Book Tube Read-A-Thon Day 1

The BookTubeAThon has officially started and I am a reading fool! In addition to reading as much as you can from July 15, 2013 through July 21, 2013, there are also a few reading ‘challenges’.

1. Read at least 300 pages a day.

2. Read a Classic.

3. Reread a book.

4. Listen to an audio book.

5. Read a trilogy or finish a series.

6. Read a book over 500 pages.

7. Read a book that has been on your shelf forever.

I am also currently working on a Paranormal and Mythological challenge from a YA group in Goodreads, so you will probably be seeing quite a bit of YA and some Juvenile books in the next few weeks.

I began reading this morning at about 9 am and finished:

THE ANGEL FACTORY by Terence Blacker

 

Thomas Wisdom feels out of place in the world. His family is just too perfect. Then on a yearly journey to Santa Barbara he finds out the truth about what exactly his family is and how he fits into their plan.

I would like this YA novel to have gotten into the whole ‘angel’ part quite a bit sooner. Nothing is divulged until halfway into the story and I was beginning to think the title meant something other than ‘real’ angels. The writing is sharp and witty at times, but overall I never felt connected to any of the characters. While the premise was interesting, I felt quite disappointed when I finished as the conclusion was wrapped up in a little too tight a bow.

I’d give The Angel Factory 2.5 out of 4 stars.

MODERN FAIRIES, DWARVES, GOBLINS, AND OTHER NASTIES:

A Practical Guide by Miss Edythe McFate

 

 

This was a charming juvenile book written as a sort of guide to understanding the mythical creatures which (may) live around us. Beautifully illustrated, this guidebook’s goal is to teach the reader to be able to tell the difference between a good creature and a bad one. There are seven short, cautionary tales interspersed to illustrate what can happen when humans encounter the magical realm.

I found this book to be very entertaining and loved the way the stories brought out the characteristics, bad and good, of the creatures being described. Ms. McFate cleverly weaved mythological information in a way that a younger reader (8+) would find entertaining and not boring.

 I’d give Modern Fairies, Dwarves, Goblins, and Other Nasties 3 out of 4 stars.

I managed to read over 400 pages today, so I met that challenge!

Well, that’s all for tonight. I am off to begin a new book. I think I will try the classic challenge next. Until tomorrow…Good Night and Good Reading!