after her father, is next in line for the throne. When Ben’s mother and uncle are killed and her father lost after a brutal attack, Ben is set to be her country’s next leader. Her aunt, the Queen Sophia, rules as regent until Ben reaches her majority, and seems cruel, evil, and utterly disappointed with Ben’s failures to act as Sophia sees is becoming for her country’s next queen. When she is locked in a tower, Ben finds an entrance to a room where she learns magic, and, once she has mastered a few spells, she attempts to save her kingdom from their neighboring kingdom, a ruthless country that has always wanted their land.

I listened to the CD version, read by the author, and while I didn’t always like her reading of it, it was satisfactory. I like how Ben is not the typical princess—she’s chubby, doesn’t like needlework or courtly duties, and has grown up somewhat distance from castle life. I didn’t necessarily find the romantic aspect of the story believable (I wasn’t sold on Ben’s attraction to her suitor, nor his for her), but as far as fairy tales go, it was enjoyable.

3.5 stars. Clean read.

Divergent

Divergent
By Veronica Roth
Katherine Tegen Books, 2011. 487 pgs. Teen fiction


Chicago is divided into five factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent). Each faction exemplifies the behaviors and attitudes that they think will most benefit the world and combat the problems of human nature. As teens reach a certain age, they are given an aptitude test that tells them which attributes they have, followed by a ceremony where they choose which group to remain with for the rest of their lives. Most people have one dominant attribute, but Beatrice Prior, who has been raised by her Abnegation parents and community, isn't sure she's selfless enough to stay with that faction. When her aptitude tests reveals that she has multiple dominant attributes, meaning she is divergent, she must choose which faction to join--as well as hide the fact that she's divergent, as she's been warned that her life depends on no one finding out her secret. Tris makes her choice, changing her name along with her alliances, and as she trains for her new faction, she struggles to know who to trust and starts to fall in love but also realizes that everything could be ripped away but a group that is ready to overthrow their way of life.

Some books just hook you, and some don't. For me, this one definitely did. I think this has the potential to be the new Hunger Games--the trilogy that everyone has to read and can't stop thinking about. With an intriguing dystopian world, engaging characters, action, adventure, romance, and more, there's not much that this book doesn't have. I will say that I thought the end of the book, where we see the conflict really unfolding, as the rebel group begins rolling out their plans, went by to quickly for me and was actually too easily resolved. Obviously, there's going to be a lot more going on in the next books, but I would have liked to see a little more in this one, as it all plays out in a matter of a few hours. On the other hand, Tris's training and personal growth and conflicts were explored in much more detail and over time, so the juxtaposition just made the larger, societal conflict seem glossed over. Still, I'm hooked, and I can't wait to see what happens next! A great choice for anyone who liked The Hunger Games, dystopia, romance, action, or kick-butt characters.

4.5 stars. As far as language goes, I think this one's pretty clean. There's a lot of violence, though. Sexuality is minimal; there's some kissing, a little sexual tension, and a discussion of how two characters might possibly at some point in the future if they're ready, sleep together.

P.S. (3/26/12) I listened to the audio version of this book last week. I was a little apprehensive at first, since I know a bad narrator can ruin a good book, but , I was quite satisfied with the narrator. Very well done.

Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise
By Jennifer L. Holm
andom House/Listening Library, 2010. 3.5 hours. Middle Grade Fiction

Turtle is sent to live with aunt and cousins in Key West after her mother gets a job as a housekeeper for a lady who doesn't like children. Turtle, who is sassy and has a shell built around her, finds that she has a lot to learn about Conchs (the Key West residents) and about letting go of her shell a little bit.

I really enjoyed this book. Holm's develops Key West during the Depression in a way that is completely accessible for readers, throws in characters who will have readers laughing out loud, and does it all with language with transports readers to a whole other place. I'd love to read more about Turtle and her Diaper Gang friends, so I'm really hoping this one turns out to be the first in a series.

4.5 stars.

