Books... Books... Oh! More Books!

Remember this crazy picture I posted about a month ago? Well, I've devoured those books and many more!!

1. The Return of the Indian, The Mystery of the Indian, The Secret of the Indian, and The Key to the Indian by Lynn Reid Banks

I actually only read two of these, finding that after the first three books in the series the stories grew less interesting and more inappropriate. The first book and The Return of the Indian were my favorites, but I would only recommend them for older readers because of the magical element.

2. The Giver by Lois Lowry

I saw the movie first, so I was interested to see how the book and movie compared. The book had a much deeper story (with no teenage romance, yay!) that portrayed the themes much more strongly. Unfortunately, the things that were inappropriate in the movie or that stemmed from a bad worldview were also stronger in the book. I still found it very interesting to read, but I would only recommend it for older readers. ; )

3. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson is one of my hands-down favorite musicians ever!!! Who knew that he was also gonna' be one of my favorite authors! We recently got launched into this series (I just finished reading North! Or Be Eaten yesterday) and have been enjoying it very much. Full of adventure, Spiritual themes, and lots of neat mysteries... I love the concept of the Throne Wardens!!! They are written for children; but I find them complicated enough (and funny enough!!) for my own tastes and a bit too scary for my younger sisters at this time.

4. The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail by Michael Spradlin

I have always loved the stories of Robin Hood and the legends of King Arthur's time, so I was very excited to find that this series (yes, I read them all!) included a mixture of them both. It could only have been better if it had been written from a Christian perspective with no feminism, all-religions-are-equal-bosh, and magic. In the end, those things dampened my enthusiasm just enough that I wouldn't really recommend the series. : ) But if any of you cool author people write a better version, please let me know!!! ; )

5. David Balfour by Robert Louis Stevenson
This book is a sequel to the classic Kidnapped. It is more romantic than the first one with some moral issues that make you split your brain trying to figure out what you would have done if you were in the same situation. But it did keep me busy, and it was nice to have some more wrap-up of the first book.
; )

Altogether, many of the books I got from the library weren't the best I've ever read, but I skim and skip and find what I can enjoy. ; ) Andrew Peterson's books were definitely the best of the stack! And here's what else I've been reading...

6. Set Free by Rebekah Morris
If you follow the link you won't find the book on Amazon yet because it's still in the editing stage! The link goes to the author's blog post where she talks about its progress and shares a sneak peek illustration. I've been blessed to test read it and write a review for the back cover. I cannot wait for it to come out in print!!!

7. 24 Days Before Christmas by Rebekah Jones
This one is also in the early stages but it should be out by Christmastime. ; ) This is third book I have been blessed to test read for this author, and it has been so much fun!

I've also been reading the book of Ruth for our Bible Bee studies. ; ) What are you reading?