How to Train Your Dragon

Goodreads Says:    Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a truly extraordinary Viking hero known throughout Vikingdom as "the Dragon Whisperer"...but it wasn't always so. Travel back to the days when the mighty warrior was just a boy, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans. Can Hiccup capture a dragon and train it without being torn limb from limb? Join the adventure as the small boy finds a better way to train his dragon and become a hero!










My Thoughts:

-    This is one of those very rare occurrences when I like the movie better than the book. In this case, the movie is WAY better, in EVERY way.

-    The story and characters were a bit bland, and I felt like I was supposed find humor in a lot of the book, but I didn't.

-    Movie Toothless is so awesome, and book Toothless is SO different. He is such a snob, and I just couldn't come to grips with that this was the character awesome Toothless was created from. 

-    This book was made for younger people, and it was too young for me. I should have read this with Gnome. I'm sure the target audience will appreciate this book more than I did.

-    I recently found out that David Tennant does the audiobook!! I completely missed out on a fun experience. I wasn't going to finish the series after I read this, but now I'm rethinking my decision. 

A Great and Terrible Beauty

Goodreads Synopsis:    It's 1895 and, after the death of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped from the she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true. Gemma finds he reception a chilly one. She's not completely alone, though... she's being followed by a mysterious young man, sent to warn her to close her mind against the visions. 

It's at Spence that Gemma's power to attract the supernatural unfolds as she becomes entangled with the school's most powerful girls and discovers her mother's connection to a shadowy, timeless group called The Order. Her destiny awaits... if only Gemma can believe in it.

My Thoughts:

-    There were some slow moments throughout the book, especially in the beginning, but I still enjoyed it, and the story and characters kept me interested.

-    There were elements of A Little Princess and Dead Poet's Society which I really liked. 

-    At first the main girls weren't very interesting to me, but as I got to know them they really grew on me. I really like how each girl has her own flaws and qualities. 

-    The story wasn't what I was expecting at all. I didn't know there would be magic, and I really enjoyed it. 

-    The setting was wonderful. It was so vivid and real. Libba did some great world building.

-    I don't understand Kartik's purpose. I'm guessing the gypsies have a bigger role to play, and I hope I get to see more of that in the next book.

-    I'm hoping the next book picks up the pace a bit, and I'm excited to read it. 

The Princess Present

Goodreads Synopsis:    Mia would give all the jewels in Genovia for the perfect present

Every year, Princess Mia spends the holidays in Genovia with Grandmère. This year, she's looking forward to the most perfect Christmas ever: her boyfriend, Michael, and her best friend, Lilly, are coming to Genovia, too.

But even a princess's plans can go awry. Lilly has a lot to learn about palace protocol, and with all the state holiday functions Mia must attend, there's no time to linger under the mistletoe with Michael. Worst of all, Mia hasn't been able to find him the perfect gift.

Can Mia stop her (bah-hum)bugging long enough to see that the perfect present has nothing to do with international express courier -- and everything to do with real love? (Though some shiny silver ribbon never hurts ...)

My Thoughts:

-    Why would anyone invite Lilly anywhere!? She is SO self absorbed and doesn't respect anyone or anything. She is so rude, and I have no idea why Mia or anyone is friends with her. 

-    The whole cat thing was kinda funny.

-    I liked when Mia and Michael exchanged gifts. It was like The Gift of the Magi. Sometimes, Michael and Mia have a very sweet relationship.

Previous Book in The Princess Diaries Series:

(covers are linked)

  
  
 

Princess in Pink

Goodreads Synopsis:    Princess Mia is dreaming about the prom - and contending with a hotel workers' strike - in the fifth, supremely hilarious episode of Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries. This time, Mia's in the pink about the upcoming Albert Einstein H.S. prom, and she's crossing her fingers that Michael will ask her to go. (They're in love, so why wouldn't he ask her, right?) But during Seven Minutes in Heaven at her b-day party, Mia learns that Michael is not the prom-going type. Good grief, what's a princess to do? 

To make matters worse, Grandmere has gotten a busboy fired due to a mishap with her pooch, Rommel, at a swanky restaurant, so when all of the city's busboys go on strike, it causes a chain of events that result in Grandmere crashing at Mia's mom's place, her pal Lilly Moscovitz picking up a picket sign, and the prom being brought to a screeching halt. 

Thankfully, staunch yet boy-wise Grandmere has a plan to change Michael's mind and put everything back on track, making Mia the happiest "prom princess" on this side of the Atlantic - and readers more starry-eyed than Molly Ringwald in her prettiest pink frock. 

