For Mr. Powell's English 11 class

books:

	• The Observatory: A Novel Emily Grayson HarperTorch, 2001 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
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charming and sweet

I'm surprised how quickly those below critized this book. For the record, I HATED Bridges and found it almost unreadable. This book may not rank up there with Flaubert, but it was a heck of a lot better and more earnest than Bridges of Madison County. I have not read Gazebo, but Grayson does a nice job sketching the twin sisters who have never been great friends, one living in the shadow of the other. Nick, Harper's son, in very believeable and well drawn. The relationship between the sister's is believeable as well and nicely outlined.

Though it may be predictable, this book has an unpretentious charm about it that made it thoroughly enjoyable to read. In fact, it's a sweet love story that avoids torrid sex scenes and errs in favor of a relationship. David, the teacher/astronomer is a compelling hero --- I love the description of his observatory! It's a quick read, but one that cheered me up and carried me along.

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For Mr. Powell's English 11 class

The Observatory by Emily Grayson is a novel about two twin sisters who never got along during childhood, and a story of unexpected love. Grayson takes her readers through new and different experiences that Liz Mallory encounters.
Liz and Harper Mallory are twin sisters. While Liz excelled in school, Harper was the more wild, popular, and noticeable twin. Liz grew up to be her hometown librarian, and Harper grew up to be a rich famous painter living in the exclusive Stone Point, New York. As the Mallory sisters grow older, they also grow apart. However, a tragedy happens. Harper's daughter dies in a sledding accident. To recuperate, Harper skips town to be by herself, leaving Liz the responsibility of taking care of her nephew, Nick.
While Liz gets to know Nick for the first time, she also gets to know his and his surroundings, friends, and teachers. Being the second favorite child, Nick eventually opens up to his Aunt Liz, allowing her to understand him. Liz shares the same things Nicks likes. Sharing the love for astronomy with Nick, Liz encounters his teacher, David, with whom she ultimately falls in love. However, David hides the fact that he used to date Harper, making it a major issue in their relationship. Throughout the novel, Liz becomes close to her sister, nephew and also David. She begins to trust others, especially men, and Liz also learns more about her sister's lifestyle.
Grayson does a wonderful job illustrating the colorful scenes, and characterizing each person's personality. The Observatory was a well-written novel; however, Grayson tended to rush through the book towards the end. Grayson illustrates her characters as both round, realistic, and stereotypical. The commercial plot of the book is not necessarily original, but indeed different. The theme of the book is also well developed.

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NOT AS GOOD AS HER FIRST ONE

I really enjoyed this novel, but I have to admit I enjoyed "The Gazebo" much more. I agree Ms. Grayson has a rare talent for touching the soul, and she did continue with this book. I definitely would recommend this one, (and have to many of my friends), but if you haven't read her first---you need to.

The Observatory

Emily Grayson exploits the entangling bond of a love versus hate relationship between the Mallory twins. Liz was forced to confront her sister, Harper, after the accidental death of Harper's daughter, Doe. Years of separation had torn them apart because of jealousy, hurt, and deceit built up over the years. Liz sees Harper as the wealthy, famous painter in New York who has always been successful and loved by the boys. On the other hand, Liz is portrayed as an innocent librarian with a dull life and far from a beauty queen. Unexpected love is struck between Liz and David Fields, a former boyfriend of her sister's, who is an amateur astronomer. The times of pain create a bond between them all, which could never falter.
The theme deals with how we need to explore love and seek for the best in everyone. We shouldn't let ourselves hold back from something that can be so beautiful all because of past mistakes or disagreements. Love is not jealous and envious or prideful, but it should be equally waded. Most of the characters are believable because of the author's formulaic approach. The story line is told in the normal "boy meets girl" setting. David is a static character and is therefore limited in his role as the astronomer and boyfriend. However, the Mallory twins and Harper's son, Nick, are round, dynamic characters who we learn more about throughout the novel. Each of them seek for answers and grow while dealing with the pains of life.
The author deals with each character and their problem in a positive manor when opposition occurs. The novel keeps one's attention by its delightful and heart-wrenching love story. Grayson wrote a realistic plot, which helps us to examine our own lives and put it into a realistic perspective.

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reviews: page 1, 2

Liz Mallory has always lived in the shadow of her glamorous twin sister, Harper, a talented artist who left everything -- including Liz -- behind to become a famous artist. Now, years later, tragedy reunites these estranged women. Reaching out to her sister, Liz moves into Harper's exclusive estate to care for her troubled nephew, Nick. This act of kindness, however, leads Liz down an unexpected path for it brings her together with the love of her life -- handsome amateur astronomer David Fields. Under the dome of the observatory David calls home, Liz tastes a passion as deep and vast as the night sky. But David is a man with painful secrets that could eclipse this newfound love -- secrets to which Harper holds the key. Can Liz get beyond her own past hurts and reach the stars with David? Does she dare to try?

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