The Shape of Mercy

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am a fan of historical fiction and when I came across this book, I knew that it was something that would interest me. However, the time around the Salem witch trials are a dark time in the history of our country and I knew how things were going to end for Mercy. It is hard to imagine what those men and women went through during that time with the Salem witch trials and it is even harder to imagine that anyone could believe the tales that were being told to implicate those accused. The story connects the lives of 3 women. The first being Mercy who was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to die and Abigail an older woman who is an ancestor of Mercy's who has in her posession Mercy's diary and Lauren a young college student that Abigail hires to transcribe Mercy's diary. The diary has a profound impact on the lives of Abigail and Lauren and we see that we can learn alot about ourselves by studying the past. The underlying theme of this book is about how quick we can be to pass judgement on others and how hurtful that can be. It is also a story about mercy and forgiveness and as an added bonus it is a love story. I really enjoyed this book.



View all my reviews

Book reviews....

Fire by Kristin Cashore

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I wanted to like this book more than I did. The concept of the story was great. The characters were interesting and unique, but the plot just didn't come together. And the Leck character didn't seem to fit into the book. Just seemed like he was thrown in there for added drama and his departure was very anti-climatic. It also moved a little slow for me. I haven't read Graceling (the first book), but after reading this, I am not sure that I will continue on with this author.



View all my reviews
Sarahs Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was amazing in the beginning. I couldn't put it down. Sarah's story is so touching and heartbreaking. I love how the author weaves the stories of Sarah and Julia together. However, once Sarah's story is told and the plot shifts more to Julia, the book loses steam. I felt like the book had potential, but just didn't live up to it.



View all my reviews
Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this story. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It is a story about Cassia who lives in a society where agency is basically taken away from the people in an attempt to attain perfection. At the age of 17 boys and girls are "matched" by the "officials" with their perfect mate. A mistake occurs with Cassia where she sees 2 matches for her. When that happens, it sets off a series of events that makes her question everything that she has been taught to believe, and sets the stage for a great love triangle. So the question is Xander or Ky?! I can't wait for book 2 (Crossed) to come out in November. The book had a similar feel to The Giver and The Hunger Games, so if you liked those books, you will love Crossed.



View all my reviews

One More.....

I just finished this book today! It is a quick read, and I highly recommend it!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful story, beautiful writing, beautiful imagery, lots of food for thought. Chinese folk tales are laced throughout the book. It is a story about a girl who goes in search of answers that will bring her family fortune, but what she learns along the way proves to be worth more than any worldy fortune could amount to. I think that I will read this one again out loud to my children....lots of great discussions could result from this sweet story.

View all my reviews >>

I've been reading...

and now it's time for some more book reviews...

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE this book! I enjoyed this book as much, if not more, than the first book, Al Capone Does My Shirts".

View all my reviews >>

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very fun fairy tale with a great message!

View all my reviews >>

They Loved to Laugh by Kathryn Worth


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very sweet story. A little slow in the beginning for me, but as the book went along, and the story unfolded, I really appreciated the love story.

View all my reviews >>