October Book List

97.  Catching Fire by Suzanne Colllins-(*****) Sequel to The Hunger Games, and actually and surprisingly JUST as good as the original.  Also, JUST as violent.  Somewhat predictable.  But, one thing I love about these books is that even though I can usually tell where the plot is going, the trip there keeps me guessing. This time around I had a general idea what I would like to see at the end of the book, (which actually ended up happening) and I knew certain things would have to happen, but there was a healthy dose of ?????  woven in that makes for a fabulous, gripping suspense tale.  I loved it.  The ending was not nearly as cliff-hanging as I expected which was VERY relieving.  Book three isn't due out until Fall 2010.  I guess I can wait.  :)

98.  Messenger by Lois Lowry- (***)  Honestly... I don't know what to say about this book.  It didn't end like I thought it would.  And I was a little disappointed in the end I think.  I guess I felt like it was a little bit of a cop-out.  I'd be interested in other opinions. 

99.  The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien -(***)  Much more interesting the Fellowship of the Rings and kept my attention much better.  Still took me a while to get through, but I was much more engaged this time.  Looking forward to the finale!

100.  Song for a Dark Queen by Rosemary Sutcliff- (**)  I knew nothing of the story of Boudicca until I read this book.  So, I was completely unprepared for the tragedy.  Readers should be warned that it's not a happy book, not at all nice or even clean.  I'd give the content at least a PG-13 rating for violence, horrible war scenarios, and other unmentionables...  In defense of the content, it should be mentioned that it's all tragically true.  Very sad, very sickening, very horrific, very riveting.  Very educational. 

101. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo -(****)  Newberry Award winner in 2003.  Endearing, really.  :)  I delayed in reading this book for a long time because I have this thing with mice.  I don't like them.  But, Despereaux is really loveable.  This book is extremely well written.  Plenty of awesome quotes.  "QUEST.  Say it reader, say the word 'quest' out loud.  It is an extraordinary word, isn't it?  So small and yet so full of wonder, so full of hope."

102.  Savvy by Ingrid Law -  (****) I really liked this book.  I can't believe it's Ingrid Law's first novel.  Her writing is absolutely crisp and clean.  Minimal wording, but perfect pictures in your imagination.  Slightly disappointing elements include: Romance among 13 year olds.  Come on, really?  And negative impressions of "religious" people.  Also, rebellion is slightly glorified in a typical written-for-children way.  Of course, the parents aren't around so the kids have to take matters into their own hands and of course this means rebelling against authority all in the interest of the overall good and of course everything turns out ok and there wouldn't be a story without it.  Overall, though, as I mentioned, I LIKED it.  :)


103.  The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemna by Trenton Lee Stewart -(***) For some reason this one didn't grab me like the other two Benedict books.  Regardless, it was funny, smart and enjoyable!

104.  Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor -(***) Good ending to the Looking Glass Wars series.  I was a BIT disappointed in the ending...  kind of rubbed me the wrong way.  Something about good and evil HAVING to co-exist. 

105.  Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix -(****) The more of Haddix's books I read, the more I love her.  This is the second installment in The Missing series and I enjoyed it very much.  I haven't read many books that include time travel, so I'm not an expert, but to me it seemed to have a whole new approach on time travel.  Very smart, I thought.  I'm anxious for more books to be published in this series. 

106.  The Mirror Cracked by Agatha Christie - (****) I just love Miss Marple.