Posted by Melanie at 1:22 AM View Comments    

Labels: Hamlet, Shakespearean Summer

This meme is hosted by Kristi aka The Story Siren. This week I received two books, both not YA. Keeping things interesting! First off:

The Embers by Hyatt Bass
Engaged to the man she loves, Emily Ascher stands on the brink of a new life. But a ring on a finger can somehow change everything, and with the promise of new love settling into old comes a difficult look at how her family has been torn apart in the many years since her brother died. Her parents have long since divorced, and her father, Joe, a famous actor and playwright, carries the blame for his son's death--but what really happened on that winter night? Why has he been unable to clear his name, or even discuss that evening with Emily and her mother?

As spring looms--and with it Emily's wedding in the Berkshires and the unveiling of Joe's first new play since the tragedy--each Ascher begins to reevaluate the events of long ago, finally facing the truth of his or her own culpability in them. Moving between past and present over the course of sixteen years, and interweaving the perspectives of a father, mother, and daughter who finally summon the courage to put the pieces of their lives back together, "The Embers" is a debut novel of buried secrets and deep regrets that threaten to crush a family while bonding its members irrevocably.

This book was a surprise. I'm still not sure why I got it. It looks good, though, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading it!

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon Lathan
Beginning on their wedding day, Darcy and Elizabeth are two people who are deeply in love with one another and are excited to begin their marriage.

Their courtship was tempestuous; misunderstandings and misgivings nearly tore them apart. But now that they've seen each other without prejudice, their trust, attraction, and delight in each other grows with every passing day. Both are inexperienced and innocent, sharing moments of shyness and boldness as they discover the kinds of intimacies that a newlywed couple shares.

As their love story unfolds, they reveal their innermost secrets and feelings, embracing each other in a marriage filled with romance, passion, humor, and drama that will keep you spellbound.

More Darcy and Lizzy. Woot! My library has had this "on order" since March. I was absolutely ecstatic when I finally got a hold of it. So far, so good. I'm finding it a bit humorous. I keep finding all these exclamation marks whenever they talk to each other. Oh! My love! That sort of thing. It's pretty good, though. The cover is SHINY. :D

And.. That's it! So, whaddya think?

Posted by Melanie at 8:34 PM View Comments    

Labels: In My Mailbox

When you want to be an undisputed king, how far would you go to get rid of your competition? Follow Macbeth and his friends and family as lives are lost, guilt is dealt with, and learn just how short life can be.

Since this was a Shakespearean tragedy, there was a whole bunch of, well, tragedy. Although I found the constant plotting and killing a bit tiresome, overall I really enjoyed this play. I found myself reading it aloud to myself simply to hear the way the words rolled. It's quite lyrical.

Posted by Melanie at 11:38 AM View Comments    

Labels: Macbeth, Shakespearean Summer

I had forgotten how creepy the book was when I picked up this movie at the library. Before you read this review there are two things you should know about me: I'm a visual learner, and I'm also very squeamish about things that may or may not exist. Ghosts, etc. After actually seeing Cathy being a ghost messed with my mind. So much so that the night after I watched it I jolted awake, absolutely certain that she was going to get me. Thinking back, it was a bit pathetic considering that Cathy's presence as a ghost doesn't even take up the majority of the movie, but it happened, nonetheless.

The one question that came into my mind as I read the book popped up once again as I watched the movie. Who deserves happiness? Is it reserved only for the relatively good people, or are evil people entitled to it as well? Heatchliff and Catherine's romance is one that is intriguing to watch develop.

I really liked the actors in this movie, especially the young Heathcliff. The young boy perfectly captured the way I imagined a gypsy appearance. Everyone is very convincing in their roles. I think that is the reason why I got scared out of my mind.

Wuthering Heights is a story that I will always remember, and this adaptation stayed close and true to the novel. Not to mention that I absolutely love the ending.

This movie was reviewed as part of The Gothic Film Club, being hosted by Write For a Reader through the month of August. It's sponsored by Michelle Zink author of Prophecy of the Sisters.

