Nancy Drew Challenge January Wrap-up

This month I only completed 3 of her mysteries. I found myself wondering where George and Bess were but when I read Deborah's post on her website I found I will not meet them till the 5th book.

These books are not a reread for me since I grew up reading the Nancy Drew Case Files which had George, Bess and Ned. I know in that series I think she went on a lot of trips and mysteries would come along while on vacation. I may be wrong since it has been a number of years since I read those.

The original series is holding my attention and I have not guess who the culprit is or why I guess I am not a good mystery person. I really enjoyed the books so far and can not wait till my daughter is old enough so I can introduce her to the series. Right now I have on dec books 4-7. Which I plan to read in the month of February so I will see how that goes.

While this is irrelevant to the topic I have been reading The Hardy Boys Mysteries along side this one. I love the 50's cheesiness in both series.

Frankenstein The Graphic Novel by Mary Shelley Review #14

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Classical Comics (January 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1906332509
ISBN-13: 978-1906332501


Synopsis

Conceived as part of a literary game among friends in 1816, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is today regarded as a classic piece of 19th century literature. The story begins with the journey of an adventurer, Robert Walton, who saves the life of a man at the North Pole. That man, Victor Frankenstein, tells Walton about his experiments with the creation of life and how he ended up at the North Pole. Through this simple plot device, Shelley was able to deal with serious real-world issues like acceptance, tolerance, and understanding, as well as the universal human need for companionship and love. The novel, of course, inspired a host of films, from the 1931 classic starring Boris Karloff to Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein, and more recently, a series of novels by Dean Koontz. This version, though slightly abridged, retains much of the original dialogue and remains true to Shelley’s brilliant vision.



My Review:
This is beautifully illustrated book. The writing was not the original words but it stayed true to the story. I have read the original about 3 years ago. This is the story of Dr. Frankenstein who decides to make a human after seeing a lightening storm little did he know what he was getting himself into.

Frankenstien is a reread for me but in a different version. After this second reading I have learned to appreciate Frankenstein even though it is not one my favorite books. The pictures in this novel brought Mary Shelley's vision to life right before your eyes. I would recommend it for a teenager who is studying her novel to gain a better understanding of the text but this should not be used in studying for a test because it is Not the original work.

I rate this 3/5

FCC. Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library. I am an Amazon Associate. I did not receive any compensation for my review and the opinion expressed is solely my own.

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare adapted by Gareth Hinds Review # 13

Product Details from Amazon.com
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (May 22, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 076363025X
ISBN-13: 978-0763630256

Synopsis from BarnesandNoble.com
With elegant, contemporary artwork and a faithful but succinct adaptation, this graphic novel casts a classic drama in a provocative new light.

Here is the tale of young Bassanio, who, to win the love of fair Portia, entangles his dearest friend, Antonio, in a dangerous bargain with the moneylender Shylock. Only Bassanio’s heartfelt efforts — and a clever intervention by Portia — will save Antonio from paying Shylock "a pound of flesh." Moody and mesmerizing, this graphic novel adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s more controversial plays boasts a chic modern cast, high drama, and all the dark, familiar beauty of Venice.


My Review:

I liked this book for what it was. A nice introduction to Shakespeare. This is not to be used for a test but it does help in understanding the basic concepts of the play. The author notes that he has cut out many scenes and characters so this should not be used to study for test. This does help the reader to have a basic understanding of this play.

I really liked the graphics and how they alternated colors for different acts of the play. The time period of the play was updated to around the 1930s which a lot of adapters do in graphic novels and movies.


I rate this book a 3/5. Recommend as an introduction to Shakespeare.


FCC. Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library and I am an Amazon associate. I was not compensated in anyway for this review and opinion expressed is solely my own.

The War of The Worlds by H.G. Wells Review #12

Product Details from Amazon
Hardcover: 72 pages
Publisher: Dark Horse (May 3, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1593074743
ISBN-13: 978-1593074746


Synopsis from Barnes and Noble
From the pen of legendary science fiction author and futurist, H.G. Wells, Dark Horse Comics is proud to present their adaptation of the most famous science fiction novel of all time: The War of the Worlds!

