Book Sixty-Three: A Voyage Long and Strange
Finished: December 25th
Pages: 445
While it took me a while to finish this book, it wasn't because I didn't find it fascinating. Tony Horwitz is fast becoming one of my favorite authors, much like his wife. I've already started The Confederates in the Attic, and find it just as well written.
The premise behind A Voyage Long and Strange is rather simple, but much more complicated when you think about the massive amount of research and preparation, not to mention time for travel. Mr. Horwitz begins his book at Plymouth Rock, the mythical birthplace of America, and then spends the rest of the book explaining just how mythical Plymouth really is. This exploration into the birth of America can be, at times, hilarious and often heart warming, while at other times you can't help but wonder at just how depressing the history of our nation really is. Horwitz doesn't seem to do anything by halves, taking up a trip that will cover all the various early explorations of America, from the Vikings to the Spanish to the French. It is a delightful way to look at history, and I must say that I probably would have done much better in history class if we had read this book instead of de Tocqueville.
I like narrative history so much more and can only hope to continue reading books this entertaining in the future.
Good Reading,
Caitlin
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Book Sixty-Two: Peace Like a River
Book Sixty-Two: Peace Like a River
Finished: December 9
Pages: 312
Let's be perfectly honest, I didn't actually finish this book, but I read more than half of it, and I read the last chapter, and that is as much time as I plan on giving.
I'm not sure what it was about the book that makes me so certain that I don't want to give it any more time, but there was definitely something. Maybe it was the mystical, supernatural element, maybe it was the heavy handed Christian allegory, maybe it was the obnoxious precociousness of the narrator's little sister, I can't really make up my mind. But, whatever the reason, I'm done with this book, and I'm actually getting rid of it, so whichever sin it was, it was an unforgivable one.
Good Reading,
Caitlin
Finished: December 9
Pages: 312
Let's be perfectly honest, I didn't actually finish this book, but I read more than half of it, and I read the last chapter, and that is as much time as I plan on giving.
I'm not sure what it was about the book that makes me so certain that I don't want to give it any more time, but there was definitely something. Maybe it was the mystical, supernatural element, maybe it was the heavy handed Christian allegory, maybe it was the obnoxious precociousness of the narrator's little sister, I can't really make up my mind. But, whatever the reason, I'm done with this book, and I'm actually getting rid of it, so whichever sin it was, it was an unforgivable one.
Good Reading,
Caitlin
Monday, December 6, 2010
Book Sixty-one: The Grimm Legacy
Book Sixty-one: The Grimm Legacy
Finished: December 6
Pages: 325
This book is definitely a cute idea, of a library that contained objects instead of books, and this specific library contains the objects talked about in the Grimm Fairy Tales, like seven league boots, and the twelve dancing princesses shoes, not to mention the Evil Queen's mirror from Snow White.
This story follows the story of Elizabeth Rew, who becomes a worker at the library, and her adventures with the other young people working at the library. I would definitely read the book with a child of mine, but probably wouldn't read it again myself.
Pretty cute, definitely younger adult, but worth the read if you want a bit of fluff.
Thanks for the read, Lydia!
Good Reading,
Caitlin
Finished: December 6
Pages: 325
This book is definitely a cute idea, of a library that contained objects instead of books, and this specific library contains the objects talked about in the Grimm Fairy Tales, like seven league boots, and the twelve dancing princesses shoes, not to mention the Evil Queen's mirror from Snow White.
This story follows the story of Elizabeth Rew, who becomes a worker at the library, and her adventures with the other young people working at the library. I would definitely read the book with a child of mine, but probably wouldn't read it again myself.
Pretty cute, definitely younger adult, but worth the read if you want a bit of fluff.
Thanks for the read, Lydia!
Good Reading,
Caitlin
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