Reviews (45)

Needin' the feedin'
I give books a certain amount of credit if, after reading them, I find myself unduly influenced by their message in my daily life. Take "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" for example. Read that book through and then try to watch a pageant on your own without remembering the book's fantastically written scenes. Good writing engenders creative thinking. So a large amount of cred should fall on M.T. Anderson's "Feed". Though it admittedly has a number of strikes against it, I challenge you to walk around a mall or watch television after reading every word of this beautifully thought out book cover to cover. If you don't, consequently, find yourself trapped in the eerie uber-consumerism of this modern day and age, then obviously you were only skimming this clever little novella. And I wouldn't be able to blame you. Anderson has undertaken a very difficult task. First of all, this kind of message has (to some extent) been done to death. Yes yes yes, the world is full of too much advertising and consumerism. Yes yes, it's bad. We know. Thank you. Second, he has placed his book in the future and has invented a kind of futuristic slang that, while interesting and consistent (Mr. Anderson never errs or disobeys his own rules) is nonetheless difficult to get into. Some readers are going to have difficulties dealing with people calling one another "unit" (an upgrade on our currently popular "dude") or saying things are "meg" this and "meg" that. It is meg annoying at first (see?), but keep at it. Read on and this brave little new world becomes incredibly interesting. Here, humans that can afford it are wired directly to the internet. Forget having the web on the brain. Now the web is IN your brain, controlling the human body's daily functions and activities.

Today, teens hungry for futuristic sci-fi can have their fill with such titles as "Jennifer Government", but I give this book, in particular, a lot more credit. The author takes this world to its obvious extreme, making a girl who is a poor consumer into a victim of corporate medical care (or in this case, poor tech support). More importantly, the author never loses sight of certain facts. Our hero is undoubtedly rich and his moneyed family allows him a greater amount of leeway with things like school trips and purchases. His poorer girlfriend suffers from living in a world where consumerism has been literally wired to the brain. It is this character that will readily point out that many Americans do not have access to "the feed", their name for the internal internet link. The poor are always with us. They just don't advertise their existence particularly well. This book is basically the adventures of a very average joe schmoe who doesn't really care for international strife (of which there is quite a lot) or anything particularly unpleasant (his girlfriend's physical collapse being an excellent example). And how different is this charming young man from most Americans today? His is a world where the feed, in Homer Simpson's words, "Isn't afraid to tell the truth. That everything's just fine". Parents please note, this book is chock full of swearing. If that bothers you, fine. But if it doesn't, I commend you. The book will make anyone reading it think. For that reason alone, I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Read the Book!!!
I have read many books over my 17 years of life and I would have to say that Feed by M.T. Anderson is one that I would recommend to everyone.
I do not write reviews, so to write this on my own accord should show how powerful this book really is. I was literally blow away by it. This is the first time I have read a book by M.T. Anderson and was delightfully surprised by the emotions this book can cause.
It takes place in the future, how far away I am not sure, but still it brings to life teenage society to a very fine point. It is has first person narrative that was weird at first but one gets used to it fast.
At the end of the book there is a reader's guide and a conversation with the author which I found very helpful to understand where the auther is coming from and the weight that this book has to our every day life.
I will from now on look at advertising in a new light and beware of what it is truely trying to do.
I found it meg cool and ironically funny so...read it and understand why!!!

not crazy about the book
eh. it was alright... however the problem with this book is that the main character doesn't begin to feel real or show emotions untill the last few pages of the book. when its tough to care for a character or at least find somehting to identify with its tough to enjoy a book.

All-too-accurate future distopia
Titus and his friends are bored on their spring break, so they decide to take a trip to the moon. Through their feed, which is basically a hyped-up Schwarzenegger version of the internet that is lodged in their nervous system, they hear about a cool club. They go to the club and meet people with the best clothes, the best hair, and the dj's playing the best songs, all thanks to the feed, which unfailingly supplies all the latest trends and can even make recommendations for Titus based on his past purchases (much like amazon!).

But at the club, something goes very wrong. A hacker working for the Coalition of Pity scams his way into Titus' and his friend's feed, knocking them unconscious. They have to be hospitalized and patched up, and off of the feed for days. Titus recovers, but his girlfriend Violet's feed has been so damaged, it could be fatal.

M.T. Anderson has written a gripping tale of what life in the not-too-distant future could be like, if America and the west doesn't curb it's appetite for more and more. He writes what it could become like for a young person like Titus to grow up without actually thinking and feeling, but being "fed" by corporations everything he *thinks* he needs. This is one of the smartest and most important books I've read this year. If you ever worry about the repurcussions of consumer society, you should check out this book.

Great read
This was a very interesting book. When I first opened it up I was upset with the asinine colloquial that was presented to me. I thought the author was just poor or lazy, with his grammatical mishaps strewn about the pages. Then, as I got used to it, I came to believe that most of it was intentional, perhaps even reflecting the type of diction that WOULD be used in a book published in that time period due to the degeneration of language. Somewhat like the degeneration presented in George Orwell's 1984. Again, it is a very grim vision of our future. In some ways, despite the fantasy that seems to surround its surrealism, I cant help but feel it was somewhat realistic, and I wont deny thinking about it as I pass billboards pearched on hilltops and banner ads that float across my monitor, urging me to buy some new item and telling me what i need. ... Read more

Book Description

Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She fears for her future until she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians. Kira is a gifted weaver and is given a task that no other community member can do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world and see what places exist beyond. ... Read more

Reviews (174)

Another compelling look at future societies
Gathering Blue, by Lois Lowry, is another great novel about a future society. Though it is called a companion novel to The Giver, Lowry's earlier book about a future Utopian society, Gathering Blue is by no means a sequel. It follows the life of Kira, an orphan girl with a twisted leg trying to survive in a society that shuns and discards the weak. After her mother dies, Kira faces a life or death trial in front of the Council of Guardians. She is given the important job of being the threader of the sacred Singer's Robe. There, she meets Thomas the Carver, little Jo, the future Singer, and Matt, a troublesome tyke. This novel makes you think of where our current society is heading, and what we will become if we do- a greedy, self-centered world with no diversity and much power. Gathering Blue is a wonderfully written book that is sure to make you wonder how you can prevent this society from coming into full existence.

Gathering Blue
Kira is a young girl about twelve or thirteen who has just lost her mother to illness and many years ago lost her father to a hunting accident where he was taken by beast. This now orphan is faced with the difficult challange as where to live because one of the women that live near her Verona tries to take her cott to make a fenced in area for her tykes and chickens. This matter is take in front of the Council of Guardians. The Council decides to give her cott to Verona and keep Kira because of her wonderful skill in threading to restore the robe worn by singer who sings the most important song that tells of the events of the history of the people. Along the way she realizes that there are secrets that the world around her is hidding and she trys to look for them.

