Kaela Prall

Have we all gotten over 2013 by now? It’s been a whole day so we should be moving on, right?

I am moving on in every way, but perhaps most importantly by setting a new reading goal. As some of you know, my goal for 2013 was 75 books. It was a good goal—a great goal, even. But I didn’t make it. My total count as of December 31st was 61 books. I’m completely satisfied with this number. 75 was ambitious. Really ambitious.

Moving forward, my goal for this year is 52. That’s one book a week. Reasonable, I think. And if I read more, all the better, because overachieving is like a drug to me (I have a problem).

Now, on to business! This is Book Talk day…it’s usually Tuesday, but not this week. We’re rebels, remember?

I’ve gone back and forth on which book to do. Decisions, decisions!

For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund won. Why? Well, because it’s dystopian fiction with a Jane Austen twist. Basically all of my guilty pleasures in one neat little book.

This book is a tribute to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, but Diana’s story and characters…they are hers. The manners, the class, the strong female lead—all reflect a deep love for Austen’s original work. Diana incorporated those things into an original story that is interesting and well-written and teeming with strong characters and beautiful landscapes.

The heroine, Elliot, is struggling to keep her family’s estate together after her mother’s death. The Reduced, those suffering from genetic alterations, who work the estate have become her family. Elliot has given up everything to provide stability for them, even the opportunity to find a new life with the boy she loved. When he suddenly comes back into her life, things only become more difficult and confusing. What has happened to him? Are all the things Elliot has been taught to fear going to be the very things that set her free?

Elliot is bold and compassionate and grows through her struggles; the story itself touches on important issues like equality, love, change, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. Like any Austen novel, it’s perfectly appropriate for all ages.

Side note: I read it in 1 day—it’s a quick, fun read. Also, I may be insane. 😉

_______________________________________

What are your reading goals for 2014?