Fruits Basket Volume 3 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 3

Author: Natsuki Takaya

Type: Manga
Genre: Shoujo

Series: Yes, Vol. 3 of 23

Pages: 199
Copyright: 2004
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
A family with an ancient curse...

And the girl who will change their lives forever...

It's Valentines Day and you know what that means - lots of chocolates for the cutest boys at school! In this case, it's a pretty close tie between hot-headed Kyo Sohma and "Prince Charming" Yuki Sohma. Of course the kind-hearted Tohru, guest of the Sohma family, has chocolates for everyone! But when White Day comes around, what will the Sohma family give her in return?

Feelings:
I thought this volume of Fruits Basket was a bit more about Kyo and Yuki than past volumes were. I think we get to see a bit more of their feelings for Tohru and how she seems to bring the Sohma family together and help ease tensions. I find the hair colors interesting Kyo has orange hair and that just seems odd to me, but as a cat being orange isn't so strange. 

I find that the character sketch at the beginning of each volume is helpful and I really enjoy it.

The series is doing a good job maintaining my interest.
 

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Type: Young Adult Novel
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Yes, first.
Pages: 374
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary: from good reads.
If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.

Feelings: 
I decided to read this book largely because of the movie, which I haven't seen yet. The trailer for the movie looked interesting to me. After reading the book I would like to see the movie. The book had a lot of interesting visuals and and like to see what the filmmakers did with them.

I enjoyed the book after reading it I realize that it is one of the few young adult novels that I've read that had a Male protagonist. Mostly I read novels with female protagonists. I still enjoyed this novel. Maybe more because of that. It was different than my normal read.

Thomas seemed clueless but also at the same time seem to know what was happening to him to see how didn't vantage of of the other characters in this novel. His advantage made him more interesting character but at the same time I think it took something away from learning to live in the Glade. I thought it was interesting that we have the introduction of a female character and it doesn't turn things upside down more. I felt like Thomas stirred things up more than she did. Yes there was some tension over her arrival but it didn't seem to be as much of a problem as Thomas wanting to be a Runner. 

Over all I thought the book was good and I am interested to see what the next book will bring. I'm not sure if it will stand up and be as good as this book. I recommend this book. It could almost stand on its own without the last chapter which leaves things open for a second book. 

Note: I watched the movie and was very disappointed. It took out parts of the book that seemed vital to me.

I Speak English by Ruth Johnson Colvin

Title: I Speak English: A Guide to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages--Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Author: Ruth Johnson Colvin
Type: Teaching Aid
Genre: Nonfiction
Series: No
Pages: 224
Copyright: 1997
Publisher: Literacy Volunteers of Amer; 4th edition
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary:
This book is a guide for those learning to teach English for the first time. It goes through the steps of what you need to know, such as cultural differences, planning a lesson, and having activities included in the lesson to help the learner recall what they learn in the future.

Feelings: 
I read this book for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class I took for my current job.

The book had a lot of examples of how someone could teach English at different levels.

depending on the goals or level of the student and both will be more or less helpful for you. With a higher level student it will be harder to use this book.

As a starting place for learning about teaching ESOL students it has a lot of good information. However I felt like there was a lot that I still didn't know and it is really only a starting place. Based on the first meeting with the student I have to say that this book didn't give me the tools for higher level student. I think it was a better starting place for beginner students are intermediate students who speaks very little English. 

A good place to start but more information in teaching is required. This book will not get you to teaching somebody how to speak English without some other instructions.

2014 Reading Goals

In 2014 I read 17,261 pages and read/listened to a total of 47 books. I find that I am really happy when I read more. 

Books read or listened to in 2014:

1. Splintered by A. G. Howard (1/2/2014) (371 pages)
2. The Elite by Kiera Cass (1/4/2014) (323 pages)
3. The Mapmaker's War by Ronlyn Domingue (1/6/2014) (226 pages) *
4. Divergent by Veronica Roth (1/14/2014) (487 pages)
5. Insurgent by Veronica Roth (1/15/2014) (525 pages)
6. The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince by Robin Hobb (1/16/2014) (184 pages)
7. Crossed by Ally Condie (1/18/2014) (367 pages)
8. Reached by Ally Condie (1/19/2014) (512 pages)
9. The Desert Spear by Peter V. Brett (1/29/2014) (579 pages)* 
10. The Daylight War by Peter V. Brett (2/2/2014) (639 pages)* 
11. Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen (2/4/2014) (296 pages)
12. The Golem And The Jinni by Helene Wecker (2/14/2014) (486 pages)
13. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (2/16/2014) (322 pages)
14. Ironskin by Tina Connolly (2/27/2014) (304 pages)
15. Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne (3/17/2014) (297 pages)
16. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb (3/22/2014) (327 pages)*
17. Brilliance by Marcus Sakely (3/29/2014) (439 pages)
18. The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson (4/6/2014) (289 pages)
19.  And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (4/15/2014) (402 pages)
20. Dog Songs by Mary Oliver (4/18/2014) (127 pages)
21. Allegiant by Veronica Roth (4/25/2014) (526 pages)
22. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah (4/25/2014) (audiobook)
23. These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner (5/1/2014) (374 pages)
24. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (5/7/2014) (409 pages)*
25. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (5/10/2014) (465 pages)
26. Across the Universe by Beth Revis (5/11/2014) (398 pages)
27. Copperhead by Tina Connolly (5/18/2014) (318 pages) 
28. The Children of Green Knowe by L. M. Boston (5/31/2014) (157 pages)++
29. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (6/7/2014) (181 pages)
30. Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride (6/14/2014) (392 pages)
31. A Million Suns by Beth Revis (6/18/2014) (386 pages)
32. Shades of Earth by Beth Revis (6/24/2014) (369 pages)
33. Clean by Alejandro Junger MD (7/5/2014) (332 pages)
34. Love and Misadventure by Lang Leav (7/7/2014) (155 pages)
35. Clean Gut by Alejandro Junger MD (7/16/2014) (242 pages)
36. The World is a Carpet by Anna Badkhen (7/31/2014) (271 pages)
37. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen (8/3/2014) (433 pages)
38. Rumors by Anna Godbersen (8/17/2014) (423 pages)
39. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (9/1/2014) (627 pages)
40. The One by Kiera Cass (10/17/2014) (323 pages)
41. Orleans by Sherri L. Smith (10/18/2014) (324 pages)
42. I Speak English by Ruth Johnson Colvin (10/21/2014) (224 pages)
43. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken (11/6/2014) (488 pages)
44. The Maze Runner by James Dashner (11/16/2014) (374 pages)
45. Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken (11/27/2014) (507 pages)
46. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson (12/4/2014) (489 pages)
47. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (12/13/2014) (562 pages)

++ This book put me over 10,000 pages.
* Outstanding books that I read this year. These are the books you think about after you finish them.

In The Mapmaker's War Ronlyn Domingue took chances in her narration style and they worked wonderfully in weaving a story.

In The Desert Spear and The Daylight War by Peter V. Brett the world is full of fantasy wonder at every turn and the characters seem to jump with life.

I Am Malala is the biography of Malala who was shot for standing up for girls education in Swat Valley Pakistan. Her story is gripping. 

Ancillary Justice is a very unique book even for science fiction. The main character is by far one of the most interesting characters I've read in a long time.

 Read 10 Books of Non-Fiction:

1. Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne (3/17/2014)
2. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb (3/22/2014)
3. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah (4/15/2014) audiobook 
4. Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride (6/14/2014)
5. Clean by Alejandro Junger MD (7/5/2014)
6. Clean Gut by Alejandro Junger MD (7/16/2014)
7. The World is a Carpet by Anna Badkhen (7/31/2014)
8. I Speak English by Ruth Johnson Colvin (10/21/2014)

Read 3 Cover Blind Books:

1. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (5/7/2014)
2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (9/1/2014)

Fruits Basket Volume 2 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 2

Author: Natsuki Takaya

Type: Manga
Genre: Shoujo

Series: Yes, Vol. 2 of 23

Pages: 200
Copyright: 2004
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
A family with an ancient curse...

And the girl who will change their lives forever...

Ever since Tohru Honda discovered the Zodiac secret of the Sohma clan, her eyes have opened to a world of magic and wonder. But with such a great secret comes great responsibility. When her best friends Hana-chan and Uo-chan come to the Sohma home for a sleepover, Tohru has her work cut out for her keeping the "Cat" in the bag and the "Dog" on a leash.

Feelings:
Like the first volume this one continues the story of Tohru Honda living with the Sohmas. We are introduced to new members of the zodiac and the humor continues.

The meetings with the members of the Sohma family are often funny. Above Tohru just received a hug from Momiji, who no surprises turns into his zodiac animal. Events like this are common in Fruits Basket and I am really enjoying the series. Twenty-one more volumes to read so lots of fun to come. I hope the art work and story stay as engaging as they are now.