She gets help along the way from her friends Thomas the Carver, Matt, and Branch.

Lois Lowry is a master at creating new worlds in which the characters live in. This world in which Kira lives in is very different than the world we live in today, it mostly resembles older times where people do not yet know about showers and hunting is one of there main sources of food.

This book as a whole was excellent, but the end of the book was not very good. It left the reader with many questions in which were not answered at the end.

Lavender blue, dilly dilly. Lavender green.
A book that seems primed for Middle School discussions due to its open-to-interpretation ending. This tale is the second in the Lois Lowry futuristic trilogy. Beginning with "The Giver", continuing through "Gathering Blue" and finishing with "The Messenger", the tales tell the stories of utopias gone awry. Call them utopias gone dis, if you will. Though the first two books make only the most casual of allusions to one another, the third ties them all together. Each deals with how simple citizens of the world can begin to challenge authority on a basic every day level. As you might imagine, these books are banned from schools and libraries with breathtaking frequency. In "Gathering Blue" we read about a girl, her artistic talents, and her growing awareness of the world around her.

Kira was born with a misshapen foot, a serious defect in the society in which she lives. Raised by her mother to be proud and strong, Kira must deal with her mom's untimely death and a village that is hostile to her presence. When brought before the village's Council of the Guardians, the rulers of this local berg, Kira is given a chance to become not only accepted but also admired. Adept with a needle and thread, she is given the challenge of restoring and improving the robe belonging to the Singer of Songs. While living within the council building she meets and befriends a boy who is adept with wood carving and a child that sings with incredible beauty. Yet as Kira learns more and more about her living situation and the world around her, it becomes painfully clear that those who have supposedly helped her in the past may be keeping her for their own devices. Kira must decide whether to leave this uncomfortable situation for a place that would welcome her freely or to stay and try to change the way things are.

Anyone who is a fan of Lowry's books in this series won't be disappointed by this addition. Certainly it leaves the reader wanting more, but that's just the mark of a good writer. Personally, I was a little amazed to find these stories so very similar to Zilpha Keatley Snyder's "Below the Root" books. This isn't to say that Lowry stole Snyder's ideas, but rather that the plots in these books are universal and popular. Fans of "The Giver" who worried about Jonas's fate will find some comfort in the brief allusion made to him in this story. As with most of Lowry's tales, this book relies on strong characters and an airtight plot. At the same time, it accomplishes the difficult task of giving the reader some space to figure things out on his or her own. Few books do this well. "Gathering Blue" is one of the few.

Though not as airtight a tale as "The Giver", "Gathering Blue" raises some important questions about society itself. Those who blindly follow their leaders will inevitably end up in a harsh cruel world. It takes people like Kira, the artists and crazies, to call into question those who would make our decisions for us. In this day and age ESPECIALLY, this is an incredibly important lesson to remember and retain. For as long as this book remains read, it will hopefully help its readers to question authority. It's a strong message presented in a lovely little package.

pretty good all round book!!
Gathering Blue is about a girl by the name of Kira who lives in a village society set in the future. Before she is born, her father is reported killed and then much later when her mother dies of a terrible illness, Kira's life becomes endangered. Luckily though, because of her skillful talent with threads, she is kept and well taken care of with two other talented children. While she is there, some mysteries start to unfold which lead up to an end with an amount of surprising twists.

Gathering Blue is written very well - full of details so you can imagine every character and setting very clearly. The ideas for the future society in this book are very imaginative and unique. The story is also quite different. (If you're thinking this book sounds a lot like one of Lowry's other books, The Giver, then you're wrong because the story and the future society in The Giver is totally different!) The second half of Gathering Blue is much more gripping than the first half but still, this is a pretty good all round book!

Good Read
"Gathering Blue" is part two of a three part trilogy of a post apocalyptic world. "Gathering Blue" focuses on the struggle for life in a small village after the "fall" and what makes a person important. The main character Kira, is born lame and should not have survived until the start of this story, but she has a talent as a seamstress and village elders have need of her skills. Much like "The Giver", this book focuses on a study of society and trying to come to an answer. Because this book is aimed at young adults, most of the baser behaviors are only hinted at, which actually make them more horrible because it has been left to the imagination. Much like all good reads, the giver leaves one with more questions than answers. "Gathering Blue" is an enjoyable read for both early teens as well as adults. It is a good start for young adults to start to read and question the role of society for them and in general the larger population. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Meggie’s father, Mo, has an wonderful and sometimes terrible ability. When he reads aloud from books, he brings the characters to life--literally. Mo discovered his power when Maggie was just a baby. He read so lyrically from the the book Inkheart, that several of the book’s wicked characters ended up blinking and cursing on his cottage floor. Then Mo discovered something even worse--when he read Capricorn and his henchmen out of Inkheart, he accidentally read Meggie’s mother in.

Meggie, now a young lady, knows nothing of her father's bizarre and powerful talent, only that Mo still refuses to read to her. Capricorn, a being so evil he would "feed a bird to a cat on purpose, just to watch it being torn apart," has searched for Meggie's father for years, wanting to twist Mo's powerful talent to his own dark means. Finally, Capricorn realizes that the best way to lure Mo to his remote mountain hideaway is to use his beloved, oblivious daughter Meggie as bait!

Cornelia Funke’s imaginative ode to books and book lovers is sure to be enjoyed by fans of her breakout debut, The Thief Lord, and young readers who enjoyed the similarly themed The Great Good Thing by Roderick Townley. (Ages 10 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (184)

Not a masterpiece...just all right
While so much better than Funke's "The Thief Lord", and as 'good' as it was, this book falls short of what everyone is raving about.

It was disguised well, behind a cloak of ingenius creativity and ideas. It being a few flaws. Flaws being things from the fact that in some places, the author did not do her research, and in some places there are just some bad mistakes.

Tackling the mistakes first. They were places were Funke, you could tell, 'fell into a muddy hole', after she 'trapped' herself there. Each time, she 'made it out of the muddy hole', but not without tracking some of the dirt across the fine rug that was her story. Some of those brilliant saves showed, not vividly, but they were there, and still are, because no matter how hard you 'clean' that carpet, the 'stain' is still going to be there.

Other flaws weren't necessarily mistakes, they were just flaws. The rushed ending, the lack of description in some areas, some of the unresolved little conflicts. Without going into details, they were just itty-bitty specks that assembled together to make a huge spot of error.

