2010 Book Total

15,277 Pages

47 Books

This year's reading wound up consisting of mostly fantasies and science fiction, largely in part because I kept winding up choosing books that belonged to different series. It was a fun reading year though. It's been a stressful year for me in other areas and reading was a great escape, a way to relax and enjoy other worlds and adventures. Next year my goal is to try to be a more well-rounded reader, but I make no promises!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, 485 pages

"When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons - and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know..." -Back Cover

Okay, this is a total guilty-pleasure book/series, like right up there with Twilight guilty pleasure, especially with that Fabio-esque cover. My sister gave it to me for Christmas and...being a frequent guilty-pleasure reader I couldn't put it down. The characters were fun. I especially loved the smart-alec banter between several of them. I liked the concept of the book. There were some great action "scenes" in this, like when Clary and Jace battle the vampires to save rat-Simon and then escape on the flying motorcycle.

*SPOILER ALERT*
Being a sucker for a good romance I was totally bummed when Jace and Clary suddenly think their siblings. I loved his birthday surprise for her and the subsequent run-in with Simon in the hall. Not wanting to be totally disappointed through the next one (and not convinced they actually are siblings), I have to admit that I cheated and went online to find out. I'm not ashamed. Now I can patiently wait for the next two to come in the mail...and hopefully be able to put them down every now and then to get some work done around here.

Matched by Ally Condie, 366 pages

"In the Society, Officials decide.
Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It's hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one...until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion." -Book Jacket

I kind of stumbled into hearing about this one and then immediately put it on my Christmas wish list. It's been hyped as a book for Twilight and Hunger Game lovers. It's the first in a planned trilogy. There is a lot of internal dialogue in this book as Cassia analyzes all of her actions, feelings, and choices, trying to decide between being safe and living. The love triangle is very similar to the one in The Hunger Games. You like both guys and, like the Twilight series, you wind up picking the one you like most, or the one you think is best for her. I still haven't completely decided who that is. This book is kind of slow until about 40 pages before the end but I didn't mind that. You know that there will be more action in the books to come. I'm just bummed I have to wait a year. I don't know why I keep winding up reading books that are part of a series - or so much science fiction/fantasy for that matter! The other books I got for Christmas are the first in their series also. So many books...so little time.

The Missing Series, Books 1 & 2

My oldest daughter has started a few books by Margaret Peterson Haddix and then hasn't finished them, but I knew they are pretty popular among tweens so I thought I'd give this series a try. It didn't capture my attention like some young adult books do. This series is about teenagers who discover that they are actually missing children from history, "kidnapped" to protect them and save them from untimely, sometimes violent deaths. The time travel elements would probably be confusing to my 11-year-old. I have the third book reserved for me at the library (I'm curious to know who Jonah really is) but this is probably not a series I would buy for my own library.

Ranger's Apprentice Series, Books 1-9

I finished the entire series a while back. They were a ton of fun. Some I liked better than others, but I'd definitely recommend the series. (Read it, read it, read it.) The characters are well-written and multi-dimensional. By the 9th book I felt like I knew them really well and I really like them.

I read the books in numerical order according to how they were published, but if you want to read the story in chronological order you should read them in this order: 1,2,3,4,7,5,6,8,9. That's what I'm going to do next time I read them. (Yes, it's absolutely a series I will read again.) There's a 5-year gap in between books 4 and 5. I thought it was odd when I read it and the author includes a note in the beginning of book 7 saying that he realized he'd left out a lot of the story. I couldn't have agreed more and I'm glad he went back and filled in the gaps.

Can't wait for book 10!

Ranger's Apprentice: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan, 262 pages

"For years, the Kingdom of Araluen has prospered, with the evil Lord Morgarath safely imprisoned by impassable mountains. For years, its people have felt secure. But the scheming hand of the dark lord has not been idle...

On special mission for the Rangers, Will and his friend Horace, an apprentice knight, travel to a neighboring village and discover the unsettling truth: All the villagers have been either slain or captured. But for what purpose? Could it be that Morgarath has finally devised a plan to bring his legions over the supposedly insurmountable pass? If so, the King's army is in imminent danger of being crushed in a fierce ambush.

And Will and Horace are the only ones who can help them." -Book Jacket

**SPOILER ALERT**

Just as fun as the first book...and just as hard to put down. My favorite parts: Gilan training Horace with the short swords, Will's decision to stay on the wrong side of the burning bridge, Evanlyn's courage, Horace's duel with Morgarath, Halt's orneriness after Will leaves - including throwing people into moats, Halt's battle strategies, Halt's love for Will and his determination to find him (even though what he says might very well be a super cheesy line borrowed from The Last of the Mohicans). Still, Halt just might be my favorite.

I can't believe that this author publishes two, sometimes three, books in this series every year.

Ranger's Apprentice The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan, 249 pages

"It was ten minutes before they heard the screaming. It was an unearthly sound that twisted the stomach into knots of fear and turned the blood cold. Involuntarily, the Baron and Sir Rodney reined in as they heard it. Their horses plunged wildly against the reins. It came from straight ahead of them and rose and fell, until the air quaked with the horror of it.
'Good God in heaven!' the Baron exclaimed. 'What is that?'
'It's the Kalkara,' Will said. 'They're hunting.'" -Back Cover

This series has been on my radar (and on my Amazon wish list) for probably two years now. I didn't want to start it because there are nine books so far, but I was in need of a new book to read, it got really good reviews, and the price was right for book 1 a few weeks ago...and books 2, 3, and 4 since. (I love buying used hardcover books on Amazon.)

