Reading List Entry Form

[Yuliya]

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Sorry for the inconvenience, but you'll have to type it out by hand, because of the no-copying code.

[Twilight]

I may have gone a bit overboard, but I think I got my points across at least.


Name of Book: The Historian
Author: Elizabeth Kostova
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: (Mine?) 8.5/10
Summary: After discovering a mysterious book in her father’s library, a sixteen-year-old girl becomes involved in a secretive tale spanning back to the time of Vlad Þepeº, Dracula. The story is mostly told from the girl’s perspective and by her father’s letters.
Why this book is good: My friend was absolutely obsessed with this book so she made me read it. Though some parts were rather slow, it was very interesting. The characters travel everywhere from France to Turkey, and the author’s descriptions were so believable, I thought I was reading an actual biography until about 75 pages through. Plus the slightly fantastical elements about vampires make the book that much more interesting. A must read for fans of European history and vampire lore.




Name of Book: The Dead Zone
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror
Rating: 9.5/10
Summary: After surviving a horrific car crash and being in a coma for four years, Johnny Smith wakes up with the power to sense and sometimes see things while touching a person or thing. However, the woman he was in love with married another man while he was still in the coma, and Johnny’s new “powers” earn him a near-cult following and tons of unwanted criticism. Meanwhile, a politician with a terrifying personality is quickly worming his way into the hearts of America, and Johnny is the only one who knows how evil the man really is.
Why this book is good: This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Don’t let the genre turn you away from the book if you don’t like horror. The book isn’t scary (though it is a bit eerie in some parts). You can really sympathize with Johnny as his perfect life is turned upside-down and inside out, and best of all, the little stories which seemingly completely steer away from the plot (such as the Bible salesman beating a dog to death in the beginning) are all seamlessly included in the story by the end. The book stuck with me most of all because of the emotion. This was the first story I ever read that made me cry. It is definitely worth a read for anyone.

[Yuliya]

Name of Book: The Little White Horse
Author: Elizabeth Goudge
Rating: 9.5/10
Summary: The beautiful valley of Moonacre is shadowed by the memory of the Moon Princess and the mysterious little white horse. When Maria Merryweather comes there on a visit she finds herself involved with an ancient feud. She is determined to restore peace and happiness to the whole of Moonacre Valley. And Maria usually gets her own way.
Why this book is good: This book is much better than its title. Description is the key, and everything is described so elegantly and beautifully that I spent days trying to turn my room into Maria's room, days trying to cook the things that Marmaduke Scarlet made, and days trying to recreate the parlor room. The story is so magical, and it is every little girl's dream. I love how perfect everything is at the beginning, but still with the hint of darkness covering it all. This is a must read, and not only for little girls.

[Yuliya]

Name of Book: Chosen By a Horse
Author: Susan Richards
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 9.5/10
Summary: The horse Susan Richards chose for rescue wouldn't be corralled into her waiting trailer. But Lay Me Down, a former racehorse with a foal close on her heels, walked right up that ramp and into Susan's life. Weak from malnutrition, Lay Me Down had endured a rough road, but somehow her heart was still open and generous. Then fate brought her into Susan's paddock, where she taught this brokenhearted woman how to embrace the joys of life despite the dangers of living.
Why this Book is Good: Although this book is about a woman and a horse, you don't have to be a horse-lover to enjoy it. It is both heartwarming and incredibly sad, but all together, it is about love and how wonderful it is.

[Yuliya]

Name of Book: Marley and Me
Author: John Grogan
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 10/10
Summary: John Grogan reflects on the beginning of his family with well-earned lessons from the world's worst dog, Marley.
Why This Book is Good: This book is amazingly written, and about one of my favorite topics: the lessons we can learn from animals. At some points it made me burst into laughter and at other points it made me burst into tears. A great read for all those who know you don't have to have the best to have the best experience.