Review Date: 2/17/2011

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. However, "The Alchemist" must be read with an open mind. Despite the simple diction, this book presents a synthesis of ideas leading towards a reflection on personal beliefs. At first, the content seems too far-fetched from reality, but (with patience) Coelho's style gradually draws the reader to the characters and into the plot.

I recommend this book to young readers.

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Review Date: 6/5/2011

Helpful Score: 1

Like watching the movie, reading Dear John made me laugh, cry, sigh, and smile several times throughout the book. Although I was not fond of the cliches (i.e. "my love for her grew stronger and stronger") and some of Sparks' stylistic choices, my overall impression of the book was highly favorable. The images he creates astound me, and the ending was heartbreakingly fitting.

I love this book and recommend it to all hopeless romantics (whether you admit to it or not ;D ).

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Review Date: 2/17/2011

"Ella Enchanted" is an endearing fairytale and a very fun read, indeed. Gail Carson Levine's style pulls the reader into the story, allowing the person to vicariously experience the moment. Although I haven't read the book in a while, "Ella Enchanted" left an eternal impression on me. (On a side note, the book is a THOUSAND TIMES BETTER than the movie.)

I recommend this book for everyone to read!

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Review Date: 2/17/2011

Ann Rule's unique style allows readers to appreciate the book without being drowned in the legalities of non-fiction crime stories. "Every Breath You Take" is another testimony of Rule's meticulous investigative work and her true caring for the involved individuals, especially the victims. This book is definitely a worthwhile read.

I recommend ALL of Ann Rule's work to teens and adults alike.

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Review Date: 2/23/2011

One of my favorite college professors introduced "Grammar and Vocabulary" to me. It's a great resource for educators teaching any aspect of English (grammar, literature, writing, etc.) because of its lexico-functional approach to the English language. "Grammar and Vocabulary" caters to both native English speakers and non-native speakers.

I recommend this book to all English educators and college students!

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Review Date: 2/17/2011

I was introduced to "The Red Book" in one of my college courses called Teaching Reading Strategies. "The Red Book" piques the imagination, causing the reader to interpret its meaning through multiple perspectives. This book can be used for different grade levels (even college!) using various thought prompts. This book is fun and easy to love.

I recommend this book for educators to use as a tool and for everyone to read!

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Review Date: 7/1/2011

Helpful Score: 2

As a devout fan of Judy Blume's adolescent books, I was enthused to finally dive into one of her adult novels. Even now, Blume manages to surprise me by flinging the doors of reality wide open. Smart Women is a quick, eye-opening, and fun read. The characters are relatable, and the plot flows smoothly with just enough excitement. Also, the natural dialogue and the easy-to-follow changes in perspective added a refreshing quality to the novel.

I recommend this book to all young adults who have a close-minded outlook on the world (like myself ;P) and to the adults who know all too well.

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Review Date: 2/17/2011

"A Thousand Days in Venice" is a very romantic and personable non-fiction story, which I enjoyed from beginning to end (and this may be because I'm a TOTAL romantic). Marlena De Blasi writes with honesty displaying her comfort in her own skin and describes Venice with such luster causing almost any reader to fall in love.

I recommend this book to older teens and adults who appreciate romance in all its forms.

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Review Date: 6/6/2011

Helpful Score: 1

"Where Are the Children?" was the first book I've ever read by Mary Higgins Clark, and I loved it! The characters, the plot, and the structure were developed well throughout the entire book. However, the male characters were almost too similar in characteristic, such as an undying loyalty for their female companions or a history of lost loved ones (i.e. Atty. Jonathan Knowles and Dr. Lendon Miles). Yet despite these identical characteristics & minor grammatical errors, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. The story's pacing was smooth, and the suspense was steadily drawn out until the very end. I hope to read more of this author's brilliant work.

I recommend this book to all adult readers, even those who are not usual fans of suspense novels.

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