Age before me, I suppose

Book 45 - A book your mom loves

The Villa by Nora Roberts

Let's start by discussing the things that we assumed, and then move onto those that were, almost, tear-shocking.

Nora Roberts only writes novels about romance. People, though there was romance within the novel, there was so much more to the story.

Moma's taste in novels is sub-par. Furthermore, we must refrain from such comments as she has now risen in my books.

This book won't set me back in my challenge. 

Now to those things that brought a hand to my mouth and almost made me drop the novel. 

The story line was full of devious secreters and all their lying plots. The only trouble was picking them out of the circle that was the main characters' prestigious family. Yes, you will be surprised by the ending. I didn't see it coming and, after further investigation, neither did Moma. Also, I ended up hanging off a few cliffs. (That did nothing to my already surprised state.) 

This whole time I just assumed that romance novels were nothing but romance, and therefore; couldn't possibly hold a place on my bookshelf.

The pages have turned.

Finally, you can count as well as I can. There are five books left to read, and only four weeks left in the year. I'd also like to mention that I may never get through if people continue in this festive mood of planning parties and get-togethers. (I say that with the utmost quality of love.)

Happy reading! this is t-bear signing off

The Hairy Dog Father

Book 44 - A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit

 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

 

You may look at the challenge and argue that the place I have chosen is not real, and therefore; I should disqualify myself immediately.

For those of you out there who are readers, you will understand. Visiting the fantastical places that I have read about in books is definitely not an "out there" desire.

I can't even count the number of years where I have sat around on September 1st wishing that I were on the Hogwarts Express.

Although, I would love to someday visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, it is really just a representation of the movies. The books, as we all know, are just so much better.

If I had to choose my favorite film of the Harry Potter eight, I would have to say that the third rises above.

I loved the emotion of the seventh duo, and the newness of the first tale; but I just can't think about the series without that glorious Prisoner of Azkaban.

It may have something to do with the new Dumbledore or maybe the different set. No matter the reason, something fantastical is the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Lessons from the novel include;

- Hippogriff riding

- Patronus casting (If you don't know what that is, read this novel. The movie questions our belief in alien invasion)

- Don't befriend strange rats just because a Weasley says so

- Hogsmeade really isn't worth sneaking out for

- Black dogs maybe aren't as terrifying as Professor Trelawney makes them out to be

- Maps are sometimes easily concealed

 

Now let's not bring ourselves down by continuing too far with this idea of visiting Hogwarts. After all, we do have reality to look forward to; and that's not always a nice cup of chocolatey chai tea.

 

Farewell for now, this is t-bear signing off

The Chamber Isn't Always Secret

Book 43 - A book with magic

 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

 

There is a saying about starting things and never finishing them.

I imagine if you took a stroll through the life of a middle aged man, you would encounter many projects that have been started and never finished.

On the other side of the world, if your 21 year old self claims to have OCD and can't start something without seeing the last something through; then you will understand why I have chosen to proceed in such a fashion.

If you will turn your attention back to the 33rd challenge, you will note that I have, once again, read a chapter from the library of Ms. Rowling.

Harry Potter is one of those series' that should be started at the beginning, and then read all the way through to the wonderfully tragic ending of the seventh and final novel. (You will note that this is not the case for me, and it saddens me greatly.)

As I read the first novel some weeks ago, I felt it was high time I returned to the beautiful pages. Unfortunately, I will not be able to proceed any further than the third novel as the remaining four do not fit into my challenge criteria. (Have no fear, I have plans to continue the party in the new year.)

Enough about me, let's turn our minds to the story...

As you won't recall, (unless you are following me in this book challenge and/or have recently read the first novel) we left Harry on his way back to the Dursley's for the summer break. He wasn't happy about it, but he took with him the joyful idea that he would be spending part of the summer at the home of the Weasley's. Don't worry, he is not denied that joy.

As Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year, he is challenged by some rather large creatures. (Pun entirely intended.)

With the presence of Gilderoy Lockhart, hearing voices in his head, the opening of the Chamber of Secrets and the sad idea that Hogwarts may have to be closed forever; we witness a threatening of the innocence of our dear 12 year old Harry.

