Rating: 
Summary: Too Few Stars!
Review: In recent years, several authors have tried to cash in on what I call The Bridges of Madison County syndrome. These are small romantic books which provoke sighs and cries. And to my mind no recent book better fits this description than The Observatory. Focusing on twin sisters who coulnd't be less alike, one a small town librarian, the other a sophisticated divorcee and mother of two. When her worldly sister suffers a devestating tragedy, the librairan comes to her twin's aid but not without reprecussions to their relationship. And then the librarian meets her nephew's teacher and the rest of the book becomes a classic romance tale. Man and woman meet, man and woman begin a relationship, the man betrays the woman and then returns with apologies and pledges eternal love. And to me the ending was about as predictable as one could imagine.Last year I read Grayson's first book, The Gazebo, which as much as it was sappy and equally predictable, was a much better read.
Rating:
Summary: Too Few Stars!
Review: In recent years, several authors have tried to cash in on what I call The Bridges of Madison County syndrome. These are small romantic books which provoke sighs and cries. And to my mind no recent book better fits this description than The Observatory. Focusing on twin sisters who coulnd't be less alike, one a small town librarian, the other a sophisticated divorcee and mother of two. When her worldly sister suffers a devestating tragedy, the librairan comes to her twin's aid but not without reprecussions to their relationship. And then the librarian meets her nephew's teacher and the rest of the book becomes a classic romance tale. Man and woman meet, man and woman begin a relationship, the man betrays the woman and then returns with apologies and pledges eternal love. And to me the ending was about as predictable as one could imagine. Last year I read Grayson's first book, The Gazebo, which as much as it was sappy and equally predictable, was a much better read.
Rating: 
Summary: For Mr. Powell's English 11 class
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: For Mr. Powell's English 11 class
Review: 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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