Recent Reads
by Kym on November 28, 2007
I’ve recently been blessed with some fabulous, fascinating reads, and because I’m the wonderfully generous gal I am, I decided to share them with you. Aren’t I a sweetheart? (Answers to this question should be written in essay format and submitted by email)
Thud, Terry Pratchett
I’ve never read a Terry Pratchett book that I didn’t enjoy on some level, but there are certain of his books which I feel like I enjoy on all levels. Thud certainly covers a broad range of genres. Fantasy, humour, action and drama. In some parts I was giggling like mad, in others I found myself deep in thought. Through the medium of his alternate universe, his Discworld, Pratchett teaches us about our own. I came away feeling both entertained and enriched.
The Dilbert Principle, Scott Adams
Good Omens, Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
It doesn’t necessarily follow that two fabulous authors paired up will produce a book that seems to transcend their individual works, yet that is definitely the case with regards to Good Omens. I have read this book at least a dozen times, and have enjoyed it thoroughly each time. A funny, thought-provoking, and slightly irreverent recounting of the Apocalypse, this book has it all. Aliens, Tibetan monks, and a hellhound who likes to chase cars.
A Door in the Woods, James Dashner
The world seems to be inundated with fantasy books targeted at the preteen crowd. Heck, I’m writing one myself, because I’m cool like that. James Dashner’s Jimmy Fincher series stands out from the crowd though. Why? Because it actually is written with its target market in mind. I found that there was too much action for my taste, and yet I was blown away by the author’s creativity and the unique pattern of his storytelling. I gave a copy of the series to a twelve year old boy of my acquaintance. This particular boy has been having difficulty in school, and is receiving supplemental tutoring at home. His tutor? Is very grateful for this series, because he is now excited about reading. He read all four books in rapid fire order, and is now trying to loan them to everyone he knows so he has people to talk to about them. I call that a huge success.
The Hound of Rowan, Henry H. Neff
I’ve written about The Hound of Rowan before, and I likely will again. My last review was titled “Harry Who?”, and I stand by my belief that the skill with which this story has been woven leaves the Harry Potter series in the proverbial shadows. I was enthralled. Simply enthralled. And this is the book I’m giving away to all the young readers in my life this Christmas. And some of the not so young readers as well. It truly appeals to a large age range. Buy it. Buy it now.
Fablehaven, Brandon Mull
The concept for this story is simply brilliant. The characters are engaging. The storyline is a nice mix of action and exposition. I was a little disappointed by some of the characterization though. I found the actions of some of the characters difficult to reconcile with my understanding of the events being portrayed. It didn’t ring true, and spoiled my enjoyment somewhat. However, I would still highly recommend this book to anyone. It was imaginative and (mostly) enjoyable.
Sheep’s Clothing, Josi Kilpack
This book? Made me cry. Three times. Every once in awhile you find a book which, for whatever indefinable reason, feels real to you. The characters leap up off the page and you alternately want to hug or shake them. Their joys become your joys, and their sorrows become your sorrows. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to parents. I learned a great deal from this book, fiction though it may be, and plan to read it often throughout the years to help me remember those important lessons.
Spires of Stone, Annette Lyon
So when I was last in Utah, I grabbed up a handful of books written by authors I’d met in my many wanderings online. I tackled James Dashner’s books first, because I love fantasy, then Josi’s because I’d known her longer than Annette. However, if anyone had told me that Annette’s book was based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing? My all time favourite of his plays? Yeah. It would’ve moved to the top of my list. I enjoyed this book on so many levels. The witty dialogue, the incredible talent Annette has for storytelling, and the depth to which I got to know the characters. It was a thrilling and captivating tale.
A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini
This is the most difficult review to tackle. Short of the scriptures, I’ve never read a book which has affected me as profoundly as this one. It is certainly not for the faint of heart. Much of what it portrays is disturbing and difficult to comprehend. And yet the writing is so powerful that I felt myself drawn in. The women in the story became real to me. Not realistic characters, but real women that I felt a deep connection with. It was one of the most intense reading experiences of my life. I was left shaken and tearful, and so grateful for the experience.
21 comments
I’ve been looking for some good books to read. When I go to the library tomorrow, hopefully I’ll have all the books that are now overdue and I can look for the Tapestry series!
by Rebecca on November 28, 2007 at 7:34 pm. #
See, I need more posts like this that I can write everything down and make a list. I always forget when I’m at the library.
