Saturday, July 31, 2010

My Favourite Books - The Letter E

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine - If you have seen the movie and not read the book, please! read the book. They massacred it, in my opinion. The book is so much better! Do be warned, I was unhappy with the relationship between Ella and her father; she hates him, and he's a scoundrel and only cares about what he can get out of her. Other than that, it's a charming perspective on the classic Cinderella story.

Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley - I first read this when I was about 13, and it was a bit slow. But Elsie is such a sweet little girl, I always want to be a better person after I read this.

Emma by Jane Austen - Absolutely chock full of humour and so well written! What else can one say?

Emily Series by L. M. Montgomery - Well, they are by L. M. Montgomery, my favourite author of all time; so obviously I love them! I am still undecided as to whether I like the Anne series better...I think I lean more on the Emily side because I think I am more like her. But you can read it and decide for yourself.

The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit - I love her books! This one was so adorable. I got many happy adventures out of it.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini - Hmm... I have to say that I did like this book, but you can tell what he read that influenced him. Definitely J. R. R. Tolkien. Very impressive for a new author, though. However, the other books I find a bit stretched out and am starting to lose interest.

Ever by Gail Carson Levine - I was contemplating not putting this one in, because I know it's not one of her best and I object to the level of mushiness in the romance department and also to the portrayal of the deities. If you're a Christian, you'll see what I mean. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

My Favourite Books - The Letter D


Daniel Deronda by George Elliot - This is a highly recommended book, even if you can only read it once; it is dauntingly large. The characters are so interesting and it really makes you think about why people make the choices they do. I think it should be on every must read list.

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - Wonderful! If I had to sum it up in one word, that would be the word I would use. I believe it is his best work. I don't like most of his others because they are too dark, but this book actually has a happy ending! And Mr. Micawber is sensational; definitely in my top list of favourite characters of all time.

Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfield - My mum found this for us when we were learning about Rome. It was exciting and extremely interesting, not to mention engaging! I am going to read it to my children if I ever have any.

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke - I don't know if you've read her Inkheart series that has recently been so popular (that's how I discovered her) but this book is so adorable and fun. I really enjoyed it. It's for children, but that doesn't mean it's limited to children audiences. At least, I don't think it is.

The Dragon Series by Donita K. Paul - If you have been searching for more Christian fantasy with dragons and wizards, your search is over...until, of course, you finish the series. I was delighted when I found these books. They are full of adventure, humour and excitement. If you are a C. S. Lewis fan or a J. R. R. Tolkien fan, this is probably right up your alley.

Rather a poor showing for the letter D...I was sure there were more. Well, if I stumble across some extras that I had missed, I will most definitely add them to the list!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

My Favourite Books - The Letter C

Caddie Woodlawn & Caddie Woodlawn's Family by Carol Ryrie Brink - If you liked Laura Ingalls Wilder's series, you will love Caddie Woodlawn. Definitely a must for Little House on the Prairie fans! And recommended for everyone else, of course.

Canadian West Series by Janette Oke - This is like the Love Comes Softly Series, but for Canadians.  I prefer the Love Comes Softly books, but these are also enjoyable.


The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde - This has some very amusing parts in it and is overall a wonderful read. The whole idea of a stuffy old British ghost having to put up with down to earth Americans who just won't be scared is the perfect basis for an entertaining story.


Castaways of the Flying Dutchman Series - As of yet there are three books in this series, all of them definitely worth your time. Very highly recommended! Of course, I was always fascinated with the story of the Flying Dutchman, but this spin-off is like nothing I have ever read before, and probably nothing like what you will expect.

Charlotte's Web by E. B. White - A classic. Endearing pig and lovable spider. What a combination!

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey - Packed with humor from front cover to back. You simply cannot read this with a straight face.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - Superb...but then you probably already know that.

Chronicles of Avonlea & Further Chronicles of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery - This collection of stories is filled with tales of sweetness, romance, humor and those that touch your heart. Another one that I had to add to my bookshelves.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis - Words fail me. C. S. Lewis is legendary, and for a reason!

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - This was good to read once, but I found it extremely sad. However, there is a bit of a good ending. You will close this read wiser or at least with something to think about.

The Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell - Of all his books, this is my favourite! Especially the first book in this series. The others have some things I wish he'd left out, for example a grotesque old sailor...but such a good read! His family and experiences will not fail to amuse you.