I was hooked after the first chapter and for the first time in two weeks was grateful that I had a sick kid at home and an excuse to stay home and read for a large portion of the day. This book is really well written. It's a great story that can entertain and appeal to a variety of age groups. All of the characters seem to come to life and make you care about them right away. I can't wait to see how they develop over the series. Halt is mysterious in the same way Aragorn is in Lord of the Rings, my all-time favorite fantasy series. The author uses just the right amount of description, not a million adjectives, which is my biggest pet peeve with the Eragon series. And chapter 22 is fantastic!

Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer, 290 pages

"Fletcher Moon has never been like other kids. For one thing, he has had to suffer the humiliating nickname "Half Moon" because of his short stature. But the real reason Fletcher is different is that ever since he was a baby, he's had a nose for sniffing out mysteries. And let's just say, it's not a skill that has been appreciated by many people, including his own family.

That doesn't bother Fletcher, though. After graduating at the top of his Internet class, he is officially certified as the youngest detective in the world. He even has a silver-plated detective's badge to prove it. Everything is going along fine until two things happen: a classmate hires him to solve a crime, and his prized badge is stolen. All signs point to the town's most notorious crime family, the Sharkeys.

As Fletcher follows the clues, evidence of a conspiracy begins to emerge. But before he can crack the case, Fletcher finds himself framed for a serious crime. To clear his name, he will have to pair up with the unlikeliest of allies and go on the run from authorities. Fletcher has twelve hours to find the guilty party - or he is the guilty party." -Jacket

I picked this one up from the thrift store, being a fan of the Artemis Fowl series and wanting to see what other kinds of books Eoin Colfer writes. As an adult I thought this one was a little more juvenile than Fowl. It started out a little slow but picked up towards the middle. It's full of some great one-liners which I think is the best part of Colfer books for adults. My favorite character was Red Sharkey. His family is dealing with the loss of their mother and his father and sister have embraced a life of petty crime. Red is trying to do, and be, better. He goes to school and reads books. (I love that he denies getting a library card and is called out for checking Black Beauty out five times in one month.) I also love the fact that he has a talent that isn't revealed until the end. I think it's good to know before you begin that this story takes place in Ireland, which makes sense seeing as how Eoin Colfer is Irish!

I think this book is probably great for the audience it's intended for: 8-12 year-olds. My daughter gave the first Artemis Fowl book a try and didn't like it - I think because she couldn't understand parts of it - but I think she would really like this one. The girls' club is particularly entertaining. Their club meeting was hilarious. Colfer left the ending open for a sequel which I think, based on how the book ended, would be even better than the first.

Heat Wave by Richard Castle, 196 pages

"A New York real estate tycoon plunges to his death on a Manhattan sidewalk. A trophy wife with a past survives a narrow escape from a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with no shortage of reasons to kill trot out their alibis. And then, in the suffocating grip of a record heat wave, comes another shocking murder and a sharp turn in a tense journey into the dirty little secrets of the wealthy. Secrets that prove to be fatal. Secrets that lay hidden in the dark until one NYPD detective shines a light.

Mystery sensation Richard Castle, blockbuster author of the wildly bestselling Derrick Storm novels, introduces his newest character, NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat. Tough, sexy, professional, Nikki Heat carries a passion for justice as she leads one of New York City's top homicide squads. She's hit with an unexpected challenge when the commissioner assigns superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook to ride along with her to research an article on New York's Finest. Pulitzer Prize-winner Rook is as much a handful as he is handsome. His wise-cracking and meddling aren't her only problems. As she works to unravel the secrets of the murdered real estate tycoon, she must also confront the spark between them. The one called heat." -Book Jacket

First of all, I just have to say that I thought this was such a cool idea when I heard about it - publishing an actual book that comes from a TV show. I love that Richard Castle's bio on the book jacket is his bio from the show. I love that real authors praise Richard Castle's latest novel. Castle is one of my favorites on TV right now. It's an hour of fun. Nathan Fillion is perfect and his one-liners and facial expressions keep me thoroughly entertained. This book is like reading an episode of Castle instead of watching one, which makes it just a little less enjoyable, but not much. It's got witty banter and a decent story. I think I'll keep my eye out for the sequel.

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs, 366 pages

"Once a week, an eclectic group of women comes together at a New York City yarn shop to work on their latest projects - and share the stories of their lives...

At the center of Walker and Daughter is the shop's owner, Georgia, who is overwhelmed with juggling the store and single-handedly raising her teenage daughter. Happy to escape the demands of her life, she looks forward to her Friday Night Knitting Club, where she and her friends - Anita, Peri, Darwin, Lucie, and K.C. - exchange knitting tips, jokes, and their deepest secrets. But when the man who once broke Georgia's heart suddenly shows up, demanding a role in their daughter's life, her world is shattered.

Luckily Georgia's friends are there for encouragement, sharing their own tales of intimacy, heartbreak, and miracle making. And when the unthinkable happens, these women will discover that what they've created isn't just a knitting club: it's a sisterhood." -Back Cover

This book is full of memorable and enjoyable characters. Georgia is powerful, independent, and vulnerable. I'd love to have Dakota cook for me. Everyone should be so lucky to have an Anita. Darwin and Lucie are quirky - and sometimes have some foul mouths. K.C. is determined. James is mature. Marty is honorable. I loved how all these unique individuals came together through their love (or fascination) of knitting and/or the people who knit. I think that it often takes a common interest to get women talking, first superficially, and then more deeply about their lives and struggles. I think most of us women (me, at least) try to appear strong and independent while quietly struggling with...whatever. We go about our lives talking on the surface and never really open up our hearts. Or maybe that's just me. The women in this book start out that way but find out that there is amazing strength within themselves and together.