The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero
By Rick Riordan
Random House/Listening Library. 14 CDs App. 17 hours. Teen fiction

When Jason Grace wakes up on a school bus on a field trip, he has no idea who he is or where he is. Although Piper and Leo claim to be his girlfriend and best friend, he doesn't have any memories of them--or any memories at all. Soon, they find they are all demigods and are taken to Camp Half Blood, where Annabeth is anxious to find Percy Jackson, who has gone missing. Jason, Piper, and Leo set out on a quest to save Hera, while at the same time wondering if it's all a trick since Hera isn't known for caring about the demigods. As Jason tries to figure out who he is, Piper is trying to figure out if they really have--or could have--a relationship, and Leo is trying to fight the memories of his horrible past.

This book introduces three new heroes, all of whom are likable and have interesting back stories. They are a little bit older than Percy was in the Lightning Thief, so this series can keep the readers who have grown up with Percy. With action, adventure, and a hint of romance, there's a lot here that can appeal to a variety of readers. It sets the stage for a great conflict to come in future books, and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.

I listened to the audio version of this book, a little apprehensively since I recently attended a conference where the presenter said she really disliked the narrator and had to switch to the print version instead. Well, I stuck it out for the whole book, and I have to say, for the main characters (Jason, Piper, and Leo), the narrator was tolerable, but for the voices of a lot of secondary characters, I was rolling my eyes. However, the book is well-written, with good characters and adventures, so if you start the audiobook and can't stomach it, don't give up on the book entirely--just switch to the print version.

4 stars.

The Ring of Solomon

The Ring of Solomon
By Jonathan Stroud
Random House/Listening Library, 2010. 12 hrs, 39 mins.. Teen Fiction

Snarky djinni Bartimaeus is in Jerusalem, enslaved by one of King Solomon's powerful (and evil) magicians, Khaba. Meanwhile, in Sheba, a magical messenger informs the queen that she will have to pay a tribute to Solomon or her kingdom will be destroyed. Since Solomon is the owner of a highly powerful ring that allows him instant control of unlimited numbers of magical spirits, Sheba has no options...except one. The queen sends one of her personal guards, Asmira, to Jerusalem to assassinate Solomon and steal his ring. Along the way, she meets Bartimaeus, and "encourages" him to help her on her mission, despite his protests that it's impossible.

This Bartimaeus novel wasn't quite as appealing to me as the other three Bartimaeus books, but it's still a great choice for almost anyone. A clean read and a great mixture of suspense, humor, and adventure--and Bartimaeus's distinctive witty sarcasm.

Four stars.

Bartimaeus Trilogy

The Amulet of Samarkand
By Jonathan Stroud
Hyperion Books for Children, 2003. 462 pgs. approx. 13 hours. Teen fiction

In present-day London, Nathaniel, a twelve-year-old magician in training, is humiliated by the powerful wizard Simon Lovelace. In order to get revenge, Nathaniel summons the dijnni Bartimaeus, instructing him to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from Lovelace. This decision pulls Nathaniel into a plot deeper and darker than he ever anticipated.

This book is a great pick for those looking for interesting adventure and fantasy. It's also an excellent choice for an audiobook; Simon Jones is a terrific narrator. Bartimaeus is a witty, sarcastic dinnji, and I quite enjoyed listening him banter and bicker with Nathaniel, who is an interesting mixture of a child who has innate goodness and a magician who, like those around him, is ambitious to the point of disregarding others.


The Golem's Eye
By Jonathan Stroud
Hyperion Books for Children, 2004. 562 pgs. or appox. 17 hrs. Teen fiction

Nathaniel, now fourteen, is gaining power within the British government, comprised of the best and brightest of the wizards of the day. When a terrifying force is set loose in London, destroying everything in its path, Nathaniel is assigned to find out what it is and destroy it. Aided by the unwilling Bartimaeus, Nathaniel sets out to save his country--and preserve his own standing in the government, while at the same time, fighting the Resistance, a group of commoners that oppose the magical government.