In the closing years of the 19th century, the genteel tranquility of Victorian England is shattered by the arrival of an invasion force from the red planet - Mars! Methodical and merciless, the Martians are intent on nothing less than the conquest and subjugation of the human race.

Told from the point of view of an ordinary man caught up in the carnage and chaos, witness firsthand how the then greatest empire in the world is brought to its knees by the Martians' cool alien intellect and the implacable heat ray!


My Review:

This story started out with a bang literally when the Martians invade upon a city. All the world is is chaos and the martians are taking over. What are we ever to do.

Science fiction and Fantasy is never a genre that I explore but I have always wanted to read this story even though I am reading it in graphic novel form. I will be review this form. The pictures in the novel were very detail you feel like you are right in the heart of this story. The pages kept you on edge and it was fairly a quick read. Will I read any more by this author probably not but it is not because of the story it is because this genre is not for me. I think it will be a fun read for my son since this type of subject intrigues him.

I rate this a 3/5. Recommend to the Space lover in your family.


FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library. I am an Amazon associate. I am have not been compensated for give this review and the opinions expressed are solely my own.

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene Review #11

Product Details from Amazon.com:
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (May 1, 1960)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0448095033
ISBN-13: 978-0448095035


Summary and Review:

It starts out with Nancy and her friend Helen riding on a motor boat when they see a storm brewing. Suddenly they are in an accident and are saved by Laura Pendleton who states she may need Nancy soon for a mystery. She says that her mom recently has died and she was contacted by the Abhorns who are responsible for her care since she is a minor. Lauren is to meet the Abhorns later that day she is nervous and when she finally meets Ms. Abhorn she senses something is not right. That is when the really mystery of the The Bungalow begins...

I really liked this book even though I could basically predict the ending towards the later middle half of the book. The character were engaging and you find yourself cheering for the good guys. The story itself was very good and I like this as much as the first Nancy book. I would recommend this for the age group stated above. I really can not wait till my daughter is old enough to appreciate this series. It does not seem really dated either.

I rate this book 4/5

FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library and I am an Amazon associate. I have not be compensated in any way and the opinion expressed is solely my own.

Musing Mondays 1/25/10

Musing Mondays is hosted by Rebecca of Just One More Page and today asks us to consider:
Where do you keep any books borrowed from friends or the library? Do they live with your own collection, or do you keep them separate? Do you monitor them in any way?


I keep my library books separate from the books that I own. I have them stacked neatly on a trunk. When I am done with a book I put them in a plastic bag to take to the library. I still have a problem with late fees because sometimes I do not have time to stop by the library. I do however keep track of them by keeping the receipt and highlight them as I am done with them. So every Monday and Friday I try to stop by the library to drop off books. The only bad thing about me is that I tent to pick up more books as well.

What do you do with your library books?

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-kaye

This week I completed:

Nancy Drew Mystery The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Graphic Classics O. Henry

What I am currently reading:

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Nancy Drew Mysteries The Bungalow Mystery

What I hope to Start:

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly
The Merchant in Venice by William Shakespeare
Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace

What are you reading this week?

Graphic Classics by O'Henry Review #10

Product Details from Amazon.com
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Eureka Productions (January 29, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0974664820
ISBN-13: 978-0974664828


Product Description from Amazon.com
Graphic Classics: O. Henry is a collection of stories from the great American short story writer and master of the surprise ending, adapted in comics form. The volume features "The Ransom of Red Chief", illustrated by Johnny Ryan. Plus "The Caballero's Way", the original tale of The Cisco Kid, by Mark A. Nelson, and O. Henry's Christmas classic "The Gift of the Magi" by Lisa K. Weber. With seven more stories, including a new O. Henry "sequel" by Mort Castle, and art by Rick Geary, Gerry Alanguilan, Shary Flenniken and Esao Andrews.


My Review:

In this Graphic Classic we focus on the novels of O'Henry. Some of the stories were good and some were dull. This book took me longer to get through than usual because there were more stories I did not care for than ones that I did like. My favorite short story of the book is The Ransom of Red Chief. My least favorite is Roads of Destiny.

The different stories had different author adaptions and illustrators. Some of the drawing were better than others as well. This type of book is really hard to review because there is so much going on.


