The Crown of Approval - December 2011

This will mark the very first Crown of approval! Due to a late start in November, there are a grand total of 8 books in this month's selection. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them all but there can be only one winner.

Normally the vote tally would have considerable say in this process, however, the voter turnout was much smaller than expected and so it was not given as much weight in the decision. For next months Crown voting I hope to hear from more of you!

I am very happy to announce this months Crown winner, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern!

This was one of the best books I have ever read. I cannot express my enthusiasm enough to those of you who have yet to read it! it was a twisted and beautiful tale of magic and passion on a level I have not seen in a long time. This is one of my favorite novels of all time and I hope you all get the chance to read it!

The Crown will be reflected on the Wall of Books shortly.

The Wall of Books

Introducing Boow Reviews Wall of Books! The cover of each reviewed book will go up on our wall of books for everyone to see. At the end of each month, the book that wins the coveted Crown of Approval will be stamped with the mark of the crown on our wall of books and as the wall grows you'll be able to find our favorites!
Check out the wall in it's early stages in our links section on the right side of the page!
What do you think?

Book Review - All My Friends are Superheroes

This was one of the most heartwarming books I've read. It was quite short, only 106 pages, but it lacked nothing.
On the night of his wedding, Tom becomes an unfortunate soul when his wife, the Perfectionist, is hypnotized so that he is invisible to her in every way. She cannot see him, cannot hear him and cannot touch him. Six months after Tom disappears from her, she feels like he has abandoned him and decides to leave the city and fly to Vancouver. The Perfectionist's superpower is to make everything around her perfect and Tom knows that once she lands in Vancouver she will make it perfect without him and she will be lost to him forever. He has until the plane touches down.

I really enjoyed all the different everyday superheroes. Chances are you know someone like each of them and they are highly relatable. It is another perspective in looking at everyday life to hit home a point that everyone can agree on. Everyone is unique and different and we are all special in our own way.

Andrew Kaufman writes an endlessly entertaining book that you can read over and over again. I strongly recommend this book to everyone. It was very enjoyable.

Book Review - The Magician King

The land of Fillory is a magical place where the people are carefree and its rulers live lavishly in their palace. All four of them. They have everything they could ask for and more and life is perfect. Almost too perfect.
Quentin is thirsting for an adventure. The very first quest available is going to be all his. There's news and Quentin gets what he asked for.
He's going to collect some taxes.
Okay, so it's not all he hoped for but it's something. To spice it up, he decides to hold a tournament to find the greatest swordsman in all the land! He rejuvenates one of the finest ships the world has ever seen and gathers a crew of many men! With his queen Julia he sets sail on his new prized ship, the Muntjac.
Their adventure leads them to a distant island few have ever visited. But there is a jewel hidden in the rough. There lay in plain sight a golden key. A key that could change everything they've come to know and love. And they want it. This is where Quentin and Julia's adventure truly begins. Basking in the simplicity of their task they never see it coming.

In a thrilling story of magic and fantasy, Lev Grossman gives a shining display of realism and creativity to showcase a world of magic for adults. Compared to Harry Potter with a shot of whiskey, this book takes magic to a whole other level.

This book was delightfully twisted and maddening at the same time. The only criticism I have is that the ending really leaves you hanging in a place you really don't expect. Otherwise, it will take you places you never thought you would go and making you cry out in frustration, it will keep you on your toes. Enter the magical world of Fillory and unleash your imagination.

Next Weeks Review!

This next novel I'm actually pretty excited for. I've had this book on my shelf for about a month now and it's finally time to read it. It's been called Harry Potter with a shot of whiskey, get ready for next weeks novel The Magician King by Lev Grossman!

Book Review - State of Wonder

This was an inspiring journey into the heart of the Amazon. A wonderful experience to read, this novel takes you on a path of discovery to see the hidden mysteries in nature and opens your mind to the secrets it holds.
Marina Singh has just suffered a terrible loss. Her friend and colleague for years is dead in the amazon, thousands of miles away. The only evidence is a short, crude note from the last known person to be in his company. Dr Annick Swenson.
In the employment of a high profile pharmaceutical company, Swenson hasn't left the amazon in a decade. With no means of contacting her, Marina is forced to come to her to discover the circumstances of her friends demise. If that is not enough, the doctor is working on a miraculous new drug and Marina finds herself in the middle of one of the most important medical discoveries of the century. But is it the discovery she thinks it is?

Ann Patchett is a masterful storyteller. In a gripping story that takes you down the amazon river to join the ranks of the Lakashi tribe, you will find yourself consumed in the mysteries held within. I really enjoy the way she brought this story to life. The story left pieces of itself transfixed in my mind. Pieces that will wrench your heart out and play with your emotions. Bravo to one of Ann Patchett's finest.

Next Weeks Review

So it doesn't come as a surprise to anyone which book I'll be reviewing in the weeks to come, I'll be posting the book title a week ahead of time so you guys can follow along with me from now on.

Next weeks book will be State of Wonder by Ann Patchett! I'm very excited for this book I've heard nothing but good things. The review will hopefully be posted by Monday night of next week. Hope to hear from you all =)