The Light Fantastic (Discworld #2) by Terry Pratchett

From great minds like Douglas Adams and Tolkien come wonders and worlds. Terry Pratchett's Discworld series offers a new chance for wonder - with snarky humor thrown in for good measure.

The second installment of the Discworld series, The Light Fantastic follows wizards and way wards through mishaps and adventure. As the world hurtles towards collision with an unknown red star, characters scramble to find a reprieve.

Full of magic, suspense, and silliness, The Light Fantastic leaves you hungry for more. Random philosophy, play-on-words, and satire combine to delight. I appreciate never knowing just what Pratchett will think of next - that's true science fiction. It also doesn't hurt that the whole world rides on the back of a giant turtle....
Happy reading!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's classic novel brings us back to a time when manners and position ruled more than any aspiration. When women were better seen and not heard, when titles and status covered all shortcomings - this is the world of Pride and Prejudice.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." -This opening line sets the stage for a comic study of romance in the time of nobility; a time when a future meant catching the right man.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have given life to five daughters, no sons. In order for the family to sustain, one or all of the girls must marry well. With some less-than-favorable family ties, however, their family reputation makes for difficult arrangements. When rich, good-looking, and high-status men Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are introduced to the Bennet family...you can be sure the chase is on.

However, the two eldest Bennet girls do not deign to chase after men. Much to their mother's dismay, Jane and Elizabeth care more for adventure and family than status. Mr. Darcy on the other hand, comes across as snobbish and condescending. Can first impressions give way over time to find what lies beneath social decorum?

Always a fan of Austen, it's difficult to put into words why I love her works. As a child, I saw a movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, but had no idea what brilliant writing lay behind it. I fell in love with the characters, the times, and the comedy.

As an adult, I've read through this book many times, always finding something new to cherish. Austen had a gift for character and relationship development, and I only wish there were authors like her today. The only thing that comes close is the PBS show, DOWNTON ABBEY.
Happy reading.

The Quaternary Vote by Phillip A. Johnston

I won a copy through the Goodreads' Firstreads program.

The idea is inriguing. My first thought was it seems even a bit blasphemous, but after delving into this novel I discovered otherwise. This is a study on humanity - what would happen if we had the power to decide who ran the universe? Would we make God obsolete in all our self-proscribed divine wisdom? As a person of faith, I found myself asking and finding the answers to questions no one wants to ask. **Disclaimer: I don't believe anyone but God should run the cosmos!**

I would like to say here that yes, there may be times you wish for a less documentary feeling - yet that's exactly what this book was written to feel like. Basically, read it like you would the morning newspaper. Pretend you lived through such a time when God would resign. If you do this, you will enjoy this book.

Without giving too much away (spoilers!) I want to address the no-character-development issue. With a book that's a study of humanity and gods over a seemingly short period of time, there really wouldn't be much character development. With quirky, at times laugh-out-loud writing, this is one of those books to take for what it is - a study on what might be. Reminiscent of the movie "Idiocracy".

I thoroughly enjoyed, and get this - I'm not that into politics. Read on! :)

Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler is no doubt hilarious. This book brings LOL to its full potential, as do all her books.

Although crass at times, no one else quite sees the world like Chelsea does. Her quick wit and irresistable charm make us want to befriend her...and then make her sign a non-disclosure form! Miss Handler, like most comedians, leaves no one in the shadows. Love her or hate her, she is so brutally honest you can't help but respect her.

Down Aisle Ten by Daniel Friedland

I won a copy through the Goodreads' Firstreads program.

It's always nice, while reading on lunch break, to snort coffee through your nose as coworkers question your sanity. Reading DOWN AISLE TEN is like your most snarky, humorous friend telling you a story about his/her crazy adventures.

At only 220 pages, the novel is easy to read straight through. I only put it down in order to perform basic functions of life.

The premise is focused around observations on psychosis...in the style of a handed-down-folk-tale your grandpa might share regarding some incident you weren't yet born to witness. What makes this book so side-spliting is the author's spot-on insight into our American human conditions.

I strongly counsel you to read this book! :)