A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Storm of Swords
Author: George R. R. Martin
Type: Audiobook
Narrator: Roy Dotrice
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Series:Yes, A Song of Ice and Fire #3
Pages: 39 CDs, 47.5 hours
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Random House Audio
Rating: 5 out of 5


Summary:  from Good Reads.

Here is the third volume in George R.R. Martin's magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. Together, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, victim of the sorceress who holds him in her thrall. Young Robb still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. And as opposing forces maneuver for the final showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost limits of civilization, accompanied by a horde of mythical Others—a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords...

Feelings: 
I again listened to the audiobook of this George R. R. Martin book. I enjoy the reading of the book and think it also gives me a little more self control than I would have if I was reading the book. I don't want to miss work because I'm reading. I'm already tempted sometimes and that is without "A Song of Fire and Ice" to tempt me.

In a series like this it is difficult to write a review without giving away what happened in previous books or some hint of what will happen in this book. The next book is going to be so different. The changes that in character, growth, were amazing. I went from liking some characters to disliking them and visa versa.

My partner who has already read the books likes to ask what happened in the story recently. I found myself telling him, almost every time he asked, "people died" or "more people died."

On of my favorite parts of George R. R. Martin's writing is that he is able to surprise me, yet once it happens I can't imagine it any other way. The inevitability of an occurrence without it being so obvious that I guess exactly what is going to happen.

I highly recommend this series. I can't wait to start the next. Still deciding if I want to listen to it or try reading it.

Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

Title: Orleans

Author: Sherri L. Smith

Type: Young Adult Novel
Genre: Post-America

Series: No

Pages: 324
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
First came the storms.
Then came the Fever.
And the Wall.

After a string of devastating hurricanes and a severe outbreak of Delta Fever, the Gulf Coast has been quarantined. Years later, residents of the Outer States are under the assumption that life in the Delta is all but extinct… but in reality, a new primitive society has been born.

Fen de la Guerre is living with the O-Positive blood tribe in the Delta when they are ambushed. Left with her tribe leader’s newborn, Fen is determined to get the baby to a better life over the wall before her blood becomes tainted. Fen meets Daniel, a scientist from the Outer States who has snuck into the Delta illegally. Brought together by chance, kept together by danger, Fen and Daniel navigate the wasteland of Orleans. In the end, they are each other’s last hope for survival.

Sherri L. Smith delivers an expertly crafted story about a fierce heroine whose powerful voice and firm determination will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Feelings:
This book took me a while start liking. Fen as narrator was difficult to follow because of the type of English she spoke. Daniel was interesting but he came off as younger than he was portrayed to be. I didn't like that part of the story. I did think this was a well put together story and worth reading. It was a fast read I just didn't enjoy it as much as I have some other books I've read in this post-American, dystopian world setting.

The world that Sherri Smith created was an interesting one and it seems relevant in today's world where we are trying to keep malaria from coming back into the US and viruses and disease are the biggest threat to developed countries.

Overall I liked the story and enjoyed reading it. I would recommend the book. However, I don't think this is the kind of book you will think about after you finish it.

Fruits Basket Volume 1 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 1

Author: Natsuki Takaya

Type: Manga
Genre: Shoujo
Series: Yes, Vol. 1 of 23

Pages: 211
Copyright: 2004
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc.

Rating: 4 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads.

A family with an ancient curse...

And the girl who will change their lives forever...

Tohru Honda was an orphan with no place to go until the mysterious Sohma family offered her a place to call home. Now her ordinary high school life is turned upside down as she's introduced to the Sohma's world of magical curses and family secrets.

Feelings:
I enjoy this shoujo manga and sometimes find myself laughing out loud because it is just so funny.  This starts the story of how Tohru Honda comes to live with the Sohma's, Yuki Sohma, Kyo Sohma, and Shigure Sohma. Shigure is the oldest of the house and holds things together, sort of.

At the start of the manga through a flashback to Tohru Honda and her mom we find out about the story of the zodiac animals and the cat. This leads to the premise for the series and what follows is just funny.

The art is fun and the characters are easy to recognize in the drawings. I've read a few chapters of a manga where I couldn't tell the male characters apart they all looked the same to me. That wasn't a problem with this manga. I like the incorporation of the zodiac animals it gives it something that sets it apart and makes it less of a high school manga and more of the fantasy side which I enjoy.

I think if you are looking for an introduction to Shoujo manga this is a good place to start.