Princess Academy

It's June. It's summer. It's busy. I have chosen a somewhat simple book for this month's read, but I am excited for it none the less. It is called "Princess Academy" written by Shannon Hale. It is considered a "youth" book, but I think it sounds good anyway. It should be light, fluffy, and just the ticket for summer's crazy schedule. Besides, who hasn't dreamed of becoming a princess? (Some of us live that dream despite our friends and family's continued vociferous distress, but that's beside the point.) Plus, I had a friend who recomended Hale as a good author. She has some adult publications as well, but this title grabbed me the most. Enjoy!

High on the side of rocky Mount Eskel, far from the valleys where gardens are green and lush, where lowlanders make laws, Miri’s family has lived forever, pounding a living from the stone of the mountain itself. For as long as she can remember, Miri has dreamed of working alongside the other villagers in the quarries of her beloved mountainside. But Miri has never been allowed to work there, perhaps, she thinks, because she is so small. Then word comes from the valley that the king's priests have divined Mount Eskel to be the home of the prince’s bride-to-be—the next princess. The prince himself will travel to the village to choose her, but first all eligible girls must attend a makeshift mountain academy to prepare themselves for royal lowlander life. At the school, Miri soon finds herself confronted by bitter competition among the girls and her own conflicting desires to be chosen by the prince. Yet when danger comes to the academy and threatens all their lives, it is Miri, named for a tiny mountain flower, who must find a way to save her classmates—and the one chance to leave the mountain each of them is determined to secure as her own.

Angels and Demons

It's now May! Trees are leafing out, flowers are blooming, temperatures are getting warmer, and there's also a new book for this month! The movie "Angels and Demons" is coming to theaters on May 15th and I thought it would be fun to read the book. I really enjoyed "The Da Vinci Code", the book anyway...the movie left something to be desired. Especially Tom Hanks hair. Eew. Maybe this movie will be a lot better, but the book should definitely be read before seeing the movie. So, let's all give it a whirl and then go see the movie together (it has Ewan McGregor in it, which is an instant win in my opinion).

Something Simple

Since we're already more than a week into this month, I decided to go with a light read. I really wanted to do a Jane Austin, but I don't think I could handle it right now. This one's been on my reading list for a while. I know Barnes and Noble carries it, but you may have to order it, and the library has a few copies. I hope we enjoy it!!!

A great deal is happening in London this season.For starters, there's the witch who tried to poison Kate at Sir Hilary's induction into the Royal College of Wizards. (Since when does hot chocolate burn a hole straight through one's dress?!)Then there's Dorothea. Is it a spell that's made her the toast of the town—or could it possibly have something to do with the charm-bag under Oliver's bed?And speaking of Oliver, just how long can Cecelia and Kate make excuses for him? Ever since he was turned into a tree, he hasn't bothered to tell anyone where he is!The girls might think it all a magical nightmare . . . if only they weren't having so much fun.

March: The Shack

For March we're going to try "The Shack" written by William Young. Early in the novel the young daughter of the protagonist, Mack, is abducted. Four years later he visits the shack where evidence of the girl’s murder was discovered. He spends a weekend there in a kind of spiritual therapy session with God, who calls herself “Papa”; Jesus, who appears as a Jewish workman; and Sarayu, an indeterminately Asian woman who incarnates the Holy Spirit.
There has been alot of contraversy surrounding thre novel and some even call it harasy. I figure if we keep an open mind it might be pretty good. I always like reading different theologies. If it bothers you, just remember, it's FICTION. Enjoy!

The Hiding Place

It's hard to believe that it's already February 9th, so it's a good thing that the February selection, chosen by Theresa Schaefermeyer, is a relatively shorter book. "The Hiding Place," by Corrie Ten Boom is about a woman during WWII who has to cope with life in a concentration camp, and her faith that got her through. We'll try to get together on February 28th to discuss!

January: The Thirteenth Tale

Welcome to 2009 and a brand new month, which also means...a new book! It was very difficult to pick a book this month because there were so many I wanted to read and it was hard to choose just one. I noticed this book several months ago while at a book store, and although it caught my eye, I never got around to reading it. While researching this month's book, I stumbled upon this one again and decided it was kismet. So, for the first book of 2009, I present...The Thirteenth Tale.

December: A Christmas Carol

Merry Christmas and Bah Humbug! This month's selection is Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol, chosen by Sarah. It's only 100 pages long, and since you already know the story, a very easy read. Perhaps, towards the end of the month, we can get together and watch the Muppets Christmas Carol, which is my favorite movie version of the story! Enjoy!