The Water Mirror-Book Review #20

          The Water Mirror By Kai Meyer is part of The Dark Reflections Trilogy. This book, originally published in German, is a young adult fantasy novel. It is in the point of view of 14-year-old  Merle and follows her as she journeys though the magical world of Venice. In this world there is magic, mermaids, mummies and even the mysterious "Flowing Queen" that protects Venice from the Egyptians.
         Merle and her friend Junipa first arrive from an orphanage as apprentices to Acrimboldo, a magic mirror maker. After many unforeseen events take place, Merle finds herself in a very tough situation. With her new found friend Serafin, Merle has to fight for the freedom of the Flowing Queen and save Venice from harm.
          Years ago, when Merle was a baby her parents left her in a basket with nothing but a single item: a hand mirror with a water surface. The water is warm and voices can be heard from within. Merle can stick her hand completely inside the mirror and feels a  hand grab hers from the other side. Could this be the friendly hand of Merle's mother, reaching out to her? Or something much more dangerous...?
         I read this book when I was in high school and immediately had to pick up the other two books in the series, The Stone Light and The Glass Word. I love that these books can take you to another world and I was always a huge fan of magic and mysteries. I recommend these books to not just those who are younger, but anyone who enjoys a book that can really suck them into a magical world.

Exciting new things happening

First I would like to say that I am sorry for not doing any reviews since October! I have so many things happening in my life right now
that my blog has taken back seat. First, I have my last two weeks of school happening right now and I have so many papers due that I haven't had much time to read or write anything personal. Also, I recently got engaged (Monday, November 21st) and have been planning a bit for my wedding and engagement party. I have a few appointments to look at wedding venues for the next few days, and finals beginning Monday the 12th that I need to study for. With that said, I will be posting a book review either later today or tomorrow on one of my favorite book series' ever. Besides Harry Potter, these books also take me away to another world and I can't get enough of the magical places.

Even though no one asked, I will be posting pictures of my engagement ring because I am so damn happy and proud of it. My fiance and I dated for 3 years and 7 months before finally getting engaged. Along with starting my last year of college in a few months, looking to move into our own home and planning a wedding, I am feeling overwhelmed. The semester is ending soon and I will have about a month off so I will try to finish my novel and keep my blog updated.

So B. It-Book Review #19

So B. It by Sarah Weeks is a book unlike any I have ever read.I was in eighth grade when I first came across this book and it really stuck with me. This book centers around 12-year-old Heidi who lives with her mentally disabled mother and her agoraphobic neighbor Bernadette. Her mother faces a lot of difficulty and Heidi knows nothing of her mothers past or who her father is.
        When Heidi's mother won't stop saying a new strange word, "Soof" Heidi begins to get curious about where her mother came from. Heidi finds an old photograph of her mother at a place called "Hilltop Home" and decides to make the journey across the country to find more answers. Bernadette, unable to leave her house, stays behind and cares for Heidi's mother while she is away. On her journey, Heidi learns new life lessons, a bit about lying, and the truth about her mothers past.
         Now I certainly do not want to give anything away but the ending is quite sad but overall this novel is wonderful. It is a coming of age story that has an effect on its readers long after they read it. This is not your typical "young adult" book, it really opens your eyes to real issues and unimaginable self discovery.
           The characters are so dynamic and one can really relate to Heidi and her quest for the truth. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who simply enjoys a good book and wants to feel themselves grow as a person because of it.