Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Catching up - Mini-reviews

Being in Poland is great. My parents are loving taking care of Shane and we're loving a bit of peace. Joe is getting more reading time than I am, but I'm getting to hang out with my Mom, which is great. I'm reading too, which is kind of why I'm not blogging... when I have a bit of time, I'd much rather read than sit at the computer!

But looking at my list of books read in 2011, it seems that I have given up reviewing altogether. That's certainly not true, I really enjoy exchanging ideas about books with all of you. It would be difficult to catch up properly though, so here are a few mini-reviews, of books that I have a bit less to say about.

The Princess Diaries, Take Two by Meg Cabot
I really like most of what Meg Cabot writes. The Princess Diaries series is a great light read, I love the charming story that every girl dreams about. This second book was just as good as the first, with Princess Mia holding her own against her Grandmother, who still has very specific ideas about who she wants Mia to be. If you like light YA literature, you'll like this. I just wonder if the rest of series continues to be entertaining, there are so many books in it!


Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
This was an audiobook that I didn't finish... I listened to the first book in this trilogy, Wicked Lovely, last year and liked it enough to continue. But the narrator in this one was different and I couldn't get into it. It's very dark and to be honest I found the plot quite repetitive... even though the premise about fairy kings, queens and courts was very cool.


The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble
Sometimes I need chick lit, I really do. I loved the idea behind this book - it was structured around the monthly meetings of a book club. While we listened to the discussions about  their current book club read, we found out more and more about the characters. Just like the women in the club became friends, little by little. I did think that too much about the books was revealed though and I was annoyed because of the ones I haven't read yet and want to... Also, a large part of the action centered around motherhood and the mothers were of the 'my kids come first and nothing else, including my own life and needs, matters' variety, which is something that really annoys me, especially since having Shane. I don't think the author portrayed mothers realistically and I found the characters two-dimensional... Not a book for me.


The Reptile Room (Book Two in A Series of Unfortunate Events) by Lemony Snicket

Book two was just as enjoyable as the first, with the poor orphans trying hard to survive all the misfortune that is thrown their way. Charming and extremely entertaining.

6 comments:

Alex (The Sleepless Reader) said...

Hope all is well in Poland!

I'm on book 6 of the Series and still enjoying it. I hear there's a big twist in the end.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

Ha! Sometimes I think I need chick-lit, too, until I get so annoyed with the flat and glib characters that I swear it off again. Glad you liked the Cabot! Haven't read anything by her yet.

Glad you're enjoying your trip Joanna!

joemmama said...

I know what you mean about chick lit...sometimes after all the heavy reading, ya just gotta have it! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I think April is too cold here ( the Rockies) for Spring and too warm for Winter, so it can be a weird time. I think that is why I started in April.

Erin said...

I can't do audiobooks if the narrator isn't one I like! It's an extra layer to deal with when choosing a book. But at the same time, I love coming across amazing narrators!

I don't think I've ever read anything by Cabot, just saw the movie. Glad to know the story in print is fun...everyone needs fun reading sometimes!

Iliana said...

Glad to hear you are enjoying your time in Poland!

I need to take a cue from you and do some mini reviews because I'm falling way behind.

I didn't care too much for the Reading Group either however I saw the movie and it was kind of cute. Nothing great but enjoyable.

joanna said...

Alex - They sure are fun. :-)

Trish - chick lit is like a need with me sometimes, I have to have it. It's so frustrating when it's not witty though.

joemmama - hear hear!

Erin - yeah, the narrator thing is tricky... I have to connect with the voice, but it's so difficult to judge from the preview!

Iliana - I didn't know there was a movie, I think that would be fun I'll try to get a copy!