And the "unthinkable" in this book made me cry.

Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke, 212 pages (8 O'Clock Club Book)

"Igraine, who turns twelve tomorrow, dreams of becoming a famous knight. But today, like most days, life at the family castle remains...rather boring.

Until the nefarious nephew of the baroness next door shows up. Greedy Osmund's got a dastardly plan to capture Pimpernel Castle and steal the magic books that belong to Igraine's mom and dad. Complicating matters, on the eve of the siege her parents misspeak a spell and turn themselves into pigs!

Igraine's birthday wish has come true, and the challenge is bigger than she ever bargained for: Can she find the courage to save the day - and the books?" -Cover

I always know I've picked a good book to read when I end for the night and my kids say, "Nooo!! Just a few more pages!" They did that almost every night with this book. It was perfect for them, ages 6-11. We liked the Sorrowful Knight. The book had a good message. The only thing lacking was my attempt at a British accent. Fortunately that only belonged to the Sorrowful Knight and he didn't speak much. Our last couple of books have been fantasies which was probably not the best idea since they were both action-packed. There were many complaints when I told them our next read is The Sign of the Beaver.

Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex, 357 pages

"Artemis has committed his entire fortune to a project he believes will save the planet and its inhabitants, both human and fairy. Can it be true? Has goodness taken hold of the world's greatest teenage criminal mastermind?

Captain Holly Short is unconvinced, and discovers that Artemis is suffering from Atlantis Complex, a psychosis common in guilt-ridden fairies, not humans, and most likely triggered in Artemis by his dabbling in fairy magic. Symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoia, mulitple personality disorder and, in extreme cases, embarrassing professions of love to a certain feisty LEPrecon fairy.

Unfortunately, Atlantis Complex has struck at the worst possible time. A deadly foe from Holly's past is intent on destroying the actual city of Atlantis. Can Artemis escape the confines of his mind - and the grips of a giant squid - in time to save the underwater metropolis and its fairy inhabitants?" -Book Jacket

Sometimes this series doesn't seem to flow very well from one book to the next for me. I wonder how much time has passed between books because the last few have started with some completely random project/event etc. that has nothing to do with the previous story. Once you can accept that then the stories become more enjoyable. Part of the reason I enjoy this series is Artemis's wit and superiority complex. That's missing from this book and I kind of got annoyed by his OCD self. I did laugh at his alter ego Orion and his professions of love, however.

While not my favorite book in this series (and probably not the last either) it was good for a quick read. There were parts that made me laugh and the giant squid was a nice bonus.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, 390 pages

"Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost." -Jacket

**SPOILER ALERT**

Okay, so I had sky high hopes for this book. I'd waited for it for a year - actually had it marked on my calendar. The first two books were some of the best books I've ever read in terms of creativity. They had me captivated. I gave them to my friends and family. I talked about them constantly. So...Mockingjay left me really disappointed. I felt like the author's sole intention in this book was to tell us that war is bad and it leaves everyone broken. Mission accomplished - to the point where it overpowered everything else and got really annoying.

The Katniss in this book is not the Katniss we've come to know and love, the Katniss who is fiery and takes control of her own destiny, who fights for what she believes in. I was waiting for her to do that in this book, even after District 13 turned out to be less than ideal. So they want to use you as a pawn, rise up and become a leader and do it your own way! Don't hide in the closet or go to the hospital time after time after time. (That hospital bit was really overused.) It's obvious that Katniss has post-traumatic stress disorder (in her defense, who wouldn't experiencing all that by the age of 17?) but I kept waiting for her to snap out of it, to be the Katniss who defies the Capitol and District 13.

I waited a year to find out what would happen between Peeta, Gale and Katniss. Who would she choose? I liked them both. The romance was pitiful at best in this book. Peeta is so broken that I'm not sure he ever fully recovers. I hated how Gale became so hardened and full of anger that he creates weapons. I thought the relationship between him and Katniss was just plain lazy for two characters who have been so close for several years. No one had any passion. No one seemed to care enough about anything. Gale wants to destroy. Peeta wants to kill. Katniss just floats along.

And what was up with Katniss and Haymitch voting "yes" for another hunger games? I mean, come on. Were they really that messed up? I thought killing Finnick was completely unnecessary. I thought the ending was rushed and we, as readers, didn't get nearly enough post-war pages to read. There was no happy reunion. There was no spark between Peeta and Katniss. I thought the last few sentences of the book were rather clever, but mostly I'm just left feeling frustrated.

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, 357 pages

protect the diamonds

survive the clubs

dig deep through the spades

feel the hearts

"Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.
That's when the first ace arrives in the mail.
That's when Ed becomes the messenger.
Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who's behind Ed's mission?" -Back Cover

I decided to read this book because I read The Book Thief by the same author and it quickly became one of my favorites. It was such a moving, beautifully-written book narrated by Death. It made me cry.

I didn't think that this one was nearly as good. I liked the idea of it, although, like Ed, I wondered who was behind the aces. It felt awfully far-fetched to think that someone real could possibly know all those things about all those people in the town and know exactly where and when to send Ed. The ending tried to explain that, but I wasn't particularly crazy about the ending. I did, however, like the message of the book which was this: Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of. Ed certainly made more of himself (which wasn't that hard to do considering he wasn't going anywhere) by the end of the story and I think all of us can live better and do better.

