Review: Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Synopsis: If you don't know what this is about, google it or, you know, move out of the rock you've been under.

Review: I finally read the entire thing - well, I listened to it via audiobook. This was my third attempt, although the other two were over a decade ago. I never could finish the trilogy. Inevitably, I'd get lost somewhere in the third book (having skimmed most of the second) and quit. Well, due to it being audio, I managed to finished the entire thing. My favorite part was the Ride of the Rohirrim, followed closely the arrival of Aragorn at the Fields of Pelennor, with his banner unfurled! These parts, to me, made the heart beat faster  - high in emotion and thrills. Other than that, the story was good - with the right amount of introspection and adventure. I found the lack of female characters disappointing, but the female characters that are in the story are strong - particularly Eowyn - who is my favorite. There seemed an excessive amount of singing, but in a society and culture were most stories are told via song, that makes sense.
While I recognize and honor the historical and literary value of Tolkien's work, and understand that Tolkien's work is monumental in the realm of fantasy literature, I don't think Tolkien will ever be a favorite. It's just not for me.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: N/A
Year Published: 1955
Date Finished: 2-11-2016
Pages: N/A

Review: Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray

Synopsis: Warning: This book may cause flatulence. Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can't help it; it's just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he's got to go! Poor Walter, he's going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero. (from the online description)

Review: My nephew received this book as a Christmas gift, along with the stuffed dog that actually farts. So when I found a copy at the used bookshop, I had to have it. It's hilarious, using humor to teach the reader to accept people despite flaws - even smelly ones. The art is a bit odd for my taste. It's had a cut-from-the-magazine feel, but it still conveys the store in bright colors and shapes. A fun read for kids and parents.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 1-58394-053-7
Year Published: 2001
Date Finished: 2-6-2016
Pages: 28

Review: Little Polar Bear, Take Me Home! by Hans de Beer

Synopsis: In his earlier adventures, Lars, the little polar bear, has often been lost far from home, and each time, someone has helped him get back safely. Now, it's Lars's turn to help when a little tiger named Sasha finds himself lost and alone at the North Pole. (from the online description)

Review: My second Little Bear Book! I adore the illustrations and fun adventure plot. Little Bear is always ready to make a friend, and in this case, he helps his friend get home. Adorable, and fun for small children.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 1-55858-630-x
Year Published: 1996 
Date Finished: 2-6-2016
Pages: 28

Review: A Song and a Prayer: Devotional Thoughts from L'Abri by Betty Carlson

Synopsis: This interesting and inspiring book reflects the fact that the author lives in the mountains of Switzerland at the world-famous L'Abri Fellowship. Highlighting the spiritual dimensions of life, it mirrors the concern of the Fellowship estabished by Dr. and Mrs. Francis Schaeffer. Woven into these devotional thoughts aer true stroeis which read like fiction - like the one about the confused opera singer who found true peace at L'Abri. There are apt and pointed illustrations of spiritual truths - like the one which related an interesting conversation between Francis Newman and John Nelson Darby. (from the back of the book)

Review: This is slightly dated, but still helpful. The stories are sweet and slightly fluffy, and Carlson's writing is a bit meandering and sometimes the story that starts the devotion doesn't really relate to the point of the devotion by the end. But, she has points worth thinking about, and the truth she promotes is Godly. Worth reading.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: None
Year Published: 1970
Date Finished: 2-2-2016
Pages: 100

Review: I am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley (Flavia De Luce, Book 4)

Synopsis: It’s Christmastime, and Flavia de Luce—an eleven-year-old sleuth with a passion for chemistry—is tucked away in her laboratory, whipping up a concoction to ensnare Saint Nick. But she is soon distracted when a film crew arrives at Buckshaw, the de Luces’ decaying English estate, to shoot a movie starring the famed Phyllis Wyvern. Amid a raging blizzard, the entire village of Bishop’s Lacey gathers at Buckshaw to watch Wyvern perform, yet nobody is prepared for the evening’s shocking conclusion: a body found strangled to death with a length of film. But who among the assembled guests would stage such a chilling scene? As the storm worsens and the list of suspects grows, Flavia must ferret out a killer hidden in plain sight. (from the online description)

Review: Unlike the previous three, this story deals more with Flavia and her interactions with the people around her, particularly her family, and not so much on the solving of the mystery. Although Flavia isn't about to let her family dynamics get in the way of some clever sleuthing. With her usual flair and boldness, she goes about "assisting" the local constabulary - much to their dismay. Flavia has a delightful and heart-breaking mix of maturity and innocence. She is growing up, and has many truths about life to face, which as a reader and adult, I both dread and look forward to seeing her mature. The mystery of her mother, and the past of her family got even more tangled and twisted. Like the previous three, I listened to this via Audiobook, read by the incomparable Jane Entwistle. Entwistle gives such a lively voice to Flavia, It's enchanting to listen to her speak the story. I highly recommend this story, either by book or audiobook.

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-307-87945-5
Year Published: 2012
Date Finished: 1-27-2016
Pages: 7 1/2 Hours 

Review: The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

Synopsis: In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble, " her mother had said, but Sarah found that it was not always easy to feel brave inside. The dark woods were full of animals and Indians, too, and Sarah was only eight. The true story of Sarah's journey is inspiring. And as she cares for her Father and befriends her Indian neighbors, she learns that to be afraid and to be brave is the greatest courage of all. (from the back of the book)

Review: This is a simple book about a universal truth: being brave isn't about how you feel, but what you do. Sarah is faced with increasingly scary thing, ending with her father leaving her with Indians while he travels back to get her mother. Sarah must be brave, braver than she's ever been. Will she be able?

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: Newbery Honor, 1954

ISBN: 0-689-71540-4
Year Published: 1954
Date Finished: 1-24-2016
Pages: 58

Review: NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting by the NRA

Synopsis: The NRA standard guide to safe and proper use and handling of pistols. Includes color pictures with labels.

Review: Received this and read it as part of my training for my concealed weapons permit. It has clear, concise language, easy to understand illustrations, and excellent safety instructions. It will certainly be a useful reference.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-935998-05-4
Year Published: 2009
Date Finished: 1-23-2016
Pages: 144