It's harder than you think

Book 47 - A book with more than 500 pages

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

599 pages, to be exact. Which means that I'm now briefly allowed to refer to myself as an overachiever. Look out world!

Let me tell you the spectacularness that is Afterworlds.

Now, I was already a large fan of Mr. Westerfeld before this novel became a thing. He is one of those authors that you just buy the next book he publishes, because you already know that it's going to be a wonderful experience reading all 599 pages within a week. (I hope you are all following the fact that I work 37.5 hours a week and was in Toronto all weekend. Yes, I can read 599 pages much faster than a week. Let's stick with the overachieving idea.)

This novel, is a novel within a novel. (Mr. Westerfeld must be taking a page from Mr. Shakespeare's book. Although in that case we'd be referring to a play.) 

In any case, this novel is based around Darcy who is writing a novel over the course of this novel. One chapter is Darcy and how her novel came to be, the next chapter is the said novel. This continues back and forth through the 599 pages until the very lovely set-up-for-a-sequel ending. Are we complaining? Nope!

Darcy, being the author of the novel, writes about a character named Lizzie. Now, if you have ever even lived upon this earth, then you will know that these two characters are the loveliest of lovers brought about by our dearest, Jane Austen. Let me tell you the shock that Darcy has when she realizes the connection she has created between her name and her characters'. This is something that I love about writing. There is so much room for little clues to be dropped about, just waiting for someone to pick them up. 

Throughout the entire novel, I felt such a connection between myself and Darcy. She is a young author, embarking on the journey that is her first published work. As I have not come to such an achievement in my twenty-one years, I can't entirely relate. Nonetheless, I feel that Darcy and I could have spent a lot more time together. 

Something that I kept thinking about as I traveled from 1 to 599, was that Mr. Westerfeld got to create two lovely intertwined stories within the same hard covers. He got to connect a "real" and a fictional life to make so much more out of the fantastic world that is writing. 

I don't have many other thoughts about the novel, other than the fact that I was right there the whole time. Right in that novel's face. I don't know how I'm suppose to continue on with my life at the moment. I sure hope that I figure it out before work tomorrow morning. 

3 to go! This is t-bear signing off

A hard-to-hold sort of reading

Book 46 - The largest book you own

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan (Illustrated by John Rocco)

In its piddly 387 pages, you may be wondering how this could possibly be the largest book I own; as we all know Les Miserable is part of my collection. 

Today, we choose to look beyond height, to the factors of length and width. 

This book is about 2 Les Mis' long by 2 Les Mis' wide. That is, of course, referring to the copy of Les Mis that I own. (Your estimate may differ slightly depending on the size of your copy.)

If you would be so kind as to turn back and read a few of my posts from the past year, you will note that Uncle Rick is a reoccurring author; and will be sticking around. Please don't ruin a good thing.

I can't remember if I've written about the similar book by Uncle Rick, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods. This one is the same thing, only with heroes instead of gods.

In any case, this book is quite spectacular. Though I'm sure there are areas of each heroes story that are rather fictional, I do believe that I now have a good understanding of the Greek heroes lives. 

Many of them were much more interested in pillaging and plundering than anything else, but they were each able to show some hero-ness at some point in their stories. 

For most of the heroes stories, it seemed like if their family hadn't been destroyed, accidentally or otherwise, they really didn't have a standing as a hero. 

More often then not, there was a king whose kingdom needed to be overthrown by a hero. The one and only way for the hero to gain that kingship was to show themselves with a quest. If only showing worthiness was so easy in today's world. I think I could do a decent job questing. 

The stories were, at times, so exciting that I didn't even notice how long I had been perched upon the island stool. Yes, my back was sore the next morning. Yes, it was worth it.

I have to say, I wouldn't recommend reading such a large book all the time; it creates difficulty when trying to  hold the book for a long period of time.

1 down, 4 to go, this is t-bear signing off

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