May I ask what happened that caused you to dislike Harry Potter?Loomis wrote: Any of the Harry Potters...but I don't like them any more...
Can anyone recommend to me any good books?
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pinkrenata
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Loomis
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I've read all but the most recent book, and I've not done that because I am a little sick of the character and the story. Someone really needs to edit Rowling. I can't speak for #5 specifically, but the last few books seems to have been overlong, with a great amount of padding. I found that was definitely the case in #4, which was a shame because apart from the initial "padding" it had the strongest story of the 4 I've read.pinkrenata wrote:May I ask what happened that caused you to dislike Harry Potter?Loomis wrote: Any of the Harry Potters...but I don't like them any more...
I also am not liking Potter as a character any more. He lies and cheats his way out of most situations, and very rarely is there a consquence. Maybe this is a poor example for children. But then again, some people have said witchcraft is too
(BTW, I don't buy into that latter point at all...).Behind the Panels - Comic book news, reviews and podcast
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jambo*rafiki
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NOOOOO!!!!!!!Prince Adam wrote: And right now I'm reading "To Kill a Mockingbird". I can barely keep my eyes open-it's so boring! This is without a doubt the worst book I've ever read, but I have to for English class.
how can anyone not like that book????Anyway . . . speaking of books that are often read in school, try The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Or anything else by Salinger, by that matter. Good books.
"The names Cruuuuuuush. Emphasis on the U. But you can call me Crush."
"Asante sana, squash banana, wewe nugu, mimi apana!"
SAVE 2D!!!!!!!!
"Asante sana, squash banana, wewe nugu, mimi apana!"
SAVE 2D!!!!!!!!
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Tangela
I know I just recommended this book in this same thread, but personally, I also thought it was pretty boring, I read this book almost 10 years ago, and I remember it very little, but I do remember it was about racism and prejudice, and even rape, what I remember perfectly is that I didn't really enjoy it.jambo*rafiki wrote:NOOOOO!!!!!!!Prince Adam wrote: And right now I'm reading "To Kill a Mockingbird". I can barely keep my eyes open-it's so boring! This is without a doubt the worst book I've ever read, but I have to for English class.
Anyway . . . speaking of books that are often read in school, try The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Or anything else by Salinger, by that matter. Good books.
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Prince Adam
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As promised, here's the list of (what I consider to be) the essentials:
Christy by Catherine Marshall
The classic Christian novel of Christy Huddleston's missionary work in the Appalacians. Great book, great kids fiction series, and great TV series. Christy must overcome poverty and ignorance with only her faith in God to see her through.
Julie by Catherine Marshall
What it lacks in popularity it makes up for in story. It's better than Christy, and chronicles Julie's family's move into a flood-prone town in the Great Depression. Very good story of faith, and a pretty good romance too!
Angel of Mercy by Lurlene McDaniel
A "Christy" for teens, it's very much like the novel by Catherine Marshall. Heather is a spoiled teenager from Miami who goes on a Mercy Ship to the wilds of Uganda to do missionary work. There, she discovers God and falls in love with a fellow mission worker from Scotland. It's sequel, Angel of Hope, is just as good.
As Long as We Both Shall Live by Lurlene McDaniel
Although a "teen" book, my mom and a few of my parents friends really enjoyed this one. It's a specially repackaged edition of her two books, "Till Death do us Part" and "For Better, For Worse Forever". It's about two people in their early 20's who fall in love, but are both battling critical diseases.
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
The first of his many extraordinary novels, this is a MUST-READ for everyone. Hailed as the new "Christmas Carol", it's ideal for anyone who's suffering the loss of a child, or anyone who's questioning God and the holiday spirit. READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS!
This one has two prequels (equally as good) Timepiece and The Letter.
Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin
A dark, Gothic novel that gives a mysterious historical figure an identity and a (very evil) purpose. Definitely a MUST-READ! Although it's supposedly a kids' book, this one is very surprising. A healthy dose of maturity is required to deal with the issues of (mainly) sexuality.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I know, I know-everyone's read this or seen the movie. But if you haven't, you should! It's so good, and is a glimpse into a point of history that I wished I lived in. Once you've read this, you should read all its sequels, and every one of her novels.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
If you read the back of the book, you'd think it to be like "Anne of Green Gables": a young, spirited orphan deals with life and hardships. But Anne couldn't survive in Jane's world.