Following up the brief Volume IV and a Half and introducing a new addition to Mia's family, this knee-slapping fifth volume makes the series glitter brighter than ever, placing yet another jewel in Cabot's crown.

My Thoughts:

-    I'm am SO tired of Mia saying the words "self-actualization" about her and everyone else. I just want to punch her every time those words come up.

-    The one thing I agree with Lilly about is that Mia needs to see a mental health specialist.

-    Lilly is one piece of work!! Wow! Why is anyone her friend?

-    The majority of the book was Mia obsessing and whining over prom. It was very annoying. There were other things going on in the world besides prom.

-    I liked the Pretty in Pink references.

-    I was not okay with Mia obsessing over getting to 2nd base with Michael, and how her friends had probably gotten farther in that department than her. She just turned 15!?!? Hello! I would not be okay with my freshman daughter worrying about getting to 2nd base or any base with a senior boy who is about to go to college. This really isn't appropriate content for the target audience. How about a princess with some standards? You'd think Mia would learn from her mom being unsafe and everywhere. Geez!

-    Mia's Grandmere may be one of the most frustrating people on Earth, but she comes through for Mia a lot.

Previous Book in The Princess Diaries Series:

(covers are linked)

  
  

Project Princess

From Goodreads:    What on earth is that princess up to now? 

Most princesses would prefer to spend their spring breaks in Gstaad, or some other equally unpronounceable European hot spot. 

Not this one, though. Hammer in hand, Princess Mia embarks on an epic adventure for one so admittedly unhandy: along with her cohorts from school, she's off to build houses for the less fortunate. It doesn't take Mia long to realize that helping others—while an unimpeachably noble pastime—is very hard work. Will her giving spirit prevail? Will the house collapse due to royally clumsy construction? And most importantly, will Michael stop working long enough to kiss her?

My Thoughts:

-    This book is SO tiny! Why couldn't these events be included at the end of Volume 4 or at the beginning of Volume 5?

-    Mia is SO annoying and whiny! All she can think about is sucking face with her boyfriend, and she doesn't even care about actually helping anyone. I'm not seeing any real princess material in her.

-    Michael is more concerned about doing the job and helping people. Mia doesn't deserve him!

-    This book really isn't needed in the series.

Previous Book in The Princess Diaries Series:

(covers are linked)

  
 

Princess Lessons

Goodreads Says:    ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE A PRINCESS --

OR

JUST LIVE LIKE ONE

Compiled by
MIA THERMOPOLIS
aka
Princess
Amelia
Mignonette
Grimaldi
Thermopolis
Renaldo
of Genovia

My Thoughts:

-    I actually really liked this one. It surprised me.

-    I thought it was funny that this was shelved as YA Non-Fiction.

-    I liked all the fun illustrations. It reminded me of Madeline and Audrey Hepburn.

-    Reading about proper manners and everything was interesting and fun to read about. 

-    I liked how different sections of the book were written by different characters. 

-    I really liked Mia's message at the end of the book. Why can't she have that kind of attitude all the time? She would be a lot less whiny and spazzy. 

Previous Book in The Princess Diaries Series:

(covers are linked)

  

Princess in Waiting

From Goodreads:    Mia and Michael are finally an item, but Grandmere seems to have other plans. Just before the happy couple's first hot date, an unmissable royal engagement turns up. Could it be that Michael doesn't measure up and that (please not!) Grandmere's got someone else in mind for Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo?

My Thoughts:

-    Was this volume even needed? It seemed a tad useless. Nothing really happens.

-    I wish I could have read more about Mia's first visit to Genovia. Those parts were really skimmed over.

-    Mia is pretty shallow, and I feel like she is a bit of a hypocrite at times.

-    Lilly is SO self absorbed! Why is anyone, especially Mia, her friend? You have to be a friend to have friends, and Lilly is a horrible friend.

-    Is Shameeka a needed character? All we know is that she is pretty and hangs out with Mia's group. We don't really get to know her character, and I feel like she isn't needed.

-    Mia drives me nuts sometimes! She doesn't realize or appreciate the good things in her life. She just wants to whine and over analyze everything. Ugh!

-    I loved all the Star Wars references. 

Previous Book in The Princess Diaries Series:

(covers are linked)

  

Small and Simple Things

From Goodreads:    In these pages, Sister Hinckley shares some of the small and simple things she has gleaned from a lifetime of experience. Gentle encouragement, expressions of faith, and enduring advice for everyday problems will bring a smile to your face and gratitude to your heart for the small and simple things in your own life that make all the difference.







My Thoughts:

-    I've always admired Sister Hinckley's outlook on life. I thought this book would be filled with fun and uplifting things. It didn't disappoint.

