This dramatization of Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a must-read for any fan of the novel. It is quite different in tone, which is only natural, but this difThis dramatization of Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a must-read for any fan of the novel. It is quite different in tone, which is only natural, but this difference is part of what makes this version so enjoyable. I relish the opportunity to experience someone else’s interpretation of a beloved novel, and in this case, I was pleasantly surprised by what was cut out and what was left in. I was impressed with the character development in such a truncated plot, not just Bilbo, but the Dwarves too. Parts were very silly, and parts were unexpectedly moving....more
The premise is interesting, to say the least. In this alternate history, a scientist trying to find a cure for the plague is studying a particular gruThe premise is interesting, to say the least. In this alternate history, a scientist trying to find a cure for the plague is studying a particular gruesome strain that turns its victims into mindless, flesh-hungry corpses. When the kaiser, eager to kick-start WWI and start the business of conquering other nations, finds out about the zombie-plague sample, the scientist knows he must steal the sample and hide it from the Germans. The scientist is a nice enough character, but he's not exactly the most competent guy around, which is how he winds up on the Titanic, is noticed by Agent who follows him on board, and accidentally sets in motion a series of events that leave the passengers and crew zombified. The events are described very carefully; it's a little bit gory in places but not bad.
This was a nice enough story for what it was. It was not as well-crafted as Grahame-Smith's Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, but it was nevertheless a straightforward and gripping novel. I put off pretty much everything to finish it once I started, so I feel it should earn some points for being so hard to put down. That said, I never felt that the zombie premise worked particularly well with the Titanic legend; the "real" elements of the story, like the ship and the people on it, almost got in the way of the story. Although the novel was able to make historical figures like Smith and Andrews seem fresh and interesting, they were still not as well-developed as some of the novel's original characters. This story might have been stronger if it had left off the Titanic elements altogether and told just a zombie story.
What you make of this story will probably depend on what you're looking for. I thought it was a compelling story, and it was sort of a fun zombie romp that (I think) was written to come out at the same time as the Titanic centennial. If you want a serious story with deep characters and epic struggles, then you should probably look elsewhere (although the title should have probably tipped you off a little). If, however, you'd enjoy a quick story that both recognizes and sort of winks at the Titanic's crew and passengers, then be sure to give this little book a try....more
This book has everything. It gives history associated with children's literature generally, with the specific stories (the different versions of "LittThis book has everything. It gives history associated with children's literature generally, with the specific stories (the different versions of "Little Red Riding Hood," for example, are a fascinating study), and even with the content of some specific stories (e.g. the section on alphabet poems describes an older, 24-letter English alphabet). And what a collection! It contains tradition stories, including fairy tales. It contains more modern responses to these fairy tales, such as parodies and cynical, worldly retellings. Its collection of literature includes humor and serious works. It includes poetry, prose, plays, and picture books (and yes, the actual pages of the picture books are reproduced as images, so the readers can see more than just the text). It even has a section of full-color pictures. It includes many works that I recall from my own childhood, and it grounds them in context so that I can better understand their history and their context in the canon.
Surprisingly wonderful. This book features a strong story -- powerful and emotional -- and strong characters. Lincoln is very well-developed as a charSurprisingly wonderful. This book features a strong story -- powerful and emotional -- and strong characters. Lincoln is very well-developed as a character, and I was happy to see this book describe not just his political struggles, but also the tragedies in his personal life. A different main character, Henry, who is complete fiction, is nuanced and carefully written. Most importantly, this alternate-history novel approaches the real history and real Lincoln with reverence. Generally, this novel is a rewrite of history with the premise "What if vampires existed and had been involved in Lincoln's life and American politics?" I was surprised at the level of detail and the historical accuracy (which, for the most part, is sound). Best of all, although this novel seamlessly blends history with the fantasy of vampires, it also suggests that Abraham Lincoln, the true-life nonvampire-hunter Lincoln, was also heroic, hard-working, and worthy of every accolade and honor that his memory has received....more
This book was a joy. It is a collection of many different humorous poems; some describe the world in a strange new way, some tell stories, and some arThis book was a joy. It is a collection of many different humorous poems; some describe the world in a strange new way, some tell stories, and some are just fun to read aloud. These poems appeal to a child's imagination and offer laughter and adventure.
Although I myself am not a parent, somewhere deep inside me is a little voice telling me that despite dirty diapers, sleepless nights, and colic, it would be worth having children, just so I could read them this book. There is a sense of wonder in this book that I wouldn't have thought possible.
I like the Stephanie Plum books, but this book just doesn't seem to fit in the series. It is funny, of course, but it doesn't feel like Stephanie PlumI like the Stephanie Plum books, but this book just doesn't seem to fit in the series. It is funny, of course, but it doesn't feel like Stephanie Plum. Ranger and Vinnie aren't in this book, and Morelli and Lula only get a handful of pages apiece. Stephanie spends most of the book in the company of Diesel, a supernatural superhero who flirts with her and chases superpowered supernatural villains. I don't think the supernatural elements fit too well with the Plum novels, either, and it isn't even a "Christmas" miracle story, since Diesel is a year-round magic guy. I read the book and enjoyed it for what it was, but the whole time I was telling myself that once this between-the-numbers book was over, I could pretend it never happened. Unfortunately, (view spoiler)[at the end, we learn that one of Valerie's kids will grow up to be a supernatural superpowered superhero, too, (hide spoiler)] so now I suppose that for the rest of the series, whether this book's events are mentioned or not, I will have a constant reminder anyway. Sheesh!
If this is the only Plum book you've ever read, you'll probably like it. I think it's nice on its own; it just doesn't mesh with the rest of the series....more
This book has a little of everything: short stories, poems, carols, recipes, crafts, tips, history of Santa, and information about traditions around tThis book has a little of everything: short stories, poems, carols, recipes, crafts, tips, history of Santa, and information about traditions around the world. It includes such religious content the famous passage from the Gospel of Luke, and such traditional fantastic tales as Dickens' A Christmas Carol and Hoffman's The Nutcracker. This book combines several centuries of Christmas writings in one compact, pocket-size volume.
That said, this book just isn't that practical; I think it tries to do so much that it doesn't really do things well. The short stories are severely abridged, but they are not listed as abridged. The carols do not include music, or even the names of the tunes or composers.
The section with traditions around the world is very short -- good for overviews but lacking detail. It and the Santa history are still fun sections to peruse.
The crafts seem very interesting and fun. I cannot comment on the recipes because I don't cook, but they seem very good. They also take up a substantial amount of the book, as it was a particularly large section.
Overall, the book is fun, and it's a nice addition to my collection. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Christmas but who isn't looking for a definitive history or anthology. It's a nice stocking stuffer, it provides good variety, and it's fun....more
This short story tells of a man who, at the time that he is born, appears to be an old man of seventy. As time passes, he ages "backwards," becoming yThis short story tells of a man who, at the time that he is born, appears to be an old man of seventy. As time passes, he ages "backwards," becoming younger each year. It's an interesting story, and it's well worth the read. This particular edition features quirky (and wonderful) illustrations by Calef Brown. A humorous, original, lighthearted book....more
Loading...
