I confess it has been a long while since I last read a true classic of literature. So many questions, this book would be great in a book club or class.Did David make a mistake? Would he rather be with Giovanni? Is he marrying Hella just to have an easy average life, and he is not actually in love with her at all? Or is he the type of person that will never be satisfied with the person he is with? Is Giovanni himself running from his sad past with his wife? Is Giovanni still grieving and that is why he is struggling so much? Or does Giovanni feel he was severely punished for trying to conform to society's expectations? Read more When she comes back they get engaged, Giovanni is very upset, Hella and David move to the country because David wants to get away. He ends up moving in with Giovanni and they too have a relationship, which David doesn't intend to keep up when Hella comes back. While she is gone he meets Giovanni, a bartender at a bar his friend Jacques takes him to. Like David's whole first year in Paris-is that when and where he met Hella? How long and significant was their relationship when she went to Spain? How long had he and Jacques known each other? What exactly was their relationship? How long did David know Giovanni for?-Quick summary: David is an American 'finding himself' in Paris after a somewhat difficult childhood (widowed father, angry aunt, father remarrying). I also felt like it was snippets-or, rather, that there were significant snippets missing. But it didn't live up to my expectations. And there was nothing wrong with it-it is quite well done. Read moreģ.5 stars-may up later, I think this book may stick with meI have heard so many raves about this book, and I think I built it way up in my mind.

Can Miri find her way in this new place, or will she be considered a traitor? The fate of the kingdom is at stake. Will she choose loyalty to the princess, or reform for the people?Īs Miri struggles to resolve this dilemma in her own mind, her heart is suffering: an old love comforts her a new crush consumes her she yearns for her homeland. When Miri discovers a secret plot against the royal court - which is motivated by good - she feels torn. But helping Britta prepare for her future is not an easy task. Her best friend, Britta, has been chosen by the Prince of Asland to be his bride, and the royal wedding is fast approaching.

With a chance to study at the university and live at the Queen's Castle, Miri leaves village life and is thrust into the bustling chaos of the city.

A rich and compelling fantasy about one girl's journey to discover where her home and heart truly belong in a divided world is reminiscent of the best writing by authors like Eva Ibbotson and Cornelia Funke.

This long-awaited follow-up to Newbery Honor winner Princess Academy hit the New York Times bestseller list in the first week of US publication.

Palace of stone shannon hale