Love to you!
by Dedee on November 28, 2007 at 7:54 pm. #
Maybe I’ll have to read A Thousand Splendid Suns after all… I really struggled through Kite Runner. I’m still working on the Eragon books and the next two Leven Thumps books are in a box on my counter. So many good books! So little time :)
by Melissa on November 28, 2007 at 8:33 pm. #
I LOVED Good Omens! One of my favorite books. I’ve read all of Gaiman’s novels because of it. I’m currently reading The Golden Compass and Crying of Lot 49, but I jotted th enames of some of those books down. Thanks for the tip.
by Lilacspecs on November 28, 2007 at 10:35 pm. #
my husband got angry at me when i read good omens. i was about three chapters in, and said ‘i thought you said this was funny…’, as a did-i-understand-you-correctly comment. he took it off me. i’ll have to try it again.
this looks like a fantastic list. i can’t wait to get started. i second the dilbert book. what’s not to love?
and terry pratchet is on my new years resolution list. i *will* finish the colour of magic. i will i will i will.
by holly on November 28, 2007 at 11:34 pm. #
Hound of Rowan, check.
I needed some suggestions for gifts/ravenous readers in my brood.
by Lisa Milton on November 29, 2007 at 1:32 am. #
I love books! I just posted my monthly round up of reads today, too.
I will have to check out some of these, especially Spires of Stone.
I wish I were brave enough to take on The Kate Runner.
by Keetha on November 29, 2007 at 1:38 am. #
Some of these people are some of my best friends — yes, I’m name dropping. :)
by Tristi Pinkston on November 29, 2007 at 2:51 am. #
You are a reading machine. I’ll have to take note of some of these for sure.
by Tonya on November 29, 2007 at 4:57 am. #
Thousand Splendid Suns is a fantastic book. I loved Kite Runner, but this was eons better. I hope everyone reads it at some point. Sometimes I’m dismayed that so many people read fun but meaningless books like Twilight, and don’t bother to pick up books that are truly wonderful, like Splended Suns.
by Sue on November 29, 2007 at 5:42 am. #
Fun and varied list: me likey!
by Luisa Perkins on November 29, 2007 at 11:14 am. #
I need to get out more. I can’t remember the last time I was able to indulge like that. Or rather, maybe I need to get out less! :-)
Fun reviews, my dear!
by Amber on November 29, 2007 at 12:59 pm. #
I knew you were a kindred spirit! I’ve read and loved most of these books and totally agree with you about fablehaven. Brilliant plot, poor characterization. I am excited to read the few books from your list I haven’t read. Great Post!
Oh and like Tristi . . . I am name dropping. Most of those authors are my friends who I occasionally break bread with :)
by Julie Wright on November 29, 2007 at 2:41 pm. #
I’m gonna have to earmark this post for when I need ideas for reads. A friend recently moved to Buffalo (far from me and cold) and left me with a pile of books to read. yay books! boo my friend is gone
by Jean Knee on November 29, 2007 at 3:03 pm. #
What I want to know, girl, is how you have this much time to read AND write AND blog AND raise two darling girls AND keep on top of everything else you do! You rock!
I just wrote down a couple for my trip to the library this morning. I’ll have to see what they’ve got!
by Beth on November 29, 2007 at 4:37 pm. #
Loved SPIRES OF STONE
Loved DOOR IN THE WOODS series (my son started reading them at age 11 and went from a reluctant reader to an avid reader overnight)
Loved SHEEP’S CLOTHING–read it 2x.
by Heather B. Moore on November 29, 2007 at 5:45 pm. #
Kim,
Thanks for the nice words about my book. Very kind of you.
Ironically, I feel like A Door in the Woods (which was my first book) to be poorly written, very amateurish. However, almost because of that, it’s very fast paced and a lot of reluctant readers love it. Whatever works, right?
Nothing could be more fulfilling than to know you’ve helped a child gain a love of reading. Thanks again.
by James Dashner on November 29, 2007 at 5:54 pm. #
Looks like a great reading list! I’ll have to come back to it to find some stuff to read :)
by Kara on November 29, 2007 at 6:24 pm. #
Great reviews! And aren’t you a reader? How long did it take you to read all of these? You forgot to mention your awesome new friend who recommended A Thousand Splendid Suns…
by Jenna on November 30, 2007 at 5:11 am. #
Can I borrow some of your books if I pay for shipping :) ?!?
by An Ordinary Mom on November 30, 2007 at 5:41 am. #
Doing backflips over here. So glad you liked Spires! And thanks so much for including me in your list. You rock, lady.
by Annette Lyon on December 3, 2007 at 3:48 am. #