There is quite a bit of language in this book. I think (maybe) that Ed's upbringing, the place he lived, the life he led explained that. But, I always hate to sound like I'm justifying bad language. I wound up crossing out a lot of words as I read. So, for that reason, I'd give this one mixed reviews. It was just okay for me. Loved the idea, but think it could have been done better.

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull, 416 pages

"Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, where the confections are a bit on the . . . unusual side. Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise. Four young friends--Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon--meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies.

In addition, the ice cream truck driver, Mr. Stott, has arrived with a few enchanted sweets of his own. But what about the mysterious man in the dark overcoat and fedora hat? Why are all these "magicians" trying to recruit Nate and his friends? Who should they trust?

The mystery deepens and the danger unfolds as the four youngsters discover that the magical strangers have all come to town in search of a legendary, hidden treasure--one that could be used for great evil if it fell into the wrong hands. The kids, now in over their heads, must try to retrieve the treasure first. And so, the war begins . . ." -Amazon

The kids and I finished this a few months ago, I just kept forgetting to write about it. My older two liked this book. I think it was a bit hard for my youngest to understand. We all had to pay attention to the time traveling at the end. I thought it was good, not necessarily one of my favorites, and not nearly as good as the Fablehaven series. I haven't picked our next book yet because we've been busy moving across the country, but I think our next book will be one about real life. My kids are starting to think that the only good books are the ones that contain magical creatures and characters. 

The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad, 288 pages

"This mesmerizing portrait of a proud man who, through three decades and successive repressive regimes, heroically braved persecution to bring books to the people of Kabul has elicited extraordinary praise throughout the world and become a phenomenal international bestseller." -Back Cover

The author, a journalist, lives with Sultan Khan and his family for three months. She lives as a traditional Afghan woman would, yet is allowed to follow the men and observe things that other Afghan women would not be able to. She writes that there were times when Sultan made her so angry she wanted to hit him. I felt that same way.

I admire Sultan for his love of books and his desire to see Afghanistan return to the arts and culture it once enjoyed before the Russians invaded and before the Taliban. He goes to great lengths to protect his books, even spending time in jail. He is a successful businessman and provides better for his family than most. However, as forward-thinking as he is in some ways, Sultan is also steeped in tradition and adheres to the idea that he is king in his family and household. His word is law. No one dares contradict him or argue with him and as a result several of his family members lead oppressed lives, with crushed dreams and hopes, particularly his youngest sister Leila. Her story was heartbreaking.

The chapter titled "Suicide and Song" was all about the heartache and anger of women. They are forced to marry whomever their family chooses for them. Most of them are denied an education. They must put aside all feelings and opinions. They are to be seen not heard, and often times not even seen. They rebel through their poetry and song.

This book was also a good look at the Taliban. The religious restrictions they imposed upon the people were stifling. To read about how life is now (or at least how it was in 2002) versus how it was when they had a king and music, dance, and culture reigned is depressing. You feel like these people have lost all hope and merely exist from day to day. They are steeped in the traditions of their fathers, most of which are not good. It makes you grateful to be a woman in America, yet wishing there was something you could do to help the women of Afghanistan.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer, 619 pages

"Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for those invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there is one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love." -Jacket

I had decided when this book came out that I wouldn't read it until I was done with the Twilight series. I wasn't sure if I would like it as much as I liked Twilight. Twilight is a guilty pleasure for me. This book is not. This book is written for adults and I think I like it better. Some of the reviews I'd read said that the beginning was boring and that the book was too long. I didn't find that to be the case. I was sucked in from the beginning and couldn't put it down. The dilemma for me: how was the story going to resolve itself in a way that benefited both Melanie and Wanderer? I wanted Melanie to get her body back, but not at the expense of Wanderer.

Wanderer, later called Wanda, is a gentle soul. She is kind, compassionate and gentle. She makes it hard to hate her and her alien race. The human complexities that arise when Wanderer makes it to where the humans are hiding had me captivated. Ian falls in love with Wanderer and Jared is still in love with Melanie. It makes for an interesting situation. Jeb is a fantastic character. He is wise, discerning, and knows how to keep crazy situations under control.

I really, really liked this book. I was so happy with its conclusion. I thought it was well-written, engaging, hard to put down, and thought-provoking. It's a story about the power of love and the beauty of being human. 

Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, 391 pages

"After disappearing for three years, Artemis Fowl has returned to a life different from the one he had. Now he's a big brother, and spends his days teaching his twin siblings the important things in life, such as how to properly summon a waiter at a French restaurant.

But when Artemis's mother contracts a life-threatening illness, his world is turned upside down. The only hope for a cure lies in the brain fluid of the silky sifaka lemur. Unfortunately, the animal is extinct, due to a heartless bargain Artemis himself made as a younger boy.

Though the odds are stacked against him, Artemis is not willing to give up. With the help of his fairy friends, the young genius travels back in time to rescue the lemur and bring it to the present. But to do so, Artemis will have to defeat a maniacal poacher who has set his sights on new prey: Holly Short.

The rules of time travel are far from simple, but to save his mother, Artemis will have to break them all...and outsmart his most cunning adversary yet: Artemis Fowl, age 10."

The Time Paradox got Artemis Fowl back on track for me after The Lost Colony. The story was more believable, even though the whole premise of the books is fairy tale. I loved that he had to go up against his younger self and finds out he doesn't really like him! The time travel was a bit complicated to explain/understand but I thought the story was better this time around. I'm looking forward to #7.

Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony, 385 pages

"Thousands of years ago, fairies and humans fought a great battle for the magical island of Ireland. When it became clear that they could not win, all of the fairies moved belowground - except for the 8th family, the demons. Rather than surrender, the yused a magical time spell to take their colony out of time and into Limbo. There they have lived for decades, preparing to exact their violent revenge on humans.

