The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

Title: The House with a Clock in Its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt #1)

Author: John Bellairs

Publisher: 1973

Genre: Children’s Books

Pages: 179

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Horror; Library

When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan. comes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both magicians! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Selenna Izard. It seems that Selenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls--a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop it!

We ended watching the movie version with Jack Black and Cate Blanchett before reading the book, but I wasn’t too spoiled. Of course the movie changes some things around to make the story more fantastic for the screen. But by and large, the main story stays true to the spirit of the book. And what a book it is! If I had read this at about 9 years old, I would have been completely in love with this book. Even at 38, I really really really enjoyed this book. We get the right amount of humor, adventure, and horror in this slim little novel introducing us to Lewis Barnavelt and his eccentric Uncle Jonathan and neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman. I sped through the pages, only pausing to examine the wonderful illustrations. I probably won’t read the rest of the series, but I really loved this first volume.

P.S. The novel was illustrated by Edward Gorey. I love his work so much!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

Title: Anne of Avolnea (Anne Shirley #2)

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Publisher: 1909

Genre: Classics

Pages: 276

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Reading Assignment; Popsugar - Childhood Classic I've Never Read; Seasonal Series - Green on Cover

Following Anne of Green Gables (1908), the book covers the second chapter in the life of Anne Shirley. This book follows Anne from the age of 16 to 18, during the two years that she teaches at Avonlea school. It includes many of the characters from Anne of Green Gables, as well as new ones like Mr Harrison, Miss Lavendar Lewis, Paul Irving, and the twins Dora and Davy.

I liked this volume more than the first in the series. Anne at 16 is a much more interesting character than Anne at 11. And I loved the introduction of some new characters and residents of Avonlea. Overall it was a very fun read for the day.

Anne Shirley:

#1 Anne of Green Gables
#2 Anne of Avonlea
#3 Anne of the Island
#4 Anne of Windy Poplars
#5 Anne's House of Dreams
#6 Anne of Ingleside
#7 Rainbow Valley
#8 Rilla of Ingleside

Next up on the TBR pile:

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Title: Anne of Green Gables (Anne Shirley #1)

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Publisher: 1908

Genre: Classics

Pages: 198

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsguar - Mentioned in Another Book; Seasonal Series - Set in Spring

When a scrawny, freckled girl with bright red hair arrives on Prince Edward Island, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert are taken by surprise; they'd asked for a quiet boy to help with the farm work at Green Gables. But how can you return a friendless child to a grim orphanage when she tells you her life so far has been a 'perfect graveyard of buried hopes'? And so, the beguiling chatterbox stays. Full of dreams, warmth and spirit, it is not long before Anne Shirley wins their hearts.

Somehow I have lived for 36 years having never read this book. As a child I was a huge fan of The Secret Garden and Little Women, but never picked this one up. Strange. Having read it, I understand the appeal to young children. Anne is a precocious and entertaining character. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I chalk that up to being a grown woman.

Anne Shirley:

#1 Anne of Green Gables
#2 Anne of Avonlea
#3 Anne of the Island
#4 Anne of Windy Poplars
#5 Anne's House of Dreams
#6 Anne of Ingleside
#7 Rainbow Valley
#8 Rilla of Ingleside

Next up on the TBR pile:

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

Title: The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #4)

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Disney Hyperion 2014

Genre: Children’s Fantasy

Pages: 590

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Popsugar - YA Bestseller; Finishing the Series; 52 Books - W2

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors from both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

I so enjoy this series! I love the allusions to classical myths and legends. I love the twists Riordan puts on the various gods and goddesses. This was a fast paced enjoyable read for a rainy week. I am excited to see how this series ends. I'm sure we will re-meet many characters and monsters in the last volume of this series.

Heroes of Olympus:

#1 The Lost Hero
#2 The Son of Neptune
#3 The Mark of Athena
#4 The House of Hades
#5 The Blood of Olympus

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Title: The Little Prince

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Publisher: Reynal & Hitchcock 1943

Genre: Children's Literature

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy Project; 1001 Books; New Author; Monthly Key - July; What's in a Name - Position of Royalty

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Richard Howard's new translation of the beloved classic--published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's birth--beautifully reflects Saint-Exupéry's unique and gifted style. Howard has excelled in bringing the English text as close as possible to the French, in language, style, and most important, spirit.

