What to do with Fantasy?

Title: Harry Potter, Narnia and Lord of the Rings

Author: Richard Abanes

Rating: ****

Review: If you've read any (or all) of these books, several chapters can be omitted. If you have not, this book is not a replacement for reading them yourself and making your own judgements about the books. There is tons of information here I never knew about the history behind these classics. Abanes is straightforward in his beliefs. Christian parents are encouraged to monitor their children's behavior, a practice that if implemented could change the world.

In an Instant....

Title: The Rapture

Author: Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Rating: *****

Review: This book is amazing! I wondered about reading it, because I've read the other Left Behind books, and I didn't see where this would fit. It fit wonderfully! They took the first few chapters of Left Behind and spread them out over the last few chapters of The Rapture. The images of Heaven are amazing. The reader is reminded of the awesome power of God, and his unending love for us. Highly reccomended.

Into the Jungle

Title: The Jungle Books

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Rating: ***1/2

Review: This is a book that contains many short stories, or "books". Some are better than others. I must say, Kipling has an AMAZING knowledge of animals and their behaviors. Some stories draw you in, and others are more difficult to appreciate. I would like to see these "books" broken up into a children's collection with illustrations.

Disney's movie is NOTHING like the book. Even the 1994 "Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book" is nothing like this.

Single Parenting: 101

Title: Living Well as a Single Mom

Author: Cynthia Yates

Rating: ****

Review: I bought this book on clearance right before my divorce. I was glad to read it when I started, but towards the middle I got bored. Ms. Yates has many wonderful ideas, I just could not put them all into practice. This book is great in the sense every mom will be able to pull something else out of it. I like her style, and enjoyed the book.

Tesseract

Title: A Wrinkle in Time

Author: Madeline L'Engle

Rating: *****

Review: This book is incredible. I never read it as a child because I wasn't sure I would like it. One friend tried to explain it to me and I debated reading it, but never got around to it. As I began reading about famous Christian authors L'Engle's name continued to pop up, so I decided to give it a shot. I LOVED it! I hope to share it with my daughter soon. Excellent, excellent book.

Anthem

Title: Anthem

Author: Ayn Rand

Rating: ****

Review: This novella is interesting. Its one of those "Must Read" books so I decided to try it. I enjoyed it, but not as much as The Giver. It was definitely a worth-while read. You really have to think about it once you finish. I think its one that you could re-read and always find something new.

A Dark Cauldron

Title: The Black Cauldron

Author: Lloyd Alexander

Rating: *****

Review: This is an excelent follow-up to The Book of Three. You really must read it second. These books are quick reads, and they are wonderful. There is no hidden meaning, no controversy. They are not appropriate for young readers. I love these stories and always will. There is a mystery to them, a passion in the writing. Wonderful stories.....

Prydain

Title: The Book of Three

Author: Lloyd Alexander

Rating: *****

Review: This is the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain series. I loved this series growing up, but I never finished it. Now I'm attempting to. This is an action-packed short novel that Disney used in The Black Cauldron. It is in many ways a coming-of-age story, one that isn't complete and the end of this book. There are some dark scenes that might scare younger readers, but if they've read The Hobbit or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone they should be able to handle The Book of Three.

Busy, Busy

Ugh, I've been so busy the last three weeks I haven't had time to post. I haven't even posted all of June's yet! I will start asap, and will label them as June so I won't get confused. The good news is I have finished several books. I also have a new reading order. Yay!

She's Growing Daisies!

Title: Daisy-Head Mayzie

Author: Dr. Seuss

Rating: ****1/2

Review: This story is cute. The flower begins growing on the second page, and no explanation is offered. Mayzie is sweet, and the other charachters are pretty stereotypical. I didn't care for the ending: SPOILER!!!! She just accepts the flower growing out of her head.