Book Review of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Kidnapped

written by Robert Louis Stevenson
288 pages
originally published in 1886

When the story begins, it finds a young man in Scotland, who is named David Balfour. He is seventeen years old, and he has lost both his parents. David is told to journey to the House of Shaws'this was his late father's wish. The House of Shaws in famous for its wealth. David, who comes from a somewhat poor family, cannot fathom the reason of why he must visit this mansion.

Once he sets foot on his way, he is met by shady strangers, and he never knows which ones to trust. David gets a ride that he didn't expect, and it ends in devastating tragedy. He is caught in a trap of secrets that he doesn't even understand himself, but he must (at all costs) keep quiet about what he knows. Otherwise, his life and his friend Alan Breck's life are at stake. These two new comrades, even when not in agreeable moods, must stick together if they are going to survive their trek through the lowlands and highlands of Scotland.

I'd recommend "Kidnapped" to all ages over 13. During certain parts of the the story, it seemed to be harder to read because of the old English language being used. My copy of the book handily had a word glossary in the back. (and I used it frequently!!)

From the very first page, the story had me locked into it. Set sail with David Balfour, and be prepared for adventure, intrigue, and a surprise or two along the way.

Book Review of "Survival in the Storm" (Dear America)

Survival in the Storm

written by Katelan Janke

190 pages
published in 2002

This diary about living in the Texas’ Dust Bowl was a wonderful read. What I find fascinating about it, is that when I was about halfway through the book, I discovered that it was written by a fifteen-year-old girl. I was impressed by this! I hadn’t detected anything in the writing style that seemed unusual. The book seemed just as accomplished as if an adult wrote it. Katelan Janke was in the 6th grade when she entered Scholastic’s Dear America writing contest. It was only a 5 page entry that eased her into winning the contest. Two years later, after much research in her hometown of Dalhart, Texas, her full-length book was published into the Dear America series. I found Katelan’s story pretty astonishing.

Click Here to Read a short bio of the author, Katelan Janke.

You'll want to know more about this book than just the author though. A little info about the storyline... A fictional girl named Grace Edwards kept this diary, called "Survival in the Storm". Her story is about how life was in 1935 during the Dust Bowl in Texas. It drove a lot of people West, to California. Many gave up on Texas during the long drought, but Grace’s family stayed strong, and wouldn’t budge from their home. Would that choice turn out right in the end?

Book Review of The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh

The Unfinished Gift

written by Dan Walsh

256 pages
published in 2009

I really enjoyed reading this book! It's a Christmastime story that takes place during World War II.

Recommended for adults, but teenagers/youth would certainly enjoy it as well. I think it would even be great for a read-aloud to younger siblings... after all, the main character in the book is just a little boy. He just has a big dramatic story.

Little 7-year-old Patrick only has 2 Christmas wishes. He hopes his dad comes home soon from the war. And he wants that hand-carved wooden soldier that he found one day in his grandfather's dusty attic. He's sure his grandfather doesn't want to keep it, but why won't he let Patrick have it?

Patrick has had a lot to happen to him recently. His mother just passed away. He was sent to live with his grandfather whom he has barely seen before. His grandfather, Ian, is a grouchy old man, and only took his grandson because it was a duty. As soon as Patrick's father arrives home from the war, then the boy will be off his hands anyhow. It won't be much longer will it?

Living in the dreary days in his grandfather's house, Patrick finds 2 people whom he likes. One is Mrs. Townsend, the government lady who checks on him from time to time. Also, there's Mrs. Fortini his Italian next-door neighbor. She sure knows how to get Patrick's grandfather moving.

This is the story of grudges, forgiveness, pain, and loving your family. A captivating tale, and well-written too. I'm excited to continue this family's story in the sequel, "The Homecoming."

Merry Christmas!! Enjoy your holiday reading!

Review of "Before Green Gables" by Budge Wilson

Before Green Gables
The Prequel to Anne of Green Gables

written by Budge Wilson

390 pages
published in 2008

As soon as I heard about this book, I was immediately intrigued about the idea that a prequel had actually been written to the Anne of Green Gables series. And I was not let down. It took Anne Shirley eleven long years to arrive at her final destination… and now it's fantastic to have an idea of how those eleven years were spent.

The story begins before Anne is even born, so you will get to know her parents first, and discover where she came from. You’ll be taken through the entire journey Anne experiences… through all her difficult work, her playful dreams that leave a smile on your face, and through both the dazzling and the tough times of her young childhood. Most of all, you'll meet the people that improved Anne's life by inspiring her, and also the ones who left negative emotional scars... thus mixing together the combination that creates the red-headed girl that we cherish.

In reading this book, you’ll discover what one writer’s thoughts of who Anne Shirley was before she arrived at Green Gables. I think Budge Wilson did a superb job in writing a sound & wholesome story. She included many details that linked to the Anne of Green Gables books. Alert readers will catch on, and have appreciation for what those fine points mean. Of course, the deeply descriptive style of the original L.M. Montgomery has been neglected, but for the sake of the book, it was well worth it. Anne’s spunky, hopeful, dramatic, and in-the-depths-of-despair character is still there.

I would recommend this book to any other readers who have a substantial understanding of Anne’s charming ways. I have to say that you cannot fully enjoy this story unless you know who the real Anne Shirley is.

Note: There is some extra women's gossiping in the book (I didn't really think that this had to be included in the story). Also, the men sometimes have been drinking and do not treat their families well. Please keep in mind this is an adult book, and cannot be compared to the age range that the true Anne of Green Gables books might entertain.

Now, to leave you with a quote from the book!
"But sometime I hope I get a chance to be young before I get too old to enjoy it." ~ quote by Anne Shirley, in Before Green Gables

Review of "Eight Cousins" by Louisa May Alcott

Eight Cousins

written by Louisa May Alcott

286 pages

 

 

 

A charming, darling book... just as any of Louisa May Alcott's works.

The story centers on a young girl named Rose and she is an orphan. (Don't we all love reading orphan stories?) She is sent to live on the Aunt-hill---that is, a place where her aunts live in houses all clustered together, on a hill. It certainly is a wonderful place. Rose has 7 cousins to play with---all of them are loud, merry, rambunctious boys. There is Archie, Charlie, Mac, Steve, Geordie, Will, and Jamie. Although it seems like a lot of characters to keep up with, you'll know each boy's own habits & personality by the end of the book. Rose immediately joins in their adventurous schemes---whether her aunts approve or not.

Her main care-taker is Uncle Alec, a man who reminds Rose immensely of her own father. He's a on a mission to get rid of all the aunts' advice about Rose taking daily medicines, and wearing those silly, fancy clothes. Because of Uncle Alec, and his well wishes for Rose, her life takes a turn... You'll have to read this lovely story to find out how it all happens.

I truly enjoyed "Eight Cousins"---it's a classic piece of writing. It certainly has that timeless appeal of vintage literary treasure. I did read the actual book, but if anyone is interested in listening to the audio instead, you can find a free download here >> LibriVox.org

Recommended for age 10 & up, but any age would really enjoy it. I loved every bit of "Eight Cousins" and look on with full expectancy for the sequel, "Rose in Bloom".