Now the time spell is unraveling, and demons are beginning to materialize without warning on Earth. If humans were to find out about them, all fairies would be exposed. To protect themselves, the fairies must predict when the next demon will materialize. But in order to do so, they will have to decipher temporal equations so complicated, even a great brain like Foaly can't understand them. But he knows someone who can: Artemis Fowl.

So when a very confused demon imp appears in a Sicilian theater, Artemis is there to meet him. But he is not alone. There is someone else who has unlocked the secrets of the fairy world and managed to solve complex mathematical problems as only a genius could. And she is just twelve years old..."

I thought this storyline was a bit out there, more so than the other books. The other stories have kind of built upon each other and made sense, but this one starts off with Artemis waiting for the demon to materialize and you have no idea how he's figured that out or why he's doing it. As far as I can remember, there's never been any mention of the 8th family before. Still, once you get into it it's a fun story. Holly and Artemis team up yet again and have to save themselves from an amusement park filled with trolls.

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer, 352 pages

**SPOILER ALERT**

This book is packed away in one of the 15 boxes it took to pack up my library so I can't write the book description. Basically, Opal clones herself and leaves her clone in the mental institution while she breaks out. She exacts her revenge on Root, frames Holly and Foaly, has plastic surgery on her ears and a pituitary gland added to make herself more human, goes after Artemis, and tries to destroy The People by exposing them to the world. Artemis is back to his old criminal ways having lost his memories after the mind wipe, but he left a trigger with Mulch Diggums who escapes from his prison transport in Diggums style. Holly, Artemis, Butler and Mulch have to save The People, exonerate Holly, and expose Opal. Another great Artemis Fowl book. 5 and 6 are sitting next to my bed but I can't read them until my 32-hour drive across the country. I'm moving to Utah.

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Cody by Eoin Colfer, 309 pages

"After being held prisoner for years, Artemis Fowl's father has finally come home. He is a new man - an honest man, much to Artemis's horror. He makes his son promise to give up his life of crime, and Artemis has to go along with it. But not until he has completed one last scheme.
Artemis has constructed a super-computer from stolen fairy technology. Called the 'C Cube,' it will render all existing human technology obsolete. He arranges a meeting with a powerful Chicago businessman, Jon Spiro, to broker a deal for the C Cube. But Spiro springs a trap - he steals the C Cube and mortally injures Butler. Artemis knows his only hope of saving his loyal bodyguard is to employ fairy magic; so once again he must contact his old rival, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon fairy police. It is going to take a miracle to save Butler, and Artemis's luck may have just run out..." -Jacket

**SPOILER ALERT**

Okay, first of all I was really worried about Butler and hoped he wouldn't die after I read the jacket description of this book. I'm glad that he didn't, but I didn't like how the healing process went for him in this book at first. After thinking about it, however, I thought it was appropriate and a good lesson for Artemis to learn - that sometimes your actions have consequences that can't be undone and you have to live with them.

I have to say it again that Mulch Diggums cracks me up. He is the perfect comic relief in every book. In this one he's Mo Digence, working on commission for the Chicago mob. He's hired to break into, and kidnap Artemis in order to break the Eternity Code so Spiro can use the C Cube. Mulch warns Artemis and a plan is formulated to steal the cube back. Holly agrees to help in exchange for Artemis having his memory wiped.

I like that over the course of these first three books the main characters have started to develop friendships and loyalties to one another. Artemis is becoming more human instead of just ruthless. Like the others, this one is a lot of fun and had me laughing.

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer, 277 pages

"At the start of his second adventure, Artemis is at boarding school in Ireland when he receives an urgent video e-mail from Russia. In it is a plea from a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya - a man Artemis had thought he would never see again: his beloved father. As Artemis rushes to his rescue, he is stopped by a familiar nemesis, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon fairy police. But this time, instead of battling the fairies, he is going to have to join forces with them if he wants to save one of the few people in the world he loves." -Jacket

This book, more so than the first one, reminded me of the wit and humor of Percy Jackson, something I loved about that series. Mulch Diggums steals the show for me in this one. (Why does passing gas continue to be funny even when you're an adult?!) Artemis shows a little more heart in this book than in the first one and I have no doubt he will quickly become a hero from here on out. Books 3 and 4 are on their way!

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, 277 pages

"Stay back, Human.

You don't know what you're dealing with."

-Back Cover

This was a fun, quick read with fabulous characters. I love that Artemis is 12 and schemes the way he does. I like that he doesn't start out as a good guy and only starts to have a few pangs of remorse and decency towards the end of this book. But, my favorite part of this book might have been the farting dwarf. Let's just say that one of my daughters has farts that are almost as powerful! 

I'm interested to see what happens in book 2 because of the epilogue of this book. I hope Captain Short and Root will make another appearance. 

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, 406 pages

"This only novel by a young and sheltered Victorian clergyman's daughter introduces two of the world's imperishable lovers. The tender attachment of Heathcliff to young Cathy grows into a savage and devouring passion, destroying one generation and nearly wrecking a second." -Back Cover

I read Wuthering Heights in high school and hated it. I figured that I would give it another try and see if 20 years of maturity would change my opinion. I think it did. I can now understand the obsessive, intense, and destructive nature of Heathcliff and Cathy's love, whereas as a teenager I felt like all love stories should end with "and they lived happily ever after." This one is pretty much "not happily ever after" from start to finish.

This time around I could feel sorry for both Heathcliff and Cathy. I found myself thinking, "If only he had stayed two minutes longer to hear what she said after 'it would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now.'" Minutes later she says those classic words, "If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger."

