The Book Thief

My 11th grade English teacher told me about this book, but I didn't think much of it. Then I went to Costa Rica and one rainy afternoon, I sat down and read it. My roommate Annie brought the book in case she had time to read it, but I beat her to it. :) It has been over 2 years since I read it that day in the jungle, but I still think back to it as a quality read. Granted, probably I should have re-read it before writing a review of it, but it made such an impression I can still write about it.

The first thing that captured my attention was that Markus Zusak's novel is narrated by Death.
Secondly, it tells the tale of Liesel in Nazi Germany and of the Book Burnings.
Third, the writing is superb and poignant, lyrical and blunt.
Combine these 3 factors and you have a masterfully written and uniquely perspective WWII novel.

It may not sound like "your kind of book" but give it a chance. Test it.

And, just for your enjoyment, here is an excerpt:

"I've seen so many young men over the years who think they're running at other young men. They are not. They're running at me."

"Imagine smiling after a slap in the face. Then think of doing it twenty-four hours a day. That was the business of hiding a Jew." (p.239)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

I found out about this great series from my friend and sister, Sarah. I have read the first four books in the series (the 5th just came out) and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Book One is "The Lightning Thief" and it starts out with 12 year-old Percy finding out that he is the son of a Greek god and goes to Camp Half-Blood where other "demigods" (mortals who are offspring of various gods) attend. Sticking to the Greek hero and fantasy themes, Percy of course sets off on a quest.

The second book is "The Sea of Monsters" and the 3rd book is titled "The Titan's Curse" with "The Battle of the Labyrinth" next in the series. In every book Percy heads an adventure to help keep the peace on Mt. Olympus and on earth.

While written for older children, these books can capture the attention of anyone with an imagination. There are many similarities between Percy and Harry Potter, and as you read the books, the similarities become more and more apparent. The difference between this series and other fantasy series, however, is the unique and creative twist that the Olympian culture brings. Instead of wizards and witches, there are daughters of Athena and sons of Hermes who build the backdrop for the astounding adventures of Percy and his friends.

I anticipate reading the 5th book, "The Last Olympian" and can't wait to find out where the next adventure will take me.

Welcome!

I have figured out a way to have something to blog about. :) Since I enjoy reading so much, I have decided to make this blog thanks to the brilliant idea of my friend and co-worker, Markus.
More to come soon!