Polar Express

The Polar Express By: Chris Van Allsburg,

Well it's that time of year again. When you start pulling out the Christmas books and immerse yourself in the Spirit of Christmas. The Polar Express is a great way to start off the season. This classic book helps remind us that even though we're adults we can still feel of the love and spirit of Christmas and believe in Santa Claus. The Polar Express is about a boy that is not quite sure if he believes and receives a ride on the polar express to visit the North Pole and be given the first gift of Christmas by Santa Claus himself. This is a great classic that should be in everyone's Christmas book collection.

Leven Thumps

Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo By: Obert Skye

So this is one of the books that I have seen everywhere, knew of people who have read it but heard little about it. So while I was at the Library picking up the last of the Traveling pants series I saw it again and I figured I was going to need another book to after I finish this other series so why not. In all reality though I thought I was going to have to give it back to the library before I even had a chance to listen to it. That wasnt the case. I had a little over a week till it was due back and I figured it was only 8 discs long and if I didnt like it I could take it back and not be heartbroken about it. So I went into this book not knowing anything about it and what to expect. Sometimes I think that's the best way to go into a book...sometimes. I really enjoyed this book. It is a fanstay but it has an unusual concept that I havent come across yet.

“Two teens, a small, furry "sycophant," and a talking toothpick try to prevent evil forces from destroying two worlds in this lighthearted fantasy. "Foo" is the world from which all dreams come, and the villainous Sabine wants to find the gateway from there into our world. This would destroy both worlds, so the reluctant title hero and his magical companions try to prevent it. The complicated plot unwinds through a playful narrative that tries, often unsuccessfully, to mix humor and suspense. There are some funny moments, but many attempts at comedy seem forced or distracting. An urgent race to Germany includes some clever plot twists, as when Leven's friend Winter uses her ice-creating power to turn an ocean into a road, but their quest never becomes truly exciting. When it turns out that the ominous "Shadows" under Sabine's command can be dismissed by a simple hand clap, it's mildly amusing, but detracts from the sense of true danger that makes an involving adventure. Leven's self-doubts and changes of heart are almost tedious, and there's little chemistry between him and Winter. Adult characters are mean, dull, and unattractive, which results in some Dahl-like humor, but soon gets repetitive. Despite some solid humor and an occasionally intriguing plot, there's not enough cohesion or consistency here to make this a rewarding fantasy.–Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR”

For any who enjoy a good fantasy book I would highly recommend this book. I found the beginning to drag just a tad so give it awhile before you give up on it.

Forever in Blue

Forever in Blue the Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood By: Ann Brashares.

I was very sad to finish this book. Where this ended was very satisfying as well as not. I did really enjoyed this series, getting to know the characters and watching them grow and change. But I always look forward and I cant help but wonder what happens to them in the future. But I guess that's what the imagination is for. :)