This second installment in the series didn't pull me in quite as much as the first book, perhaps because Nathaniel has taken a turn for the worse; he's more arrogant, more self-centered, and decidedly less likable. Bartimaeus, however, is still his lovely snarky self and the book is still entertaining.

Ptolemy's Gate
By Jonathan Stroud
Hyperion Books for Children, 2006. 501 pgs. or appox 15.5 hrs. Teen fiction

As the book opens, Bartimaeus is on the verge of death; Nathaniel has kept him in bondage for so long that his essence is nearly destroyed. Nathaniel, now a high-ranking government official, is trying to help Britain win the war against the rebellious Americans, while at the same time, trying to prevent a rebellion within the ranks of the government. Meanwhile Kitty Jones, a former member of the Resistance, who once saved Nathaniel's life, wants to know more about Bartimaeus and his relationship with his former master, Ptolemy. While most magical creatures hate their masters and their forced servitude, Bartimaeus seems to have bonded with Ptolemy and Kitty wonders if something can be done to end the conflict between commoners, magicians, and the magical creatures. Soon, all three are joined together in a fight against foes they never imagined.

For me, this was the most exciting of the three books, a thrilling final book. I thought the series was pretty fun and a good adventure, one I would recommend to many teen readers, but this third book was the one that clinched it for me. I was hooked and couldn't wait to see how things turned out. I loved the chance to see the best sides of Nathaniel and Bartimaeus, was intrigued by the back story of Bartimaeus and Ptolemy, and couldn't help but cheer for Kitty's tenacity and spirit. Anyone who has read the book won't be surprised to know that the ending was a bit difficult to swallow; although fitting, it was definitely hard to keep reading and I kept hoping for a twist that didn't come.



***SPOILERS****


AH! I can't believe Nathaniel dies! He sacrifices himself in order to save his city, and he has come to see the error of his ways, how arrogant the magicians are and how wrong they've behaved toward the commoners, and even, to some extent, the magical creatures. Now, I love a good redemption book, but I'd like it even better if the main character didn't DIE, particularly since I was hoping he and Kitty would end up together. So...I highly enjoyed the series, but I'm quite upset about the ending! Even though it was fitting, well-written, and in some ways as sweet as it was sad, I don't like sad endings!!!

The Help

The Help
By Kathryn Stockett
Amy Einhorn Books/G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2009. 451 pgs/approx. 18 hours. Historical Fiction

In 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi, society girl Skeeter, who is an aspiring writer, finds that she's uncomfortable with the way white women treat their black maids. As she decides to write about things from the perspective of the help, she gets Aibileen and Minny, two of the black maids, to tell stories about their lives and their experience working for white families. Although this puts them all at great risk if anyone ever finds out, as they work together, they also realize how important it is for them to take that risk.

This was one of the most-talked about books of 2009...and I just finally got around to listening to it on CD. (In my defense, it's been constantly checked out at the library.) I really enjoyed it; the story really makes you think about race relations and how people can work together to change things. The characters are great, the story is moving, sad, funny, and inspiring, the setting is well-developed, and the language is perfect! This is a book that could draw in just about any reader.

Looking at things from a multicultural aspect, I've done some internet searching and found that some African American readers think the book is offensive because of the dialect; others have said the dialect was accurate and that the story is good because it dispells the Mammy image. One complaint was that only the African American characters speak in dialect. I haven't seen the book so I don't know about the way it's written, but I will say that listening to it on CD, I did think the white women spoke in a southern dialect, too. I definitely thought the portrayal of African American women invited readers to look beyond this "Mammy" image of African American women and see that they're aren't jolly, happy, love-to-serve-their-white-families type women. Instead, we see a diversity of African American women; we see women who are strong and sassy and smart. We see women who are sweet and those who have a bit of a temper. We see PEOPLE, not stereotypes. For me, that's the mark of a good book--when the characters are real, rather than flat, stock, stereotypical characters.

Listening to it on CD was both good and bad--I loved the narrators' voices, however, it's SO long, and I could have read it so much faster than I listened to it. But for listeners who have the patience to make it through all 18 hours, it really is a treat to listen to the narrators.

Five stars.