Starlighter by Bryan Davis: Teen Fiction

I actually liked Starlighter by Bryan Davis.  Normally, fiction from Christian publishing houses is sub-par, but this one actually has a great plot, characters, and pace.  I am pleasantly surprised.

Nutshell: Stories of dragons kidnapping people and carrying them to another world have been circulating for hundreds of years.  Now, with new information, a band of four try to find and bring back the Lost Ones.

A+       [Story/Plot A+; Characters A+; Content A+; Setting A+]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: AR Level 5.3

The Tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo: Child Fiction

Like most well done children’s books, The Tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo is saturated with real-world truths to learn from.  Dicamillo tells this story in second person perspective and draws the reader in throughout.  It’s rather enjoyable.

Nutshell:  A little mouse allows the princess to see him, and then he even talks to her!  The rest of the mice sentence him to life (a very short one) in the dungeon where the rats live.  To the characters’ surprise, his story doesn’t end there...

A+       [Story/Plot A+; Characters A; Content A+; Setting A]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy; Animals

Additional Note: Newbery Award Winner: 2004; AR Level 4.7

Player’s Ruse by Hilari Bell: Teen Fiction

Even less language and more excitement (pirates!), Player’s Ruse by Hilari Bell is the best yet in this series!  Plus, the two main characters still switch first person perspective as in the previous two books, and it works quite well for the story development.

Nutshell: Sir Michel’s childhood crush has run off and joined a traveling troupe.  While trying to find and prevent her from marrying one of the cast members, Sir Michel and his squire Fisk discover a band of pirates has been plaguing the coast.

A+       [Story/Plot A+; Characters A+; Content A-; Setting A]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: A Knight and Rogue Novel: Book 3; AR Level 6.1

Unfair Advantage: the power of financial education: what schools will never teach you about money by Robert T. Kiyosaki: Adult Nonfiction

Perhaps it’s just me, but I prefer books that don’t insult me and compare me to a monkey with his fist stuck in a tree (or just a monkey in general) like Unfair Advantage: the power of financial education: what schools will never teach you about money by Robert T. Kiyosaki does repeatedly.  That said, I quit reading midway through the introduction and decided to move on to authors who respect my intelligence.

Nutshell:  Don’t be like monkeys

F-         [Information F-; Flow/Organization F; Usefulness F-]

Genre/Subject: Nonfiction/Finances

Discussion One: Comic Books

Ok, trying something new here…

The question is “do comic books count as literature?”

As a reading advocate, my first inclination is to say yes, although I think that the definition of “literature” should be addressed first. 

If literature is defined as “great” writing, then I think most works would fall short, including most graphic novels and therefore comic books. 

However, if literature is defined as works from “a specific language, period, people, etc.”, then all writings, including comic books would apply.  (Thank you, dictionary.com for the definitions.)

I find that I lean toward the second meaning of literature, and view all writings as “literature.”  Does that mean they are all good?  Absolutely not!  But could this literature (including comic books, Nancy Drew, and “cozy” paperbacks) kindle and love of reading in an individual?  Absolutely! 

What are your thoughts/comments?  Let me know!

Great question!  Thanks Rob!

Rogue’s Home by Hilari Bell: Teen Fiction

Less language and a great plot keep Rogue’s Home by Hilari Bell from falling into the second book slump.  Plus, the first person switch between Sir Michel and Fisk carries over into this book (just like the first in the series) and provides double insight into the unfolding story. 

Nutshell:  Fisk is called home through an urgent message.  When he arrives, he discovers that his brother-in-law has been framed for murder and his family (comprised of three sisters) is suffering.  He and Sir Michel need to discover who is really to blame before mysterious fires and the town’s people push Fisk’s family out of town permanently.

A-        [Story/Plot A; Characters A; Content B; Setting A]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: A Knight and Rogue Novel: Book 2; AR Level 5.9

Wild At Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge: Adult Nonfiction

Although I am not a man, Wild At Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge seems quite insightful.  Also useful are the side comments to women who are reading the book, too.  This book is time well spent.

Nutshell:  Boiled down to its essence: every man needs a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.  Men don’t have to act tough or hide from themselves; there is another way.

A+       [Information A+; Flow/Organization A; Usefulness A+]

Genre/Subject: Nonfiction/Men; Core; Healing; Christianity

The Last Knight by Hilari Bell: Teen Fiction

A fun storytelling style: The Last Knight by Hilari Bell switches first person perspective between the two main characters.  The one negative in this story is the language.  Although there are many words created especially for her universe, Bell does not create any curse words, and instead uses those known in this universe.  Sadly, it jarred me out of the story each time her characters used them.

Nutshell: Although knights are two centuries past, self-proclaimed Sir Michel and his reluctant squire Fisk are duped into helping a murderess escape justice.  They are ordered to recapture her, otherwise they will be cast out as unredeemed.  Their quest leads them on dangerous adventures and to an interesting conclusion.

B+       [Story/Plot A; Characters A; Content C; Setting A]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: A Knight and Rogue Novel: Book 1; AR Level 6.1