Here it is, folks: The September Book List. Be aware that I think all but one or two are children's books.
Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett: This is the one adult book I read this month. It's fast becoming an old favorite with me, and it did not disappoint. This is the first discworld novel I read. It's one of the Witches series, but I don't remember exactly where it falls.
The Astonishing X-Men 1-6: This is one that Joss Whedon had a huge part in, and it was pretty fabulous. It's newer, and I enjoyed it a lot. It's got Whedon's humor in it, which makes for a pretty excellent read.
The Erzatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket: This was another in A Series of Unfortunate Events. I would say that the story starts getting pretty interesting here, especially at the end. I won't give it away, but this is the turning point in the series as far as I'm concerned. If you've read one, you know the plot. The children get a new guardian, Count Olaf finds them, and the children have to try to defeat him all alone.
The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket: The series takes another interesting twist here. The children go to the Village of Foul Devotees and meet a surprising visitor.
The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket: The children end up hiding in a hospital and working in the records department. As someone who does work in the records department of a clinic, I found it pretty funny. It was very amusing to hear the lead clerk describing what passes for data privacy in Lemony Snicket's world. I laughed; I'm not going to lie. This series is getting more and more interesting.
The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket: The children end up at a carnival where they pose as circus freaks. They end up learning more about the secret surrounding the fire in their house. I would say that the last half of this series is better than the first half. I think they get funnier as I read, too.
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket: The children are seperated, and they all journey into the mountains. They all have to get pretty resourceful, and they find a surprising person. Additionally, Sunny gets cuter and cuter as the series goes on. Not something that probably everybody is interested in, but I enjoyed.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: This is one of my favorite books of all time. This is responsible for my total love of and devotion to Stevenson throughout my high school life. Jim Hawkins, a couple of dumb older guys, and a crew of pirates (unbeknowst to Jim Hawkins and the older guys) sail off to find a pirate treasure. Adventure on the high seas ensues. And Jim always saves the day. High quality book.
The Secret Garden by some chick: I really liked this book when I was younger, and it's still good, but it isn't Treasure Island. There's very little drama in this book. The plot is pretty mellow. It's all about Mary who is a very unpleasant little girl. She finds a garden and a cousin and friends and becomes nice and pretty. It was strange to read it after Lemony Snicket, which basically is satirizing this style of literature. I laughed.
Well, that's it, kids. Mostly childrens' books this month, and I'm not sorry. :) Feel free to share your monthly picks.
Posted by LoWriter at October 2, 2005 10:52 AMi really dove into reading this month. i had a lot of fun and even got some redemptive convos out of these books.
Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire
Snow White a la the man who brought you Wicked. A quasi-historical, very fantastical Snow White story. Fun to follow, but eh, try his other books first.
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
i've heard it described as the grown up's version of Harry Potter. Not quite so, but magical nonetheless. 2 professional magicians attempt to bring magic back to England in the early 1800's. One is young and vibrant with a reckless streak, the other is older and conservative. Very fun read, albeit long. my only complaint was the narrator's inconsistant identity. but that doesnt spoil the plot at all.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
A teenage boy becomes trapped on a lifeboat with a tiger for 277 days. the narrator's catch phrase is "this is a story to make you believe in God". this book is in 3 parts, the first one describes Pi's (the boy) beliefs and background. i found this to be the most enlightening part, by far. a fresh take on faith, theology and zoology(!). the second part is the boat escapade, and the third, the aftermath. if anyone reads it, i'd love to discuss it with you!
Fluke by Christopher Moore. yes, hes one of my favorite authors. nate, a loveable NERDY marine biologist gets eaten by a whale. antics and other-worldly adventures ensue. Moore is consistantly funny and his books have a tendancy to be bizzare beyond reason. just the perfect balance for me.
All in all, a fun month of books.
I've read "Life of Pi". I thought it was mediocre until the ending, which I thought was fantastic.
I've only read "the Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket, but I have to say, Lemonsy Snicket cracks me up. Good times.
Posted by: rhett at October 3, 2005 03:09 PMLIAR! you said you hadnt read it! or, am i just a loser who forgets things easily? rrrrrr....
Posted by: dr gonzo at October 4, 2005 09:28 AMI was thinking about Strange and Norell this morning and how the name Childermass seemed familiar. I realized that there was a character named Professor Childermass in a bunch of books I loved as a kid written by John Bellairs. Stuff like "The House with the Clock in its Walls" and "The Curse of the Blue Figurine". I might need to read those again...they were pimp!
Posted by: rhett at October 4, 2005 01:54 PMThe Secret Garden is by Frances Hodges Burnett and she also wrote The Little Princess which is far superior (let's be honest). Actually Julie Andrews wrote a book called Mandy which was a better version of The Secret Garden. I loved Mandy, and she was sweet and orphaned too...
I read fluff, not worth mentioning. I need to get down to business.
Posted by: 10lees at October 4, 2005 01:57 PMrhett, i read those a loooooong time ago... i cannot remember them though. ther's nothing wrong with fluff. how else would you make the peanut butter sammich better?
Posted by: dr gonzo at October 4, 2005 02:52 PM