The lack of research in some areas may not and probably will not be picked up by the average reader, so, if you are an 'average reader', this book might be a stretched 4 stars to you. For devoted fans of The Lord of the Rings, these little lacks of research may be evident and annoying, but they don't ruin the story.

Get this book if you like to read, but don't if authors that treat their child characters younger than their age annoy you. Probably more appealing to young girls. There you have it.

I just could not stop
This book is AMAZING. Please read it!It is DEFINITELY one of my personal favorites, and you WILL regret it if you do not read this book.Believe me this is most definitely very exciting and a page-turner.I am constantly telling my mother that she better read it or I will FORCE her to, so please take my advice and read this wonderfully breathtaking book.

Ryan's Review
I can't begin to express the greatness of this book. Its great descriptions of the setting overwhelm your imagination. Also the great dialogue and way of events give you great pleasure to read this book. Not only do the descriptions of the settings fill your mind but also so do the descriptions of the events that the characters experience. This book is just insanely good.
This story takes place in Europe not in America, since the writer lives in Germany that would explain a lot. Anyway, one day a magical husband, father, and bookbinder, reads an evil, dark man out of a book called Inkheart. Magically of course. But he also reads out some of his evil henchman to. He not only accidentally do what I just said, he also reads his wife into the book. But after nine years of waiting, Mo's (the book binder and husband and father) daughter, Meggie, inherits her father's knack for reading. But then the evil, dark man, Capricorn, and his main henchman, Basta, takes Inkheart imprisons Mo, Meggie and Elinor who is Meggie's aunt. Then there is Dustfinger, the betrayer of both the good side and the evil. But eventually he takes sides with the greater good.
I'm not going to lie to you. If you like a story with non-stop suspense, this is the book for you. Don't read this book if you like blood and gore. If you like that you might as well of read the Halo books. Don't miss out on this chance of a life time book written by Cornelia Funke because if you do you will have missed out on what I think is The Greatest Book I've ever read.

Very Good
I think this book is very good and the auther knows how to descrbe something to the very piont. Its no Harry Potter but is still a good book.

Inkheart


Inkheart Summary

Inkheart the tale of a girl named Meggie and her Father named Mo. Mo owned a book repair shop ever since Meggie was little. Meggie was laying in bed one night reading and remembering ever since she was three years old he never read aloud to her. That night Meggie saw a human like figure on the lawn, Meggie told her father. He let in a very tall thin man named Dustfinger. Dustfinger told them they are in much danger because an evil man named Capricorn. Capricorn doesn't obey any laws he doesn't have to because everyone who knows him fears him. To find out the rest you must read the book.

Dan Callahan ... Read more

Book Description

The North Star from FableVision Press, is a hardcover book of 120 pages, filled with magical watercolor illustrations and text by Peter Reynolds.

The North Star is the story of a young boy's journey through life. It is an allegory that raises questions about which road we take, and how to seek out our own unique path through life. The magical illustrations and gentle text reveal the empowering wonder of navigating our truepotential.

The North Star celebrates the individual. It invites us to rethink curriculum, career choices and other critical life decisions in a way that respects who we really are and our own unique gifts. It has inspired children, teachers, parents and people from all walks of life. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Lost on Your Journey
If you are lost on your journey, any part of of your journey, sit down, have a cup of tea, and read The North Star. Take some time to imagine how you and the 'boy' are alike as your 'paths' unfold before you.

It is a book that is meant to be read over and over again. The North Star is a wonderful reminder of how you can control your destiny and life's journey.

Enjoy!

Smart Jane has an A-ha experience
Review of The North Star by Peter Reynolds

A True Story

My smart friend Jane read The North Star and said: "It's a dumb book." I looked at her quizzically. I began to notice how straight she sat, how straight she dressed. She had no children. "It's about something very rare," I said. "Something wonderful but all too rare." Now Jane looked at me quizzically. "Unconventional children," I said. Her quizzicality grew. "And that's all of them," I added. Jane's eyes lit up, her jaw dropped a little. She said, "Oh." I started to explain but she is smart and didn't need me to tell -- about children who get those double-messages that appear on almost every page of The North Star, the wooden sign telling you to turn right, then below it a maddening little arrow pointing left. "Girl children get a ton of double-messages. Children in poverty get them, children in privilege. The messages about sex leave no room for homosexuality, for domestic violence, for exploitation. No wonder children grow up feeling lost. Who wouldn't love to read this book to kids everywhere?" "You're so right," said smart Jane. "Why didn't I see it?" "Maybe you've become conventional, Jane. Did you ever find your own North Star?" The quizzicality returned. "In the book the lost boy stops following the conventional signs when he discovers his North Star - surrounded by his very own constellation. That's just his true calling in life, surrounded by all his strengths and talents. It leads him back home: to himself, to an original self." "How wonderful," said smart Jane, tears standing in her eyes. #

William Cleary August 23, l999

A gift every person deserves...
I'm an "ability focused" disability awareness educator and I've adopted The North Star and its messages into my work with students for the past several years. With its messages of self-acceptance and acceptance of diversity, The North Star has been a natural companion for my own goals of helping students develop a greater appreciation of individual differences and abilities. This is a gift we all deserve, no matter what our age... no matter what obstacles we face in life.

Besides the success I've had with The North Star in the classroom, it also has great meaning to me on a personal level. As someone living with a lifelong respiratory disability, reading The North Star for the first time felt like someone was smiling at me, and nodding... confirming and celebrating the person I am and the unique life I've led, and it made me believe it is the kind of life I want to continue leading.

The North Star brings out the child in all of us....
I highly suggest firmly embracing your favorite stuffed animal as you read this book...it will be a journey you shall never forget.

A book to awaken you to your dreams
This book could very well awaken you, help you find your inner self and redirect you toward your guiding star - your life's work and dream. This book can be the start of a new outlook in life. Read this book and refocus...you may find it touches you like no other book has. It has done this for me. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

When teenagers Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow lead their people up out of the Earth, fleeing their dying underground city of Ember, everything is new and a little frightening to the refugees--the sun and the moon, birds, trees, fire…and the people of Ember are strange to the 322 citizens of Sparks, one of the few towns on Earth to survive the time of The Disaster. How can they feed and house the 400 Emberites, the leaders of Sparks wonder, when they have just begun to be able to feed themselves comfortably? But if they don’t, these underground people with no survival skills will surely die in the wastelands. They take them in as best they can, but grumbling and bad feeling grows on both sides. Lina returns from a failed search for her persistent vision of a city of light to find the town, egged on by the power-hungry young thug Tick, once again at the point of war, forgetting how the Earth has been destroyed before. But Lina has seen the devastation left by The Disaster, and so she risks a brave move of reconciliation, and when Doon exposes Tick’s trickery, the two sides join as the new people of Sparks.