I rate this book a 3/5


FCC. Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library and I am an Amazon Associate. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review. The is review is solely my opinion.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Review #9

Product Details
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Classical Comics (November 25, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1906332517
ISBN-13: 978-1906332518


Product Description from Amazon.com
One Christmas Eve, after being particularly cruel to his employee, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley, who tells him that he will be visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, Future. Each ghost shows him things that rekindle the joy and spirit of Christmas within his heart and awaken his goodwill toward his fellow man. In typical fashion, Dickens deals with social injustice in a way that transcends the 19th century. This illustrated version of the classic holiday tale is brough to life with an illustrated Character List (like a Dramatis Personae), 134 pages of color story artwork, and fascinating support material that details the life and work of Charles Dickens as well as information on Victorian England.


My Review:

I really loved this graphic novel version of one of the most famous Christmas stories of all time. This is my second reading of the story in two years I own the original version. The graphic novel version did not disappoint. It brought the characters of the Dickensian class to life of paper comic book style.

Your teen would love this book if they are more of a visual reader. It has the original text of the novel complete with illustrations for easy understanding of the story. I would recommend this for anyone who has kids who are visual learns so they can learn to appreciate this timeless classic.


I rate this a 5/5

FCC Discalaimer: I borrowed this book from the library and I am an Amazon associate. I was did not recieve in compensation for this review and this is solely my opinion.

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Hidden Staircase Review # 8

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap; 4th edition (January 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0448095025
ISBN-13: 978-0448095028


Summary and Review:

Nancy is working in her garden when she gets a call from Helen who wants her to solve a mystery of the mysterious happening at her Aunt's old mansion. They feel it it haunted and they want Nancy to investigate. Shortly after the phone call with Helen, Nathan Gomber stops by stating that her father is in great danger because a few of his clients who he was the lawyer to, are mad because they business deal did not go the way they would have liked. When Nancy goes to the mansion and sees all the mysterious happenings she decides to investigate and finds out that nothing is as it seems.

I really enjoyed this book it was quite a page turner. I think it may be a little intense from some younger children though. Again young Nancy comes on top but not without a few pitfalls under the way.

When I was younger I read the case files so this is a first read for me and I can not wait for my daughter to get older so I can share this series with her. It has the right amount of suspense for its target audience with out confusing them.

I rate this book a 4/5


FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library. I am an Amazon associated and I was not paid to give a positive review for this book.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka adapted by Peter Kuper Review #7

Product Details
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Crown (August 5, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400047951
ISBN-13: 978-1400047956

From the Inside Cover:
Acclaimed graphic artist Peter Kuper present a brillian, darkly comic reimaging of Kafka's classic tale of family, alienation, and a giant bug. Kuper's electric drawings- which merge American Cartooning with German expressionism- bring Kafka's prose to vivid life, reviving the orginial story's hmor and poignancy in a way that will surprise and delight readers of Kafka and graphic novels alike.

My review:

This book is one of the mosting interesting books I read. It is totally different from what I imagined. This is a story of a salesman named Gregor Samsa who wakes up from a dream to discover he turned into a dung beetle. With this metamorphosis he learns his life has changed forever. He can not go to work nor can he position himself in a different ways to get comfortable. All this eventually leads to depression. He is scorned by his family members because of his state.
This is a comic book with a hint of sadness. It really makes you think of how people treat others who are different. A teenager who is assigned to Kafka will find it easy to understand. The illustrations do the story a great justice. One day I hope to read the original.

I rate this a 4/5

FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this from my local library. I am an Amazon associate. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own and I was not influenced from publishers or people other than myself.

Beowulf by Gareth Hinds Review#6

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; 1st Candlewick Press Ed edition (March 13, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763630233
ISBN-13: 978-0763630232


From the Inside Cover:

First recorded in 1000A.D., the epic tale of the warrior prince Beowulf is here reinvented through Gareth Hinds's masterful and darkly beautiful illustrations. Grendel's black blood runs thick as Beowulf defeats the monster and his hideous mother, and a red fires rage in the hero's final battle against a ferocious dravon. From lightning-paced contests of muscle and will to the funeral boats burning on the fjords, all are rendered in glorious and gruesome detail. Told for more than a thousand years, Beowuld's heroic saga finds a true home in this graphic novel edition.

