The newest reviews are in bold for easy locating.

Little Women-Louisa May Alcott

• I read this one many years ago, and just reread it to see what I missed the first time. While it is definitely a classic, Alcott is at times a little too didactic for my taste. The characters are interesting, and the plot develops well, but it was hard for me to enjoy reading this book 100 percent of the time. The best thing about the novel is Alcott’s development of her characters. It is truly interesting to see how time changes the March girls and their attitudes and personalities. I would recommend this book for a young reader who is interested in branching out to the classics–in this case, it will be a rewarding read.

Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen

• P&P is one of my favorite books, thanks in part to the amazing plot and interesting writing style of Jane Austen. While some may feel that this novel is over done, I find that every time I read it, I notice something new. Austen has a way of creating characters you love to hate and hate to love in this novel. Elizabeth is quite full of her own interpretations of things and fails to see anyone else’s side of the story. Mr. Darcy is most definitely proud, but at the same time, endearing. Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst are spiteful in every situation, and Jane is so sweet you fear she may melt. While those familiar with the recent movie may be surprised at all it leaves out, they will be delighted with all of the details the book affords them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have an interesting, well-written read this summer.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies-Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

• I must admit that when I first heard of this “new” book, I was really shocked, and kind of irritated. You see, I love the original version, and felt that some crazy new author was basically trampling on a classic. Well, I kept seeing the book around, sitting there next to Austen’s classic, with a half-eaten visage of an unfortunate lady staring back at me. Everywhere I went, I saw it or heard about it, and, finally, I cracked down and bought it on my nook. I guess I wanted something light to read, and I just had to see exactly how well zombies fit in the quintessential novel of  manners. The concept of this novel is that the sisters Bennett have been trained as zombie killers, and they regularly engage in battles with the undead. Pretty simple, and generally, the zombie fights live up to expectations. The twists on the characters are generally amusing, and seeing the normally bland Mary swearing a blood oath is slightly more entertaining that one would imagine. On the other hand, Mr. Darcy is twisted pretty much beyond recognition. To be blunt, this version of the literary heartthrob uses so much double entendre that any ounce of charm he possesses is swiftly negated. There was more than one time where I felt that the story was disrupted because of the author’s apparent desire to have Darcy crack awkward jokes. The novel’s strength is found in the plot twists and zombie battles, but at times even these feel too contrived. I’d have to give this book a B+ for actual quality and readability, but an A for effort. It’s one that you can buy for vacation, and then give away when you’re done…you probably won’t want to read it twice.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz-L. Frank Baum

• This book is great for readers young and old, simply because of its ease and fanciful elements. It is light and entertaining, and doesn’t pretend to be otherwise. Again, on reading this book, you will be shocked to see how different it is from the classic film–there are entire worlds to discover in the pages of the novel. I can easily say that I prefer the flying monkeys of this version, but that I love the Emerald City of the movie. This book is perfect for parents to read to their children–nothing more terrifying than a wicked witch is present here.

Jane Eyre-Charlotte Bronte

• Another classic, Jane Eyre is anything but an easy read. That being said, I absolutely love everything about this book, from its pseudo-autobiographical nature to the intense plot that leaves you coming back for more (at over 400 pages, you definitely have to keep coming back). If you like Pride and Prejudice, give this one a try. I personally prefer Jane over Elizabeth. She is a very well-developed character, with thoughts and opinions that are strong, yet unusually well-considered. She knows her place in the world, and is content with her life. Even in dire situations, she is a survivor. This is a Gothic novel extraordinaire, complete with romance, intrigue, and horror. Of course, I would be lying if I said the ending wasn’t the best part. If you decide to read this wonderful tale, stick with it all the way through. It’s tough, but definitely worth it.

The Good Earth-Pearl S. Buck

• I enjoy learning about China, and have a large section in my library devoted to literature on the subject. As a result, I find it hard to believe that I waited so long before reading The Good Earth. I had seen the movie a while back, and thought it had a nice story and was a good snapshot of China in the time period it portrays–the pre-1949 Chinese revolution. I wondered if the book was similar to the film, but never got around to actually reading it. Now having done so, I can say that like the movie, Buck’s novel is simple, clear and engaging. The plot focuses on one man and the trials he faces during his adult life. As in real life, the characters are mostly dynamic, allowing for your sympathies for them to ebb and flow. This novel is an easy, if long, read, and is perfect for reading while traveling. I recently discovered that it is the first in a trilogy, so I may be reading the second and third parts soon.

