Alright, Now for a Book Review.

I just finished the book, "The Princess Academy" By Shannon Hale.
Here is a short summary of the story:

"Miri is a fourteen-year-old from Mt. Eskel who has never been allowed to work with the rest of the villagers (young and old, men and women) in the quarry that keeps the community alive. Because of this, she feels like an outcast in the community and feels cut off from the culture that is largely formed by their working life in the quarry. Despite this, she is very close to her father and her sister.

One day, a messenger from the king arrives along with the traders from the lowlands. The messenger announces that the nation's priests have informed the nation that the next princess will come from Mt. Eskell, despite the lack of education provided the villagers and despite the prejudice that exists between the mountain villagers and the lowlanders. To this end, a princess academy is going to be set up near the village to train the young girls the ways of the lowland noblemen and noblewomen. At the end of the year, the prince will visit the academy and choose the girl to be the next princess."
                                                                                                                                 - Summary From Here.
There is more to the summary, but I wouldn't advise reading it... it gives to much away. ;o)

The Good: I felt that this book was very well written. For me, most books have at least a couple chapters that drag on...and on... and on.... but I didn't feel like this book did. I moved along well.

Also, the story line was interesting.

The Bad: There wasn't really anything bad in the book, but there were 2 things that might be a bit offensive to some people. (It wasn't to me, I'm just fore-warning you)

1. There is a bit of slight romance in the book. It is not super prominent (i.e. the entire story is not based around it)

2. There are a few mentions of the *false* gods the Mtn. People believe in. Again, this did not offend me. *Gasp!* No, seriously. I realize there are (and were) people who believe in gods other than the True God. I learn about them all the time in History! Lol

Not to mention, this is not a true story, and they do not talk about it that much. Actually, only at the beginning for a moment.

Final Judgement: Thumbs up. I only give it 4 because I am sure there are other, better books out there, but this is still an interesting (and fun) read.