24 hour Readathon

I have decided at less than 8hrs to go to join in the readathon. While I know I will not be reading the whole time I would love to participate. I will read mostly on my kindle so I don't have a picture to put on for my introductory post. Here is a list on what I will be reading.

1.Dirty Sexy Politics by Meghan McCain
2. Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens
3. School Education by Charlotte Mason
4. Emma by Jane Austen
5. The Wise Mamma Goose by Charlotte Bronte
6. Their Mariposa Legend by Charlotte Bronte
7. The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
8. A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter
9. Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter
10. Jezebel's Daughter by Wilkie Collins
11. Wingnuts by John Avlon.

I will be updating via twitter because I will be on the road.

My handle is @Shannan79

Treasure Island Graphic Novel by Robert Louis Stevenson Review # 15

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Marvel Comics (March 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0785125957
ISBN-13: 978-0785125952


Summary for the Back Cover:

"Fifteen men on a Dead Man's Chest- yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!"
With this sinister natch of piratical song echoing along the English Coast, the mysterious Billy BOnes ushers young Jim Hawkins into an undreamed-of world of danger and adventure on the far-flung, mist-shrounded Treasure Isalnd, And over it all looms the towering shadow of the most famous corsair of them all- the ever-scheming, intirguing, and enigmatic Long John Silver

My Review:

I really did not like this book. Treasure Island is one classic that did not enjoy. I guess I am not into the pirate thing. The pictures were lovely but the story did not keep my attention it took me four days to finish this book and it was graphic novel that would usually take me a day in a half to read. I kept want to do other things rather than read this book so when I was finish I was actually proud of myself for sticking through it.

Pirates and gold have always been the fascination with young boys so I am sure I will recommend it to my son but for myself I have no intention of reading the original if I could not get into the coloring book.

I rate this book a 1/5


FCC: I am an Amazon associate and I borrowed this book from the library. I may be compensated through the Amazon associate program. The opinions expressed here are solely my own opinion.

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.