In this exciting and solidly constructed sequel to The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau moves the story on entrancingly, bringing along her cast of characters from underground and adding new dimensions and relationships as the action escalates to a satisfying conclusion that still allows for further volumes in this fine fantasy.(Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Yeah. It's alright.
If you read the first book and were interested in the characters then you should read the second book. The People of Sparks does have an entirely different feel to it. The first book is dark, with a feeling of dread hovering over you. The second book is more a feel of "what will happen next? or how will this be resolved?" and is never fully answered.

Doon and Lina do not seem to have a connection in this book. There was another review on here that mentioned disappointment that Doon and Lina don't "hook up." That possibility is never ruled out and there are hints that it could happen. The thing to remember is that these are 12 year olds. What do you want? Some kind of "Blue Lagoon" scenario with Doon serenading outside her window? Please! Thank you for sparing us that, Ms. Duprau.

Personally, one of my favorite characters in these stories is the red-headed girl (I can't remember her name offhand and I don't have my book presently) who constantly "falls-in-love" with the "bad" characters (Tick and the Creepy Dude in City of Ember). She is a good example of what NOT TO BE for young girls: disillusioned, dishonest, subservient. I feel that she is every bit as defined as Doon and Lina. I also, personally, wish that Doon would have risen above Tick from the start. I guess Tick just never won me over.

Overall, this book is another look at real human behavior in a setting which doesn't seem to reflect real human behavior. But it's for kids so just enjoy it. It is a departure from the original but still worth the read.

Jeanne Duprau captures my mind again
Jeanne Duprau strikes again with a wonderful beautifully written sequeal to the City Of Ember. I advise you to read the City of Ember first or it will be a little confusing. This book is a amazing book and you should order it now and read it or you will be missing out!

Basically as good as the first
I got this book for christmas and by the end of the day I had finished it. I really enjoyed it!! After reading the first chapter I was confused but after the next few I was hooked!! The only problem was it was kinda predictable. But I still enjoyed it! I would give this book 4 and a half stars. It was definatly worth buying and reading though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First was MUCH better
while the first book was GREAT, and I was anxiously looking forward to the sequel, it did not live up to the first book. Everything is very predictable, and the plot drags on. It was hard to get through, even though I finished the first book in less than a day.

Sadly, a disappointment
I'm a HUGE fan of the first book (read my review and you'll see), so I was very eager to read the sequal and when it finally arrived I couldn't wait to start it.

Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. I felt that almost everything I loved about the first book was missing.

The biggest problem I had with this book was that I felt, almost the whole time, that the purpose of the story was to teach me a lesson. This is fine, but I've always believed that good fiction should entertain first and be concerned with thematic and moral issues second. The lesson in this book was so heavy-handed and obvious and I felt that it was driven in over and over again until I just wanted to go to sleep. Worst of all, I could see where it was going to end from a mile away. This contrasts with the first book, where I was frantically turning pages to see how the story would end.

The moralizing in this book seemed to have an effect on characterization as well. Doon, most of all, seemed to lose much of what made him interesting in the first book. There were some well written additions to the cast, though. Torren was my favorite of the new characters, and Maddy was also interesting.

I really wanted to see more of the new world and the cities mentioned throughout the book. The idea of the Roamers was inventive and I enjoyed that subplot the best. if only it would have been explored further.

I want to make it clear that I'm not critiquing the message of the book. Equality and civil rights are absolutely imperitive in any society. I'm just concerned that a story with a lot of potential was sacrificed in order to teach the reader a lesson that they probably already knew in the first place. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (59)

Hey! Let's Blow A Mountain Up . . .
That's about the size of it. This is a great book, one of the greater books that I have read in a long time. The rush that comes with reading Salvatore returns with the impending war for the north. The main idea of the story is Obould Many Arrows becomes a mighty god-figure in the eyes of his growing army; this creates problems for the poor dwarves of Mithral Hall. They stand as the last bastion of defense in the north against the hordes of Obould and Gerti (the frost giant). Hard pressed to guard even their own Mithral Hall, the dwarves are in dire straights. Their king is presumed dead, though still only in a comatic state. In his stead, Steward Regis calls the shots while Catti Brie and Wulfgar hold the lines along with the Bouldershoulder brothers (I love them), the Gutbuster Brigade (them too), and various other allies newly introduced in this book. Beaten back to the ridge over Keeper's Dale, about half the book covers the long battle for ground there. Drizzt, meanwhile, is out on his own dealing with feelings of despair and loss. He believes he has lost everything dear to him. As the Hunter he begins to fight this depression with violence against the orcish army. Not until he accepts the aid of two high elven friends does he actually make progress in his personal battle (but he was slaughtering orcs the whole time, make no mistake). This tale, thought packed with orc busting action, is only setting the field for greater deeds. Go out, buy this book, and read it. It had me laughing out loud at times, and at other times screaming at anyone who disturbed my concentration on the moment in the book. It is gripping and accelerates to a pace that makes a fantasy fan squeal with joy (oui-ooi!). Be ready for some surprises and pivotal plot twists with some great fights. Pay attention to the setting of the stage; In the next act (The Two Swords) A lot will come into play that one may not expect. Excellent book. I give it so many thumbs up I have to burrow some. Oh, and as for blowing up the mountain, just read the book and you'll laugh when you get the jist of the whole scheme (it's really clever).

Cordio Muffinhead? For Heaven's sake, try a little harder
I knew something was askew when I flipped open the book and found a dwarf named 'Cordio Muffinhead'...And that, my friends, was my final wake-up call that R.A. Salvatore isn't trying very hard anymore, at least not with regard to Drizzt and his storyline. I'm a bit saddened, I was hoping that 'the Lone Drow' would've been an improvement over "The Thousand Orcs" but I now see that isn't the case. This book is more-or-less a grudging march from Book 1 to Book 3. I agree with the reviewer who said trilogies like these could've been put in one book--holy cow, it's all in big print and even a blind man can see where Salvatore's rushed the story along. If this is a preview of things to come then WotC and Salvatore should let Drizzt ride off into the sunset (or Underdark). The Superman syndrome that R.A.S always feared would happen to Drizzt occurred long ago, but a lack or effort and enthusiasm is what will eventually peel longtime fans away from the fold.

