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Monday, June 30th, 2008Review: The Penelopiad
I love mythology in general, and The Odyssey in particular, so I was hoping to love this book. I did. Margaret Atwood’s retelling of the famous myth from Penelope’s point of view is brilliant and quite humorous. As she tells the story from Hades, we get Penelope’s take on her father, Odysseus, Telemachus, and Helen among others. You probably have to know the story of The Odyssey fairly well to really get the full impact, though. If you’re familiar with the original myth, you must read this re-telling.
This was my fourth Atwood, and I’m looking forward to reading even more of her work during the second Canadian Book Challenge.
2005, 198 pp.
Rating: 
Popularity: 20% [?]
Friday, November 16th, 2007Pippi Longstocking
I first read Pippi over 30 years ago, and it has always had a special place in my childhood reading memories. Unfortunately, it really doesn’t hold up when read as an adult, at least for me anyway. I still enjoyed it (rated it a 4), and if I had a daughter, I would love for her to read it. I love how it shows Pippi’s independence and the way she’s mature but childish at the same time. I love her interaction with Tommy, Annika, and Mr. Nilsson. But, it just didn’t live up to my childhood memory of it. I adored this book as a youngster and wanted to adore it again. I liked it very much but didn’t love it. Perhaps some books are best left in our childhood.
1945, 116 pp.
Rating: 4
Popularity: 23% [?]
Sunday, June 3rd, 2007Phantastes by George MacDonald
Phantastes
by George MacDonald
1858, 185 pp.
Rating: 4 3.5
This was one of C.S. Lewis’ favorite books, and it is obvious that Lewis borrowed quite a bit from MacDonald’s ideas. I found several passages that were very similar to passages in Lewis’ books. There is also a lengthy introduction to the book by Lewis that is well worth reading.
This 1850’s fantasy novel involves a man whose grandmothers were descended from the fairies. Because of this, he is granted access to a fairy land where he encounters several strange and wonderful creatures–some benevolent and some malevolent. Both he and the reader learn lessons in his journey through this land and back again to his home world.
“Yet I know that good is coming to me–that good is always coming; though few have at all times the simplicity and the courage to believe it. What we call evil, is the only and best shape, which, for the person and his condition at the time, could be assumed by the best good.”
Although I prefer Lewis’ books to MacDonald’s, I did enjoy this older fantasy tale. Earlier this year I read The Princess and the Goblin by MacDonald and enjoyed it very much. I plan to read the sequel The Princess and Curdie and also another adult tale, Lilith, in 2008.
Popularity: 12% [?]
Sunday, April 15th, 2007The Princess and the Goblin
The Princess and the Goblin
by George MacDonald
1872, 241 pp.
Rating: 4.5
This is a delightful story about eight year old Princess Irene, her great-great-great-great grandmother, and a miner boy named Curdie. Together they fight to foil the goblins’ sinister schemes. Little Irene is a true princess and acts like a little lady, while Curdy is a very brave and heroic boy.
Highly recommended for all ages. I will try to read the sequel, The Princess and Curdie, sometime this year as well. I am also set to read Phantastes by MacDonald for the Fantasy Challenge. I can’t wait to get to this more “adult” fantasy tale. I really enjoyed MacDonald’s writing, and I am not at all surprised that he was an inspiration to both Lewis and Tolkien.
- sage - April 21, 2007
- I’ve read a few of McDonald’s fantasies, but not this one. Thanks for the review
- heidijane - April 22, 2007
- Thanks for the review. Sounds like a book I may need to add to my (ever-growing) wishlist…
Popularity: 14% [?]
Thursday, February 1st, 2007Peace Like a River - Leif Enger
This is a wonderful story about faith and family. The characters are likable and strong, and their faith is even stronger. This family perseveres through tragedy and danger–all the while leaning on God for guidance and direction and each other for hope and comfort. Swede is a hoot! Very well written. Excellent story. Read it!
2001, 311 pp.
Rating: 4.5/5
Also reviewed by Book Club Classics
Popularity: 9% [?]
Thursday, January 4th, 2007Parchment of Leaves & Clay’s Quilt - Silas House
Both completed in September 2006. I enjoyed these books because they gave me insight into the people where I live. The stories take place in central Kentucky. Parchment of Leaves is first chronologically, followed by The Coal Tattoo, and then Clay’s Quilt. I discussed these as part of a book group. It was interesting to hear their perspectives as most of them are from this area, while I am originally from Colorado. Anyone from Kentucky or with roots in Kentucky should read these books. I plan on reading The Coal Tattoo this year or next.
Clay’s Quilt 2001, 292 pp.
Parchment of Leaves 2002, 278 pp.
Rating: 3.5/5 for both
Popularity: 13% [?]
Thursday, January 4th, 2007Plainsong - Kent Haruf
Completed in September 2006. Words cannot describe how I hated this book. I wanted to like it–I really, really did. I guess the only reason I did want to like it was because it is set in northeastern Colorado where I grew up. I cannot imagine my grandparents reading this novel; they would be disgusted with it if they did. Haruf may have lived and taught in the area, but he DOES NOT get the people or community right AT ALL. When I think of the place where I was raised, I think of people similar to the characters in Gilead
Now, I did hear that the Hallmark movie was good. I may actually like it because I suspect they took out the parts I hated. Well, I know this is a scathing review, but it was well-deserved.
1999, 301 pp.
Rating: 0.5 (only because it got published!)
Popularity: 11% [?]