I hesitate to write this review because I think that it may be very unpopular with many of my friends. I decided to give this book a three out of five. I think I was being pretty generous too. I've been thinking a lot about this book so I'm going to try to list my thoughts about it and hopefully explain the rating I gave it.
The book is broken up into three separate mini books. I actually enjoyed most of the first book entitled
Bella, though I thought it was a bit predictable, and even a little corny. While reading the second book,
Jacob I found myself liking hearing Jacob's thoughts. It was refreshing to read from the point of view of a different character, and I thought Meyers did a good job of capturing Jacob's voice. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Bella and Rose. I thought it was funny to see them working together and taking care of each other.
Now, brace yourselves, because I'm done with the compliments for now. First of all, the book is riddled with typos. It absolutely drove me crazy. It's not just one or two, but many! I know this is a problem with editing, but really!
I absolutely hate Meyer's love scenes. This stems all the way back to the first book,
Twilight, when Bella and Edward had a romantic tryst in a clearing in the forest. I just think that she belabors details and I can hardly stand to read them. I didn't totally hate all of the love scenes in this book, but there is a scene (which is NOT a love scene) at the beginning of the third section that made me want to tear my hair out. It was nasty to read, and it just kept going and going.
I don't understand the relationship between Bella and Edward. My sisters-in-law and I decided that they have an unhealthy relationship. He's bossy, and controlling, and she has to change to be what he wants her to be in order for them to be together. Also, I have no idea why they are in love, it honestly just seems that they are simply infatuated with each other. I don't feel like Meyer's ever really explained why they are in love, just that they had an immediate connection. I want more of a reason than that.
I also thought the ending was a bit disappointing, with things resolving too easily and too perfectly.
Now, I know that I have written quite a few negative things about the book, but in many ways I did like it. I couldn't put it down while reading it and a lot of things went neglected around my home. I have been thinking a lot about it since I finished it, and that tells me that I was engaged and interested. So this is why I have given the book a three. Despite my qualms about the book, it did capture my attention.
What did you think?
This book takes place in France, where an older woman flashes back on memories from her troubled childhood. It focuses on her relationship with her stern, and headache stricken mother, her older siblings, and a young Nazi officer. I found that I enjoyed the older woman much better than the little girl, who seemed to be quite conniving and selfish. I liked the story and would recommend it to any searching for a beautifully written book.
I enjoyed The Book Thief much more than the previous book. It takes place in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death. Death tells Leisel's story based on her writings that he picks up along his many journeys to her hometown. Leisel is given up for Foster Care and finds she truly loves her foster parents, especially papa. He teaches her to read, and they hide and care for a Jew in their basement. This was such a compelling story, that I could not put it down. It is a very sad story, but also one about survival and understanding what is most important in life. I would definitely recommend this book! 
