Monday, August 27, 2012

25. The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis

In book six of the chronicles, Eustace and his friend Jill find their way to Narnia when fleeing school bullies. With the help of Aslan and assorted other characters, they travel north to find Prince Rilian to reunite him with his father the ailing King Caspian the Tenth.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

24. Emily Carr by Rosemary Neering

Front Cover Insightful biography that explores Emily Carr's personal and artistic struggles. Details of her studies and time spent in San Francisco and London help the reader understand her quest for a way to capture the essence of the Canadian wilderness on canvas. Her eccentricities and perseverence are endearing and inspiring.

23. Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (paper-over-board) (Narnia) Lucy and Edmund return to the world Narnia with their obnoxious cousin Eustace in tow. Their voyage on the "Dawn Treader" with Prince Caspian and crew is life changing, especially for Eustace.

22. Emily Carr by Bryan Pezzi

A basic biography of Canadian painter Emily Carr written for a young audience.

Friday, August 24, 2012

21.Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis


In this fourth book in the Chronicles of Narnia, the Pevensies are transported back to Narnia and discover that hundreds of years have passed since their last visit. With the guidance of Aslan, they help Prince Caspian claim his rightful throne.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

20. The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis

Engaging tale with enjoyable characters and exciting chases and battles. Another side of Aslan is revealed. Lewis' wry humour adds to the mix.

Monday, August 20, 2012

19. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis


 
Explains how the four children discover Narnia by travelling through the back of the wardrobe in Professor Kirke's house and how they become Narnia's royal family.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

18. The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis

Although it was originally published sixth, this book is the prequel to the Chronicles of Narnia and introduces characters, setting and events helpful to the reader in understanding the series. It is set in 1900 London and there are autobiographical elements particularly connecting Lewis and Digory Kirke who grows up to become the professor who takes in  evacuated children, during World War II,  in the successive books.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

17. She by H. Rider Haggard


First published in 1887, She defies categorization. It's part Gothic romance and part fantasy of the "Lost World" sub-genre. Set in England and the fictional ancient north African kingdom of Kor this novel explores themes of female authority, evolution and race. Haggard uses name "She-who-must-be-obeyed" to refer to the supernatural Ayesha, a term which is later co-opted by John Mortimer in his Rumpole of the Bailey novels

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

16. The Eagle has Landed by Jack Higgins

 A German plot to kidnap British Prime Minister Winston Churchill gets foiled by the most unlikely turn of events. Set in Germany, the Channel Islands and England in 1943.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

15. Cat Tales by Gordon Hutson

A entertaining children's picture book that would make a good basis for a writing and art classroom project.

14. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

An insiders look at the class structure of 1870s New York. Wharton builds intrigue through the relationship between Newland Archer and Countess Ellen Olenska, his wife's cousin.

Monday, August 06, 2012

13. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay.JPG The final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy is arguably the most violent as the war between the rebels and the "Capitol" is in full force. With the popularity of the series and the way this novel ends, I can't help but wonder if there will be more books about life in post-apocalyptic Panem.

Thursday, August 02, 2012

12. The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder

A Franciscan monk, Brother Juniper, seeks to find out about the five victims that fell to their deaths when the Bridge of San Luis Rey, an ancient Inca rope bridge, suddenly collapsed. Set in 18th Century Lima, Peru, this novel explores the "direction and meaning in lives beyond the individual's own will".

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

11. Corning Pyroceram Cookware by Debbie and Randy Coe


Great reference book for Corning collectors and enthusiasts. Brief summary of the history and development of the company and brand. Some photos are of poor quality.

10. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

This second book in the Hunger Games trilogy introduces some interesting characters. The relationship between Katniss and Peeta goes through some surprising changes. Some people have told me that this is their favourite book of the trilogy. I'll reserve judgement for now.