Ok, but too much of the same
It is not a bad book, but the last few titles in the Drizzt campaign have been lackluster, including this one for me. The main problem is the lack of growth in the series. While events happen that should change things everything eventually remains the same. Wulfgar and Bruenor should rightfully be dead at this point( or in Wulfgar's case he should be busy raising a kid instead of out gratuitously adventuring), and Drizzt should have had the courage to either love Catti brie as he should or give a definate no to it so she can move on. He may be long lived, she is not.

Instead we have a repetitive plot, where things happen but in the end nothing changes much. Everyone is still there, constantly dwelling on their problems that they seem to have had have since the very beginning, and Drizzt himself has developed a bad case of righteousness without doubt. This may be comforting, but I lost my ability to be surrpised by the characters. I also feel they won't die thus my excitement when they get to a fight is diminished. 10 orcs attack, 10 orcs die. Sure there is some flashy footwork, but we have seen it all before.

Also, Drizzt needs to be fighting more than just orcs, ogres, etc etc. He used to face off with dragons, demons, deadly swordsmen, and high end wizards. That has definately tapered off of late, and that has also dampened my interest as well.

I am hoping that the 3rd book actually changes some things and causes growth. It looks like Savatore is setting up a new love for Drizzt, but we will have to wait and see.

An expertly crafted action/adventure fantasy tale
Book One of R.A. Salvatore's "The Hunter's Blade" trilogy, The Lone Drow is the story of Drizzi Do'Urden who is the bane of the orc hordes still ravaging the North. Cut off, alone, convinced that everything he ever valued has been destroyed and all that's left is to kill until there are no enemies left, the reader is carried along on an expertly crafted action/adventure fantasy tale that is replete with memorable characters, dire situations, vividly drawn backgrounds, and horrific battles. But the novice reader should be forewarned! Reading The Lone Drow will send you to seek out all of R. A. Salvatore's earlier books -- and leave you looking urgently toward the next installment of this thrilling fantasy series.

Most boring piece Salvatore ever created
Starting with the Dark Elf Trilogy this drow's adventures really kept me good company for years. My all time favorite work of the author is the Dark Elf Trilogy and I read all the other adventures of Drizzt. Thousand Orc series however , have been sending alarm signals that Drizzt and Co. have finally come to an end. What was most interesting about Drizzt in the beginning was his inner reflection and diary-like musings. Unfortunately it grew old and boring and he became a whining self rightous character. The plot is more like a cheap soap opera: There is no plot at all. You can tell that many pages and dialogues and Drizzt's self reflection moments are just there to fill the pages.
It is time for bob Salvatore to pull the plug on this guy and create something else. This book is written mainly due to financial concerns of the author.
I agree with the previous posters recommendations. Storyline and characters need to mature. ... Read more

Book Description

"Unless you put right what you did wrong in your previous life -- and put it right now -- you are going to be horribly and painfully dead before the year's out."

Someone at the mysterious Stallery Mansion is pulling the possibilities. At first only small details change -- the color of the mailboxes, the titles of books -- but the changes keep getting bigger and bigger. It's up to Conrad Tesdinic, a twelve-year-old with truly terrible karma, to find the person behind it all.

Armed with his camera and a sticky cork that can summon an eerie being called a Walker, Conrad infiltrates the staff at Stallery. And he's not the only one snooping around the mansion. His fellow servant-in-training -- charming, confident Christopher Chant -- is searching for his friend Millie, who's lost in one of the possibilities. Christopher always seems to have a trick up his sleeve. To find the person behind all the mischief and to rescue Millie, the two boys have to work together. Can they keep Conrad's fate from catching up to them?

Book Description

Reviews (1)

This is the perfect book for you if...
-you want to play into Jason Alexander's self-importance
-are drunk and you need something to pee on ... Read more

Book Description

The battle continues. The struggle of good versus evil continues as Bobby Pendragon follows Saint Dane to the territory of Zadaa. Saint Dane's influence has fueled the fire of discontent between two warring tribes: the Rokador and the Batu. This is also the territory where the Traveler Loor lives as a member of the Batu. Together she and Bobby must work to thwart Saint Dane's efforts to destroy Zadaa.

But as Bobby pursues Saint Dane, he begins to notice changes in himself. He is no longer a flip kid looking for excitement. He is a young man beginning to see this quest as more than a series of adventures. He is also learning that as a Traveler, he has powers no normal human should have.

In this latest installment of Bobby Pendragon's battle to save humanity, discovery and danger go hand in hand as D. J. MacHale takes readers on an emotional thrill ride they won't soon forget..

... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best science fiction ever since the Harry Potter series
D.J.Machaleis the best writer i have ever met his books make you want to read more and more it's a thrilling book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey bask in the glorious Summerof the Late Rose, all is quiet and peaceful. But things are not as theyseem. Cluny the Scourge, the evil one-eyed rat warlord, is hell-bent ondestroying the tranquility as he prepares to fight a bloody battle forthe ownership of Redwall. This dazzling story in the Redwall series ispacked with all the wit, wisdom, humor, and blood-curdling adventure ofthe other books in the collection, but has the added bonus of takingthe reader right back to the heart and soul of Redwall Abbey and thecharacters who live there.

Magical, mystical, and the stuff of legends, this stunning tale of goodbattling with--and ultimately triumphing over--evil takes the reader ona roller-coaster adventure that barely draws breath from the first pageto the very last. Brian Jacques is a true master of his craft.--Susan Harrison ... Read more

Reviews (623)

Redwall is a joy to read at any age

Redwall is one of the finest examples of children's literature I've ever read. The detail that Brian Jacques puts into his books makes them a joy for children to read...and for adults to read aloud, or to themselves.

In Jacques' books, each species of animal speaks with a different dialect, mostly different British dialects. The descriptions of the foods and feasts of Redwall Abbey make one want to go out and try some of the moles "Deeper 'n' ever pie;" and what I wouldn't give to be able to taste one of the Abbott's cakes frosted with buttercup cream!

Brian Jacques has given the world a book that children and adults alike can enjoy. He begins with a wonderful description of the tales' villian...Cluney the Scourge...and holds the reader spellbound through the mysteries, adventures and romances that follow.

I first read this book about four years ago. Then, while I was pregnant with our only child, I then proceeded to read it a second time, aloud, so that my daughter, Madison, would develop a love of literature at a very young age. I even recorded the story so that Madison would be able to listen to it in the future.

