September

September

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Three Great Books to Enjoy

I have read 3 great books in the past 2 weeks that I want to share with you. First is entitled, "Miss Pettigrew Lives for A Day" by Winifred Watson, was recommended to me by my friend Kim.
Now, if you saw the movie, you have to read the book because it is very different! And, of course, the book is much better. If I had read the book first, I wouldn't have enjoyed the movie as much , which is normal. Hollywood, as usual, thinks they know better and always change what is perfect when making books into movies. If you haven't seen the movie yet, you might want to watch it first then read the book, or skip the movie altogether and read the book twice! It is so much fun!
Frances McDormand and Amy Adams in "Miss Pettigrew..."
The next book, (one my book group read), is simply amazing and fun. "Ella Minnow Pea" is a novel written in letters. The language is amazing. It takes place on a fictional island of Nollop, off the coast of North Carolina. The story begins when a tile, with the letter "z", that is in the town square, has fallen out of it's place in a sentence. The island leaders decide it is a "sign" from the founder of the island that they, the people of Nollop, no longer need the letter "z" and therefore it is banned from being used. Throughout the book, other letters begin to fall with serious results and the letters get more and more creative as each letter is banned. This author, Mark Dunn, is amazing and you will learn many new words, some he made up. I can't wait to read another of his books.
Last is a book my friend, Kaarin, recommened that I read because she knows how much I love Shakespeare. But you don't have to, to enjoy this book. It takes place in a Long Island suburb and the height of the Vietnam War. It takes you through the school year (1967-68) of the main character, Holling Hoodhood. Every Wednesday, the students that were Jewish, left at 1:15 for Hebrew school, and the students that were Catholic, left for Catechism School. But Holling was Presbyterian and the only one left in his class, so his teacher has him read a new Shakepeare play each month. The author, Gary D. Schmidt, very cleverly weaves the lessons taught in the plays with what is happening with Hollings' school, family and the events of the world.
My only complaint with this book is that, I wish something more would have been resolved with Hollings father. Until you read it you won't understand what I mean, but is you have, let me know what you think.
Try one or all of these books. You know me, I love good, or happy ending and these 3 all have them. ENJOY!!!


1 comment:

Bonnie said...

Someone else told me of "The Wednesday Wars". I'm glad to know you liked it - so I'll definitely read. Thanks for the recommendation - and keep them coming!