If you are also feeling Harry Potter deprived, tune in next time to hear about the Prisoner of Azkaban!

 

Much love, this is t-bear signing off

North Dogs

Book 42 - A book you pre-ordered

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

If you know me at all, then I don't think you need to question why I pre-ordered this novel.

Months ago, while browsing social media, I came upon the cover of this novel and had to check into it. Much to my delight, this novel is the debarkation of a new series; written by our dear Uncle Rick.

I am often concerned about pre-ordering books because I don't know if I will actually enjoy the novel. This is not the case with Uncle Rick. He wouldn't even need to release the name and I would buy the novel.

As you may remember, the trio of novels that I read for the seventh challenge were about Egyptian gods. If we just back up a little further to the second challenge, you will note that that novel was about Roman and Greek gods.

Well, this challenge breaks away from both of those series', however; you will take note of the lovely addition of a beloved female character from the Greek and Roman series'. (I guess he just couldn't help including her.)

Anywho, this novel is about Norse gods (think Odin, Thor, Loki, etc.), however; we aren't talking Hollywood altered story lines. This is the real deal. 

First of all, *spoileralert* (though you will find this out in the first few chapters), the main character dies and is sent to live in Valhalla which is one of the afterlife places to live. He ends up questing with a Valkyrie, a dwarf and an elf, which is a little different from the usual demigod group of questers.

Second, the story doesn't just take place in our world, there are nine worlds, which means that the characters do a little world jumping during their journey. The strangest idea is picturing them climbing the massive World Tree.

Lastly, if you doubted that Uncle Rick would add his usual sarcasm, you will be nicely surprised. The main character shares all of that wonderful sass that just reminds me so much of dear Percy Jackson.

Now, this is normally the part where I would strongly suggest that you read the novel, because it's just such a wonderfully written tale; but I think I'm a bit biased in that area. I can say that if you have read one of Uncle Rick's novels before and enjoyed it, then you will enjoy this piece of awesome.

Winter is coming, this is t-bear signing off

Sarah's Realities

Book 41 - A book set in high school

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Once again, we are privy to the wonderful thoughts of dear Sarah Dessen. 

For those of you who don't recall who Sarah Dessen is, return to Book 22; she is all over that book.

Though I have read this novel before, I haven't ever read it again.

I found that the harshness of the main character's reality makes it hard to put the novel down. With so many of Sarah's novels, I find that the experiences of the characters are so very realistic. I think this is one of the reasons that I choose to re-read her novels so very often.

Without spoiling the story;

We start the journey with sixteen year old, Caitlin, whose family has just learned that their beloved sister/daughter, Cassandra, has run away from home at the age of eighteen. 

As most people have difficulties dealing with being abandoned, Caitlin strives to find a place in her parents' lives after years of feeling overshadowed by her sister. She soon realizes that having all the attention from her parents is not all it's cracked up to be. 

With the addition of sudden telephone calls from Cassandra, the parent's begin to pay less attention to Caitlin. This is where the hard to read part comes in.

Our dear main character finds herself in love and being mentally and physically abused by the person she loves. She knows that what is happening to her is wrong, yet she still hangs on to the relationship because she fears what her life would be like without it.

The entire novel is not a sad tale, but I do find that it is difficult to read at times. You will be glad to know that our dear main character is able to find a happy ending, in her own way.

I do recommend reading this novel. The story is in no way easy to read, but the realness of the character's reactions and feelings are quite powerful to behold. Though this is only my second time reading this novel, I still feel that it is one of my favourites.

Right on schedule, this is t-bear signing off

Insane Affection

Book 40 - a book recommended by your sister

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

It's kind of funny actually.
A while back my dearest sister told me about this book that I had to read; but at the time I was rather June deep in the 2015 Book Challenge. I forgot that the book was even mentioned and moved along with my life.
Two or three weeks ago, my dearest sister mentioned the book again. She used phrases like, "you have to read this book!" and "it's a life changer!"
(We're almost to the funny part.)
I was being all cooperative and nicely put the book on the tippy top of the stack that currently resides on my writing desk. I must profess that I fully had all intentions of reading the book. I feel I have to say this as it appeared almost as though I were just going along with her ruse; at the time of the placing on the tippy top of the stack.
(This is where the funny part occurs.)
I carefully (the only adjective one should ever use when the conversation involves the handling of books) took the book from my dearest sister and placed it upon the tippy top of the stack which resides on my writing desk. When what to my obviously unprepared ears should be spoken, but; "just give it back to me when you are done, because I haven't read it yet."
Now I'm going to give you a little space to digest that.

