In November, I read mostly children's books. I didn't plan it that way, but it might have something to do with this bookish YouTube channel that I enjoy watching. She was doing a children's literature month in November, so that might have accidentally influenced me. :) As always, click on the title to read my full review.
One + One = Blue, by M.J. Auch. This one wasn't what I was expecting. I picked it up because the main characters have synesthesia, a condition that I'm really interested in. But the synesthesia aspect wasn't a very big part of the book. Things got a little crazy near the end and went in a direction I didn't expect, and overall I was just disappointed.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling. Obviously this was a reread, but the new illustrated edition totally warrants a reread. This book is so, so gorgeous. The illustrations are perfect and my only complaint is that there aren't quite enough of them! :)
The Secret of Platform 13, by Eva Ibbotson. Why is this book not a famous classic that every kid reads? I want every children's book to be like this one: charming and funny and addicting. (And British. What is it with the British and their weird ability to write children's books better than everyone else?) I couldn't believe that this book was just published in the 90s...it has such a classic, timeless feel. It reminded me of Roald Dahl with a bit of Narnia and Harry Potter thrown in. So yes, this is a new favorite.
Winter, by Marissa Meyer. The conclusion of the Lunar Chronicles! It didn't blow me away, but it was everything I could have wanted in the last book. Winter was a great character (slightly unhinged, but still endearing), and I feel like the fairy tale parallels were especially strong with her story.
The Thief Lord, by Cornelia Funke. I've had a copy of this book for a long time. It was completely different from what I was expecting, but in a good way. Victor was my favorite character, by far. :) The bit of magic at the end threw me off, but it didn't take away from the story. (I watched the film after finishing the book and didn't like it very much. But Mr. Carson was great as Victor, ha!)
The Lost Continent, by Bill Bryson. I always have mixed feelings about Bill Bryson's books. I love reading travel memoirs and he can be so funny, but goodness, he can be such a sarcastic jerk. I start off enjoying his books (this one made me laugh a lot near the beginning), but by the end, I'm sick of his negativity and crudeness. Of the four of his books that I've read so far, this isn't one of my favorites.
The Reptile Room, by Lemony Snicket. Another reread....sometimes it's nice to pick up something that you can read in a couple of hours, and I needed something fun after The Lost Continent! :) I always liked this book because Uncle Monty is a great character (I love the film portrayal of him, too).
I recently listened to Jewels new book on cd. She apparently has synesthesia. I don't remember her calling it anything by name, but she went on to describe how she can see music. You might want to check her book out. I found it very interesting.
ReplyDeleteKimberly
That's really interesting! I don't know much about Jewel, but the "seeing music" aspect of synesthesia is one of the most fascinating forms of it to me. Apparently, artistic people (musicians included) are more likely to have synesthesia.
DeleteThere's a film of The Thief Lord?! Awesome! I read it this year too and really liked it, although hopefully the movie version is better than Inkheart... :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think it came out in 2005 or 2006? It wasn't a super amazing film, but like I said, Victor was great. And the little boy who played Bo was pretty adorable.
DeleteI haven't read or seen Inkheart, though I've heard discouraging things about the film. :)
Oh, it's good to hear your thoughts on 'One+One=Blue'. I was considering reading that because I'm fascinated with synesthesia and want to read something about it... Have you read any other books about it that you'd recommend?
ReplyDeleteSynesthesia is really fascinating, isn't it? I haven't read any other books that incorporate it, though I've heard really good things about the middle grade novel "A Mango-Shaped Space." I'm hoping to read that one soon. You can find some other suggestions on this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/21942.Best_Synesthesia_Books#15793528 .
DeleteOh, thank-you. I have heard of 'A Mango Shaped Space', so I'll be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it!
DeleteI will check out the Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson.I have read her Journey to the River Sea which I really enjoyed.The story is somewhat like A Little Princess.
ReplyDeleteOh, I haven't heard of that one. I'll have to check it out, because I really like A Little Princess. This was my first Eva Ibbotson book, though I also own Island of the Aunts.
DeleteYay! Glad you enjoyed the final novel in the Lunar Chronicles! That's awesome. :) I so anticipate reading those... once I finally get over the intimidation of course. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou need to read them soon! :) It might seem like a big time investment but honestly, they're so addictive that you can fly through them...especially the first two. (And Fairest...I read that one in a day.)
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