Many times we are tempted to "wait for the movie," especially when it comes to children's literature. But this book is made for reading. Jacques unique dialects and "turns of the phrase" are wonderful for the preteen set to read by themselves (at 400 or so pages, they can feel like they are finally reading a real novel) or for an adult to read aloud to a younger group.

Once you have read this first in Jacques' Redwall series, you will find yourself eagerly awaiting the next installment (just like I do).

As I stated before, it has been over four years since I read this book, so please forgive any misspellings of the villian's name.

By the way, for those of you who are interested, Madison, who just turned two, already brings me stacks upon stacks of books every night to read before we go to be. I fear I have created a monster!

A Brilliant and Captivating tale...
"Redwall" is a thrilling piece of storytelling that has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its heart-pounding adventure, lovable characters and "hare"-breadth escapes. The amazing descriptive elements help bring the written word to life.

Fantasy has rarely had the warm, inviting feel of the Redwall series, especially this fabulous first enstallment. Its mystery,intrigue, and conundrums to unravel, as well as its twists of fate, assure that it will go down as a classic.

Matthias is a young novice mouse of the Redwall order, a rather clumsy creature, who has left every mouse in the Abbey wondering what his destiny will be. After the celebration of their Abbot's Golden Jubilee, a large horde of rats is discovered roaming the land in a horse-cart, lead by an usually large rat with one eye...

The characters in Redwall are all animals, such as those native to England (rats, mice, badgers, squirrels, foxes, and so on). The distinction between the protagonists and antagonists, and the differences in each creature's "personality" (not to mention their differences in accents and dialects!) add to the enjoyment. "Redwall" is uniquely fullfilling. This is the beginning of a long journey enjoyed by people of all ages. Redwall has grown to be one of my personal favorites, as have all the Redwall books, and will surely become a favorite of any enthusiastic reader.

great book!
I read this book based on an enthusiastic recommendation. And I am so glad I did. I'm now a happy fan of Brian Jacques and the entire Redwall series.

The story moves along very nicely, with good editing and excellent characters. I found myself reading late into the night just to see what happens to them and how it ends. The only warning I have is to be prepared to be hungry! The feasts are described in wonderful detail with great imagery and colorful conversations. It's very reminiscent of holiday gatherings and family dinners from childhood.

This book impressed me. I know it was written for children, but it absolutely does not read like one. I can see why younger readers would enjoy it, but adults will love it too. It would be a great book to read aloud or just keep it to yourself.

Enjoy!

A DELIGHTFULLY ENCHANTING MOUSE TALE!!!
I'ts been a long while since a book has given me such absolute pleasure as this remarkable little adventure (ah-hem) tale about a novice mouse hoping to become a brother of the Redwall Abbey in Mossflower woods. Instead he becomes the Abbey champion when he leads the fight against Cluny The Scourge: a particularly foul, one-eyed rat that threatens the peace and safety of Redwall and the surrounding countryside. This is a classic fantasy novel in the tradition of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis with a host of unforgettable characters (and loads of violent confrontations that could scare younger children). Jacques' prose is delicious to devour and highly recommended to anyone who doesn't enjoy reading: a fact that whets one's appetite for the next entry in the series. HARSH LANGUAGE: about 6 words, VIOLENCE: about 40 scenes, SEXUAL REFERENCES: none.

The Guerilla Union of Shrews! (Read the book to figure out)
Fans of Watership Down and heroic tales of battles and quests will be intrigued with the unique world of personified animals that Brian Jacques has created. Bizarre but equally entrancing, Redwall will captivate readers and keep them prisoner until the very end. The book opens with a description of Redwall Abbey which is owned by an order of monk-like mice and an introduction to Matthias, a clumsy, awkward, "brother-in-training." Matthias, Father Abbot, and the other brothers have lived in relative peace for many long years, providing shelter and care to local woodland residents and all those in need. This humble but satisfying way of life is threatened one summer night when Matthias first lays eyes upon the legendary warlord, Cluny the Scourge, and his horde of rats ready to plunder and pillage. Where these villainous rats have come from is unknown but it is quite clear that Cluny has his one eye set upon claiming Redwall as his stronghold. All that stands between the death and destruction of the entire Mossflower region is the monastery brothers and sisters. Now these practitioners of mercy, healing, and love must become skilled defenders of their home.

Young Matthias experiences a tremendous transformation from an orphaned immature mouse to a natural born leader and developing warrior. To save Redwall from its invaders he embarks on a quest to find the lost sword of Martin the Warrior, a founder of their abbey. During his search he discovers his past and destiny, learning valuable lessons of life, honor, and what truly lies in a warrior's heart along the way. Join the mice and their companions as they encounter new friends and enemies during their struggle with the terrible Cluny the Scourge. Redwall is a strangely imaginative and enchanting story that will change your views on furry rodents forever. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What on earth is a Whangdoodle? A "fanciful creature of undefined nature," it was also once the wisest, kindest, most fun-loving living thing in the world--until people stopped believing in it. When that lack of faith became widespread, the last of the really great Whangdoodles created a special land full of extraordinary creatures: furry Flukes, the sly High-Behind Splintercat, and the wonderful Whiffle Bird. But when an open-minded professor--the one adult who still believes in the Whangdoodle--joins forces with three children with active imaginations, they become an unstoppable team on a fantastic and sometimes terrifying journey to Whangdoodleland.

Readers who have explored Narnia, Oz, or Willy Wonka's chocolate factory will be thrilled at this new destination--a marvelous land that will inspire and stimulate creative and scientific minds. And who better to expose young readers to new ways of seeing, smelling, and hearing than Julie (Andrews) Edwards of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music fame? Her lively and clever style pulls readers along effortlessly; she, like the professor, is one grownup who can teach children never to close their minds to possibility. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (212)

Great Whangdoodles!
I had a teacher who read this book to our class when I was in fourth grade. I am now 30, and the book is still one of the most creative, entertaining books I have ever read. Lindy, Tom, Ben and the professor have the most wonderful adventures and meet up with the most incredible creatures. Julie Andrews Edwards has a gift for making the reader feel that she (or he) is actually along on the adventure. Her writing style is so descriptive, it's almost as if you can actually see, smell and taste all of the fantastic things in the book. This book truly recognizes the importance of exercising a child's imagination. I really look forward to reading it to my children someday.

If you like Harry Potter or the Oz books....
...you'll like this look into the collective imagination of two brothers, their sister, and an eccentric professor. Journey with them as the go in search of a magnificent creature that can exist only if someone believes in it.