My Review:

This was another quick read. The illustrations really depicted the details of the story. The graphic novel version of Beowulf is a great supplement to the original. In this version you a transported to a time of chivalry, were warriors defeat giants and go on to be honored even in death.

The story of of Beowulf has been a staple in English Literature since it has been spoken and written. This version is for someone who may not understand the concepts in the Old English form of the novel. It brings the words to life.

I recommend this for the 12th grader or even English Lit major who struggling to understand the story. I like it even though this is not my favorite story.


3/5 is my rating.

FCC Disclaimer: I checked this out at the library. I am an Amazon Associate. The opinions written here are solely my own.

Tuesday Teaser 1/19/10

TEASER TUESDAYS is hosted by ShouldBeReading and asks you to:
♠Grab your current read.
♠Let the book fall open to a random page.
♠Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
♠You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
♠Please avoid spoilers!

Today's Teaser comes from Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene

"That section of wall back of the trunk!" she told herself. " The paneling looked different somehow from the rest of the attic wall. Maybe it's movable and leads to a secret exit! Tomorrow I'll find out!"(pg 81)

What is your teaser?

Coraline The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman Review #5

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (May 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060825456
ISBN-13: 978-0060825454




Summary from the back cover:

When Coraline steps through a door in her family's new house, She finds another house stragely similar to her own(only better). But there's another mother there and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.


My review:

I had the seen the movie before reading this so I knew what this was about. This graphic novel was totally different from the movie but with some similarities. I have never read the original adaption to this book so I can not compare the two.

In this version it starts out with Coraline in her normal life where her parents are too busy with their jobs to entertain her. She is bored because she has nothing to do but interact with her wacky neighbors. One day Coraline decides to explore and then her life changes..

I really loved the illustrations in the book. They were well done. I found myself entranced in this graphic novel that I hardly put it down in the 2 hour sitting. While I can not compare it to the original I really enjoyed this and I think kids will too.

I rate this a 4/5.


FCC. Disclaimer: I checked this book out at my local library. I am an Amazon affiliate and I was not influenced in any way to write a positive review. All the opinions above are solely my own.

Betsy And The Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace Review #5

Product Details from Amazon.com
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperTrophy (February 16, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0064405451
ISBN-13: 978-0064405454


Product Description from Amazon.com
It's the trip of a lifetime.Betsey Ray, 21 years old, is heading off for a solo tour of Europe. From the moment she casts off, her journey is filled with adventure--whether she's waltzing at the captain's ball, bartering for beads in Madeira, or sipping coffee at a bohemian cafe in Munich.

It's rich fodder for a budding young writer, and Betsy's determined to make the most of the experience. If only she could stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart, Joe Willard...

Then a handsome, romantic Italian goes overboard for Betsy, and she has a big decision to make. Marco Regali is passionate, fascinating, and cultured. Could it be that Betsy's heart belongs in Europe instead of Minnesota?Betsy’s childhood dream is finally coming true—she’s off to Europe just like she and Tacy planned so long ago. Despite her travels and many adventures, Betsy’s heart won’t let her forget Joe Willard, her high school sweetheart.


About the Author from Amazon.com
Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980) was the beloved author of the Betsy-Tacy books as well as many other books for adults and children.


My Review:

As with the previous book I found this one very hard to get into. I guess as Betsy got older she lost a lot of her appeal for me. While I cherish the ones when they were in their elementary years. I found this one a real bore. It took me a week to get through it and that was forcing myself.

The character Betsy for me was kind of silly. I could not relate to her. I understand she took the trip to get over losing Joe but she could never really stop thinking about him.

Ms. Lovelace did a very good job of descibing the countries which a love to read about. One thing I can say is that this book made me want to go visit Venice.

Most fans of the series would love this but to me I guess I was not really in the mood.

I rate this a 2/5.

FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this from my local library. I am also an Amazon Associate. I was not paid for my opinion and what is expressed is solely my opinion.

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme brought to you by J-Kaye

This week I completed:
Betsy Was A Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Beowulf by Gareth Hinds
The Metamorphosis by Frank Kafka

What I am currently reading:
Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Hidden Staircase


What is up next:
War of Worlds by H.G. Wells
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Classic by O'Henry
Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Bungalow Mystery.


What are you reading this week?