-    I loved how she talks about food and shared some of her favorite recipes.

-    I liked how she mentioned to not over schedule your kids or yourself. It is good to leave time to spend together. Gnome is in preschool and dance. I'd like her to take piano lessons, but it is hard to know how much is too much. 

-    The book is mostly a compilation of Sister Hinckley's favorite quotes, scriptures, and poems. It was fun to read these.

-    I probably wouldn't read this again, but it is a little and quick read. I enjoyed it. 

Holes

My Thoughts:

-    I haven't seen this movie in a long time, and I haven't read the book for even longer.

-    I enjoyed this movie. I think it is a spot on representation of the book...from what I remember.

-    Shia looks so young! He has some awesome curly hair too. Why did he have to grow up?

-    The story has some adventure and legend in it, and I love that. I love that it ties in Stanley's family history. 

-    I think the characters and story have something for everyone. I think audiences of all ages will enjoy the movie and book.

-    Mr. Sir was such a weird role for Jon Voight, but he did a good job.

-    I usually don't like Sigourney Weaver, but I didn't mind her as the warden.

-    The casting for the other camp boys was great, especially Zero.

-    "I can fix that" is my new favorite phrase. 

-    This is one of those instances where you can't judge a book or its movie by the cover. It looks kinda lame, but it is a clever story with fun characters. 

-    This was a really clean and fun movie. My husband really liked it and so did gnome. 

Fruits Basket: Volume 12

From the Back of the Book:    The world's most popular shojo manga continues...With the beginning of the school year approaching, the gang returns from summer break - and what a vacation indeed! A new student council has been assembled, with two new secretaries: Naohito, who has declared himself Yuki's rival, and Kimi, who is known as a devil woman - and a thief of men's hearts. Later, when Tohru goes to see her grandfather, he brings up  apart of Tohru's past that she had tried to shut away. And with parent-teacher conferences on the horizon, Mayuko gives Shirgure some good advice.








My Thoughts:

-    I can't believe the person on the cover is a man!

-    I used to like Shigure, but now I'm thinking he is kind of evil.

-    Is Kagura going to leave Kyo alone now? Did she finally realize what was going on?

-    I still want to know what is up with Rin. Why is she being so distant and spazzy?

-    There are WAY too many characters in the manga! I can barely remember who is who!

Fruits Basket: Volume 11

From the Back of the Book:    The world's most popular shojo manga continues! While at the Sohma vacation home, Tohru is caught in a whirlwind of familial strife. Can she relax and put the "fun" in dysfunctional? None of the Sohmas are going to make it easy, including an angry horse that attacks Tohru. Could this be a new member of the Zodiac? Meanwhile, in a fierce argument with Akito, Kyo reveals his true feelings for Tohru. Will Akito tell Tohru about Kyo's secret crush? And speaking of secrets, Akito makes a major announcement - one that will reveal his true identity and change the Sohma family forever!








My Thoughts:

-    Finally!! I got some answers to some of my questions! 

-    Akito is a jerk! What the heck!?

-    I hope Tohru can break the Sohma family curse! She better do it!

-    Oh you Japanese people! Just because there are no nipples drawn doesn't mean it won't be uncomfortable to see a naked woman!

-    What is up with Rin? She has issues!

Midnight Pearls

Goodreads Synopsis:    "ONCE UPON A TIME"
IS TIMELESS

In a quiet fishing village seventeen years ago, one lone fisherman rescued a child from the sea. He and his wife raised the girl, Pearl, as their own daughter, never allowing themselves to wonder long about where she came from -- or notice her silver hair, usually pale skin, and wide, dark blue eyes.

Pearl grows from a mysterious child into an unusual young woman, not always welcomed in the village. As all the other girls her age find husbands, she has only one friend to ease her loneliness. One very special, secret companion: Prince James.

But their friendship is shaken when trouble erupts in the kingdom -- a conspiracy against the royal family combines with an evil enchantment from beneath the sea. Now, just when Pearl and James need each other most, bewitching magic and hints about Pearl's past threaten to tear them apart...forever.

My Thoughts:

-    There a few things that were under developed.  This book had a lot of potential, and I think if it had been longer and had more content, it would have been really great.

-    I enjoyed most of the characters.  Pearl lived a simple life, and I think a lot of girls could relate to her.  I feel like James's character could have been better.  He was kinda fickle and I couldn't figure him out.

-    I really liked that it was the classic Little Mermaid story, but with a few twists in it.  It also has a happy ending.  No one ends up as seas foam!

-    I wish there had been more about Pearl's past, and more of a foundation for her relationship with Kale.

-    Overall, this was a cute and fun read, but I just wanted more info.