The Constant Princess-Philippa Gregory

• Remember the many wives of King Henry VIII? This book is about his first wife, Katherine, and the many struggles she faced from her childhood in Spain through her ascension to the throne of England. Gregory presents Katherine’s story in a vivid, believable manner. Her interpretations of historical events read as though they are the truth rather than historical fiction, lending an air of validity to the pages of the novel. Indeed, after reading this book, it is hard to see history any other way. The details that Gregory carefully crafts into the text make for a rich reading experience that envelops the senses. It is easy to get lost in the pages, and although this book is quite long, it flows like light reading. Gregory is the author of The Other Boleyn Girl, which makes the fact that she wrote about Katherine that much more interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history, women, and especially the great women of history.

Water for Elephants-Sara Gruen

• After reading The Help, I got really excited about Water for Elephants, mostly because I was hearing great things about the novel, and also because I got excited to read another great work of fiction. I was definitely not disappointed in Water for Elephants, and was even a bit surprised at how I was able to get in to the story. The narration of the novel is unique, and the subject matter (early twentieth century circus life) engaging. It is hard to describe the story without revealing much of what makes it great, but safe to say there is a fascinating cast of characters and at least one dramatic plot twist. I can easily recommend this book as a good read.

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister-Gregory Maguire

• Confessions is a retelling of a fairy tale well known and beloved, with a decidedly darker twist. The novel retells the story of Cinderella from the viewpoint of her stepsisters. Hardly any of the characters are likable, even to the point that you wonder who, exactly, is the protagonist. Despite this fact, it is easy to be interested in the story (especially noting where the fairy tale is followed and where it is ignored). Maguire writes with a style that makes even the story’s disturbing turn of events seem like it is worth reading. This is not a book that will fill you with good cheer, and although I was not sorry to see it end, I did enjoy it.

Wicked-Gregory Maguire

• After reading Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, I was both apprehensive about reading Wicked and interested in seeing how the classic tale of Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West would be recast. I thought there would be a little diversion from the Wizard of Oz, mainly in the fact that the same series of events would be retold from the witch’s point of view. I am very happy to say that I was wrong. Wicked was not really a retelling, but a backstory combined with a bit of the original (reshaped, of course). Learning about the life of Elphaba, from the beginning until the bitter end was fascinating. I often wish I had more insight into the literary personalities I encounter, and this novel definitely fulfilled that wish. In a story that doesn’t have much to do with the simple Wizard of Baum’s creation, Maguire makes a new Oz that is filled with a great deal of detail and layers of information that are fascinating to sift through. I feel as if the story is complete without the two books that follow, and do not really feel the need to read them (but I may, you never know).

An Object of Beauty-Steve Martin

• Steve Martin’s latest foray into the literary world is my first encounter with his writing. Although he has published many other works, this one is the one that grabbed my attention. Centered in the art world in New York City, the novel follows the exploits of Lacey Yeager, a character who’s personality almost immediately drew up visions of Holly Golightly in Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Indeed, Lacey is entirely carefree in her personal relationships and uses people to her advantage. In Lacey, Martin has created a character that the reader cannot ever really get to know, despite the many years that take place in the novel–a feature that is both intriguing and annoying. Martin’s excellent prose encourages the reader to read on to discover a mysterious secret that is hinted at but never fully revealed until the very end of the novel. I found the novel’s depiction of the art world fascinating and revealing. The way that art is bought and sold is apparently full of controversy and, at times, underhandedness. I liked this book, but it is not one of my favorites. I would recommend it to those who are interested in art and those who are traveling and need a good read to pass the time.

Shanghai Girls-Lisa See

• I absolutely loved this book, from beginning to end. I’m a fan of Amy Tan, so moving on to another author’s Chinese-American lit was easy. This story combines three of my favorite literary topics–women, China, and immigration. An element of surprise adds to the plot of this story, which begins in China in the late 1930′s and traces the lives of two sisters as they struggle with their fate and circumstances. See has created two characters that are completely different, and although it is a hard thing to do, equally interesting. I was captivated by all elements of this novel, from setting to characters to plot. As a big fan of historical fiction, I was pleased to see accurate portrayals of the hardships Chinese people faced during this time period. Nothing in this work is sugar coated, creating a mixture of sadness and satisfaction for me. It is easy to forget that this is a work of fiction because it all seemed so real. I can’t wait to read another of See’s novels.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan-Lisa See