I pretty much felt sorry for all the characters in this book. It's a tragic love story with all the characters falling victim to that love - Hindley, Hareton, young Cathy, Edgar, Isabella, even Ellen Dean. Heathcliff and Cathy could not let go and forgive and forget. They had to continually punish each other and those around them regardless of the consequences.

I loved that the story was told from Ellen's point of view with a mixture of past and present. I loved how the story ended and now, as a 30-something adult, I can recommend this book as the classic that it is.

The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie, 161 pages

"In The Murder at the Vicarage Miss Marple bends her sharp powers of detection to solving a nasty murder in the quiet village of St. Mary Mead. Seven people wanted Colonel Protheroe dead, but who was desperate enough to shoot him in the vicar's study?" -Jacket

I haven't read an Agatha Christie book in years so I can't remember if her stories are usually told from the main character's/detective's point of view or not. This one is told from the vicar's point of view. Miss Marple solves the case, but is only the in the story briefly. I'm not sure if that helped or hurt the story because you didn't really get to know her line of reasoning. Still, she is a funny character and I could picture her watching people and making deductions about them.

It was a fun, quick read and I always love a good mystery. I think I've only read Christie mysteries with Hercule Poirot as the detective so now that I've found a collection of five of her detectives all in one book at the used bookstore I'll have to get acquainted with her other sleuths.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Take 2

I just had to read it again.

It was even better the second time.

There are a lot of characters in this book and I wanted to make sure that I really knew each one. I wanted to catch any little details I had missed the first time. There were several that made me laugh out loud.
There are so many things I love about this book:

1. Letter-Writing
Letter-writing is a lost art in this world of Twitter, Facebook, blogs, email, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I wrote a letter - let alone one by hand - or bought a stamp. I figure my relatives and friends see what I'm up to through my blog. I communicate through comments. This book made me somewhat nostalgic for the days before all that modern technology. I also loved how the author threw in cables and telegrams when the characters needed to convey something urgent.

2. Literature
Reading and the love of books play a major role in this story. (Obviously, since it's about a literary society.) I've said it before and I'll say it again: Books are magical. They have the power to transport you away to new worlds, new ideas, and away from your troubles. Books brought these characters together and gave them an escape from a grim reality. After reading this book I'll be re-reading Wuthering Heights, Agatha Christie, and discovering Charles Lamb.

3. The Human Spirit
The human spirit is a powerful thing. So are characters who display it. The second time through I learned so much more about Dawsey and his quiet strength. And I still wish I could be more like Elizabeth.

4. Well-Written Characters
The characters in this book are so, so endearing. They are brought to life brilliantly - and so full of life. A well-written character stays with you. You learn from them. You are inspired by them. I've decided to add Guernsey to my list of places I want to visit someday.

And now I'm off to see if my collection of Agatha Christie includes any Miss Marple...

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, 274 pages

"January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she'd never met, a native of Guernsey, the British island once occupied by the Nazis. He'd come across her name on the flyleaf of a secondhand volume by Charles Lamb. Perhaps she could tell him where he might find more books by this author.

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, she is drawn into the world of this man and his friends, all members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a unique book club formed in a unique, spur-of-the-moment way: as an alibi to protect its members from arrest by the Germans.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the Society's charming, deeply human members, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all. Through their letters she learns about their island, their taste in books, and the powerful, transformative impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by her stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds there will change her forever." -Jacket

READ THIS BOOK.

Read this book and if you don't absolutely love it, then you are absolutely insane.

This book is written as letters sent back and forth between its characters, Juliet being the main one. Every single character is so delightfully wonderful. Their letters make me wish we would all stop texting and start writing again. I found myself wishing they were real people and that I could meet them. I would be perfectly content (like Juliet) to spend the rest of my life in a place like Guernsey, with people like Amelia, Dawsey, Eben, Isola, Sidney and even high and mighty Adelaide Addison. And we can all learn a thing or two from Elizabeth.

I'm going to read this one again. One of my favorite lines was on page 32: "...so far my only thought is that reading keeps you from going gaga."

I couldn't agree more.

Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull, 588 pages

"After many centuries of plotting, the Sphinx - leader of the Society of the Evening Star - is after the final artifacts needed to open the great demon prison, Zzyxx. If the legendary prison is opened, a tide of evil is certain to usurp control of the world.

In an effort to intercept the final artifacts, Kendra, Seth and the Knights of the Dawn race to strange and exotic preserves across the globe. The stakes have never been higher. The risks have never been more deadly." -Book Jacket

I really couldn't have asked for more from this fifth and final book in the Fablehaven series. It was jam-packed with adventure from start to finish. There were unexpected twists and turns, fabulous new characters, great bad buys, budding romance, and epic battles. I loved the final battle - the mental images were awesome. Newel and Doren stole the show for me when they negotiation a flat-screen TV and then fight to save Frito Lay and Hostess. Their comic relief was perfectly timed.

I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Graulas and Seth when Seth goes back to keep his promise. For me, it was a perfect example of the devil, a lesson that a snake will always be a snake. From that experience I think Seth finally learned that every choice has a consequence - some hard to live with - and while we can't go back and change what we've done we can learn from it and try to make amends. I'd already had a soft spot for Seth but I really loved him after that.

Fablehaven is definitely one of my all-time favorite fantasy series.

Promise Me by Harlan Coben, 325 pages

"It has been six years since entertainment agent Myron Bolitar last played superhero. In six years he hasn't thrown a punch. He hasn't held, much less fired, a gun. He hasn't called his friend Win, still the scariest man he knows, to back up or get him out of trouble.