Musing Mondays 1/18/09

This meme is brought to you by Rebecca of One More Page
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tidy reading around people.

When is it inappropriate to read in front of others? Is it ever appropriate?

In my opinion it is innappropriate to read in front of others when you are at a family gathering or a party. To me those are the only times that it is rude because the purpose of a gathering is to socialize.

I think it is appropriate when you are not in social situation and you are waiting on something. Such as being in doctors office or plane etc.

My hubby hates when I read while he is driving but he has the music up so loud there is no point in talking.

What is your opinion?

Tuesday Teaser

TEASER TUESDAYS is hosted by ShouldBeReading and asks you to:
♠Grab your current read.
♠Let the book fall open to a random page.
♠Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
♠You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
♠Please avoid spoilers!


This week's Teaser is from Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace:

Lips quivering, she went to her bureau for pins, unfolded the map, and affixed it to the wall. " Six days from Munich to New Yourk," read the slogan acrss the top. Only six days! (pg 118)

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-Kaye

What I completed this week:
Betsy Was A Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace

What I am currently reading:
Betsy and The Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace

What I hope to start and finish this week:
Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace
Coraline by Neil Geiman
Beowulf
Metamorphisis by Kafka(Graphic Novel)
Nancy Drew and The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene
Hardy Boys and The Secret of the Old Mill by Franklin Dixon

What are you reading this week?

Mail Box Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by Marcia of The Printed Page.


I only received one book this week that I had won from the RRReadathon hosted by Dreadlock Girl.

The book I received this week is:

The Chic Shall Inherit The Earth by Shelly Adina




Product Description
Lissa Mansfield has come a long way since transferring to SpencerAcademy two years ago. She's made a great group of friends in Gillian, Carly, Mac, and Shani. She's strengthened and grown her relationship with God. She's even gotten over the Callum McCloud "incident" from her first semester. Now, she's ready to graduate and take on college life!
Or is she? With her parents' relationship still on the rocks and the girls about to separate as they head to different colleges, Lissa is faced with some of her biggest challenges yet in her last term at Spencer. Will Lissa put her faith in God to carry her through these difficult times?

About The Author: is a world traveler and pop culture junkie with an incurable addiction to designer handbags. In between books, Shelley loves traveling, listening to and making music, and watching all kinds of movies.

What did you receive this week in your mailbox?

Musing Mondays 1/11/09

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tidy bookshelves.

Are your bookshelves strictly books only? Or have knick-knacks invaded? Do your shelves also shelve DVDs? Photos? Why not snap a photo – I’m sure we all like to spy on other’s shelves!


My bookshelves are strictly for books but I do have a puzzle, some photo albums on the shelf towards the top and a lamp cover my husband was supposed to put back up about a year ago.
Here are some of the images from my shelves. Excuse my mess.

As you can see I have a lot of straightening to do. What does your bookshelf look like? Does your have stuff other than books?

Betsy was Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace Review #4

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: HarperTrophy (February 3, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0064405478
ISBN-13: 978-0064405478


Summary from Amazon.com:
Product Description
The Best School Year Ever
That's the kind of junior year Betsy Ray has planned for herself. And when her childhood friend Tib Muller moves back to Deep Valley, Betsy's sure her perfect year is off to a grand start. With charming, funny Tib around, Crowd doings are more fun than ever -- especially after Betsy starts Okto Delta, the first -- ever sorority at Deep Valley High.

But soon Betsy's luck takes a bad turn. The Crowd is getting into trouble at school, and Betsy isn't given a chance to compete in the annual Essay Contest. Could Betsy's best school year turn out to be her worst?


My Review:

This book is my least favorite so far in the Betsy-Tacy series. I just could not get into it. Betsy has grown in to such a silly girl. Her sister goes off to school and is pledging a sorority and she decides to start her own. This is when all her troubles start. She starts acting out in school and makes silly remarks. Some of the dialogue could not possibly be one of a 16 yr old girl. I guess times have changed since the writing of this book. Betsy was Junior just bored me a little. It took me the whole week to read it. I am moving on to Betsy and the Great World since I do not have Betsy and Joe in my possession. I also could not possibly take any more of her high school years.

I rate this a 2/5.

Musing Mondays 1/4/09

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about New Year reading.



