Book Review of Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer Audiobook on 5 CDs, read by Nathaniel Parker Listening Library, c2004 $18.48

Artemis Fowl, Jr., is a wealthy evil genius who is bent on getting his hands on fairy gold.  He is the only one alive with the ability to get it - oh and he's 12 years old.
Eoin Colfer describes his book as "Die Hard with fairies."  I heartily agree.  My husband and my son loved all the action and cool gadgets in this story.  My daughter and I loved the strength and fire in Holly, the central fairy.  I recommend this book and would encourage you to listen to it on audiobook if possible.  Nathaniel Parker does an amazing job with voices and dialects.  He was really fun to listen to.

Book Review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret By Brian Selznick 526 pages. Scholastic Press, c2007. $12.64

I just finished reading the most wonderful book.  This book recently won the 2008 Caldecott Medal.  It is very unusual and fun.  I borrowed it from the library, but I will be buying it for my personal collection. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is sure to be a classic.  It is a great mix of illustrations and story.  In order to experience this book, you should check out Brian Selznick's Site.  Have fun!

Happy First Birthday Eliza!

Our beautiful niece Eliza celebrated her first birthday on Monday.  She is so wonderful!  It seems like we were waiting and waiting for her to come just yesterday, and now she's been with us for a year.  I love to see babies eating cake.  

The Reading Mother

I came across an old poem today that I really like.  I hope that you guys like it too.

The Reading Mother

Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954)

I had a mother who read to me


Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;

"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me plays


Of ancient and gallant and golden days;

Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,


Which every boy has a right to know.


I had a Mother who read me tales


Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,

True to his trust till his tragic death,

Faithfulness lent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-

Stories that stir with an upward touch.

Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be --


I had a Mother who read to me.
 

 

Book Review of The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth By Ken Follett 973 pages. New American Library, 2007. $14.19

I just finished reading The Pillars of the Earth.  I highly recommend it.  I had planned on reading it over Christmas break and had gotten a copy from the library.  I then discovered to my horror, that Oprah had recommended it.  Somehow, that just taints a book for me.  I tend to avoid Oprah books.  Anyway, my husband got me my own copy for Christmas, not realizing that I had started to read it.  It took me longer to read it than I thought, so I was glad to have my own copy for that reason.
 I am now very happy to have my own copy for another reason.  I know that I will probably read it again and I will be loaning it out.  It is absolutely fantastic.  Now, if you're of the conservative crowd, I must warn you that it is NOT "G" rated.  There are very graphic scenes filled with sex and violence.  This, however, is not like The Kite Runner where you wish you could erase from your mind what you just read.  (As a side note, just don't read The Kite Runner.  Please.)
 I have heard that the sequel to this book is as good as this one, so I will be reading that soon.  Don't let the length of this book intimidate you.  It's worth the effort!!  If you are interested in all sorts of information on this book, you can go to Oprah.com.  Also, Ken Follett will be on Oprah on January 30th.  I'll be watching.