Book Review: Holes

       This book is a classic. It's definitely out of the ordinary, but it's not so weird that I don't enjoy it. 

Sensitive content: a cuss word or two

Age recommendation: 11+ (if you attend to the bad words)

My rating: 4 star

   Okay, before I go any further, I need to note something. There are two phrases in it that are questionable. Firstly, a character uses the exclamatory version of the word h*ll one time. Secondly, the Lord's name is taken in vain once (or maybe twice). I do not condone this strong of language in the books I read, so I cross them out. Yes, I know some people may be horrified at me for taking a pen to a book, but I just blot out those two phrases, and the rest of the book is fine, language-wise. So let me just state up front that ignoring the cussing I cross out, I give the book 4 stars. 

   There is also a bit of slightly crude humor and a character briefly smokes. And there are mentions of racial injustice. But it is not vivid, and is merely historical. The book does not promote it in any way. Plus, the racial persecution is a key part of the plot.

   It's a really interesting story, though. I will admit it's not everyone's cup of tea. But I personally enjoy it. It's got unique characters and a creative plot. I love the tie-ins between the several storylines in the book. There is one main story, with two other storylines. I really like how well they are woven together.

   The main storyline follows wrongfully-convicted Stanley Yelnats, whose family is supposedly under a curse that was brought about by a scandal involving Stanley's no-good-dirty-rooten-pig-stealing great-great-grandfather, whose life is another timeline. The third timeline follows the adventures of outlaw Kissin' Kate Barlow, whose tragic backstory ends up affecting everyone in the camp Stanley is sent to–Camp Green Lake. 

   First off, Kate Barlow and Sam are very sympathetic characters. Secondly, I can't help but laugh at poor Stanley, who is sent to that ridiculous camp after supposedly stealing a pair of shoes. He always is at the wrong place at the wrong time. But though he's unlucky, he ends up making friends and unwinding the secret of why the camp Warden is really making them dig holes all day, every day in the hot sun on a dried-up lake in Texas.

Favorite Authors & Books #5 / Classics Pt. 2 / Five Fall Favorites

    

   This post is going to be a multi-informational one. First, I'll kill two swans with one stone (sorry, that was probably a terrible joke) and tell about a favorite classic book of mine. Then I'll tell about five more books . . . and a fun event happening right now. Without further ado:

Second post of my favorite "classic" books! I don't expect that too many of these will be new to you (after all, these are classics), but I'd like to put these books up on the stage, all the same. Probably one of my favorite kids' classics is . . . 

                             

   Written by the well-known E. B. White, this book is about a family of trumpeter swans with a rather interesting problem. They are pleased as can be when their babies hatch, but they find, to their horror, that one of their sons, a young swan named Louis, cannot do what trumpeters swans are known for . . . trumpeting! How is Louis to attract a mate if he is mute? After many adventures, including going to school and learning how to read, Louis's father steals a brass trumpet, in hopes it may be the answer to his son's handicap. Could it be the key to winning the heart of Serena, a beautiful female swan, with whom Louis has fallen in love?

   This book is so fun! I really enjoy these kid books that have interesting dilemmas, fun characters, and just the right amount of humor. It is so fun, and perfect for those who like great books written by people with a great imagination.

Sensitive content: none (expect romance between the swans)

Age recommendation: 8+

My rating: 4 stars

   Wait, don't leave yet! I haven't finished my post yet. I mentioned that a certain event is going on . . . Five Fall Favorites! It's a fun stay at Literary Lodge, starting today and going to Saturday, October 10th. There's a grand prize giveaway, and a bunch of authors each will be posting their five favorite books in accordance with each genre of the day. For example, today's genre is "Vintage." And in accordance, though I am not officially participating, I will give my own five favorite vintage books! I will try to make these as "vintage" as possible. So here they are:

1. Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

I enjoyed this book, which I hadn't ever even heard of before a few months ago. It can get slightly serious at times (like a character having to deal with drinking & gambling habits), so I personally wouldn't recommend it as a kids' book. However, as a bit older of an audience who also happens to enjoy stories with a feel similar to Jane Austen or L. M. Montgomery, I liked it quite a lot. A lot of character development occurs, and despite all the drama, the characters grow and learn in their relationships. Also . . . spoiler! Mac is the absolute best character. Better than Charlie. Better than Archie. Yes–even better than Phebe or Rose. And I will not be dissuaded from this.

Sensitive content: romance, some mentions of smoking and drinking, some intense scenes, one kiss (barely described)

Age recommendation: 12+ 

My rating: 5 stars

2. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Who doesn't like this book? Such a classic, so fun, and definitely one of my most favorite "vintage" books!

Sensitive content: none (that I'd caution on)

Age recommendation: 9 or 10+

My rating: 4 stars

3. Corduroy by Don Freeman

Oh. So. Cute! This is a very sweet short story for children. 

4. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

If I'm honest, I haven't read this book for years. But I do remember getting it from the library as a child and loving it. So fun.

5. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

Well, whaddya know? Another kids' book! This one is a classic. Too funny, and the kids really like it . . . and so do I!

Hope you enjoyed it. Go check out the FFF party; it's sure to be a lot of fun!

Favorite Authors & Books #4 / Classics Pt. 1

    I think one of the best types of books are the ones dubbed "kid's book" yet are still entertaining enough to hold the attention of a bit older reader, like myself. These books, many of whom have found a spot in history's hall of classics, are great for pulling off the shelf both when you want to read in your head and when your audience includes a young group of eager listeners. There are a few I still appreciate, and will continue to appreciate, even if they are considered for little kids. 

   The first classic I want to mention is The Cricket in Times Square.

   I love this book. It's so fun and engaging (hey, that's probably why it got a Newbery Honor!), and I do not find it boring. This opinion certainly can differ from person to person, and I agree some people would find it boring, but I myself really like this book! So happy to have it on my bookshelf.

   It follows the adventures of Tucker Mouse, Harry Cat, and Chester Cricket --who becomes a famous musician due to his musical talent-- in Times Square.

Sensitive content: a bit of smoking in one scene

Age recommendation: 8+

My rating: 4 star

Note: I hope to do more parts of this "classics" post. Please tell me below in the comments if you think that sounds interesting enough. I don't want to be posting things that are dull!

Oh, and I got a new "signature."