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The Magician's Elephant reminds us that we must hope and dream, and consider even what seems impossible in order to rise above the challenges that living in our world brings. I enjoyed Kate DiCamillo's tale because she presents these positive ideas simply and eloquently. While most of us are used to saying "why?", she reminds us "why not?" and "what if?". I bought this book as a gift for an adult friend as a Christmas present because I knew that she would appreciate the quality of the storytelling. When I read the first chapter myself, I knew that I had to read it too. Is the story's outcome predictable? Others have stated so in their reviews. I don't think it matters whether or not it is. This story is all about the message: to hope and to trust and to believe in yourself. I think that is the real magic!
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(5 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
What I enjoy about Banana Yoshimoto's writing is her ability to tell a story simply as she invites the reader to unravel and discover the intricate psychology of her characters. In Goodbye Tsugumi, I found myself sympathetic to the characters, even when at times I wondered why/how anyone could. I enjoyed Goodbye Tsugumi as both a coming-of-age story and one of self-discovery.
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(4 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
Packed with fascinating accounts of ghostly experiences and interesting historical details, Ghosts of Virginia Vol.1 is one of the most satisfying books of ghost stories I have ever read. Author L. B. Taylor is so thorough in his research and in the number of Virginia ghost stories that he chooses to include. I'm looking forward to reading Volume 2!
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(7 of 13 readers found this comment helpful)
If you like word games and puzzles, this is the book for you! I'm making my way through it now and I can tell you that it offers plenty of challenge (at varying skill levels) and brain stimulation. What I like too is that I can begin a puzzle or challenge, put it down, and then come back to it later - which is convenient if you like something to do while on your coffee- or lunch break.
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(8 of 15 readers found this comment helpful)
Little House in the Big Woods is a testament to life in pioneering times while being a timeless account of family. When I read Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories of daily life with her family in the 1870s in the Big Woods, I feel like I am listening to a grandmother or great-grandmother sharing with me about what it was like when she was a little girl. Life has changed in many ways since Laura's time; to read about her experiences is to appreciate the differences and to learn about joys to be discovered in simpler (not always easier) ways. A charming collection of stories that can be read by young readers independently, Little House is a wonderful type of book for children to share with an older reader, as it offers many opportunities to exchange experiences of what it is like to grow up in different times. Best of all, what really shines through in Little House is the love and respect family members have for each other. Genuinely heartwarming.
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(9 of 16 readers found this comment helpful)
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Annette P has commented on (23) products.
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
Annette P, January 1, 2011
The Magician's Elephant reminds us that we must hope and dream, and consider even what seems impossible in order to rise above the challenges that living in our world brings. I enjoyed Kate DiCamillo's tale because she presents these positive ideas simply and eloquently. While most of us are used to saying "why?", she reminds us "why not?" and "what if?". I bought this book as a gift for an adult friend as a Christmas present because I knew that she would appreciate the quality of the storytelling. When I read the first chapter myself, I knew that I had to read it too. Is the story's outcome predictable? Others have stated so in their reviews. I don't think it matters whether or not it is. This story is all about the message: to hope and to trust and to believe in yourself. I think that is the real magic!(5 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
Goodbye Tsugumi
Annette P, October 17, 2010
What I enjoy about Banana Yoshimoto's writing is her ability to tell a story simply as she invites the reader to unravel and discover the intricate psychology of her characters. In Goodbye Tsugumi, I found myself sympathetic to the characters, even when at times I wondered why/how anyone could. I enjoyed Goodbye Tsugumi as both a coming-of-age story and one of self-discovery.(4 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
Civil War Ghosts of Virginia, Vol. I by L B Taylor
Annette P, October 3, 2010
Packed with fascinating accounts of ghostly experiences and interesting historical details, Ghosts of Virginia Vol.1 is one of the most satisfying books of ghost stories I have ever read. Author L. B. Taylor is so thorough in his research and in the number of Virginia ghost stories that he chooses to include. I'm looking forward to reading Volume 2!(7 of 13 readers found this comment helpful)
Bananagrams!: The Official Book by Joe Edley
Annette P, September 29, 2010
If you like word games and puzzles, this is the book for you! I'm making my way through it now and I can tell you that it offers plenty of challenge (at varying skill levels) and brain stimulation. What I like too is that I can begin a puzzle or challenge, put it down, and then come back to it later - which is convenient if you like something to do while on your coffee- or lunch break.(8 of 15 readers found this comment helpful)
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Annette P, September 28, 2010
Little House in the Big Woods is a testament to life in pioneering times while being a timeless account of family. When I read Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories of daily life with her family in the 1870s in the Big Woods, I feel like I am listening to a grandmother or great-grandmother sharing with me about what it was like when she was a little girl. Life has changed in many ways since Laura's time; to read about her experiences is to appreciate the differences and to learn about joys to be discovered in simpler (not always easier) ways. A charming collection of stories that can be read by young readers independently, Little House is a wonderful type of book for children to share with an older reader, as it offers many opportunities to exchange experiences of what it is like to grow up in different times. Best of all, what really shines through in Little House is the love and respect family members have for each other. Genuinely heartwarming.(9 of 16 readers found this comment helpful)
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