Books and Sensibility

We're an Open Book

Give Thanks For Good Books : Jess Edition

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Beth Revis, author of Across the Universe is hosting a 19 book giveaway. To enter create a post about a book you are thankful for. Find more about the contest here.
 

I imagine a lot of people are saying this, but the book I’m most thankful for is Harry Potter. I remember being in the 5th grade at the school book fair, sitting on the floor of the gym as the librarian gave some book recommendations. The last books she showed was a case of Harry Potter books. I wasn’t interested because it was about a boy and it was a little pricey.

Somehow, I decided to take a risk and bought it, then returned it because my mom thought it was “evil”. I later got it from the library and started reading it. I had no idea the phenomenon or the impact Harry Potter would have on the world. Or that 2 years later that my mom would be the one dragging me to the HP movies and ten years later calling to asking which scarf she should buy from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter changed the way I read books. I realized that authors could do more than just tell stories, they could create a world that readers could imagine and grow in. The Prisoner of Azkaban blew my mind with its Chekov’s guns, twist ending and vivid writing, I felt like I was in the shrieking shack.

In reality, I’m thankful for all books, they have a funny way of taking us out of the moment and putting us in fantastical places.

Honorable Mentions

The Babysitters Club

The Box Car Children

 

 

 

 

Give Thanks For Good Books : Kat Edition

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Beth Revis, author of Across the Universe is hosting a 19 book giveaway. To enter create a post about a book you are thankful for. Find more about the contest here.

I had to think long and hard about this post. I’ve been reading books for a long time and it took me a while to think of a book I can truly show gratitude for. Finally it hit me, The Diary of Anne Frank.

I read this book when I was in the 6th grade and became captivated by the story behind the novel. More specifically, how Anne started the book before she went into hiding. She never thought her life would be anything significant, but it is now. She created the diary for herself and I’ve always loved the beginning of the diary :

“I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support.”

After I finished this, I kept my own diary and journal sporadically on and off for the next 10 years. In high school it helped me make sense of life. To see where I had been and to predict where I could be going. I picked up some of those diaries and realized something I never saw then. I loved to read and I loved to write. And now look where I am.

I’m thankful for this book because it has a powerful message that affected me even years after the publication.

 

Books and Sensibility is participating in NaBloPoMo. What’s NaBloPoMo ? Find out here !


 

In My Mailbox Vol. 7

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Books and Sensibility is taking part in the In My Mailbox meme started by The Story Siren. Each week bloggers post books that have arrived in their mailbox, picked up from the bookstore, or purchased. Here are some books we are getting ready to read.

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Book Review : The Night Circus

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“The truest tales require time and familiarity to become what they are.”

– Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus

Synopsis : The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas, tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors.

I figured The Night Circus would be a good read following Water For Elephants. While Water For Elephants deals with the metaphorical illusions of circus life,  The Night Cirus deals with the more fantastical and literal ones

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If These Books Were Judged By Their Covers : Let Me Hear Your Body Talk

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 I love a good contemporary novel and as I browse the shelves I noticed a trend. Legs! Shoes! Calves! Body parts have become cover hallmarks and why not? They give you something to look at while still letting you imagine the characters’ face.

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Book Review : City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

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“Not everything is about you,” Clary said furiously. “Possibly,” Jace said, “but you do have to admit that the majority of things are.”             

― Cassandra Clare, City of Glass

 

 

 

<– Side note: Did anyone else think that was Alec on the front cover at first glance?

Okay, I’m going to review this one real quick for you. In City of Glass; Jace broods, Clary acts reckless, Simon is dragged around, and Magnus sparkles. Stuff happens, twist, and turns to a resounding mediocre end. This book was less City of Glass and more like City of Glass plunged into my eyes. 3 stars.

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