• Like Shanghai Girls, this novel explores the relationship between Chinese women and the intricacies of Chines culture. Her characters, Lily and Snow Flower, are strong and likable, but it is difficult to get too close to either of them. Indeed, there is an element of distance in the story, and secrets abound. See writes beautifully, weaving a story that is fully developed and easy to relate to, despite the foreign elements. I enjoyed this story, and found myself wanting to speak with the characters and participate in their bond. Unfortunately, as in real life, misunderstandings play a role in this tale. Indeed, the novel could serve as a cautionary tale to those who would let hurt feelings interfere with love and friendship.

The Jungle-Upton Sinclair

• This classic tale famously inspired the public to action, resulting in the eventual reform of the meatpacking industry. The real heart of the story, though, is the terrible conditions in which the factory workers were forced to live. Sinclair writes of awful schemes aimed at snatching away the meager earnings of the labor force, the squalor in which they worked and lived, and the unfairness of a system designed to use people as machines, only employable until they  become ill and die as a direct result of their jobs. I found the story to be interesting, and the plight of the characters heart breaking, much as Sinclair wished it to be. It wasn’t until the end of the novel, when a multi-page speech about socialism takes center stage, that I felt The Jungle was a difficult read. Honestly, I skipped that part, and do not intend to go back and read it again. Had I chosen the book for it’s political views, I would feel differently, but because I picked up the novel for the plot, I felt cheated by this surprise ending.

The Help-Kathryn Stockett

• Wow, what a novel! This book is phenomenal, and I find it very hard to believe that this is Stockett’s first. Set in 1960′s Mississippi, just as the civil rights era was heating up, The Help explores the complicated and delicate relationship between white families and the black maids whom they employ. From page one until the very end (and honestly, even now), I felt sucked in–I finished the book and promptly wanted to read it again and again. Rarely does a book stick with me to the extent that this one did. Each and every character engenders an emotion, ranging from sympathy to rage. Reading this book is sort of like stepping into a time machine and turning the dial back to one of the most uncomfortable eras in American history. As the story unfolds and tragic tales of racism and hatred are revealed, the reader is reminded that this time was not so very far away from our own, and that there are likely people who are just as bad around today. However, there is a deep hope in the pages of the novel. A hope that things can change. A hope that began in a time where one man had a dream, and countless others were willing to fight, to die, even, in order to make things right. Stockett writes with a conviction that makes it easy to forget the book is fiction, and that the characters are not real. The story is told from the viewpoint of three main characters, Aibileen, Minnie, and Skeeter, two black maids and the young white woman who begins to realize that all people are the same, no matter the color of their skin. This book is a must read, and easily one of my favorites. If you can read, read this book. I promise you will not regret it.

The Lord of the Rings-J.R.R. Tolkien

• Although most readers read LOTR in three parts (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King), I will review it as one long novel. The primary reason for this is that in reality, it is one long novel. My secondary reason is that giving a brief review of all three parts would be difficult due to the fact that they are each so wonderful. I decided to reread LOTR after watching The Fellowship on DVD. It had been quite a while since I had last picked them up, and I felt that the time had come to enjoy them once more. From the very first page, I realized why these books are timeless classics. The grace and ease with which Tolkien tells this epic tale is mesmerizing. The writing itself is engaging, with or without the spectacular plot. I was drawn through the adventures of the Hobbits, a willing spectator of every last adventure. I loved noticing the details of each scene, noting whenever something was left out of the films and when something was changed. Reading this epic is more than just reading—it is experiencing. I would recommend this book to teens looking for an interesting adventure without vampires, as well as to a reader of the classics who is seeking a text to really think about.

Lost in Austen-Emma Campbell Webster

• A choose your own adventuresque book (for adults), Lost in Austen is part game, part novel. Webster gives a definite twist to Austen’s novels of manners, creating a mashup of stories and characters that are both recognizable and out of place. Nowhere else would you find Elizabeth and Emma engaged in conversation, or encounter Lady Catherine’s esteemed nephews fighting over you–er, Elizabeth! Indeed, the reader is Elizabeth in this story, and the obvious objective is to marry for love–and money. Victory is hard to come by, as there are abundant pitfalls. For instance, choose against your mission, and you could end up dead–or worse, married badly. This book is most definitely a light read, perfect for lazy summer days.