All that is about to change...because of a promise.

The school year is almost over. Anxious families await word of college acceptances. In these last pressure-cooker months of high school, some kids will make the all-too-common and all-too-dangerous mistake of drinking and driving. But Myron is determined to help keep his friends' children safe, so he makes two neighborhood girls promise him: If they are ever in a bind but are afraid to call their parents, they must call him. Several nights later, the call comes at 2:00 a.m., and true to his word, Myron picks up one of the girls in midtown Manhattan and drives her to a quiet cul-de-sac in New Jersey where she says her friend lives.

The next day, the girl's parents discover that their daughter is missing. And that Myron was the last person to see her. Desperate to fulfill a well-intentioned promise turned nightmarishly wrong, Myron races to find her before she's gone forever. But his past will not be buried so easily - for trouble has always stalked him, and his loved ones often suffer. Now Myron must decide once and for all who he is and what he will stand up for if he is to have any hope of saving a young girl's life." -Book Jacket

I picked this book up at a used bookstore and needed something to read this week while I wait for the 5th Fablehaven so I chose this one.

The thing I like about Harlan Coben is that his characters are real people. They could live next door to you. They just happen to find themselves in complicated, usually dangerous, yet not totally unbelievable circumstances. Promise Me is a book about parents who are too competitive, want too much for their children, and go to any lengths to ensure their success. There were a lot of fun characters in this book. My favorite was Myron's friend Win, a rich, pompous man who dreams of being Bruce Wayne and pays enough money to be trained like him. He cracked me up - and he had mad martial art skills! Big Cyndi is equally lovable with her skin tight white lycra outfit. The mental picture the author painted was hilarious. I thought the friendships in this book were well-written. (There was a little language.) Little did I know that this is book 8 in the Myron Bolitar series so I'll definitely be checking on books 1-7.  

Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull, 527 pages

"Two hidden artifacts have been found. Three more remain unrecovered. More preserves face destruction as the Society of the Evening Star relentlessly pursues new talismans. Reading in Patton's Journal of Secrets, Kendra learns the location of the key to a vault housing one of the artifacts. In order to retrieve it, the Knights of the Dawn must enter a death trap - a dragon sanctuary called Wyrmroost. The mission cannot proceed without stealing a sacred object zealously guarded by the centaurs. Anybody seen Seth?" -Book Jacket

Fablehaven is series that gets better and better with each book. Seth has grown up a lot over the course of four books. He is still reckless at times, but it seems to be more of a calculated recklessness. He seems to weigh his decisions more now rather than just charging full speed ahead. I try not to write too many spoilers so I'll just say that I loved the knapsack, I was saddened (and suprised) by the betrayal - although it was a great twist, I loved that Kendra and Seth discovered new powers when they held hands, I think that they will have to unite to defeat the Sphinx and I can't wait to read the last book.

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, 173 pages

"Evan Treski is people-smart. He is good at talking to people, even grown-ups. His younger sister, Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart - but not especially good at understanding people. She knows that feelings are her weakest subject. So when their lemonade war begins, there is no telling who will win - or if their fight will ever end." -Back Cover

The lemonade war begins when Jessie finds out she gets to skip a grade and will be in Evan's fourth grade class in the coming school year. Evan, of course, doesn't like that. In a frustrated moment he yells at Jessie and it leads to "war".

The girls really liked this book. Each chapter begins with a business term and definition. The lemonade war is entertaining, but what I liked most about it is that by the end Jessie and Evan can't really remember why they're fighting, they don't want to stay mad, they want things to go back to the way they were, but they're both too stubborn to admit it...until the end. I thought this book had a great message for siblings and was a good read for my girls who are often best friends, but who, on occasion, declare war on each other.

Fablehaven Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull, 477 pages

"Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.

In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice - but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure - but can she be trusted?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven?" -Book Jacket

Someday I'll get back to reading a more diverse selection of books, but for now childrens' fantasies are providing a great escape from my stressful real life! I didn't like this one as well as the second book, but that said, I still really liked it. The thing I liked so much about the second book was that Kendra and Seth didn't know who were their friends and who were their enemies, and it had a great ending. This book declared more of the bad guys but still left you guessing about Vanessa. This book introduced a few new characters, one a dragon tamer. His relationship with Kendra will be interesting. I like how Kendra and Seth continue to learn more about their gifts and abilities. This book had me worried about a few of the main characters for awhile and I'm wishing I had already ordered the 4th one.

Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull, 431 pages

"At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother, Seth, find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists - a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper - to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble? Can they overcome paralyzing fear?" -Jacket


I was told that each book in this series gets better than the one before and so far I'd have to agree. I enjoyed the first book, but this book was definitely better. (I neglected a few loads of laundry to read today.) I like the discovery process that occurs with Kendra as a result of her encounter with the fairies in the last book. It will be interesting to see how her powers develop over the course of the series. I enjoyed spending the majority of the book trying to figure who the traitor is. There are twists and turns throughout and the ending was fantastic. I love what Seth does in this book. He seems to have grown up some, while still maintaining the sometimes reckless bravery that makes him so lovable.   

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, 351 pages

"For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite...

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most." -Jacket

I had so much fun reading the Percy Jackson series with my oldest daughter that I wanted to find another fantasy series for us to read. Fablehaven came recommended to me by one of my piano students. The first book was a lot of fun. (I laughed out loud when Kendra and Seth had to milk the gigantic cow.) I'm told that the other books in this series are much better than the first which means that I can't wait for the second to arrive in the mail because I enjoyed the first.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 136 pages

"Blessed with enormous talent and the energy and ambition to go with them, Franklin was a statesman, author, inventor, printer, and scientist. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and later was involved in negotiating the peace treaty with Britain that ended the Revolutionary War. He also invented bifocals, a stove that is still manufactured, a water-harmonica, and the lightning rod.

