I found this book quite interesting, as it looked at the exploration of Antarctica from the scientific standpoint - really explained how science drove...moreI found this book quite interesting, as it looked at the exploration of Antarctica from the scientific standpoint - really explained how science drove the numerous expeditions and what was learned. A little dry at times, but quite worth the read.(less)
Enjoyed this 2nd book in Hiccup's "memoirs", as the story of how he first and secretly became a hero is revealed. Lots of great stuff in it ...moreEnjoyed this 2nd book in Hiccup's "memoirs", as the story of how he first and secretly became a hero is revealed. Lots of great stuff in it for boys, as evidenced by my son's reaction to the story.(less)
I was a bit taken aback when I started reading this book with my son. It was a recommended read for his grade level - and I guess I wasn't expecting 9...moreI was a bit taken aback when I started reading this book with my son. It was a recommended read for his grade level - and I guess I wasn't expecting 9 ugly, 50-foot giants who loved to eat "human beans".
Yet, it's an engaging story that is often very funny.
My son was reluctant to read it, too. But when we were finished, my son said, "I wish there were more BFG books". Gotta' give it a "5" for that reason, alone.(less)
What's not to like in a story about an escaped prisoner (unjustly accused) becoming wealthy beyond belief and who then spends the remainder of his lif...moreWhat's not to like in a story about an escaped prisoner (unjustly accused) becoming wealthy beyond belief and who then spends the remainder of his life playing God, rewarding those who have been kind to him and plotting "just" revenge for those who sought to destroy him?
The Robin Buss translation of this classic novel is notably well done. Dumas was an entirely theatrical novelist, owing in part I am sure to the fact that he was also a very successful playwright. In fact, I often saw the scenes being played out in my mind's eye as if they were happening on stage. (I would love to see a TV miniseries of this novel starring Johnny Depp as the Count). Also, the Buss translation spares us no "sensibilities" as some of the other (older) translations have done.
This is not a story for kids, as some think - unless murder, conspiracy, revenge, lust (heterosexual as well as homosexual), slavery, and theft are themes you deem appropriate for children. Most of these topics were not covered graphically, although one example of an execution was and it actually made me ill.
The drawback is that this novel is awfully long. I believe it was originally published as a serial, and likely Dumas got paid by the word. If that's true, it shows - although he still had to "sell" each installment. There were only a few times that I actually felt the book was dragging. Most of the time I was quite caught up in it and anxious to see how it would all turn out. So it's not boring - just HUGE in the scope of the story and the number of characters, masterfully woven together in the most delicious webs.
Once again, being involved in a group book discussion has caused me to read something I probably would have never read on my own. I am glad for the time I spent with the Count.(less)
An OK book, mostly - I think - if you like romance-type stuff. Which sometimes I do. But why is "marriage" always such a focus? We would be ...moreAn OK book, mostly - I think - if you like romance-type stuff. Which sometimes I do. But why is "marriage" always such a focus? We would be better served by a title more like "Sixteen Pioneers" where not every woman found a fella'. It would be refreshing to find Christian fiction where it's more than OK for a woman to be single, independent, and strong and still have important ties with neighbors and community members. I should have known from the title that the book would be trite fluff but I read it anyway. Because it was free.(less)
A cute and sweet story about a squeaky door that makes a grandchild scared when he visits his grandparents' home. Grandma's efforts to comfort the boy...moreA cute and sweet story about a squeaky door that makes a grandchild scared when he visits his grandparents' home. Grandma's efforts to comfort the boy are no good, but she keeps trying with hilarious results.
I liked this light-hearted story about a situation that we all can relate to: trying to help a young child fall asleep in an unfamiliar (or at least, non-routine) place. The illustrations added to the humor and were the perfect complement to the story.
I like that the author gave credit where it was due, and used the words "retold by" on the cover of the book. I don't always see this, even when a well-known story is being told. This tale has been around at least for decades, and in different versions around the world, as the author points out in her end note. (less)
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