Why I'm Gone

well, I've been meaning to make this post for a while, but kept putting it off... so here I am, Saturday and five AM getting ready to go. where? I am going on a Missions Trip to Arizona this week (it is going to be so fun!) Any way, they will have NO computers (and hardy any phone service, ), so that means that I will not be here for about a week. I will post some pictures when I get back!

The Lightning Thief

Percy is this twelve year old boy who has had some problems. He has reading problems, ADHD, and something always happens to get him kicked out of school. He knows something is not right when he overhears some conversations, and finds out who his best friend really is, and where he comes from. To escape from Minotaurs, the Friendly ones, and goodness knows what else; Percy is forced to stay at camp Half-Blood.

Soon it is evident that something is wrong. It is up to Percy, Grover, and Annabeth to find who stole Zeus's lightning bolt and return it in less than ten days. It did not seem too hard at first, but mythical creatures continue popping up and delaying the quest, will there be enough time?

This novel was very well written. Although it dealt with mythology and the Olympian gods, I did not find it too difficult to believe. Sometimes a reader comes across a book that is good, but nothing seems probable in any way. The Lightning Thief was not one of those. I cannot wait to read the rest in the series.

Grendel

I was not too eager about reading this book, but I didn't have a choice. 'Grendel' was a required read for school this year. In the past the School Board has had the school read books such as 'Monster', 'Lovely Bones', 'The Five People You Meet In Heaven', 'Night', and the like. I never finished 'Lovely Bones', but of the others I can honestly say that I was deeply disappointed. None of them have happy endings, or beginnings for that matter. 'Grendel' was not any different.

The narrator is Grendel himself; the first monster from 'Beowulf'. He lives in a cave in the woods during the middle ages. Most of the book is about the past, and what brought Grendel to hate humans; especially Hrothgar.

The Bad: The book is gory, crude, and has some language issues. One problem I had with the language was that Grendel even admits he does not know what the words mean or imply, he heard them once used by angry men and now swears with those words himself. I personally believe that literature could do without the swearing, there are plenty of other ways to say what you are feeling (that goes for real life speech too...).

The Good: Gardner has an interesting way of writing. Somehow he convinces the reader to feel and think the same way as the monster, even if they don't want to. I don't know how many times I found myself feeling angry at Hrothgar, or the dragon, at the same time Grendel does, and then wonder how I could have felt that anger, or sympathy a paragraph later.

New Books

I just got four books from the library today. I would be shaking with anticipation if I wasn't typing. I am very excited about reading them, but I can't.

I made a rule for myself a while ago- only two books at a time. This helps me keep the plots straight, and collect my thoughts about the book when I have finished it. Currently, I am reading two books, so I must wait until I have finished them to read 'The Lightning Thief', 'The Calder Game', 'The People of Sparks', and 'The Prophet of Yonwood'.

This can be good, though. 'Grendel' is a required read for school this year, not one I chose out of interest. Knowing that these four books are sitting on my dresser, waiting for me, may be just enough encouragement to finish it.

I'm off to find a cosy corner, there are several books waiting for me.

The Media Fast is Over

The Media Fast is over, and I am back on the computer. I read a couple of books during the time I wasn't on the computer or watching TV:

A CURSE DARK AS GOLD-- It took a couple chapters for me to get into this book, but as soon as I did, I was enthralled. Is it everyone's imagination, or is there a curse? Who should you trust? Is it too late for either?







HALF MAGIC-- I had a lot of fun reading Half Magic -and making up my own double wishes. This was a comfortable, easy to read book that makes you laugh and keep reading.



TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE-- this was a guide to prayer partners. It stresses that when two or more pray together the effects are much more... noticeable. You wonder what you could do or could have done if you spent more time in prayer- with or without someone with you.




CITY OF EMBER-- I fell in love with this story at once. There is this underground city, but the people living there know nothing about us. Two children figure much out on their own, but will anyone believe them? What happens when the people of ember run out of supplies, and hope?

THE WRIGHT 3-- I found it confusing that the reader had to decode a little section of the book, and a little frustrating when I couldn't. Although the plot seemed hard-to-believe, it worked. Will the three ever become friends? Can old houses communicate? How much of life is coincidence?

BASIC CHRISTIANITY-- I haven't actually finished this one yet, but so far it is very interesting. There are a few big words, and lots of big concepts and ideas. It really gets you thinking, in a good way.