Somehow I have gone 32 years without reading The Little Prince. This is the year I rectify that slight. And I'm so glad that I did. This is a delightful little story that appeals to all ages. It's usually shelved in the children's section, but really it could be shelved anywhere. The nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout make it a classic. I love that this story has some many different layers. I feel like this is a volume that once read again would yield an entirely different outcome.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

Title: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland #1)

Author: Catherynne M. Valente

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends 2011

Genre: Children's Fantasy

Pages: 247

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Women Authors; 52 Books -- W25; Monthly Motif -- Long Journey

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

Very cute little fantasy novel! This is aimed at children and yet I found that it was a very interesting read for adults. The reader is thrown right into the story experiencing the new and strange right along with September. It reminded me of Peter Pan or The Wizard of Oz. I loved meeting all the other characters especially the Green Wind. Great writing, very imaginative story, fun characters. What more could I want?

Fairyland

#0.5 The Girl Who Ruled Fairyland -- For a Little While
#1 The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
#2 The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There
#3 The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two
#4 The Boy Who Lost Fairyland
#5 The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Title: Peter Pan

Author: J.M. Barrie

Genre: Children's Classic

Pages: 162

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy Project; TBR Pile; Book to Move; Well-Rounded Reader; Back to the Classics -- Adapted into a Movie

Somehow I've never gotten around to actually reading Peter Pan. Sure, we all know the story. There have been so many movie adaptations. But I've never actually read it. I enjoyed the storyline, but I must say the writing style is a bit off putting. The sentences are often stilted and oddly constructed. I can't say that it was the worst "classic" that I've ever read, but the book just didn't grab me like I thought it would.

Movie:

For my movie selection, I rewatched Disney's Peter Pan. I really enjoy this film. I love the music. I love Captain Hook. I love Smee. I love the fun and frivolity of the movie. This is the classic edition to me. That said, I really want to watch Neverland with Rhys Ifans. It looks amazing!

Winnie-The-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Title: Winnie-the-Pooh (Winnie-the-Pooh #1)

Author: A.A. Milne

Genre: Children's Classics

Pages: 159

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics -- Animal; Ebook; Bingo -- 3 rereads

How I Got It: iPad read

For nearly seventy years, readers have been delighted by the adventures of Christopher Robin and his lovable friends. Paired with the perfectly suited drawings of Ernest H. Shepard, A.A. Milne's classic story continues to captivate children of all ages.

A children's classic. I don't remember all the violence from the Pooh stories, but maybe my memory is tainted by the Disney movies. However, I am still a fan of the collection of stories. These are perfect little stories to read to children before bedtime. You better believe that I will be reading these stories to Arthur after he is born. Definitely a classic for a reason.

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Title: The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3)

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Disney Hyperion 2012

Genre: Children's Fantasy

Pages: 604

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: YA/MG Fantasy; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W30; Bingo - 2 from everyone but me

How I Got It: iPad read

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

The boys and I started reading this before bed at the beginning of the summer. And we just finished... Can I tell you how much I love Rick Riordan's writing? Each one of these books are ones that everyone in the family enjoys. I don't feel like I'm reading a children's book. I'm reading a well crafted adventure story full of great characters and death defying action and even a few introspective moments. The boys and I get a kick out of guessing which mythological creature or god will pop up next. We gasp along with the cliffhangers. We get excited when the heroes succeed. We've all fallen in love with his characters. As soon as we finished this one, the boys were asking when the next one will be published (October 2013 if you care). You best believe I will be buying that as soon as it's released. The hard part will be to not read it before I'm with the boys.

Heroes of Olympus:

#1 The Lost Hero
#2 The Son of Neptune
#3 The Mark of Athena
#4 The House of Hades
#5 The Blood of Olympus

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Title: The Secret Garden

Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Published: 1911

Genre: Children's Classics

Pages: 220

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics - Children's; Monthly Key Word - April, Garden; Book to Movie; Book Bingo - 3 Rereads

How I Got It: I own it

Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as imperious as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, closed up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors of England, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten.