As a child, she is emotionally and physically abused, and as an adult, her love for her employer is tested by the strange occurences at his estate.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Everyone should read this. If you don't agree with it for moral or religious reasons, you should read this so you know what you're arguing against. And if you just don't like this sort of book, read it so that you know what everyone else is arguing about!
All in all, it's a really entertaining book, although by the 3rd one a departure from the formula of "Harry goes to school, strange things happen, Voldemort's behind it, Harry rids of Voldemort" is needed. Luckily, the 4th and 5th ones are really good, and much darker and action-packed than the 1st 3.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
Both book and movie are amazing, and will raise definite questions about life and immortality.
Blizzard's Wake by Phyllis Reynold's Taylor
A really good story of a teenage girl struggling to forgive her mother's murderer.
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Excellent book on racism and prejudices taking place in the southern states in the 1930's. Told from a child's perspective, it chronicles the Logan family's trials. Sequels "Let the Circle be Unbroken" and "The Land" Has one prequel, but I'm not sure what it's called.
East by Edith Pattou
An amazing book that combines "Beauty and the Beast" with "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" and "The Polar Bear King".
Rose is a young woman living in an impoverished family in ancient Norway. One night, a huge white bear comes to take her away in return for wealth for her family. She agrees to go with him for unknown reasons, and eventually finds herself caught in a strange web of magic, betrayal, and ultimately, love.
A great fantasy, great adventure, and above all, one of the best romances for people my age I've ever read. The romance in this book isn't superficial or trivial as in other "teen" books, it's actually genuine, and grows with the story.
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
I know you're all thinking "what?!?!?!" but these books are amazing! They're much better than the childish DTV's we're getting, these books are hilarious, and remind everyone of what it's like to be a child.
It's great to be in a place like the 100-Acre Wood where the biggest problems are catching a heffelump or finding the north pole.
Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and May Lamb
Not all the stories in here are good, but it is a good way to discover Shakespeare's stories by reading them in narrative, as opposed to dialogue.
Peter Pan by Sir James Barrie
Much more than the Disney film, or even the play on the London stage, this is a novel celebrating NeverLand as a metaphor for childhood. It's amazing, and is a great escape from the complexities of life.
The Yearling by Marjories Kinnan Rawlings
In the same vein of Old Yellar, but much better. If you read this in early summer, the story, or at least the scenery, will come alive for you. It's for anyone who has ever had a pet, who was ever a child, or who has ever lost the childhood pet.
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
We're immersed in the world of the RiverBank, where life babbles along as if nothing could or ever would change.
But change is inevitable, and we're able to witness the changes along with Rat, Mole, Badger, and, of course, Mr. Toad. The Disney movie was a good portrayal of the story, but William Horwood's sequels "The Willows in Winter", "Toad Triumphant", and "The Willows Christmas" just aren't up to snuff.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Apparantly much more popular in Britain than over here, this is a surprising novel from the author of "The One Hundred and One Dalamatians". The narrator of the novel, Cassandra Mortmain, and her sister Rose dream of living a romance that only Charlotte Bronte or Jane Austen could create. Only once they meet two young men do they realize how exciting their life is.
The novel is Cassandra's diary, and she writes about her quirky family with great honesty. The book is hilarious, and is a very subtle romance.
The movie has never come out over here, but I can't wait to see it. I am nervous about what's made it an R-rating.
There it is: the 20 (give or take) best books that I've read so far. OH! I forgot "A Christmas Carol", but you've all read that one.
Hope this helps someone!
Christy by Catherine Marshall
The classic Christian novel of Christy Huddleston's missionary work in the Appalacians. Great book, great kids fiction series, and great TV series. Christy must overcome poverty and ignorance with only her faith in God to see her through.
Julie by Catherine Marshall
What it lacks in popularity it makes up for in story. It's better than Christy, and chronicles Julie's family's move into a flood-prone town in the Great Depression. Very good story of faith, and a pretty good romance too!
Angel of Mercy by Lurlene McDaniel
A "Christy" for teens, it's very much like the novel by Catherine Marshall. Heather is a spoiled teenager from Miami who goes on a Mercy Ship to the wilds of Uganda to do missionary work. There, she discovers God and falls in love with a fellow mission worker from Scotland. It's sequel, Angel of Hope, is just as good.
As Long as We Both Shall Live by Lurlene McDaniel
Although a "teen" book, my mom and a few of my parents friends really enjoyed this one. It's a specially repackaged edition of her two books, "Till Death do us Part" and "For Better, For Worse Forever". It's about two people in their early 20's who fall in love, but are both battling critical diseases.