The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden - The touching story of a cricket with a tremendous gift and a longing for his home. A childhood favourite.

Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease - This was exciting and interesting at the same time. It is set in Elizabethan England, at the same time as Shakespeare and follows the adventures of a young lad. It's very exciting...even if you don't like history.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

My Favourite Books - The Letter B

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond - It doesn't matter how old you are, even if you read a few of these chapters, you can't help but fall in love with the adorable little protagonist. The number of accidental scrapes he gets into is commendable; I still can't believe he survived them all!

Beatrix Potter Books - I didn't know quite how to list these, so I figured I'd put them under her name. They are absolutely wonderful children's books and I was delighted to find four in cardboard edition for my (hopefully) future children. I also am just finishing cross stitching a Beatrix Potter blanket which I will probably show you when I have completed the last character.

The Best of James Herriot by James Herriot - Whether you like animals or not, at least try these. I have read them countless times and still enjoy each one immensely.

The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery - If you have read any of her other books, this one will surprise you. It is definitely not a typical L. M. Montgomery book. But I still loved it just the same. I have already added it to my collection, which is steadily growing more and more expansive.

The Bobbsey Twins by Laura Lee Hope - These are really geared for children. If you are a child, you will probably like them. I find now that I am older, I can't get into them anymore.

The Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale - I've always liked the fairytale of Maid Maileen, although it's not very well known. Maybe especially because of that. This is an adaptation of the tale and all I can say is that Shannon Hale has done it again!

The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum - I am part Dutch, and stories from World War II fascinate me. The author is Dutch, and I stumbled across this book because I read and loved another of her novels (which I will put in when I get to the letter W). A very touching story, but not for children, I don't think. I recommend proofreading it just to make sure. I don't remember if it is based on a true story...all I remember is that it's really good.

The Borrowers Series by Mary Norton - Now these are a different matter. Even though they are written for children, they are definitely ageless. I laugh so hard every time I read them!

Boy & Going Solo by Roald Dahl - Another book that will make you laugh. These are autobiographies by the author of Charlie in the Chocolate Factory and I particularly enjoyed the chapter about the sweet shop he used to frequent.

The Boy Next Door by Enid Blyton - One of my many favourites of hers; I read this one over and over in the summers of my childhood.

Brambly Hedge books by Jill Barklem - So adorable! On par with Beatrix Potter and Cicely Mary Barker. Wonderful stories coupled with breathtaking illustrations. What more could one ask for?

I know most of these are children's, but don't worry; I've got a lot of different books coming!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My Favourite Books - The Letter A

I've been working on a list of three hundred and sixty-five of my favourite quotes (one for every day of the year), which I will be finished very soon, and I thought it would be fun (while I'm doing lists) if I put some of my favourite books on here in alphabetical order. I just received some beautiful books from some very special people for my graduation, all of them favourites: they will definitely be on my list. So I'm going to start with the letter A, of course, and I'll list them by the title, not the author. I won't be able to list all my favourites, unfortunately, because of the vast numbers of favourites I have. It's a bit daunting to do even this, but it'll be fun. So I hope you discover something new on here that you haven't read yet...I hope you meet some new book friends. By the way, if you notice that one of your favourites is not listed, please comment! I would love to hear about your favourites too.

My Favourite Books - The Letter A

The Adventure Series by Enid Blyton - Not only are these wonderful books, I grew up on them and have many fond memories which fly out eagerly whenever I open their pages. My lovely mum used to read them aloud to us after lunch...I will never forget those days.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - The hilarious sequel to Tom Sawyer...what better recommendation?

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain - I couldn't put this one down after I read the first chapter; I found it extremely amusing. Tom Sawyer is one boy who will not disappoint if you want him to make you laugh!

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - I couldn't read this until I was older; when I was younger, I found it a little too strange and confusing. I don't think children will get what adults will out of it.

Anne of Green Gables Series by L. M. Montgomery - What can I say! When I read L. M. Montgomery, I am carried away to another world full of kindred spirits...and I also feel like giving up writing in the hopeless knowledge that I could never write anything even near as well as she did.

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne - I believe this is the only book of his that I liked. I have only read three, however, so maybe I am no judge. It was exciting and very interesting.

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald - A very sweet story; I have read it countless times and own a beautiful edition illustrated by Jessie Wilcox Smith that was given to me by my dear little sister.
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