Percy Jackson Series

by Rick Riodan

I really enjoyed this series.  It reminded me of the Harry Potter series, but with a twist of it's own.  I enjoyed the adventures that Percy and his friends took.  I wasn't going to read them at first, but since Nat has read them, and we have the movie from book 1, I decided... why not?  I also decided to read them, because of the kids.  We initially bought the books for them to read. 

I read these 5 books in between reading my other books for book club.  I think my favorite of the whole series would have to be the fifth and final book.  I think that the author had really ended the story well. 

I am now off to read The Lost Hero (Heros of Olympus), which is also by Rick Riodan.

The White Queen (The Cousins War #1)

By Philippa Gregory

Ok, I really enjoyed this book!  I really got to know the characters, learning, growing, being disappointed, and the struggles that they had.  I never would have thought that it would be this difficult to become, stay, and be royalty.  I now have to read The Red Queen, just to find out what has happened to the characters that I have come to love.

I found myself not wanting to put this book down.  Even though there is a lot of war in this book, the author has done a great job of telling it, and not being so graphic with it.  I love how they have to keep planning and since they are a new King and Queen, how they have to set up their court. I enjoyed reading that they are regular people, with a title, and how they struggle and have challenges.   

I enjoyed diving into the Medieval era.  This story is based on fact, but does have some fiction mixed in.  Would I recommend this book to read?  It all depends on the person I am talking too. 





The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

by Dorothy Gilman

I read this one in June.  Ya know, I am not one really for mysteries, but I enjoyed this one greatly.  Mrs. Polifax has lived a great life and is wanting a change of pace.  She is widowed, and all her children are grown and out of the house.

She was getting bored with all of her community work.  She wasn't enjoying it anymore.  So, one day, she decided that she would go to DC and talk to the CIA.  Her childhood dream was to be a 'Spy' for the U.S.  Since she had no real obligations holding her at home, she went for it.  She has more guts that I would have had, that's for sure.

So, she went to the CIA, and ended up on an adventure of a lifetime.  Her first job was to go to Mexico and be a tourist.  Who wouldn't love a job like that? 

She is very bright and thinks on her toes.  Befriending those who kidnap her, who would think an old lady would betray them.  She never gave up hope, and her fellow character were a hoot as well.  Twists and turns - I would have never thought about, and they were great. 

I am really tempted to read the other adventures that she took and takes.    I am really glad that I have joined in this book club, I am reading books that I never would have even considered. 

Since joining the book club, I am now always on the hunt for another book to read in between our assigned reading. 

July's book is... The White Queen: A Novel (The Cousins' War)

Saints

by Orson Scott Card

I know it has been a while.  I actually read Saints back in May.  It was a very good book.  I enjoyed and devoured it so much more than Peace Like a River.  It is based on my religion and it's background.  There are some parts that I could have done without.  I tried to put myself back in that time period (1800's and in England).  I can't believe some of the trials that they had to endure.  But, I do admire, Dinah Kirkham, the main character of this novel, on the way that she handled herself. 

It takes a lot of faith and courage to leave behind your home land, children, and husband to come to America.  She did this all on faith. She wanted to start a new life, new chapter, and she did just that.  She never forgot her children that she left behind (by choice, but not without a fight).

I am so glad that the church does not follow polygamy anymore... that is one topic I would have loved to be a part of at book club, but I missed it.  I am not sure if I would read this book again or not.  It is written by an LDS author.  There is some language (which I could handle), but some of the explicit details and scene, I could have done without. for sure.