Dreadlocks are so out of style....

Dreadlocks was WAY too predictable. I was practically shouting at the character that Tara was Medussa and when Tara told Parker where her sisters were and why they both were made of stone, it gave away the ending. It was an alright plot line, i like the fact that it was a modern day twist to an ancient myth. i also like the fact that they present the possibility that Perseus might have died in attempting to kill Medussa. In the end, the author gave away too many details, which didn't provide for the suprise ending which i had hoped would happen.

Other Thoughts

One of the other things we discussed at our last gathering was book selection. The general opinion was expressed that we should read more traditional fantasy books—the kind with “fire-breathing dragons.” Some of the recent selections have been decent, but they’re not what we love about the genre. Would everyone agree?

When you’re at a computer with speakers, give this a listen and tell me what you think. Does it inspire any particular ideas?

We will meet at the library around 2:00 on Sunday, December 17 to see Eragon. We’ll pick a specific time and location once everyone arrives, but should be back between 5:00 and 6:00. RSVP if you want to be sure you’re not left behind.

Water Mirror Thoughts

Other than one voice of dissent (who is welcome to rebut this with his/her own contributions), everyone basically enjoyed The Water Mirror. I'll share a few of my thoughts (including some of the contributions from our discussion that have influenced me):

In general, this is a highly original book. It's not every day that you have an alternate Venice with huge-mouthed mermaids and a water goddess protecting the besieged city from the mummy armies of the Egyptian Empire. Not to mention the envoys from Hell who show up seeking alliances and have hidden schemes. Oh, and the flying stone lions. Lots of original elements all woven nicely together into a fleshed-out story. Yet still with a well-developed main character to center the tale. Very enjoyable.

The one aspect that annoyed me with it's fantasy cliche was that main character being "chosen" for great things from birth. I much more enjoy ordinary heroes, like the hobbits in Tolkien, who haven't been fated for greatness but instead find something special within themselves. Still, it's kind of intriguing since we don't know if she's been chosen by the Flowing Queen, Hell, or both.

This really shouldn't be called the first book in a series, but the first part of a longer book. There's not even an attempt at a resolution and the entire book is just the set-up for the bigger story to come. I want to read the rest of that story, but would have liked a bit more substance from this one.

Overall, though, I'm glad to have read it. Does anyone else have thoughts to share?

(And it looks like the second book--The Stone Light--is set to be released December 26.)

Teens Vote for Favorite Young Adult Book

Teen readers across the country voted “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” by J.K. Rowling as their favorite book to take the #1 spot on the annual Teens’ Top Ten (TTT), sponsored by The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest growing division of the American Library Association (ALA). The vote took place during Teen Read Week, October 15-21, 2006, and gave teens an opportunity to voice their choice of the best new young adult books. . . . (more)

The List:
1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
2. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
3. Eldest by Christopher Paolini
4. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
5. Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
6. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
7. Poison by Chris Wooding
8. Captain Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth by J.V. Hart
9. If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where’s My Prince? by Melissa Kantor
10. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

(TTT voting groups include the CHS Book Club of Central High School in Grand Junction, Colo.; Middle Creek High School . . . and Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) of Johnson County Library in Shawnee Mission, Kan.)

Eragon Movie Outing

It comes out December 15. I'm thinking maybe Sunday the 17th would be a good time to see it. Anyone else?

Questions and Warnings

One week until The Water Mirror. I'm hearing good things from those who've finished it. We have two more copies just sitting here collecting dust and there is still time to read it. Come get one if you haven't.

Does anyone else read Lemony Snicket? I've finished The End, the thirteenth and final book in the series. Very nice. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but can discuss it on the side if you're interested.

What else has everyone been reading?

In looking for books for us to read I've tried to find recently published ones that sound good and have gotten good reviews. I've been fairly happy with the results, but have noticed that we aren't getting too many traditional swords & sorcery, wizards & knights, dragons & castles type books. Does this bother anyone, or are you OK with the selections we've been reading?

My sister's right," Klaus said. "It's ridiculous to argue about volunteers and henchpeople when we're standing on a coastal shelf in the middle of the ocean."

"Don't be so sure, orphan," Olaf replied. "No matter where we are, there's always room for someone like me." He leaned down close to give Klaus a sneaky smile, as if he were telling a joke. "Haven't you learned that by now?"