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Mel

Mel

Like dreaming, reading performs the prodigious task of carrying us off to other worlds. But reading is not dreaming because books, unlike dreams, are subject to our will: they envelop us in alternative realities only because we give them explicit permission to do so. Books are the dreams we would most like to have, and, like dreams, they have... more »
  • Rockin' the USA!, USA
  • member since December 21, 2008

Reviews

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Displaying 1-10 of 112 reviews
  • The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen
    • Rated 4 stars

    A box is found in the walls of a building while being remodeled. The contents are claimed to belong to Jane Austen. The journals fit the times and places she was known to be and the names of people as well.
    There's only one family name that doesn't match up and the home of this gentleman.
    This story was very well done.

    Mel wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • In Search of the Source
    • Rated 3 stars

    An amazing account of linguistic missionaries and their experience while living in Fukutao with the Folopa people.

    Their beliefs in evil spirits, appeasing spirits would be chucked off as superstition in the civilized world, but was very real to them. The Shaman controlled a lot of what they did and caused a great deal of unrest. Their demand of retribution for accidents, whether intentional or by accident can be childish.

    This isn't normally a subject I would read, but read it, because it was part of my child's curriculum, and we both found this book interesting. The culture of the Folopa is fascinating. The changes that took place during the time the missionaries lived there and the elders were asked if they'd want to go back to their old lifestyle.

    It was an emphatic no. They elaborated that their old lifestyle was them killing and being killed. Always fear and unrest.

    Mel wrote this review Monday, April 16, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Jane Austen Ruined My Life
    • Rated 3 stars

    Emma Grant blames Jane Austen for her belief in "happily ever after," as well as her parents. Emma recently found her husband cheating with her teaching assistant on their kitchen table. To make matters worse, the TA accused Emma of plagiarism and her jerk of a husband sided with the TA.
    She goes off to England and is complies with some "tasks" that an elderly woman sets to her. All having to do with Jane Austen and a gap in her life span that historians cannot account for.

    This book wasn't horrible, but it isn't fantastic either. Get it from the library. There are a few spelling errors and one major Jane Austen faux pas regarding the family's surname of Mansfield Park.
    I'd give it 2.5 stars. Shelfari really needs an "okay" rating.

    Mel wrote this review Monday, April 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt
    • Rated 3 stars

    Based on some historical facts. Amazingly, the part that seems the most fictitious is part of the true story. It really comes to life in the end. Good story on the depression, family, and friends.

    Mel wrote this review Thursday, February 23, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • A Lion Among Men
    • Rated 3 stars

    Third book of the series and there were some lags, but I felt this was more interesting that Son of a Witch.
    Brrr has an interesting link to Elphaba, aka Wicked Witch of the West, that most wouldn't expect. Brrr isn't so much cowardly as maybe a little dim or too trusting? The political tangle and names were clever.
    The book ends on a cliff hanger of sorts, so I'm glad I didn't read this before Out of Oz was released.

    Mel wrote this review Tuesday, January 24, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Father and I Were Ranchers
    • Rated 3 stars

    Ralph and his family move from the east coast to Colorado, per the convincing story of cousin Phil. When the family first arrived there was doubt, but they made the most of the shack they were to rent and make their home.
    However, life got a little trickier and dangerous when some of the ranchers started stealing water for the crops and an irrigation war broke out.

    Mel wrote this review Monday, January 23, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Son of a Witch
    • Rated 3 stars

    Liir was in the castle when Dorothy killed Elphaba (aka Wicked Witch of the West), and decides to go along with her ragtag team to EC.
    And where do I go from here? He stays in Oz and becomes a soldier. He doesn't live life so much as he just exists.
    While reading the book I couldn't wait for it to end. (that's probably not a good sign). The author is a good story teller, but Liir's character is dull. (spoiler alert*** the guy on guy action doesn't appeal to me and is a complete turn off, the story could have been told without that and just insinuate it. Maybe that was too much of a challenge for the author?) Now that I'm done, I was happy with the ending, even though it was an obvious one.

    Mel wrote this review Monday, January 16, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Washington's Rules Of Civility And Decent Behavior In Company And Conversation (1888)
    • Rated 4 stars

    Some very good rules of manner, but I couldn't help but cringe when I read the rule for vermin on someone.
    I think if George Washington were to see today's society he would be appalled, but as his rules would abide, he wouldn't comment on them, but would keep them to himself until he could write about them in his journal.
    All in all, it's an interesting read to see where society manners were and where they have gone to.

    Mel wrote this review Thursday, January 5, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Caddie Woodlawn
    • Rated 3 stars

    Based on a true person. Caddie Woodlawn is allowed to be a tomboy per her father's request and her mother's chagrin. There are seven children in the family. Would have been eight, but one daughter died after moving from Boston to Wisconsin. For this reason the father allows Caddie to be outdoors and become strong and healthy.
    The book is full of adventure and is fast paced.

    Mel wrote this review Thursday, January 5, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • All These Things I've Done
    • Rated 3 stars

    Anya Balanchine is trying desperately to live her life as a normal teenage girl. However, she is an orphan, with a big brother, Leo, who was injured in an accident from a hit meant for their father, (this is where the mother dies), and a younger sister. Their guardian is an 80 something year old grandmother on machines that keep her alive. The story takes place in 2083 and life is strangely chaotic and decrepit at the same time. Caffeine and chocolate are illegal. And Anya's family business is chocolate.
    To complicate matters, a new boy at her school likes her, and he's not hard on the eyes apparently, but he's the son of the new Assistant D.A. But hey, who says they can't be together? After all, her own mother was on the right side of the law before marrying her father.
    It's a cute, witty, and entertaining book. A bit far fetched at times, but Anya's character keeps it fun.

    Mel wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
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Displaying 1-10 of 112 reviews