Midnight Comes for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo copyright 2002
For those who enjoyed the magical/suspense adventures of Harry Potter, this might just be a series you can escape into to get those same feelings of excitement. I just finished reading this first book in the Charlie Bone series with my nine year old son. He loved it! We were recommended this book by my 11 year old son who is now working on the fourth book in the series. Now the fact that both of my older boys enjoy this book makes it awesome. The first is an avid reader and the second a reluctant one. The protagonist, Charlie Bone, is 10 or 11 (I can't remember which). He discovers he has a special power to the great delight of his father's family, and to his own consternation. The story revolves around the battle of good and evil, but intriguingly the battle lines are drawn within families, and the reader often questions whether a character is truly good or bad. First impression don't always let us know the truth, as Charlie has to discover. The themes of loyalty, friendship, doing what is right, sacrificing for others and bravery in the face of danger are all present. Overall, a delightful read. It is children's fiction, but I think reader's of all ages can enjoy this one. I look forward to reading Book Two!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Camilla
Camilla: A Biography of Camilla Eyring Kimball by Caroline Eyring Miner and Edward Kimball copyright 1980
This book was in a stack of a few that I inherited from my grandmother a number of years ago. I read it back in 2005 and really enjoyed it. I love biographies anyway, but I'd always heard what lovely, talented, intelligent woman Camilla Kimbal was and was interested to learn for myself of her goodness.
A lot about Camilla surprised me. She was a very resourceful, gracious woman. I found her early history of living in the Mexican LDS colonies and her family's "sneaking out" of the country fascinating. She devoted herself to her family always. I know many may find this way of thinking old-fashioned, but she truly was always concerned about her family first. She was the ultimate frugal homemaker making the most of everything she had. Certainly lived by the "waste not, want not" principle.
I think that I had hoped she would be a "superwoman" kind of gal, but really, she was just as human and normal as the rest of us. In fact the last sentence of the cover blurb sums it up very well. "The woman who emerges is shy but warm, bighly intelligent, refreshingly candid, deeply faithful, independent to a fault, unswervingly loyal, and reassuringly human."
This book might be out of print, but I'm sure that Utah local libraries will have a copy in their collections. Worth the read.
This book was in a stack of a few that I inherited from my grandmother a number of years ago. I read it back in 2005 and really enjoyed it. I love biographies anyway, but I'd always heard what lovely, talented, intelligent woman Camilla Kimbal was and was interested to learn for myself of her goodness.
A lot about Camilla surprised me. She was a very resourceful, gracious woman. I found her early history of living in the Mexican LDS colonies and her family's "sneaking out" of the country fascinating. She devoted herself to her family always. I know many may find this way of thinking old-fashioned, but she truly was always concerned about her family first. She was the ultimate frugal homemaker making the most of everything she had. Certainly lived by the "waste not, want not" principle.
I think that I had hoped she would be a "superwoman" kind of gal, but really, she was just as human and normal as the rest of us. In fact the last sentence of the cover blurb sums it up very well. "The woman who emerges is shy but warm, bighly intelligent, refreshingly candid, deeply faithful, independent to a fault, unswervingly loyal, and reassuringly human."
This book might be out of print, but I'm sure that Utah local libraries will have a copy in their collections. Worth the read.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens copyright 1843
For the past 15 years, on Christmas Day we listen to an audio presentation of A Christmas Carol while traveling to Grandma's for dinner. It has become a favorite part of my celebration. Last year, I finally broke down and bought an illustrated copy of the book for my library. It is lovely! The story itself charms and delights everyone in the family.
My favorite part of the story is when the ghost of Christmas Present and Scrooge visit the poor family of Bob Cratchit. The whole scene is one of glorious happiness and joy despite what some might describe as being poor. The family loves one another and the time of ease the day affords. My favorite quote from this scene:
"There was nothing of high mark in this. They were not a handsome family; their shoes were far from being water-proof; their clothes were scanty; and Peter might have known, and very likely did, the inside of a pawnbroker's. But they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time . . ." That is what I wish Christmas Day would be like for everyone.
For the past 15 years, on Christmas Day we listen to an audio presentation of A Christmas Carol while traveling to Grandma's for dinner. It has become a favorite part of my celebration. Last year, I finally broke down and bought an illustrated copy of the book for my library. It is lovely! The story itself charms and delights everyone in the family.
My favorite part of the story is when the ghost of Christmas Present and Scrooge visit the poor family of Bob Cratchit. The whole scene is one of glorious happiness and joy despite what some might describe as being poor. The family loves one another and the time of ease the day affords. My favorite quote from this scene:
"There was nothing of high mark in this. They were not a handsome family; their shoes were far from being water-proof; their clothes were scanty; and Peter might have known, and very likely did, the inside of a pawnbroker's. But they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time . . ." That is what I wish Christmas Day would be like for everyone.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi copyright 2002 Newberry Award winner
I read this book a month or so ago. I found it at the Scholastic book fair at my children's school. Although labeled a "children's" book, I enjoyed it. There is a lot of good to be said about a quick read. The setting is medieval England countryside. The story begins with a thirteen year old boy burying his mother in a pauper's grave with only the town priest in attendance. The boy doesn't even know he has a name other than "Asta's son" which is what people have always called him. He is the lowest of the low on the social rungs of the little country town social ladder. One might think that he would just fade away for lack of a way to support himself, but rather than shrink into nothingness, the boy becomes the object of intrigue and must run away. Before he does, the priest tells him his name and tries to help him, but the priest is killed for his trouble.
