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How To Be A Pirate

How To Be A PirateTitle: How to Be a Pirate
Author: Cressida Cowell
Series: HTTYD #2
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 211
Reason Read: Play Book Tag
Rating:

Also in this series: How to Train Your Dragon
My Thoughts

I actually enjoyed HOW TO BE A PIRATE more than HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON because I had already been introduced to the book version of this world so I knew what to expect. I also really liked Hiccup’s adventures in this one. They were a lot of fun to read. And, book Toothless is starting to grow on me, though I still like movie Toothless better.

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How To Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your DragonTitle: How to Train Your Dragon
Author: Cressida Cowell
Series: HTTYD #1
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 214
Reason Read: Play Book Tag
Rating:

Also in this series: How to Be a Pirate
My Thoughts

I read HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON because I adore the movie. It’s actually my all-time favorite movie. I knew going into the book that it was different than the movie. But, the book, even though it came first, had a lot to live up to. I thought the book was fun and entertaining. I enjoyed the author’s creativity and look forward to reading more in the series. I really liked the characters with one exception–I like movie Toothless better than book Toothless. Movie Toothless reminds me so much of my cats, just in dragon form, that I instantly attached myself to him. Book Toothless reminds me of a spoiled child who only does what he wants to do. I really hope his character changes in the upcoming books so I can see him grow into a better dragon.

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Emmy & Oliver

Emmy & OliverTitle: Emmy & Oliver
Author: Robin Benway
Genre: Romance, Young Adult
Spice: 0.5 / 5
Format: ARC
Pages: 368
Reason Read: ARC Review
Rating:

My Thoughts

EMMY & OLIVER was not only a fun YA romance, but it also tackled some pretty heavy topics. I found myself crying a few times during my read because the emotions were so well done. It definitely added to the overall depth of the story and my enjoyment. I had a hard time putting the book down. This is my first Robin Benway novel and I definitely look forward to reading her other novels.

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Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s WebTitle: Charlotte's Web
Author: E.B. White
Genre: Classic, Middle Grade
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 192
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

This is my first time reading CHARLOTTE’S WEB. I’ve always steered clear of it as well as any of the movies because I have severe arachnophobia. I decided to try to ignore my fear and give this classic story a go.

As I read, I had to cover the pictures of Charlotte with my hand because the illustrations were just a little too life-like. Also, imagining 500+ baby spiders floating along in the wind is enough to give me nightmares. Surprisingly, however, I did end up enjoying the story. Charlotte’s love for and friendship toward Wilbur was really sweet and I can only wish to have my own friend as devoted and loyal as Charlotte was to Wilbur.

I’m glad I gave the story a chance. I probably won’t be rereading it any time soon, though, lol.

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Northanger Abbey

Northanger AbbeyTitle: Northanger Abbey
Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Classic, Romance
Spice: 0 / 5
Format: Kindle
Pages: 217
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

I adored NORTHANGER ABBEY from start to finish. I fell in love with Mr. Tilney from the very first time Catherine met him. At times, I thought Catherine was a little too naïve, but it wasn’t enough to influence my opinion of the story. It has become my favorite Austen novel.

Update: When I read this a second time, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Nadia May. I disliked her immensely because her voice grated on my nerves and it soured my reread. Catherine’s naïveté bugged me more than before. Unfortunately, NORTHANGER ABBEY is no longer my favorite Austen novel but I did still enjoy reading it. I ended up changing my rating from 4 stars to 3.5 stars.