The Books We Read » Clean Romance

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner an Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer

Cindi — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 11:57:07 +0000

I would suggest reading this novella for Twilight fans. It is an interesting glimpse into the outside world of Twilight vampires we never get to see in sheltered Forks, WA. That aside, I still don’t know what makes Bree so special someone would be compelled to write a spin off novella about her. Whatever Stephenie Meyer felt about her didn’t translate through for me. Maybe it was the atrocious writing that got in the way. From simplistic internal dialogue to horrible actual dialog this book has it all. Read it to say you’ve read it. Read it deepen your understanding of the Twilight universe. You probably won’t be reading it to enjoy the poetic wonders of the written word.

Rilla of Ingleside by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Clarissa — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:14:26 +0000

I was thinking of my favorite love stories and I remembered this one. So I picked it up and read it again. And I still love it. It is still so good. This is the last book in the Anne of Green Gables series. The whole series is worth reading, but I just love this one. Rilla of Ingleside is set during World War I. It was published in 1921. I kept thinking that the author must have gone through her war journals to write it. The war is like another main character in this novel, it’s more than a setting or a back drop. I learned a lot. She was able to keep the story interesting and personal as well. This is a novel about the women who “kept the faith” at home, for their men on the front. This is a beautiful coming of age story featuring Rilla, a young, naive beauty. Rilla’s parents are Anne and Gilbert. Anne is still a part of the story, but really, this one is about Rilla. Honestly, you could easily read this one without reading the others, but they are all worth reading.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Cindi — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 06:41:34 +0000

I enjoyed this book. The Hunger Games is a very quick read and a real page turner. Set in a near future dystopia after the fall of the United States of America, a young girl and boy from the 12th district in the nation of Panem must compete in a death match type game where the last one standing wins.

Is the concept original? Um, no. Was the romance good? Yes, in a young adult sort of way. The writing is great, the characters are fine, and the pacing is crisp. There is plenty of action and enough soul searching and moral dilemmas to keep it interesting past the surface. My main problem with the book is the author’s view of the future, especially surrounding the politics and government in the book’s post apocalyptic time and place. I know it is a work of imaginative science fiction, I just felt it lacked substance and credibility. (As a pet peeve there was one part right near the beginning where Katniss puts on her boots, and then pulls on her pants. ??? How often do you put your shoes on before getting dressed? Sorry to point this out; I don’t know why I noticed this.) Also, you don’t have to give everyone funky names because your book is set in the future. Most names in circulation today predate the bible. Now that I’m done complaining, feel free to check it out. I found it very entertaining and the end will leave you wanting more.

Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern

Cindi — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:51:27 +0000

I would call this book slightly better than average but mostly forgettable. Sorry Cecelia Ahern, I really tried to like it. Read it if you are in the mood for a light hearted romantic comedy with well written, colloquial irish humor. Don’t read it if you want something more than skin deep, a premise that is unique, or a climax/character struggle that makes any sense. I read the back cover while waiting in line at Wal-Mart, and was intrigued. A woman has memories she can’t explain, a connection to a man that is a mystery. Then the first chapter starts all about blood donation. Oh. Wow. Thanks for building the suspense. From there it was pretty much a predictable series of near misses and coincidences on the road to falling in love.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Cindi — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:29:15 +0000

Ok, I must confess, I read the whole trilogy in four days. I would say that is a great testament to the author’s pacing. Oh, and the fact that every book ends in a cliffhanger. Eclipse was no exception. I thought the tension and the love triangle was staged and brought to climax almost perfectly. I must note some slight irritation with Bella, I think she could be slightly less needy and a little more independent. That being said, this book still easily earns a recommendation. I look forward to the next book, Breaking Dawn, and also the release of Twilight the movie in December of 2008. Also, you can check out the first chapter of Midnight Sun at Stephenie Meyer’s website. This will be a companion book to Twilight written from Edward’s point of view.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Cindi — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:28:26 +0000

Stephenie Meyer delivers with a great sequel to Twilight. Sometimes the only thing more intense than love is loss. I loved the transition after Edward left with blank pages marking the months. Very creative and effective by the author. New characters and more back story flesh out the novel, and a mostly terrific finish.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Cindi — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:27:54 +0000

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was not expecting to like a book classified with words like ‘young adult’ and ‘romance’. The writing was great, the characters were well developed, and the plot lines were believable. An exciting combination of danger and forbidden love keeps the tension high. This book will not change the world or bring your life deeper meaning, but I recommend it for excellent pacing, pg-13 romance that actually lights your fire, and sheer entertainment value.