With the New Year here already, do you have any reading resolutions or goals (challenges aside) for 2010? Perhaps a new author? Genre? Want to read more non-fiction? Write more reviews?


My goals for reading this year are to review right after I finish the book and do not pick up another one until I do. If I am doing a read-athon it will be a brief sentence reivew but normally I will put in at least a 5 sentence review at the very least. I will try to update my blog more often and of course expand my reading repotoire to finally include some romance even though I am not a big fan of the genre. As far as authors I have alway be open to anyone.

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-Kaye of J-Kaye's Book Blog.


This week I completed:
Godchild 4 by Kaouri Yuki
Misty by V.C. Andrews
Nancy Drew The Secret of The Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

What I am currently reading:
Betsy Was A Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace

What I hope to get to this week:
Betsy and The Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace
The Hardy Boys Ghost Stories by Franklin Dixon
Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene


What are you reading this week?

The Hardy Boys House on The Cliff by Franklin Dixon Review # 3

Hardcover
Publisher: 1959 G & D; First Edition? edition (1959)
ASIN: B001SJRA1O


About the book from Borders.com:
Description: When Mr. Hardy disappears while investigating a mystery surrounding a vacant house rumored to be either haunted or an abode for criminals, the Hardy Boys search for the truth.


My Review:

This was a little more action packed than the first. It starts out with some action when the boys save a man from being blown up by a grenade. Little did they know that saving that man would put them into a mystery that involves them, their dad and a few friends. While their dad is investigating a case he comes up missing for a few days. They boys and their friend Chet, Biff. Phil and Jerry go out to search for him and wind up in over their heads.

This book is great for a little boy who loves action and adventure each chapter ends with a cliff hanger which if you are reading to him keeps him wanting more. I have not tried the books out with my son yet because even though he is nine he does not have the attention span for such a long chapter book.

I give this book a 4/5

FCC Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library. I was not given any payment for this book and this is solely my expressed opinion. I am also an Amazon Associate.

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Secret Of The Old Clock Review #2

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap; Back-to-back Ed edition (September 2, 1987)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044809570X
ISBN-13: 978-0448095707

From the inside cover:

Nancy, unaided , has thrilling adventures seeking a lost will.



My Review:

This story sets out as any other story we learn about the background of Nancy and then in then by the third chapter the mystery begins. This mystery is about the whearabouts of a second will left by Josiah. The Tophans seem to think that the money from Mr. Crowly belongs to them since they took care of him for years before his death. Ms. Drew quickly finds out that he has other friends that and the he possibly had a second will from the old lady Abby Rowen he one of her rants. Being the curious girl she is Nancy decided to find out the truth. Along the way she finds about two sisters who were told by Josiah that they would be inheriting money from him when he dies.So the adventure begins and with tons of excitement for your little girl and the young at heart.

I really liked this story and it was quite a page-turner. I almost could not put it down but life got in the way. I used to enjoy Nancy Drew mysteries as a kid but I never read the original ones. I think I read the files series. This book grabs your attention from the very first page. I hope to introduce Nancy Drew to my daughter when she is older.

I rate this a 5/5

FCC Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate and I borrowed this from my local library.

The Wildflowers (Misty) by V.C. Andrews Review #1

This one will not count for any challenges since I started it in 2009 but it is my first review of the year and my first completion for 2010.
FCC disclosure: Also I checked this book out from the library so this review has not basis towards the author or publishing company.


From the Back Cover:
All Misty ever wanted was a normal family. But like so mamy others, Misty's parents did not stay together. Now they use Misty to hurt each other, to deliver tiny cruelties in an endless stream. Misty knows her parents might lover her. But Misty has an unspeakable secret that burns in the core of her very being: she hates them. Misty isn't as a lone as she thinks. She's about to meet three other girls who are just like her each one with their own dark secrets to share

My Review:
This book started out a little slow but it quickly picked up my interest by the 4th chapter. All I can say is that Misty went through a lot when her parents divorced. This novel is a great indicator of what could go wrong with a child when parents do not take the time with their child when the are going through a divorce. Her parents were so wrapped up in their own lives and blaming each other that they did not see that poor Misty was crying out for help. Misty's story is a real eye opener to me. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series to see how the other girls in the story's life shapes up.

I give this book a 4/5