Well, my friend Ally has done it again. As many of you know, she has been a successful author of LDS YA fiction for some time. Now, she has achieved a national audience for her new Dystopian novel, Matched.
I must say, I tried to read this objectively and forget how much I like the author personally. With that in mind, I couldn't put it down! The creation of a society where everything is controlled, even who you marry, is very cleverly created with the mysteries slowly unfolding to the reader as Cassia, the heroine, discovers that not all is as it seems in her perfect world. While this is not a new theme, I felt that the 'Society' itself was very interesting and had several unique aspects.
The plot is not driven primarily by action, but by character development, which is much more difficult to write. Ally succeeds in creating characters that are compelling and relatable and the love triangle element is handled in a very mature way.
While the book is marketed as a YA novel, I can definitely say that it is much more mature than some in the genre. Ally's writing is very fluid and filled with poetic nuances that are quite moving. This is a book that anyone would enjoy and I am glad to see it getting the buzz it deserves!
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Book Review: Matched
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Why You Shouldn't Eat A Turkey
So, Eric (2nd grade) had an assignment to write about why you shouldn't eat a turkey on Thanksgiving from the Turkey's point of view. Let us just say, the essay was very persuasive.
"These are the reasons you shouldn't eat a turkey this Thanksgiving. First, I am really young! I am only 2 years old. Don't you want me to go to preschool? Second, I am super expensive! Turkeys cost a billion bucks. A rooster only costs 2 cents! Third, turkeys are really unhealthy. We eat tobacco and beer. So that is why you shouldn't eat a turkey this Thanksgiving."
We almost lost our Turkey when we read it. Ahhh, youth.
Monday, 1 November 2010
Happy Halloweeeeeen!
Happy Halloween everyone! I'm excited to blog surf and see all of your pictures. We had a great time. This was the first year I didn't make Eric's costume, but I knew I couldn't do a very good job replicating Captain Rex (in case you didn't recognize him, or come from the old school of Star Wars fans, he is a new character in the Clone Wars series). I did make an attempt at Lily's Ariel costume, however. I was pleased with the results, although as I was sewing the top, I half-considered giving up and just using seashells, it would have been MUCH simpler, albeit less modest. She loved the costume, which made me happy and she actually managed to keep the wig on, which was miraculous. Her preschool had a little program. The video is mostly for the benefit of grandparents. The second video is for anyone who is unfamiliar with Lily's innate ability to preen. She has been doing it since she was able to walk. That girl knows how to work it, I'm a little worried...
Thursday, 26 August 2010
The Back Posting Continues...
Our Baby turned four in May! Where does the time go? It's a little frightening. Lily has been such a wonderful addition to our family. She is all girl, which is fun for her girly mom. She loves to sing and dance, play Princesses, My Little Pony, etc. She loves her brother, but knows how to quietly push his buttons. She is very affectionate and polite, always remembering to say 'Thank You', although 'Please' is a little more difficult to master. We love you, Lily, and can't imagine our family without you!
I was going through a rough patch, so Alec helped me with the execution of the cake. Someday, I need to actually learn how to decorate a cake for real.
Picture of our kids at the temple.
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