I discovered a wonderful book this Christmas. I guess it's true, for better or worse, that we buy gifts for others that we'd love to receive ourselves, allowing for our knowledge of their tastes, of course. So, after I'd picked it off the shelf in the bookstore, and read enough to love it, I had to decide whose gift it would be. Hmmm.......several people came to mind, but I settled on S, my little four year old granddaughter. It's not the kind of book a four year old could read by herself. But I didn't buy it with that intent. I bought it so that my Oldest Son could read it to his daughter. Because he will love it too.
OS has been passionate about books all his life [30+yrs.?Aghhh!]. The depth and breadth of his interests is astounding. DIL despairs of ever getting his book collection under control.....Their daughter, S, is a bright, highly imaginative child [who me? bragging? no.o..o...o! just stating the facts...] who already shares her Daddy's addiction to books and stories.
The book in question is "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane". It was written by Kate DiCamillo, of whom I am extremely jealous.......because I would like to have written it. It's charm is enhanced by Bagram Ibatoulline's lovely, old fashioned illustrations.
And then I was shopping again. And bought another copy. For another relative. A relative who is the same age as me. Stay tuned for a report on whether or not I scored a coup.
It is an acknowledged fact in our family that the penny drops slowly with me. Turns out Kate DiCamillo is probably familiar to many eager readers. She has other books up her sleeve --- Newberry Medal and Honor books. And one of her books was a National Book Award Finalist. Now that my head has been pulled out of the sand, one of my New Year's resolutions is to read everything she has written. Because I love how she writes. This resolution should ensure that I'll be off the streets and unavailable for trouble-making of any kind....at least in January. So, tell me, what wonderful and enthralling books did you discover this Christmas?
7 comments:
Well, not at Christmas, but one book that I've recently wished I'd written is "Holes" by Louis Sachar. It's just so simply written but so brilliantly plotted - and right prevails, which is always comforting. Don't know if you know it - you probably do, being a granny - but if not, do read it. It's for - maybe 10 year olds.
What I'm enjoying at the moment is "The Seven Basic Plots" by Christopher Booker. The premise is that all fiction can be categorised into one of 7 plots: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Tragedy, Comedy and Rebirth. Not sure I'm totally convinced but he whizzes entertainingly around world literature to justify his theory. I'm not very far through it, though, through a combination of extreme busyness and the fact that the book weighs too much to be comfortably read in bed!
I'd recommend the Historian by Elizabeth Kostova which I finished on Christmas Eve. It's a novel about the research carried out by a number of historians to track down Dracula who they believe did not die fifteenth century and is not buried in Romania. It's very gripping and, I can not shout this loudly enough, not a horror novel.
I was a lucky girl and received "The Book of Beginnings" for Christmas from MDH.
It's purpose is to tell you where every day sayings and superstitions came from, how they evolved etc.
It's a nice, big, fat book too, now all I need is some time to start it...
As I noted in a recent post, I'm intrigued by the concept of "Scream-Free Parenting." Unfortunately, can't locate it at the library. Also am supposed to be reading "My Sister's Keeper" for a book group, but have been to busy with a certain jigsaw puzzle to entertain any notion of reading.
I received the Allison DuBois book for Christmas. While I'm interested generally in her abilities (or not, who knows?), I did have a "what the...?" moment. Like...where was my Tim Winton?!
So instead I've turned to an oldie which I've never been able to read - Pride and Prejudice. Hated it as a kid, love it now. I suspect it's mostly because I can hear the characters from the BBC version, particularly Mrs Bennett and Mr Darcy (swoon).
I've also read The Great Gatsby for the first time, and admit that I just don't get why it ranks so highly. Maybe I need to study it, but I just read it because I wanted to know that I'd read it, not because it really enticed or captivated me.
The miraculous journey sounds wonderful. I must look it up.
I loved your books selections and can't wait until we can swap thoughts about them!
I agree w/ you about Saturday...just okay - although the parlor scene toward the end was one of the creepiest passages I'd ever read.
I think (hope!) you'll like Atonement MUCH better - it's in my humble opinio McEwan's best work.
Happy New Year of Books!
My favorite book for older kids and lost grown ups it The Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, by Kevin Carroll. A must read. Thanks for your comment on my Bubble Wrap Cap Pattern. It is best with any yarn that will give you 4 stitches to the inch. So worsted weight, though friends have made it in doubled sock yarn too. Blue skies, Lark
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