The story moves along at a brisk pace with Crispin running for his life, finding a friend and protector and finally learning why he is in trouble in the first place. Although the storyline would like be more developed if it were a book written for an adult audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think there is a sequel, but I haven't located it yet.
I read this book a month or so ago. I found it at the Scholastic book fair at my children's school. Although labeled a "children's" book, I enjoyed it. There is a lot of good to be said about a quick read. The setting is medieval England countryside. The story begins with a thirteen year old boy burying his mother in a pauper's grave with only the town priest in attendance. The boy doesn't even know he has a name other than "Asta's son" which is what people have always called him. He is the lowest of the low on the social rungs of the little country town social ladder. One might think that he would just fade away for lack of a way to support himself, but rather than shrink into nothingness, the boy becomes the object of intrigue and must run away. Before he does, the priest tells him his name and tries to help him, but the priest is killed for his trouble.
The story moves along at a brisk pace with Crispin running for his life, finding a friend and protector and finally learning why he is in trouble in the first place. Although the storyline would like be more developed if it were a book written for an adult audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think there is a sequel, but I haven't located it yet.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Jayhawk and Return to Red Castle
Jayhawk and Return to Red Castle by Dorothy M. Keddington copyrights 1978 and 1981
I originally read these fun, clean adventure/romance novels as a teenager. I found some copies at a used bookstore recently for a buck a piece-- yup, they're part of my collection. Seeing as it had been twenty years since I last read them, I decided to see if they were any good beyond my teenage experience. I discovered them to be pleasant, quick reads--even if they were a bit heavy on the romance side. I think that those gals who loved the Twilight series would likely enjoy these. They are every bit as exciting, but without all the weird vampire stuff. (Honestly, I think I like these better than Twilight.) I don't recommend them for young teens. These are for at least dating age girls.
Another bonus, in my view, is that the author, while LDS, doesn't give her characters any particular religion. They are just characters that you don't have to hold up to the LDS standard. The characters are good people, and I like that part, but I just like reading adventure for its own sake without having to filter everything through an LDS viewpoint.
These books are available at local libraries, maybe still at Deseret Book?, and check out the Deseret Industries book section.
I originally read these fun, clean adventure/romance novels as a teenager. I found some copies at a used bookstore recently for a buck a piece-- yup, they're part of my collection. Seeing as it had been twenty years since I last read them, I decided to see if they were any good beyond my teenage experience. I discovered them to be pleasant, quick reads--even if they were a bit heavy on the romance side. I think that those gals who loved the Twilight series would likely enjoy these. They are every bit as exciting, but without all the weird vampire stuff. (Honestly, I think I like these better than Twilight.) I don't recommend them for young teens. These are for at least dating age girls.
Another bonus, in my view, is that the author, while LDS, doesn't give her characters any particular religion. They are just characters that you don't have to hold up to the LDS standard. The characters are good people, and I like that part, but I just like reading adventure for its own sake without having to filter everything through an LDS viewpoint.
These books are available at local libraries, maybe still at Deseret Book?, and check out the Deseret Industries book section.
Chickens in the Headlights
Chickens in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley copyright 2005
Funny. This book is filled with giggles, guffaws and outright belly laughs. The story centers around a family with seven young sons living in rural Utah. The antics are endless.
"When the school year ends Mom and Dad decide to harness some of their boys' apparently inexhaustive energy and buy some goats and chickens for them to take care of. While they are initially thrilled with the 'responsibiliy,' the boys soon learn that it's far tougher--and far funnier for the reader-- than it appears."
Seriously, the chapter where the family travels to California in their van, I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard. Maybe because I've lived some similar experiences. . . Anyway, this is a fun, upbeat read. It is also available on audiobook and mp3.
Funny. This book is filled with giggles, guffaws and outright belly laughs. The story centers around a family with seven young sons living in rural Utah. The antics are endless.
"When the school year ends Mom and Dad decide to harness some of their boys' apparently inexhaustive energy and buy some goats and chickens for them to take care of. While they are initially thrilled with the 'responsibiliy,' the boys soon learn that it's far tougher--and far funnier for the reader-- than it appears."
Seriously, the chapter where the family travels to California in their van, I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard. Maybe because I've lived some similar experiences. . . Anyway, this is a fun, upbeat read. It is also available on audiobook and mp3.
A Heart Like His: Moaking Space for God's Love in Your Life
A Heart Like His: Making Space for God's Love in Your Life by Virginia H. Pearce
This is a short little book with a very BIG message. It certainly isn't a "guilt" book, but one that really speaks to the heart of many women. I think many of us often ask ourselves, "Why don't I feel closer to God? How can I feel His love for me more often? How can I develop the kind of love God has?" These questions are addressed in simple, yet meaningful ways. The concept I love the most is the visualization regarding opening one's heart. Sister Pearce's connection between having an "open heart" and receiving and increase in energy is profound, as well.
This book is available at local libraries, but I bet you'll want your own copy.
This is a short little book with a very BIG message. It certainly isn't a "guilt" book, but one that really speaks to the heart of many women. I think many of us often ask ourselves, "Why don't I feel closer to God? How can I feel His love for me more often? How can I develop the kind of love God has?" These questions are addressed in simple, yet meaningful ways. The concept I love the most is the visualization regarding opening one's heart. Sister Pearce's connection between having an "open heart" and receiving and increase in energy is profound, as well.
This book is available at local libraries, but I bet you'll want your own copy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