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
The first of his many extraordinary novels, this is a MUST-READ for everyone. Hailed as the new "Christmas Carol", it's ideal for anyone who's suffering the loss of a child, or anyone who's questioning God and the holiday spirit. READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS!
This one has two prequels (equally as good) Timepiece and The Letter.
Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin
A dark, Gothic novel that gives a mysterious historical figure an identity and a (very evil) purpose. Definitely a MUST-READ! Although it's supposedly a kids' book, this one is very surprising. A healthy dose of maturity is required to deal with the issues of (mainly) sexuality.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I know, I know-everyone's read this or seen the movie. But if you haven't, you should! It's so good, and is a glimpse into a point of history that I wished I lived in. Once you've read this, you should read all its sequels, and every one of her novels.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
If you read the back of the book, you'd think it to be like "Anne of Green Gables": a young, spirited orphan deals with life and hardships. But Anne couldn't survive in Jane's world.
As a child, she is emotionally and physically abused, and as an adult, her love for her employer is tested by the strange occurences at his estate.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Everyone should read this. If you don't agree with it for moral or religious reasons, you should read this so you know what you're arguing against. And if you just don't like this sort of book, read it so that you know what everyone else is arguing about!
All in all, it's a really entertaining book, although by the 3rd one a departure from the formula of "Harry goes to school, strange things happen, Voldemort's behind it, Harry rids of Voldemort" is needed. Luckily, the 4th and 5th ones are really good, and much darker and action-packed than the 1st 3.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
Both book and movie are amazing, and will raise definite questions about life and immortality.
Blizzard's Wake by Phyllis Reynold's Taylor
A really good story of a teenage girl struggling to forgive her mother's murderer.
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Excellent book on racism and prejudices taking place in the southern states in the 1930's. Told from a child's perspective, it chronicles the Logan family's trials. Sequels "Let the Circle be Unbroken" and "The Land" Has one prequel, but I'm not sure what it's called.
East by Edith Pattou
An amazing book that combines "Beauty and the Beast" with "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" and "The Polar Bear King".
Rose is a young woman living in an impoverished family in ancient Norway. One night, a huge white bear comes to take her away in return for wealth for her family. She agrees to go with him for unknown reasons, and eventually finds herself caught in a strange web of magic, betrayal, and ultimately, love.
A great fantasy, great adventure, and above all, one of the best romances for people my age I've ever read. The romance in this book isn't superficial or trivial as in other "teen" books, it's actually genuine, and grows with the story.
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
I know you're all thinking "what?!?!?!" but these books are amazing! They're much better than the childish DTV's we're getting, these books are hilarious, and remind everyone of what it's like to be a child.
It's great to be in a place like the 100-Acre Wood where the biggest problems are catching a heffelump or finding the north pole.
Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and May Lamb
Not all the stories in here are good, but it is a good way to discover Shakespeare's stories by reading them in narrative, as opposed to dialogue.
Peter Pan by Sir James Barrie
Much more than the Disney film, or even the play on the London stage, this is a novel celebrating NeverLand as a metaphor for childhood. It's amazing, and is a great escape from the complexities of life.
The Yearling by Marjories Kinnan Rawlings
In the same vein of Old Yellar, but much better. If you read this in early summer, the story, or at least the scenery, will come alive for you. It's for anyone who has ever had a pet, who was ever a child, or who has ever lost the childhood pet.
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
We're immersed in the world of the RiverBank, where life babbles along as if nothing could or ever would change.
But change is inevitable, and we're able to witness the changes along with Rat, Mole, Badger, and, of course, Mr. Toad. The Disney movie was a good portrayal of the story, but William Horwood's sequels "The Willows in Winter", "Toad Triumphant", and "The Willows Christmas" just aren't up to snuff.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Apparantly much more popular in Britain than over here, this is a surprising novel from the author of "The One Hundred and One Dalamatians". The narrator of the novel, Cassandra Mortmain, and her sister Rose dream of living a romance that only Charlotte Bronte or Jane Austen could create. Only once they meet two young men do they realize how exciting their life is.
The novel is Cassandra's diary, and she writes about her quirky family with great honesty. The book is hilarious, and is a very subtle romance.
The movie has never come out over here, but I can't wait to see it. I am nervous about what's made it an R-rating.
There it is: the 20 (give or take) best books that I've read so far. OH! I forgot "A Christmas Carol", but you've all read that one.
Hope this helps someone!
Defy Gravity...
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Tangela
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Prince Adam
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