I first discovered this book when I was in elementary school, around the time it was written, and I fell in love with it. Fast forward about 10 years to a summer spent as a camp counselor when I read it to a cabin full of 9-11 year old girls who couldn't wait for me to read the next chapter each night. Fast foward another 15 years to a mother purchasing a Harry Potter book from Amazon. Lo and behold the title comes up again in the "people who bought this book also purchased..." line. What a treat to rediscover what I consider a classic.

If you like the Harry Potter books or the Oz books or any book that takes the you to imaginary places with imaginary creatures and imaginary landscapes then you'll love it.

What an imagination!
There is so much creative power at work in this story, it's wonderful. I'd give it a ten (on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest) for the imagination alone involved in creating all the creatures in the story. Read it yourself and, if you don't like the plot, at least read it for the fascinating descriptions of all the creatures in it. Oh to have an imagination like this author! It was great. I found myself smiling and giggling like a little girl while I was reading it. It's a great conversation piece too - how many discussions are about "whangdoodles" anyway? :o) Great read!

I want a whangdoodle
This book was good. I don't like the people who gave it only one or two (or even three) stars. Read this book and be plesantly surprised. I won't tell you the plot because you need to read it yourself.

Have You Ever Considered a Whangdoodle?
"You'll excuse me for butting in," said a voice immediately behind children. "But if you're looking for something really unusual, have you ever considered a Whangdoodle?"
The children spun around. Sitting in the grass behind them, knees drawn up almost to his chin, was a small man. He was holding a rolled umbrella made of clear plastic.
"I beg your pardon, sir," Ben said, "Did you say something?"
"Yes I did. I said, have you ever considered a Whangdoodle?"
In Julie Andrews Edwards, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles you can. What is a Whagdoodle? It's a mythical creature that lives in Whangdoodleland. Ben, Tom, and Lindy Potter and Professor Savant try to meet the Whangdoodle, but the Prock, the Whasndoodle's Prime Minister, will stop at nothing to make sure they don't. On their strange adventure they meet the Whifflebird, the High-behind Splinter Cat and many other unusual creatures. Do they meet the Whangdoodle? You'll just have to read the book to find out. ... Read more

Book Description

The latest New York Times best-seller from R.A. Salvatore, now in paperback!

The Thousand Orcs is yet another top release from premiere Forgotten Realms author R.A. Salvatore. This mass market reprint focuses primarily on his signature character, Drizzt Doourden, who has been the subject of most of Salvatore's best-selling titles for Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This title includes a sample chapter from the author's next hardcover, The Lone Drow.

One Dark Elf.

Two Enchanted Blades.

One Unknown Enemy.

And a Horde of Invaders.

When a blood-thirsty band of orcs led by an as-yet-unseen enemy comes rampaging out of the Spine of the World, it lays waste to everything in its path. Dark elf ranger Drizzt Do’Urden and his most trusted friends find themselves in the path of destruction. As blades slash and feet trample, even the heroes may not survive a desperate stand.
... Read more

Reviews (125)

Another Salvatore Masterpiece
This was the first "Drizzt" novel I read, and I was utterly amazed by it. The Bouldershoulder Brothers Ivan & Pikel are absolutely hilarious. We meet two new vilains in the orc king Obould Many-Arrows and the frost giant princess Gerti Orelsdottr. Racial issues also play a major role in this book, with the inner strife in Mirabar between the corpulent marchion and the dwarves, led by Torgar hammerstriker and Shingles McGruff. We get an inside look at Drizzt's turmoil over killing ellifain, an elf he actually saved many years prior. In Wulfgar, we see a man whose overcome both gut-wrencing torture at the hands of a demon and immense inner torment. My sole complaint lies with the map on the opening page. Not only is it not of the quality of those in Streams of Silver and Silent Blade but it is also some what misleading. other than that, an excellent(and well-timed given the surge in interest in LOTR-inspired works) novel.

Salvatore is clearly the Lord and Master of Fantasy fiction
Once agains R.A. Salvatore has proved that he is truly a literary Legend. The Thousand Orcs, His latest book offers a very personal look into each of His core characters lifes, as a group, but more importantly, as individual. The Troupe is on their way back to Mithral Hall when they come across the battered remains of a dwarven caravan with quite the grim tale to tale. From Bruneor's internal conflict, knowing his place as the rightfull king of Mithral Hall and giving up His life among his freinds traveling the roads and facing the dangers of the wilds in a fashion that only He can, to Wulfgars own struggle, feeling that He must give up his warriors heart and path to see to his responisblities to His new family. From the emergance of rumblebelly(who has come into his own-*I am so proud) to stand and fight beside his fellow troupe members, to the budding relationship of Catti-brie. It is a non-stop adventure, I personally went through the book in one day........But then when it comes to Drizz't and company how can you not find it difficult, if not impossible( for me it was the latter) to put the book down, Definatly a Salvatore Classic ........Nuff said ya heard.

Good to have them back
While the story starts a little slow, I may attribute that to the fact I haven't read this type of book in awhile (although I remain always faithful to Drizzt's band and Salvatore's wonderful writing). The book really flows and you eventually find yourself not wanting to put it down.
I really like the detail with which Salvatore describes the actions (you can almost see the orcs piling up around the adventurer's!). I like also that he did do a lot more with the other characters. Regis and Cattiebrie are much more in the forefront this time (Wulfgar already had his moment in the spotlight). And Bruenor ends up being the main character of this book, which I find delightful.
I really enjoyed this one and will be purchasing book two shortly).

Pure Brilliance
The Thousand Orcs by R.A. Salvatore is the first book in the Hunter's Blade trilogy. It was my first read by this author and I absolutely loved it! Very Tolkien-Esque writing with lots of action and tons of adventure! Character development is also used in top notch in this novel. The cover art tells of the excellence that this book trully is! A must read for any Action/Adventure/Fantasy book fan! I will definetly read more from R.A. Salvatore.

Salvatore is so much better than this
The dialogue, and character names are laughable. Dagnabbit, Nanfoodle, Rockbottom, Runabout, Shingles, Withegroo, to name but a few. With names like this, I'm surprised I didn't find someone named; Goshdarnit, ohhell, or wyritethis? The only thing I can guess, is that he's under contract to write x number of books for Wizards and he's not happy about it. If you're tired of writing about Drizzt, just say no, but please don't butcher it. I've always loved Salvatore's books. Homeland was one of the best Fantasy books I've ever read; fun and inventive. The first of his stories not to borrow so heavily on Tolkien. This is by far his worst book to date. In a lot of ways I think Starless Night was the last great book in this series of characters. With the exception of Drizzt and Catti-brie, every other major player's stories in these books were finished, and finished well. The new beginnings and thoughtless banter that has grown since then, (including Wolfgar's rebirth) cheapen the story. It's like reading a comic. The X-men are good, but it gets pointless after a-while. The same group of people, year after year after year. The danger is gone when the characters become two-dimensional gods who can never die. If you've never read Salvatore, please, try the Icewind Dale Trilogy, The Dark Elf Trilogy, The Legacy, and Starless night. You will not regret it. Later books were good in one way or another, but they really lost the magic of the first few, and this new series is bad. I might have gotten somewhat into the story if it wasn't for the distain it seems this was written in. If the author reads these, please take little offense, I mean no disrespect. Salvatore is a great writer, but this was not a great book. Try his older work, when he was still hungry. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (14)

Before Harry Potter, there was Cimorene.
I love this series.