Here I was believing that my dearest sister had read the book before and that I was receiving a most accurate review; directly from a brain who'd taken the words right off the page. Silly me.
As it has come to my attention that my dearest sister has never read this book before, I have taken it upon myself to give her an honest report. I feel it is my duty, as her dearest sister.

Dear Squid:

When I first began the journey that is this book, I felt that Mr. Chan was attempting to communicate with non-believers or beginner believers. Now I don't consider myself to be either of those and yet I still learned so much about what it means to be a Christian. 

Many of the themes have been studied and preached upon so many times that they are becoming almost tiring. When I was reading this book though, I was able to read the themes in a different light; which has helped the ideas to stick in my brain. There have been many events and specific moments over the past week where I have been able to take something that I read in this book and transfer it into my life or that of another.
I loved it.  I don't just mean the words. If you took a before and after of the physical book, it looks much more loved now. The pages have all been flipped through and viewed and the corners are slightly bent from being in a backpack rather often.

Though I will not, under any circumstances, write in a printed work of art; you will find stickies within the pages where I felt comment was needed. This appeared to be a solid alternative to defacing the beautiful pages.
You used the term "life changer". I wouldn't say that my life was completely turned upside down, but I am now much more conscious of certain aspects of my life. 

In conclusion, I must say a thank you for recommending this book, even if you haven't read it yet.

Much love, 

t-bear

Apocalyptic even without the zombies.

Book 39 - A book by an author from your hometown

Lorelai, You'll Never Die by Laura Konrad

You may be questioning the validity of this challenge as it is not actually named in the 2015 Book Challenge that I found on Pinterest. I have observed that there are a few challenges that would be rather difficult to fulfill and therefore have taken it upon myself to change them. Don't worry, the number of books to read and the time in which to read them have not changed.

This particular challenge has been altered from "A book that takes place in your hometown". As you may be able to imagine, coming from a small town and all, this is a very challenging challenge to behold. Though I do suppose I could have written something based in my hometown, however; I have been operating upon the basis that the books read during the challenge are published works. 

For many people it may be difficult to find published works of an author from their hometown, but I am rather in luck in such a situation.

If you would be so kind as to travel back in time with me to April 5, 2015; you will notice that the author of this novel is the very same author of the story that is Sky Goddesses of Dryden Vols. 1-4. 

One thing you may want to know before embarking on the journey that is this novel, is that it is futuristic and apocalyptic and wonderfully science fictiony. For me, this is rather a fantastic way to begin a novel journey, however; I understand that some do not feel the same way, *coughcough* Moma. I guess some people just don't know what good book genres are.

Anywho, though this novel is subtitled 25 Tales of the Apocalypse, the story flows from one tale to the next without much need to stop and observe ones surroundings. That being said, I spent one evening and then an afternoon with this novel because I just couldn't put it down. 

Now I'm not usually the kind to sit and read a majority of a book in one afternoon, but sometimes we must take the necessary steps to satisfy the universe. 

But seriously, the story picked me right up off my chaise and moved me into a world of death, destruction and "love" (you'll have to read it to understand the quotation marks). 

I embarked on this journey with the sole purpose of reading this novel because I felt that I owed it to Laura to read her published work of art. Little did I know that I would be caught in a world that doesn't exist but feels so very real when stuck between its pages.

I would suggest that you pick yourself up from this page, go right over to Amazon.ca and purchase a copy for your library. You may think I'm being biased or maybe borderline nepotistic, but I actually really love this novel.

In other news, asserting ones dominance is much more effective when driving sans muffler.

Stay golden, this is t-bear signing off