Thursday, July 30, 2009

July Book #12

Book: Stones in Water by Donna Jo Napoli

A story about WWII that I've never read before, from the perspective of an Italian boy forced into a work-camp, even though Italy and Germany were allies.

Very well-written and not as depressing as most WWII books.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

July Book #11

Book: Spinners by Donna Jo Napoli and Richard Tchen

An excellent version of Rumpelstiltskin. One of the most creative I've read.

July Book #10

Book: The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde

Clever, as all his books are, and a well-plotted mystery.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

July Book #9

Book: On Writing by Stephen King

This is the first Stephen King book I've ever read. It will probably be the only one. I appreciated his perspective on writing and I hope to implement some of his ideas in my own writing.

Friday, July 24, 2009

July Book #8

Book: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

I didn't like this book. I REALLY wanted to, so I kept reading.

Not that great.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

July Book #7

Book: The Prince of the Pond by Donna Jo Napoli

Interesting and sweet, but a very sad ending that made me cry.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

July Book #6

Book: Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher

Interesting concept, but ultimately dissatisfying. Too much telling, indirect danger, and obvious plot points put in just for show.

Friday, July 10, 2009

July Book #5

Book: The Squire's Tale by Gerald Morris

I'm a sucker for a good Arthurian legend and this one was excellently done.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

July Book #4

Book: The Rumpelstiltskin Problem by Vivian Vande Velde

A very cute collection of 6 short stories re-telling the Rumpelstiltskin tale. Quick, easy read, and thoroughly enjoyable.

July Book #3

Book: The Great Good Thing by Roderick Townley

Writers, book-lovers, and English teachers will love this book. It was one unexpected surprise after another and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

July Book #2

Book: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Beautiful, tragic and heartbreaking at times. I'm a sucker for romance and all that. Not to mention a good fairy tale. This was based on the tale [The Wild Swans] where boys are turned into swans and only their sister can rescue them.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

July Book #1

Book: The Witch's Boy by Michael Gruber

A fabulous take on various fairy tales. The plot kept me guessing and an entirely unlikable protagonist was redeemed.