My First Look at the Illustrated Harry Potter Book

... as told in pictures and commentary...

*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review from Blogging for Books. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure HERE.

I think the best way to do my review for The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is to break it up into things I loved about the book and things I didn't love so much.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, but there were some things I could have done without.



What I loved:

1. The story. It was a cute story....it had a little romance, a little mystery, and a secret father. Basically everything a good book needs.

2. The main character, Don. He was fun to get to know. He has aspergers, so as you're reading this book you really get his voice (since it is from his point of view). It made it interesting to read, and was a different take/outlook than many other books out there.

Also, he reminded me of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. So win win!

3. Rosie. She was hardcore. I never knew what to expect from her (similar to how every one else in the book felt I'm sure) and I liked that.



What I didn't love so much:

1. The crude language. This book takes place in Australia, which impacts the language they think is "crude." But let me tell you, there are a lot of f-words in this book (a lot...) More than I prefer. I actually went through while I read and blacked all the f-words out so that I could lend this book to people without feeling like I was polluting their minds. But if you can get past that... like I said before... the story is great!

2. It was a little hard to get started. This has something to do with the book being told by the main characters perspective. Like I said before, Don has aspergers, which definitely impacted the way the book read. Eventually I loved that about the book, but it took a little bit to get used to it (so just be prepared and keep on truckin').

3. The cover didn't match the book. This has nothing to do with the book, but I don't think the cover was a very good indication of the book. Don't get me wrong, the cover is super cute, but I don't think it really matches the feel of the book. I think they could have branded it better.

Have you read this book? What did you think? (Leave a comment and let me know!)

Let's start with a little introduction of the author. Those of you who are not LDS may not know Elaine S. Dalton. She is one of my role models. She is such an amazing woman! She served as Young Women general president in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (my church). The LDS Young Women organization is for girls 12-18. It basically involves Sunday School classes, a weekly activity and service, and setting personal goals of prayer, scripture study, and building values to bring yourself unto Christ. Going to Young Womens meetings was the highlight of my youth. [I'll take this moment to encourage you (if you have a daughter 12-18 or you are 12-18) to contact your local Mormon (LDS) bishop or find a mormon girl at your school and find when their weekly activities/service are in your area... and attend! It will be so uplifting for you and all are welcome!]

This book is written primarily for teens, but I felt a great connection to it as an adult as well. I found it very meaningful and it really explained well the feelings I had always had about virtue but didn't really know how to express.

Let's get to the quotes. This book is chalk-full of excellent paragraphs! I was highlighting like crazy as I read it! Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"And so I have embarked on a journey to reinstate the word virtue into our vocabulary and our lives, and to reinstate the core meaning of the word, which is purity and power. I believe that purity- yes, virtue- yields power....the power that comes of confidence." (Elaine S. Dalton A Return To Virtue, introduction)



"There is no strength that is greater than the strength of virtue, nor any confidence that is more sure than the confidence of a virtuous life." (Elaine S. Dalton A Return To Virtue, pg 9)

"I truly believe that one virtuous woman or man, led by the Spirit, can change the world!" (Elaine S. Dalton A Return To Virtue, pg 14)

"...even though you do not understand all things, you know that He does." (Elaine S. Dalton A Return To Virtue, pg 117)

*This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure HERE.

I learned SO much from this book that I don't even know where to start!



Well how about we start with the cover design... BEAUTIFUL! I admit it, I'm guilty of judging many a book by it's cover. It's all part of advertising people! If you want me to pick up your book on a whim make the cover pretty... just saying ;)

Now, let's talk about Chelsea Lords... She's the author and, I think, a blogging genius! She has a blog that is JUST as beautiful as her book (go check it out if you haven't already!)

Ever heard of Ally Condie? Does the name Matched ring any bells?? That's right! This amazing author is back with another YA Fiction book that will knock your socks off.



I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though admittedly it took me a while to really feel like I understood and cared about the main character, Rio. But perhaps that's the point... Maybe we are supposed to see her as those in her city "below" see her- distant, separated, as if hiding something they cannot understand.

LoveBirds by Trevor Silvester was a book that I originally borrowed from my sister thinking I'd glance over it, maybe skim a few chapters, and then return it. Oh boy, I was so wrong! This has become  a new favorite.



This book is meant to help couples discover their love type (one of 8 different kinds of birds). But honestly, reading this book, I learned so much more about myself than I ever imagined I would!

This book is unique because not only does it tell you about yourself, and your spouse, but it also has sections for each possible pairing of "love birds" so "you can use knowledge of your differences to build a nest that lasts."

The writing style is fun, and easy to read. I felt more like I was reading a letter from a friend than reading a relationship guide.