It's Monday, What Are You Reading (79)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

I only managed to complete two books this week but I did get some reviews written. My readers advisory class is starting this week so I don't know how much reading I will get done in the next month. We'll see...

Books read:

Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott

This is definitely going on my list of favorite books from 2011! I like fairy tales retold and I loved this fantasy retelling of Cinderella set in a world inspired by Feudal Japan. 

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

This is a charming book about falling in love later in life and family relationships among other things. The ending does get a little melodramatic but that is a small flaw. This has been optioned for a film and if it is made I hope Alan Rickman will play Major Pettigrew.

Books reviewed:

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Currently reading:

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

I hopefully will finish rereading this soon since it is a book club read. So far I think it is just as good the second time around and listening to the audio adds something to the experience.

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

I have only read the first two chapters but I can tell that I will like this one as much as Heist Society. Ally Carter writes great adventurous and funny YA books.

What I might read next:

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

I can't wait to find out how this series will end. Alice is so evil (she gives new meaning to the term "evil twin") but I am kind of secretly hoping Lia will somehow save her.

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

I am excited to start this one because I find Selene to be a fascinating historical figure and I know very little about her. She has become a popular character in historical fiction in recent years!

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

While I doubt this will be the "next Harry Potter" as some are saying, I think it will be a fun adventure. I also want to read this to decide if I want to get the audio book read by Jim Dale. He did such a fantastic job with the Harry Potter series.

Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

This is a book I received from the Amazon Vine program. It is about a woman who finds out that her late husband is still alive and well and possibly immortal. This isn't paranormal fiction so I am intrigued.

The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson

This is supposed to be a really good literary gothic flavored mystery (publicity compares it to Du Maurier's Rebecca) set in France. It is another one I requested through the Vine program so I need to read it soon.

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

I love the cover of this book but the synopsis is just as good. A young woman with Asperger's Syndrome takes comfort during a time of grief by cooking family recipes. When she makes a late loved one's recipe, she can hear them talk to her. I think that sounds like an interesting story! Reminds me of something Sarah Addison Allen would write. 

So what have you been reading and what are you planning to read this week?