Marvin Redpost: Kidnapped at Birth?

Sometimes rainy days drive you insane. You can't decide which of the over read books on the shelf to read. I chose Marvin Redpost: Kidnapped at Birth? by Lois Sachar. I very much regret this decision. The title pretty much sums up the book. You may know Sachar as the author of the beloved novel Holes. Holes is a much deeper and infinitely more humorous story than Marvin Redpost. Marvin Redpost is meant to appeal to a younger audience than Holes, however, the language is horrid and the plot is immature. In my opinion Louis just wanted to finish this story therefore within the last few pages there lies a nasty surprise.

Summer of the Monkeys

Somewhere within the first 80 pages of Summer of the Monkeys I fell in love. I adore the youthful language that Wilson Rawls used to create this tale. Summer of the Moneys is about a boy trying to catch 30 monkeys and reap a handsome reward. Rawls, author of Where the Red Fern Grows, plunges you head first into the action. Just when you realize that Jay Berry would be just the kind of boy who does find a group of primates, he does! Though this book can be a little slow to read the rustic language and intriguing plot keep you going. Overall, Summer of the Monkeys is an audacious story, for slightly more experienced readers, as the language can be fiddly. Could you catch a clan of witty apes? Follow Jay Berry and his faithful hound, Old Rowdy, and you will soon find out.

~Dr. Seuss

My Side of the Mountain

My Side of the Mountain is an excellent book written by Jean Craighead George. George has woven a thrilling tale of adventure, survival, and independence. This book would appeal to any nature lovers or city dwellers who longs to escape their  hectic lives and dive into the forest. The beginning and ending of this book are not quite as spectacular but once you get into the rhythm of the story you won't want to stop reading. Throughout this story the author keeps you interested by introducing new characters, however she always makes sure Sam is the main focus. Ink illustrations and detailed descriptions let you brush up on your survival skills while you read. Live with Sam in his tree hut and learn how he lives on "his side" of the mountain.

~Dr. Seuss

Private Captain

                Private Captain  is a very informative historic fiction book, which is set during the Civil War. It is about two children who go on a mission to find a soldier, in the midst of the battle of Gettysburg, and bring him back home.  The language can sometimes be hard to understand, therefore I would recommend this book to a slightly older audience. Although the plot is fast paced I find that the story takes a long time to physically read. Marty Crisp did a wonderful job of creating an approachable story. Even though the book is set nearly 150 years ago you will still find the characters relatable in some way. So, if you enjoy adventure with a large dose of history pick up Private Captain and follow one determined boy, one pesky cousin a loyal hound and a dependable cow on their journey.  

~Dr Seuss

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

I was at Barnes and Noble one chilly December night when The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner was given to me as a gift. The title is quite a mouthful yet it gives away only enough to draw you in. Once again Stephanie  Meyer has produced a book that is enticing gripping and somewhat magical. All her books are can't-put-down books, however, they are all the same. I believe that the reason many people enjoy Meyer's work is because it is written very well, no doubt about that, and there are many books for you to feed your senses on. If you get bored with books too easily the Twilight series is a pretty safe bet for you. I think this is the case because I have always thought of them as very reliable books. If you are considering reading the Short Second Life of Bree Tanner first you need to read Eclipse or else the book will seem confusing and pointless. And before you read Eclipse you need to read New Moon and Twilight. The road to reading the Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is a long one, however, I hope you will find it to be an enjoyable one.

~Doctor Seuss

Journey to the River Sea

I recently finished a book called Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson.  Most of Ibbotson's  books are fantasy. I enjoyed her book the Secret of Platform 13 and delighted in reading Island if the Aunts. In both books you will encounter nymphs, ogres, and mermaids. Journey to the River Sea is quite different. It is more focused on realistic and historical fiction. Maya, a humble and adventurous orphan, is pleasantly surprised when she is taken to the Carter's, supposed "long lost relatives." On the trip to the Manaus, a city in Brazil with a spectacular theater, she envisions a life of comfort and exploration. She is deadly wrong. Will Maya's new native friends help her out? If you are interested in subtle adventure, and are prepared to meet both nasty and fascinating characters, pick up Journey to the River Sea and find out how Maya's new life unfolds.
~ Dr. Seuss

The Magician's Elephant Book Review

I recently finished reading The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. Kate DiCamillo has written some of my favorite books, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and The Tale of Despereaux. However, as I read The Magician’s Elephant I didn’t know how such an acclaimed author could commit the simple mistake of keeping her characters undeveloped. When the characters feel strong emotions (or should be anyway) it seems that all they do is shrug their shoulders and say, “Well that’s life. Whatcha gonna do about it?” She also continually switches between a dozen characters’ points of view which gives you plenty of characters but all of them are 2-D. Remember, quality not quantity. The whole book seems to build up to one super-climax, but when you reach it you will find that it is a bump in the road, not a mountain to climb.

~ Dr. Seuss

Cherry Blossom

I climb into the aged cherry blossom tree
that has lived in my backyard for hundreds of years
I lie on its strong lower branches
I gaze up into the sky
which is crisscrossed with thin frail shoots
the spiderweb of heaven
I feel at ease with the world
I am at peace
I close my eyes and
forget
forget everything

Dr. Seuss