Book Reviews (2015)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

After watching the movie years ago I wanted to read this book series as the movie was pretty good! Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the book very much. I didn't like the writing style (if the book is written from the viewpoint of a 13 year old, it should sound like a 13 year old is talking...in my opinion) and I was bored more often than not! Disappointing, and the series has another 4 books to go- let's hope they get better!

Final Grade: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Little House on The Prairie Collection

I loved these books as a kid and I still love them now! This is a great collection if you like reading about pioneers and how they had to struggle to survive. You get to know this little family and share their heartaches and joy! I say a must read :)


Final Grade: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Lost Symbol

I picked this book up out of a pile of books a co-worker was giving away. I would probably give this book away too- I didn't find it very exciting and the big twist at the end I expected all along. Nothing special here.


Final Grade: 2 out of 5 stars

American Sniper

I started reading this book after I saw the movie. I guess I wanted to find out about the things they may have left out or changed. I found the book to be a little dry, because of all the military terms, descriptions of guns etc. But overall it was interesting to read about what happened from the perspective of Chris Kyle (and most of the movie was fairly accurate). No doubt he was a hero, but it was clear his absence affected his family at home. He sacrificed a lot to do what he did.

Final Grade: 2.75 out of 5 stars

In The Heart of the Sea

I wanted to read this book before the movie comes out! This book recounts the story of a Nantucket whaleship the Essex who is attacked by a sperm whale in the middle of the ocean. The ship sinks and the 20 man crew have to survive in 3 small whaleboats while trying to get to land before their food supplies runs out! A very interesting story (that inspired Moby Dick) that I am glad I read, but I did find this book to be a little dry. I was expecting a more narrative style but I felt like I was reading more of a research paper. I'm excited to see the movie as perhaps it will be able to share this unique story in a more exciting way!

Final Grade: 3 out of 5 stars

The Fall of Five

Just finished the fourth book of the series. I liked this one better than the last two books. All of the garde are together now and it is fun seeing them interact together with their powers- kind of reminded me of the school for gifted kids in X-Men. This book was a little more interesting and at the end some bad things start to happen that make you want to read the next book right away! Unfortunately the next book is still in hardcover so it might be awhile before I can get the softcover one for my collection!

Final Grade: 3.75 out of 5 stars

The Rise of Nine

This is the third book in the "I Am Number Four" series. It continues the story of the nine Lorien "garde" members (basically nine teenagers who all have different powers) coming together to fight the evil Mogadorians. We get to meet number nine who is pretty funny, number eight and a surprise number ten. They cleared some things up in this book about Sarah that I didn't like in book number two so that was good- but still doesn't hold a candle to book one!

Final Grade: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Power of Six

Okay, I have to be honest, I definitely didn't like the second book in the series as much as the first! Hard to explain without giving away spoilers but I hate how John starts to fall for Six. It just ruined the book for me- much like the second book in the Maze Runner series. Other than that, it was fun to continue the story with John, Sam and Bernie Kosar and to meet Marina, another one of the "numbers".

Final Grade: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I Am Number Four

Just finished the first book of the year! I have been wanting to read this book for a long time- since I saw the movie actually. I thought the movie was really good (despite it not doing well in theatres) and have wanted to know how the story ends! This first book in the series was similar to the movie, only better. We see the story fleshed out a little more (not so focused on John's romance with Sarah) but we learn more about his planet Lorien and see a deeper relationship with his "keeper" Henri. Overall a fantastic book that will leave you wanting to pick up the next one right away. Had me in tears at the end- love it!

Final Grade: 4.5 out of 5 stars