I first encountered these books in sixth grade, when my teacher began to read Dealing with Dragons to my class. She never finished it, and I forget why I began to read it, but after I had finished it, I loved it. For a long time, I didn't even know that it was part of a series. I read and reread the book so many times that the paperback spine broke, and I had to finally replace it. When I did replace it, I bought the entire series.

I always tell people that this is a great series for young adults who like fantasy, and that the first book (Dealing with Dragons) can stand alone pretty well. It is a series that uses common tropes from fairy tales and fantasy myths, but satirizes and mocks them. For example, in Dealing with Dragons, Cimorene (the very IMPROPER princess) meets a talking frog... but one that she doesn't need to kiss, although he offhandedly remarks that he's met a couple enchanted frogs in the past. :)

The second book, Searching for Dragons, is a continuation to Dealing with Dragons, but it introduces a new character, Mendenbar, the ruler of the Enchanted Forest (and we discover why the series is called The Enchanted Forest Chronicles) and revisits some of the older characters. Calling on Dragons, which is one of my favorites in the series, focuses on the witch Morwen-- it is the silliest of all of them, in my opinion, mostly because of Morwen's cats. Finally, Talking to Dragons, which is my least favorite of the series, ties up some of the loose ends. Unfortunately, this final book takes place one generation from the lovable Mendenbar and Cimorene, and it is kind of disconcerning to lose them but keep Wrede's wit. But, the series is fun, the characters are (for the most part) wonderful and unforgettable, and it is a very creative (but underrated) fantasy series that I strongly recommend.

i've read almost everything, and these stand among the best
I was a book-a-holic when i was younger. i first discovered these books in elementary school, and i probably read each one about 10 times. now i'm in college, and just finished re-reading the whole series.

they are intelligent, witty, and twist traditional fairy tales into wonderful, interesting, new things. the characters are great and intelligent. a great book for girls, it shows that we can have adventures too and don't have to be content with waiting for our prince in shining armour to come rescue us. we can be bad-ass, independent, free-thinking princesses like cimerone and still find great guys (mendanbar).

i would reccommend these books to anyone, even if fantasy isn't typically your thing. they are the kind of books and characters that just...become a part of you. although i hate the new paperback versions. if you really love these books, go for the hardback versions if you can find them...these books are worth keeping forever, keeping for your children, and the paperback ones are noticably cheap. of course, the hardback ones are out of print now i beleive, so it can take some hunting. paperbacks are better than no book at all!!

these books have brought me pure joy and vicarious adventure. five stars and 1000 words can't even begin to describe how great they are.

What's Not To Like?
They're funny, they're charming, they're clever, and they've got great cover illustrations. I love them. Don't get me wrong, I adore good old fairy tales as well, but you take that and give it a twist, and you have the best parody ever! I only have one problem, and that is with the first book. Cimorene seems to blink every two pages over something. Yes, I am perfectly well aware that blinking is a normal funtion of everyday life, but why it's necessary to tell the reader that Cimorene's doing it every chance you get is beyond me. You don't hear "Cimorene inhaled" anywhere in the book. Regardless. They're absolutely worth the money, although I lucked out when my aunt picked up the complete volume for me at her used bookstore. If I didn't own them, I would buy them. And I advise anyone with a sense of humour and a taste for light fantasy to do so as well.

Spell-binding!
What a fun and exciting series! I'm a grandma, and the books kept me spell-bound. I particularly appreciate the fact that the characters are rather atypical, and that the stories offer some fresh new ways to consider or present social and moral values--like acceptance and courtesy.

A Forest with a Mind of It's Owm
Five great stories that keep you hooked till the very last story. With great detail and great story plots. It really transports you to a land of dragons and wizards and witches and princesses and princes'and "caves of fire and nigh" and what not. Four stories wroth reading. In these it seems as though the forest control the characters. READ IT!!! ... Read more

Book Description

For twenty-five years, Ellen Raskin's Newbery Medal-winning The Westing Game has been an enduring favorite and is now being reissued with a brand-new jacket by Kevin Hawkes and an introduction by Ann Durell.

This highly inventive mystery involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, which involves blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Ellen Raskin has entangled a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense. ... Read more

Reviews (457)

Good book, lacking in content
The story starts off with openings for six brand new apartments over looking Lake Michigan, six letters were sent to seemingly six random people and the deal was too good for all six to pass it up. A few weeks later the owner of the apartments, the mansion next door, and the local mill which makes paper is found dead in his bedroom on the night of Halloween by one of the people who lived in the apartments. A week later his will is read aloud to all the people who were receiving gifts, coincidentally only the people who lived in the apartment building which turns out to be sixteen people. When the will is read the sixteen heirs are split up into eight random groups of two people, each group then is given a set of what appears to be random words. This set of words are their clues, they have to find out who murdered the owner of the place whose name is Samuel Westing if they can figure it out they get the mansion. They are told that one of them is actually the murderer which sparks suspicion. This sets a game like atmosphere. Next the book describes the individual teams and how they try to use their clues. Many puzzling things happen on the way that change your view of the case.

The rest is for you to read, I have not told to much so still buy this fascinating book. I enjoyed the book a lot and believe firmly that it deserves four stars out of the possible five. I enjoyed this book because it was very entertaining and hard to put down. This book also is a fantastic murder mystery which can appeal to both grown ups and to very young kids, however, the book is very different than a detective story. In fact the author, centers his writings on the characters which are very well explained and you can tell what each one is thinking. The author is able to do this brilliantly, by forming a game out of the mystery where the heirs to the will believe for a good portion of the book that to inherit the most money they must find out who the murder was.

The years pass, and still a must-read
'The Westing Game' was my favorite book as a pre-teen, so when I returned to it years later, my expectations were low. Was I wrong! This book might be accessible to younger readers, but no one who loves a mystery with incredible characters should miss this for