Finally Back

By Solana Cortez

It's been awhile since my last post.  I've been to the hospital twice, on home IVs once, and moved.  Whew, I need a vacation.

I know I've caused some disappointment since I promised a review each week and then didn't deliver.  I hope I can be forgiven.  I am trying to find someone who can write reviews when I'm out sick, but since I cannot provide payment willing reviewers are non existent. 

Some good news.  Since I moved, I now have room for all my books.  Three bookcases full to be exact, and my collection is by no means complete.

Now that I have all my books out and properly organized, I have mapped out the order in which I will write the reviews.  Basically, it's alphabetically by author.  Once I get through my collection, I will go back through and add reviews of any new books I've added.  This will allow me to give a head's up on what I will be reviewing for the following week.  Just in case anyone wants to read the same book and add input or thoughts of the book.  My wish is for people to actually discuss the books reviewed, not just my reviews sitting there with no added depth.  Not everyone sees the same book in the same manner. 

I will also be applying for a library card to the county library (I moved to a new county), so hopefully the libraries around here will have some new books I haven't read.  This will also increase what books I review without breaking my banking account.

Hopefully this will help everyone out.  Again, I am very sorry for such a long absence.  I am working on making sure it doesn't happen again.

Happy Reading!

Books Make Great Gifts

By Solana Cortez

Christmas is around the corner and people are out getting gifts for everyone on their lists. Children have written and rewritten their letters to Santa asking for the latest toys or coolest clothes. The ladies are hoping for that pretty necklace that they see in the jewelry store window or a ring from that special someone. And the guys are hoping for some power tools or that large screen T.V. Everywhere you go, the sound of Christmas music is permeating through the air.

If you are like me (which I suspect, since you are reading this blog), then reading is one of your passions and you want to be able to spread that passion around this Christmas. So I have sat down and compiled a list of books that would make great gifts this season.

1. Where The Wild Things Are.

I know this book has been made into a movie. Why not give your child (and some adults) the book. The reading is quite simple. Only one or two lines per page. And the illustrations are great. It's one of those books that is timeless. And no matter what your kids say, they will never truly outgrow it.

2. Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs.

Another book that has been made into a movie. I found it quite fun to read when I was growing up. I actually found myself wishing that meals would fall from the sky each day.

3. Anything Doctor Suess.

Youngsters never tire of the rhymes. The words are easy to follow for beginning readers. And they give the young at heart a smile. You can pair these books with a video and some popcorn for an extra treat.

4. Chronicles of Narnia.

This is a timeless series. Young and old alike will enjoy it.

5. Redwall Series.

What's more fun than reading about battles between animals. And the banquets. The detail is great. These books are great for children starting at age 10 to read on their own. Also great for parents to read to their younger childern. The books can be read in almost any order.  Just remember to include a snack since these books will make you hungry.

6. Little House In The Big Woods Series.

Another classic series. Great set of first novels for children. Easy to read, but doesn't skimp on detail. Not just a series for girls. Laura is pretty much a tomboy. And Farmer Boy is about her husband growing up on a farm.

7. City of The Beasts, Kingdom of The Golden Dragon, and Forest of The Pygmies.

 

 

This series of books are by Isabel Allende. Can usually be found in the junior section of the bookstore. Very hard to put down. They would be great for the Fantasy reader in your life. While they are considered young adult type of books, adults will more than enjoy them and they can be read to younger children (if their attention spans can handle it).

8. Ender's Game.

For the Science Fiction reader. It's a great read. Not too difficult, but is not a dumbed down book by any means.

9. Earth Sea Series.

For the Fantasy reader. Great detail. These books transports the reader to another world where magic exists and rules must be followed to keep it balanced.

10. Pride and Prejudice.

Great classic for females on your list. Even some guys I know have enjoyed it.

11. The Odyssey.

Another classic. Hard to put down. Angry gods, seductive gods, monsters, a man beating the odds to return to his family no matter the cost. A great story that's timeless for a reason.

12. Edgar Allan Poe Collection.

For the dark and deary reader on your list. This collection contains both his short stories and his poems. I believe every reader should have a dose of Poe within his lifetime.

Of course this is only a short list of the great books out there to give as gifts. I had to narrow things down just to these ten. If I had listed every book that would make a great gift, no one would one to read this post.

Hopefully this list inspires you to give the gift of reading this Christmas.

Until next time. Happy Reading.