Bible reading from August – 90pg

FINAL TOTAL:  2,542pg

Many thanks to Jordan & co for hosting!!!

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau – 270pg (audio book)

Running total:  2,286pg

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman by Brian Jacques – 326pg

Running Total: 1,834

(Please pardon the long review on this one…  The book changed so dramatically in tone from part to part that I basically reviewed it three times!)

<FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>A Review of The Castaways of the Flying Dutchman:
<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Hooking the reader with the pitiable character of Neb, The Castaways of the Flying Dutchman flies into an adventure that is not for the faint of heart.  Driven by coarse seamen, the salty escapade rides on mutiny, madness, and death.  However, Jacques handles with a brisk tactfulness; the narration is quick and to the point, not dawdling for graphic description.  Though the language is crude, it never stoops to spell out foul words; even at the pinnacle, when the captain blasphemes, the actual discourse goes unsaid.

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Despite the tumultuous beginning, the tale, like a sea storm, suddenly crashes to a halt.  Adrenaline lifts, the narrative slows, and the story flows through a sorrowful transition passage that records how Neb is sent on his endless journey.  The angel’s curse on the Flying Dutchmen appears to be a fanatical, twisted version of Christianity, but it is not altogether unbiblical; in the end, evil is punished – blasphemy is not tolerated – and good is rewarded.  The ship and its wicked crew roam the seas, while innocent Neb and his dog are cast upon the shore to wander the earth in perpetual youth, helping others.  After staying for a few chapters on the shore, the narrative skips 200-some years and then spends the bulk of the book in the quiet village of Chapelvale.

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>The story again undergoes an abrupt style change, turning into a dramatic mystery set in a cozy village, and I found it hard to settle in the new world.  This may, in part, be caused by a “let down” after the energy of the previous chapters; additionally, the time period feels unsettled – some elements appropriate to the era, others seeming too modern.  Neb himself is a less admirable hero; he is cocky and somewhat static, making it harder to pity and sympathize with him.  There is some mild language and juvenile boy/girl relationships, as well as constant badinage between Neb and his dog that quickly grows tiresome.  Elements of Christianity are mentioned frequently, mostly positively, but they appear to have no personal bearing on the character’s lives.  However, as the story progresses the adults become highly involved, a positive influence, and despite all drawbacks, it is a quaint tale full of delightful characters.  The ending, bittersweet, is a touching finish. 

Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett – 210pg

Running total: 1,341pg

A Review of Little Lord Fauntleroy:
An “easy read” for Burnett fans, the tale of Little Lord Fauntleroy is as charming as it is simple.  An uncomplicated plot and adorable characters make for light, enjoyable reading.  Burnett’s classic style runs free as she explores her favorite themes of wealth and goodwill.  It is one of the cleanest books I have read, though it includes old-fashioned ejaculations and references a character’s amoral marriage.  A sweet read, highly recommended favorite.

I pushed yesterday to finish the book I was actively reading, so my total pages of completed books for June is over 1000!  Yay!

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgon Burnett – 347pg

Bible reading from the month of June –  53pg

Running Total: 1,131pg

A Review of The Secret Garden:
In classic Burnett style, the gently-paced drama of The Secret Garden weaves a memorable cast of characters with their curious surroundings and circumstances.  The lovable characters are the highlight of this novel, each person unique and queer and pitiable.  Many of Burnett’s favorite themes appear in this book, including reference to “Magic.”  Unlike some of Burnett’s other works, the essence of “Magic” in this tale goes beyond childish ignorance to a sort of religious observance; even the adults accept it, one going so far as to state that it doesn’t matter what you call it – Magic, God, or Big Good Thing.  This emphasis on magic suffocates the ending, where an abrupt shift in viewpoint is made.  Additionally, the book very tediously handles the issue of adult authority, encouraging children to lie about their games to adults.  As such, I could not recommend this book for a young or immature soul who did not have a good grasp of these concepts.  It is, of all Burnett’s books, perhaps the least engrossing to me.

Racketty-Packetty House by Frances Hodgson Burnett – 41pg

Running Total:  667pg

A Review of Racketty-Packetty House:
This silly little tale recounts the comical ordeal of the homely residents of Racketty-Packetty House when a spiffy new dollhouse, Tidy Castle, is brought into the nursery.  Through the adventures of animate dolls, Burnett weaves her favorite themes of wealth and poverty, pride and humility, arrogance and good-will.  The story does depend on the existence of fairies, and one particular doll, while carrying on a ridiculous romance, makes up “doll slang”; but it is, overall, harmless.  Those that enjoy Burnett’s warmth and memorability will find this short work delightful and reminiscent of her other stories.

The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists by Andrew McAleer – 225pg

Running Total:  475pg

A Review of The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists:
Filled with tidbits from best-selling authors, The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists provides a personal look into the life and mind of a writer.  While some of the quips seem pointless, many of the quotes mix practical instruction with encouragement – understanding from those that have “been there, done that.”  The book spans all aspects of a writer’s life, from writing habits to story development; perhaps most helpful are the sections on the business side of writing – the art of marketing a finished manuscript.  All throughout, the book stresses the important of writing frequently and honestly and passionately.

From the Christian standpoint, however, caution must be exercised with this book.  Written from a strictly worldly perspective, the book references adult topics and uses crude language, all the while stressing that the author’s desires are of final importance.  As believers, Christian writers would do well to take the book with a grain of salt, remembering that they and their writing answer to God, not man.