Week 16: Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Okay so here we go! Death Comes to Pemberley is a very fun mystery, if you like Jane Austen novels.  I was first introduced to the story line by watching the first installment of the the Masterpiece show.  However, I never actually saw the second episode so I never actually found out what happened and who the murderer was.  I suppose that is why the book intrigued me so much! I knew the beginning, but not the ending!

The story starts off with the Darcy's planning a huge ball at Pemberley.  But the night before the big day a murder occurs on the Pemberley grounds.  The rest of the story is, of course, the discovery of whodunnit! And the story leads you through the entire English judiciary system! 

I would like to mention that I wished Elizabeth was a little bit more involved in the plot line. In this book she seemed to lack the special spark that made her personality in Pride and Prejudice so memorable! It would have been nice for her to be more a part of the main story. However, the author did capture Mr. Darcy's character wonderfully, and spent a lot of time explaining his thoughts.  Overall, most of the characters were developed and remained true to their personalities in Austen's work. (Especially Wickham!) 

I don't care much for mysteries in general, but because of my prior knowledge of the book I did enjoy it. It also helps that I am a huge Pride and Prejudice fan and that Masterpiece hooked me on the story line!  This book is a great read if you are looking for a sequel to the outstanding Austen classic!  

Week 15: Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting

This week, because my life is so crazy at the moment, I decided to go with a really easy read! Doctor Dolittle is a fun children's book.  It is a quirky and original book.  Much of the plot really doesn't make that much sense and it is really just a fantastical plot line.  I really liked the book, but found the racial prejudice quite prevalent.  This book is older so it is not surprising that it contains racial biases, just a little uncomfortable at times.  Besides this drawback the book is well written and entertaining.
If you have watched either of the movies, the book is not to quite the same.  In all versions Dr. Dolittle talks to animals yet the similarities end there.  The book is about a poor doctor who travels to Africa to save monkeys.  It may not seem like an enthralling plot line, but there is plenty of adventure in every chapter!

Week 14: The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

This book is very simple and romantic.  It has some intrigue, but is your typical period romance.  It has Christian undertones throughout the book which are not overbearing, but present especially towards the end of the book.  If you like novels like Pride and Prejudice, you will probably like this one as well.  The book is a quick read and fairly short! The author did well at creating a fun and entertaining plot line.

I found the book to be well written, but not superb.  I also wished for the characters to develop more and really become their own, however this did not seem to happen.  Many of the characters were fairly distant during the entire plot line, which created an absence of emotions.  (Obviously, I really like strong characters in books.)  However, there were a few strong characters that kept the reader engaged. The main character, Emma, is one of those characters.  She has an A-type personality, that is both smart and genuine.

I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a fun and romantic novel. Also if you like Gothic romances you may enjoy it!

Week 13: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Please excuse the lateness of this entry.  I was sick this past week! However, I was still able to read this book, and I loved it!!! I had seen the movie a few years ago, but did not remember much of the plot.  So it was like a whole new story for me!
This book contains many controversial issues that were occurring in the early 1960's.  Mainly, the book focuses on the relationship between Caucasian and African-American women in Mississippi during the Civil Right Era.  I find it a fascinating subject and I think that the author did a brilliant job of blending fictitious characters into an actual time period.  She uses actual historical events, such as Martin Luther King Jr. march, the death of President Kennedy, and the sit in at the diner to create a realistic setting for these characters.  The author seems to have spent a lot of time researching this particular era, and she seems to understand the unease of the time.  
I think this books characters are wonderful.  You really get to know them and understand the lives they lead.  Skeeter seems to really grow during the book and become her own person. She takes a lot of risks during the course of the story, but she does them all for the right reasons which proves her determination and good character.  Aibleen is one of my favorite characters because she just seems to have such a level head.  She thinks things through but is not scared of the future.  I think she is just an amazingly real character.  The last main character in Minny.  She is strong and willing to fight no matter what.  She is a great figure of courage and boldness.  Kathryn Stockett made a great book that is both suspenseful and unique, with characters that seem so real!