This contains one of my favorite Dickens characters so far, Mr. Grewgious, but be warned: it's unfinished. Dickens died halfway through, so it stops i...moreThis contains one of my favorite Dickens characters so far, Mr. Grewgious, but be warned: it's unfinished. Dickens died halfway through, so it stops in the middle. However, once I got past the shock of that, I quite enjoyed making up my own endings for everyone. It's certainly worth reading in spite of the missing pages.(less)
A little girl falls down a rabbit hole into what is either a hallucinogenic drug trip, a political satire or simply a weird children's story. (In Look...moreA little girl falls down a rabbit hole into what is either a hallucinogenic drug trip, a political satire or simply a weird children's story. (In Looking Glass, she goes through a mirror into a giant chess game.) Filled with quirky poetry, talking animals and a series of size problems for Alice that really resonate if you're the tallest kid in class, Alice is one of those books you can read for the first time when you're six and go on reading until you're a senior citizen.
This particular edition contains gorgeous new illustrations -- rather shocking for people loyal to the original Tenniel drawings, but if you can get past it, these are just wonderful. I love Alice in sneakers.
"The sun was shining on the sea, Shining with all his might: He did his very best to make The billows smooth and bright -- And this was odd, because it was The middle of the night."(less)
This is a book about a chatty girl with imagination issues: it resonated. Everyone remembers the story of Anne, the plucky redheaded orphan who transf...moreThis is a book about a chatty girl with imagination issues: it resonated. Everyone remembers the story of Anne, the plucky redheaded orphan who transforms the already idyllic town of Avonlea into an even more idyllic town, but you might be surprised if you pick this up again as an adult. Anne will reward your visit. And if you just can't get enough of her, there are seven more books in the series, plus countless similar heroines to be found in Montgomery's bibliography. Just remember to skim over the endless purple descriptions of Prince Edward Island scenery or your eyes may explode.
"I'm awfully sorry I ever criticized his prayers. I believe now he really does mean them, only he has got into the habit of saying them as if he didn't. He could get over that if he'd take a little trouble. I gave him a good broad hint."(less)
This is the first in a six-book series of books about a hapless (and poorly dressed) wizard named Daimbert. They're filled with the kind of cocoa humo...moreThis is the first in a six-book series of books about a hapless (and poorly dressed) wizard named Daimbert. They're filled with the kind of cocoa humor that makes you warm and cotton-headed rather than making you laugh. There's nothing in here to shake you out of your quiet evening: just a pleasant little kingdom, filled with nice folks and innocuous mystery plots, where you can snuggle into Daimbert's cozy study with roses climbing over the window and a fire crackling in the hearth. I like this book because nothing really happens.
"[It:] was a shapeless red velvet pullover, with some rather tattered white fur at the neck. It might have been intended to be part of a Father Noel costume. I was entranced. 'I'll take it! [...:] It will help me strike the right note of authority and mystery.'"(less)
The Dark is Rising series is about a young English boy who discovers he's actually part of an ancient race of magical warriors who exist to prevent ev...moreThe Dark is Rising series is about a young English boy who discovers he's actually part of an ancient race of magical warriors who exist to prevent evil from taking over the world. I like it because most of the challenges he faces are well-described, with plenty of physical details to help you understand what's happening. (This is by no means the norm in "good versus evil" type fantasy novels.) Also because Will, the hero, is so likable.
"'The Walker is abroad,' he said again. 'And this night will be bad, and tomorrow will be beyond imagining.'"(less)
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