My childhood favorite. I actually still have my original copy with any inscription from my Grandma "Christmas 1991." So I got my copy for Christmas at 9 years old. I don't remember reading this book before then, but it could have happened. I just remember coming back to this book through the years and somehow I held on to that particular copy all these years. I think I related to Mary as a child. I was an only child. I was often left to my own devices. I would have loved a huge manor house to explore and gardens to frolic in. The entire story has an element of Magic that I gravitated toward as a child. Unlike many childhood books, this volume lives up to my memories of it. Reading it was a nice reminder of my childhood pursuits. I could get a nicer copy of the book, but mine holds such memories, I think I will keep it.

Movie: 1987 Hallmark Hall of Fame

This is the movie from my childhood. I remember going to my Grandma's and watching and rewatching the VHS tape until it was worn out. Since that time, I have watched other versions, but they never seem to capture my attention. Maybe it's the nostalgia factor. Whatever the reason, I love the scenery in this one. The moors are just gorgeous. I loved how the secret garden slowly comes alive throughout the film. While I know they changed the ages of Colin and Dickon and tacked on the ending, I still like how the actors portrayed the characters, especially Mary. Mary is a spoiled brat, she should be like that at the beginning and only slowly does she change. The change is evident in this version. Overall, I really love this movie.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Title: Coraline

Author: Neil Gaiman

Publisher: HarperCollins 2003

Genre: Children's Fantasy

Pages: 211

Rating: 5/5 stars Movie: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Neil Gaiman; Ebook; Books to Movie; Book Bingo -- 2 Rereads

How I Got It: I own it

"Coraline discovered the door a little while after they moved into the house. . . ."
When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

I love this book so much. We have a great heroine, a scary villan, quirky side characters, and a great plot. I love how grounded Coraline is. Sure, she has dreams and fantasies, but when it counts, Coraline fights for her family. She doesn't have an annoying bit to her. I want to be Coraline... And the Other Mother is downright scary, even on the page. I shudder every time she talks. But the best character of the entire book has to be the cat (he doesn't have a name because cat's know who they are). He reminds me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. We never know if he's trying to help Coraline or just helping himself. There's this ambiguous quality to him. I look at him as a survivalist who happens to give Coraline some good advice about the other world. Such a great character! The world and storyline are both fantastic. I could clearly see the house and the grounds. I could see and feel the dark tunnel between the house and the world of the Other Mother. I could hear the rat's singing. Awesome little bedtime story, if you like them kinda scary and definitely quirky.

Movie:

Overall, I think the movie did a good job translating Gaiman's story. The visuals are stunning. I loved seeing the contrast between the slightly drab real world and the bright and colorful world of the Other Mother. The voices match exactly what I heard in my head. My only issue: the inclusion of Wybie. I didn't need him. He didn't add anything to the story. I would have preferred to stay focused on Coraline vs. the Other Mother.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Title: A Wrinkle in Time

Author: Madeleine L'Engle

Publisher: Bantam Doubleday 1962

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 198

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics -- Award Winner; Mount TBR; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: I own it

Fifty years ago, Madeleine L’Engle introduced the world to A Wrinkle in Time and the wonderful and unforgettable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe. When the children learn that Mr. Murry has been captured by the Dark Thing, they time travel to Camazotz, where they must face the leader IT in the ultimate battle between good and evil—a journey that threatens their lives and our universe.

This is technically a re-read but it's been a while since I read it. This is one of those books from childhood that I enjoyed, but didn't love completely. I thought it was a bit fantasy adventure fun. Reading it now, I see the whole story as a more interesting discussion about destiny, good and evil, science, and philosophy. What do we make of Mrs. Which, Whatsit, and Who? Are they good beings or just self-interested beings? What about It? Is It completely evil or having the potential for good? I think this brings in a ton of questions. I've never read the rest of the series. J tells me that the next two are decent reads, but the last two are throw aways. Reading this volume again, I am interested in reading the rest of the series. Maybe next year...

Time Quintet

#1 A Wrinkle in Time
#2 A Wind in the Door
#3 A Swiftly Tilting Planet
#4 Many Waters
#5 An Acceptable Time