Books We All Love!

We at The Velveteen Rabbit are quite voracious readers, and we all have different interests. However, there are always certain books that we come to a complete consensus on! Here are just a few books that more than one of us claims as a "pick!"


The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Who loves it? Beth and Marie
Why? The Book Thief is not only boasts near-perfect writing, but its storyline is absolutely enthralling. It is the most uniquely written Holocaust book (perhaps even most uniquely-written book ever--after all, it is narrated by Death) and combines every element of a good story. Don't let its placement in the young adult section fool you--this is a great book for adults, too!
Rabbit Trivia: Beth has given this book to nearly everyone she knows.




The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Who loves it? Clare, Grace, and Beth
Why? We all have a love for dystopian novels, and The Hunger Games certainly fits the bill. It also is exciting to read about a strong female protagonist. The action is non-stop, the characters are enchanting, and Collins is a fantastic storyteller--the rest of the series is equally wonderful!
Rabbit Trivia: The Hunger Games is based loosely on ancient mythology--specifically, the myth of Theseus and the minotaur.






The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Who loves it? Marie and Beth
Why? The Help is a breathtakingly beautiful portrait of 1960's Jackson, Mississippi--the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's wonderful to read a book that reminds us how far we've come in the last forty-plus years--not to mention that the characters (Aibelene and Minnie especially) are absolutely unforgettable.
Rabbit Trivia: The Help is currently being made into a movie, starring Zombieland's Emma Stone and Bryce Howard Dallas.




I Shall Not Want by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Who loves it? Grace and Marie
Why? Julia Spencer-Fleming weaves fantastic mysteries that are centered around two lovable characters: Russ Van Alystne and Clare Fergusson.
Rabbit Trivia: We've had Julia Spencer-Fleming for two author signings, and she is just as lovable as her books!

"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins -- WHAT WE THINK!

Clare says: After breaking out of the Quarter Quell Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen has a lot on her mind. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol, a war is raging throughout the districts, plus she is expected by rebel leaders to be their Mockingjay. As she struggles to make sense of it all, Katniss knows that making the right decision will be harder than ever. Mockingjay, I think, was an amazing ending to the Hunger Games trilogy. Everything I predicted about Mockingjay turned out to be exactly the opposite! This fact made every turn of a page that much more exciting! I consider Mockingjay a must read, along with the rest of the series, because it is so unique and leaves you with a feeling of awe every time you look at it. Clare gives this book 5 out of 5 carrots!

Grace says: Collins did a great job of developing her characters even further in The Hunger Games finale and the plot was fast-paced and exciting. I could barely put the book down to eat or sleep!

Beth says: Mockingjay is a psychological and philosophical foray into war and destruction that will leave readers shell-shocked, yet hungering for more. It certainly leaves a lot to think about, and is a great book for teens and adults to discuss!

Click here to purchase your copy of Mockingjay at The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop!

"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown

I have some sympathy for New York Times bestselling authors. After all, when your books are international bestsellers and some of the most widely read novels of all time, it must be tough brainstorming and putting together a new tome. And Dan Brown, unfortunately, has missed the mark with his latest thriller.

The Lost Symbol has the same suspenseful, jumpy narration that characterizes all of Brown's novels--enough twists and turns to interest the reader. But what you're all undoubtedly wondering is, what conspiracy theory did he delve into this time? The answer lies not in Europe like his past novels, but in our nation's capital: Washington D.C.. Brown explores our forefathers' Mason heritage and thus explains some of the architecture and symbols hidden in Washington. Drawing a kind of stretched parallel, Brown also delves into Noetic Science--a real, ancient science that suggests our thoughts can change physical matter in the world.

So we have all the classic Dan Brown elements: Robert Langdon, conspiracy theory, attractive woman sidekick. What's missing? Besides the fact that the link between Noetic Science and Masonry is stretched a little too thin, the story just lacks in comparison to his other bestsellers. The thrill factor of learning more about Washington and the secrets of Masonry hidden in the city is enough to keep the reader interested and mildly entertained, but if you're looking for an action-packed thrill ride, you'll find The Lost Symbol falls a little flat. I suggest Dan Brown's other novels (Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, or even the awesome The Deception Point if you're not too much of a Robert Langdon fan) or Steve Berry's The Romanov Prophecy for a thriller that really gets your heart racing.

Beth gives it two out of five carrots!

Click here to get your copy of The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown!

Hardcover, 29.99