Shannan's Review of "Deerskin"

This book was suggested to me by Adrienne, and she said if I didn't like it, she wasn't going to recommend any more books to me. Well, I really liked it, Adrienne!

I don't want to give too much away, since I would recommend you read it. Without giving too much away, there is something that happens in the book that affects the main character deeply. (Should I give more info, Ad?)

The story is a kind of fairy tale, which I didn't really get until they talked about dragons in the forest. In the middle, I got kind of confused about what happened to Lissar, the main character. But it gets explained later on (although much later). I would like to read it again now that I know what was going on, and it probably won't be so confusing. But, I think if you keep that in mind, the fairy tale thing, it might make more sense.

This is definitely a story of fear, love, survival, and emotional healing. I really liked the evolution of Lissar and how the book turns out in the end. So, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars, and am definitely planning on reading it again. I hope my review isn't totally confusing. Like I said, I don't want to give too much away.

By the way, some ladies in my ward are starting a book club, finally! Our first book is called "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. I have only had it since yesterday and I am totally enthralled. So, if anyone wants to read this with me, I would love it! (Just in case you were looking for a book to read right now!)

Shannan's Review of "Specials"

Okay, I finished this book forever ago, but didn't see Meghan's comment until the other night. I figured I better write this review before I have completely forgotten the whole book. (It has slipped a little from my memory.) But I will do the best I can!

This book was a little better going for me than "Pretties" was. I think I just had more time to read it. So that was good. But there were a few things I didn't like from the beginning. I didn't really like the fact that Tally was now a Special. The tatoos weren't my favorite thing. But the thing that bothered me the most was all the cutting they did. I guess I understood what the cutting was supposed to do, but couldn't the author have come up with a different way for them to feel "icy"?

I did like how they found a whole different civilization where people were normal again. And that she eventually turned on the Specials. And I thought it was interesting how she ended up "defeating" Dr. Cable. It was sad about Zane, but I was glad that she ended up with David and not totally alone in the end.

I liked this book and thought it ended well. But by the end, I was ready to be done with the whole idea. I tried to read "Extras" but just couldn't get into it. There was so much terminology to figure out in each book, that I was kind of tired of it. I think the best part about this series was that we all read it together!

These is My Words - Erin

I am feeling lazy so I am copying and pasting the following from our ward's book club blog.

These Is My Words, by Nancy E. Turner

This is a Historical Fictional Novel, written in a first person Narrative, inspired by her grandmother, Sarah Angnes Prine. Nancy Turner is compelling writer, and this book is full of wit, wisdom, spunk, and grit. It is a compelling book, with an excellent grasp and expression of emotion and reality.

I would probably list this book with my favorites. It did take me at least 20-30 pages to get into it (I even had to go back and re-read since I wasn't really paying attention). Once I got into it, I loved it. It is a good mix of romance and comedy. It isn't the type of romance where everything turns out perfect which is probably why I liked it so much, but I don't think I would have minded if it had a completely happy ending. This book is definitely worth reading.

Done with "Specials"

I am done with Specials. Are you Meghan? If you are, let me know so we can write our reviews. I tried to start Extras, but I am kind of bored with the future, hoverboarding iciness.