Franklin's extraordinary range of interests and accomplishments are brilliantly recorded in his Autobiography, considered one of the classics of the genre. Covering his life up to his prewar stay in London as representative of the Pennsylvania Assembly, this charming self-portrait recalls Franklin's boyhood, his determination to achieve high moral standards, his work as a printer, his experiments with electricity, his political career, his experiences during the French and Indian War, and more. Related in an honest, open, unaffected style, this highly readable account offers a wonderfully intimate glimpse of the Founding Father sometimes called 'the wisest American.'" -Back Cover

Though short, this book was not necessarily a quick read. There was a lot of information, names, and places to keep track of.

Here are the things that made an impression on me as I read:

• Benjamin Franklin put a great importance on books and reading. (I felt like we had a few things in common in this area.)
• He was very good at self-evaluation and seemed to work constantly at improving himself.
• If he saw a need either for himself or his fellow man, he tried to fill it - the Junto club, the Franklin stove, the first public library, even street sweeping.
• He was honest and hard-working and because of that he was well-respected.
• He understood people.
• He learned from experience.

I thought it was interesting that he makes no mention of his married life. There's no talk of having kids, nor anything said about his relationship with his wife.

I really enjoyed this book. I wish he would have written more.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3-5 by Rick Riordan, 1054 pages

My oldest daughter and I have been competing for these books ever since I got them for Christmas. We've had an agreement that she gets to read them when she's home and I can read them when she's at school and/or asleep. The other day, however, she hid The Last Olympian.

I almost drove to the school to question her about its whereabouts until I found it underneath her pillow.

(She claims she always keeps it underneath her pillow.)

Needless to say, these books are great fun. I'm kind of sad it's over. Jenna and I both agree that we might like them better than Harry Potter. At times I felt like the author was trying to cram as much Greek mythology as he possibly could into each book and sometimes it felt like too much. It did make me want to learn more, however.

The chapter titles and one-liners were my favorite and had me laughing out loud. The ending was what I hoped it would be. The characters were completely endearing.

I can't wait to go on a mother/daughter date to see the movie.

Once Upon a Day by Lisa Tucker, 342 pages

"Nineteen years ago, a famous filmmaker disappeared from Los Angeles, taking his two children, Dorothea and Jimmy, to a desolate corner of New Mexico. There he raised them in complete isolation without television, computer, radio - not even a newspaper. Now, at twenty-three, Dorothea leaves in search of her missing brother - and ventures into the outside world for the first time. Her search becomes an odyssey of discovery when Dorothea meets Stephen Spaulding, a cab driver dealing with his own mysterious history. With him as her guide, Dorothea uncovers the truth of her family's past and the terrifying day that changed her father forever. Together, they have a chance to discover that although a heart can be broken by the tragic events of a day, a day can also bring a new chance at love and a deeper understanding of life's infinite possibilities." -Back Cover

**SPOILER ALERT**

This book reminded me of The Lovely Bones, which, coincidentally, is referenced in this book though not by name. I've never had anything really tragic happen in my life, but it seems to me that tragedy builds you or it breaks you, but it never leaves you the same. I find that I am so sympathetic towards Charles Keenan, the father, especially after learning about his own father. With all the mistakes he made he was a good father. He loves Lucy, passionately and obsessively, and he loves his children deeply. Lucy is so brave on that fateful day, but Charles is just unable to deal with what happened to her He feels guilty. He feels angry. He feels helpless. He feels probably exactly how I would feel if I were in his position. Then you get this potent combination of repression and suffocation and as a result two people who truly loved each other grow apart, both unable to cope - or coping in destructive ways. It was really hard to "watch"!

Charles takes the children away after pleading with Lucy to give up her acting career and spend more time with her children as she, in turn, spirals into drug addiction. The way he raises his children over the course of nineteen years is complicated. I really believe that what he does he does out of love.

I like Dorothea's innocence and her curiosity about the world when she finally leaves home and Stephen Spaulding is probably the perfect character for her to meet. I also like how the author takes you back and forth in time, giving you bits and pieces of the back story until you know the whole story. I don't like how many times she uses the "F" word. (I finally had to get a ballpoint pen and scribble them out.)

Basically, my feelings about this book are that it's heartbreaking that one day caused so much tragedy and heartache. The story ends with forgiveness. I'm left feeling exactly like I did in The Lovely Bones - so sad for these people's past and yet so hopeful for their future.

2009 Book Total

12,216 pages

35 books

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, 80 pages

"The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie and steal and smoke cigars (even the girls). They talk dirty, hit little kids, cuss their teachers, set fire to Fred Shoemaker's old broken-down toolhouse, and take the name of the Lord in vain. Still, no one is prepared when the Herdmans invade church one Sunday - and decide to take over the annual Christmas pageant.

None of them has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation - the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good beating - has a lot of people up in arms. But the actual pageant is full of surprises for everyone, starting with the Herdmans themselves." -Back Cover

My girls loved this book. They couldn't believe how bad the Herdmans were. When we finished the book we watched the old movie starring Loretta Switt. It was cute and followed the book but didn't really do the book justice. When do the movies ever do the books justice? Still, it was nice for the girls to see what we had read and hopefully they understood what had happened by the end. The ham gets me every time.