3 Willows is a young adult novel from Ann Brashares, the author of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. This appears to be the beginning of a new series (on the cover it says "the sisterhood grows"). This book was a little slow to grab my attention, but ended up being okay.
The story is centered around three girls who are leaving middle school and entering high school. They are trying to grow up a bit over the summer and prepare for the new world of high school. Their friendship is faltering and when they spend the summer apart, it appears that they will be moving on separately. The three of them face different struggles, from divorcing parents, to facing fears, to an alcoholic mother. They each learn that they are stronger than they thought, and that the bonds of friendship are not so easily broken.
This book is loosely tied to the Traveling Pants books. The characters from the Traveling Pants series are mentioned, as these girls go to the same school. The previous sisterhood is a legend. One of the characters babysits a Traveling Pants characters younger brother & sister. Another character is a member of a family that was mentioned as a local tragedy during the Traveling Pants series. The younger sister of one of the Traveling Pants girls plays a minor role in this book, as well.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you read the Traveling Pants series and enjoyed it. As I mentioned, the book started kind of slow for me. It is certainly not on the same level as its predecessor. It is enjoyable, but will not stay with me long or be on the list of my favorites from this year.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Summons
The Summons by John Grisham does not disappoint. His books rarely do. I only read Grisham every so often and every time I do, I wonder why it has been so long since I have.
This is another of his legal dramas, but not so much in the courtroom. This novel is about a law professor whose father has called him back home for a meeting regarding his affairs. His father is dying. He was a prominent judge in a small town, a place where the law professor would rather not revisit. The visit reconnects him with his brother as they settle the old man's estate, and sets him on the hunt to find answers to a mystery surrounding his father.
This book was a fast read with enough mystery and twists that it was a page turner. I was once again taken in by John Grisham and his flawed but likeable characters and interesting plot. The man has a gift; there is a reason he writes bestsellers.
Happy Reading!
This is another of his legal dramas, but not so much in the courtroom. This novel is about a law professor whose father has called him back home for a meeting regarding his affairs. His father is dying. He was a prominent judge in a small town, a place where the law professor would rather not revisit. The visit reconnects him with his brother as they settle the old man's estate, and sets him on the hunt to find answers to a mystery surrounding his father.
This book was a fast read with enough mystery and twists that it was a page turner. I was once again taken in by John Grisham and his flawed but likeable characters and interesting plot. The man has a gift; there is a reason he writes bestsellers.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Bride Quartet (Vision in White, Bed of Roses, Savor the Moment)
The first three books in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts were highly entertaining. Vision in White, Bed of Roses, and Savor the Moment are pure fluff romance. But for escapist reading they rank high in my book!
The series is about four women who have been lifelong friends. They have created a wedding planning business that is very successful. Each of them remains single. In the first book, Vision in White, the photographer of the business finds love with a professor. In the second, Bed of Roses, the florist finder her soul mate. In the third, Savor the Moment, the cake baker/decorator finally unites with her true love. The fourth book in the quartet is due out in November 2010.
As I said, these books are pure fluff. The setting is too perfect; the four women live together on a large estate where they also conduct their business. The characters, while flawed, are also near perfection. But they are likable, all of them, even the secondary characters. This is escapist fiction at it's best. Very fast reads, no brain power required, however Ms. Roberts pays enough attention to the detail in her books that the reader does not feel insulted. If you are looking for a quick, feel good, read, this is your series.
Happy Reading!
The series is about four women who have been lifelong friends. They have created a wedding planning business that is very successful. Each of them remains single. In the first book, Vision in White, the photographer of the business finds love with a professor. In the second, Bed of Roses, the florist finder her soul mate. In the third, Savor the Moment, the cake baker/decorator finally unites with her true love. The fourth book in the quartet is due out in November 2010.
As I said, these books are pure fluff. The setting is too perfect; the four women live together on a large estate where they also conduct their business. The characters, while flawed, are also near perfection. But they are likable, all of them, even the secondary characters. This is escapist fiction at it's best. Very fast reads, no brain power required, however Ms. Roberts pays enough attention to the detail in her books that the reader does not feel insulted. If you are looking for a quick, feel good, read, this is your series.
Happy Reading!
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