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: Emily Bronte, movie review, Wuthering Heights

When we meet Ellie, one thing has been constant in her life; Jane Austen. No, not only her books but Jane herself. Simply put, Ellie has Jane living in her head, a constant companion. She has accompanied Ellie through almost twenty years. Giving advice, especially of the romantic kind, and sharing her thoughts, she's seen it all. Ellie has been through a lot, and she doesn't know if she'll ever find her prince charming.

There was just one thing I would have liked to have known while reading this book. How did it happen? This was explained somewhat at the end but not quite enough to satisfy my curiosity. I'm pretty sure that Austen living in some one's head is not an everyday occurrence, and I would have liked to have known how it happened, exactly.

Besides that, this was a very cool novel. Most people have gotten married by the time their thirty but not Ellie. She's still searching for that one perfect guy. She's definitely the "looking for love in all the wrong places" type. Ellie's a very likable character. She, like every other character in the novel, had her flaws, but for the most part they were endearing. It was both fun and a bit painful to go along on her journey for true, lasting love. I was always happy to see her happy. I was also sad to see her sad. Every time she got her heart broken, it made me sigh.

I loved hearing Jane Austen. The voice really sounded authentic, Jane gives her ideas in a rather confident manner, as if she already knows she is right. The idea of Jane Austen living in some one's head is such a fun, quirky idea. According To Jane was a lot of fun and had me smiling.

This book won't be released until October 1st, but it's definitely something to keep an eye out for. Isn't the cover lovely?

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: According to Jane, everything austen, Marilyn Brant

Two families
Anna and Teodor are brother and sister. They have survived many things. Now each have families of their own. Teodor has a wife and ive kids, Anna- a husband and two.

One piece of land
It is Anna's by law, Teodor's by right. It will change their lives forever, if they manage to survive.


The setting of this book was what initially drew me in. Picture Ukrainian immigrants in Canada during 1938, All they have is each other and the land. The first couple of chapters were interesting, but it took me a few more chapters before I really settled into the story. The book was very thought provoking. I found myself reading a few chapters, putting it down, thinking about what I'd read, then eagerly picking it up again.

What I found most fascinating about this story was the detail in the writing. The author would pay attention to the seemingly miniscule things. Things like the children's joy while playing in the snow or a cat chasing after a mouse in the barn. At first, I was a bit mystified by these scenes ut soon they came to be my favoorites. The attention to the small, relatively unimportant things drew me in and kept me reading.

Under This Unbroken Sky was an intriguing read. The combination of a constantly evolving plot, great characterization, and fabulous writing make this book a very worthwhile read.

This book will be released on September 9th. I highly suggest you give this book a try.

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: adult, book review, Shandi Mitchell, Under this Unbroken Sky

Eddie Corazon sees no hope, no future. A juvenile delinquent living in a bad neighborhood, he’s a junior only because he promised his mami he wouldn’t drop out. He’ll probably end up failing, anyway. But then things begin to change. First comes Mrs. Beecher who, before she was fired, showed him that there just might be a better way. Then comes Lupe. The most beautiful girl Eddie has ever seen and also the smartest. She has plans for her life and, slowly, Eddie begins to see that he too can have plans and make them realities.

Eddie was a very complex character. It was great to see how his mind worked. To live in a world where saying no can get you killed, going through everyday with a façade so people won’t see who you really are, takes a lot more then I’ve got. The thing I liked most about Eddie was his honesty. He talked about things the way he saw them. Yes, it did, at times, include cussing and sexual references, but those moments helped flesh out who Eddie really was and showed his outlook on life.

Eddie and Lupe’s relationship was interesting to watch throughout the book. At first, I thought it was just a case of average teenage lust, but as the book went along, it was clear to see that it was more than that. It was love. They really do care for each other. Will they stay together forever? Probably not. They are, after all, just a couple of high school kids trying to figure out their lives. Lupe makes Eddie think. She makes him question things that he just assumed. He, in turn, provides her someone she can talk to, openly.

Overall, Muchacho was a pretty good book. It didn’t leap off the page for me, but it was a satisfying read. It will be released on September 9.

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: book review, LouAnne Johnson, Muchacho, relationships