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September 13, 2013
I am writing book reviews these days… simply because I love books. I want to remember what I’ve read and know if I liked it or not!
“From The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” by E.L. Konigsburg
Anytime you’ve written a book so wonderful that someone can go to the behemoth that is Amazon and find it by typing “From The” – you are obviously a master of your craft. And this book, is truly, sublime.
Perhaps the most interesting fact, and the thing which mystified me all while I was reading it to our 7 yr. old, is that NOTHING happens in the book. No action, no drama, no tension, no suspense. It’s simply a week in the life of two kids who successfully run away from home, live in a museum, barely have a brush with security, and solve a mystery. But the writing. Oh, the writing. Ms. Konigsburg spins a calm, quiet story that is absolutely memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.
Claudia and James Kincaid must be two of the best developed characters in all of children’s literature. Honestly, if your book has no chase scenes or training montages or dragon battle scenes – you had better be a tremendous writer and have characters readers can’t get enough of. ‘The Mixed-up Files’ has plenty of both. I’m thinking back on the story now, and I’m realizing the big moment – the climax – is when Claudia and Jamie sit in a richly furnished room and have a calm conversation with an elderly woman (the infamous Mrs. Frankweiler). Seems fairly boring right? Yet it’s an amazing couple of chapters! Miss Konigsburg has created something that’s survived for almost 50 years… just on the strength of her wonderfully written words.
You know this is a classic. You know tons of people have read it and claim it as their favorite childhood book. And, hopefully, now you also know that it is written exquisitely well and has three charming, intriguing, and thoroughly likeable main characters. Do not miss out on this delightful story any longer!
“Secrets at Sea” by Richard Peck
I will admit straight away – I love books about clever, intelligent, talking animals. As a child, I remember “The Secret of Nimh” occupying a special place in my heart. And there were others, I’m sure. Now, “Secrets at Sea” may have immediately topped them all.
This book is a joy to read, from start to finish. And again, it’s because of the exquisite writing. Helena, Beatrice and Louise Cranston are proper, smart, utterly lovable sister mice living in the perilous and unpredictable human world. Danger lurks when they must stowaway in the corners of a steamer trunk and accompany their human family onto a transport ship travelling from America to London. On board, they meet true mouse royalty and have many masterfully described adventures that are way too much fun to miss. Should I have written “mouseterfully described”? Perhaps.
At any rate, this is definitely a kid’s book but it’s brilliantly crafted with poise and elegance, such that any and all will love the story. I’ve already told my wife that she simply must read “Secrets at Sea” to our daughter because I know they BOTH will treasure it. I actually started reading the book to our little girl, but there is a snake involved in Chapter 3, which frightened her a bit. So we stopped reading together and I finished it on my own. SO glad I did! (If necessary, you can completely skip that chapter, and it won’t harm the story at all.)
I am definitely going to read more of Mr. Peck’s books – either by myself or with our kids. I just liked his writing style so much. And that is a true sign of a masterfully done book. When a reader enjoys it so much, he absolutely MUST read everything else the writer has written!
**Special thanks to Abby’s mom for giving “Secrets at Sea” to our daughter on her birthday. I’m thrilled to have finally discovered Richard Peck’s books!*
“From The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” by E.L. Konigsburg
Anytime you’ve written a book so wonderful that someone can go to the behemoth that is Amazon and find it by typing “From The” – you are obviously a master of your craft. And this book, is truly, sublime.
Perhaps the most interesting fact, and the thing which mystified me all while I was reading it to our 7 yr. old, is that NOTHING happens in the book. No action, no drama, no tension, no suspense. It’s simply a week in the life of two kids who successfully run away from home, live in a museum, barely have a brush with security, and solve a mystery. But the writing. Oh, the writing. Ms. Konigsburg spins a calm, quiet story that is absolutely memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.
Claudia and James Kincaid must be two of the best developed characters in all of children’s literature. Honestly, if your book has no chase scenes or training montages or dragon battle scenes – you had better be a tremendous writer and have characters readers can’t get enough of. ‘The Mixed-up Files’ has plenty of both. I’m thinking back on the story now, and I’m realizing the big moment – the climax – is when Claudia and Jamie sit in a richly furnished room and have a calm conversation with an elderly woman (the infamous Mrs. Frankweiler). Seems fairly boring right? Yet it’s an amazing couple of chapters! Miss Konigsburg has created something that’s survived for almost 50 years… just on the strength of her wonderfully written words.
You know this is a classic. You know tons of people have read it and claim it as their favorite childhood book. And, hopefully, now you also know that it is written exquisitely well and has three charming, intriguing, and thoroughly likeable main characters. Do not miss out on this delightful story any longer!
“Secrets at Sea” by Richard Peck
I will admit straight away – I love books about clever, intelligent, talking animals. As a child, I remember “The Secret of Nimh” occupying a special place in my heart. And there were others, I’m sure. Now, “Secrets at Sea” may have immediately topped them all.
This book is a joy to read, from start to finish. And again, it’s because of the exquisite writing. Helena, Beatrice and Louise Cranston are proper, smart, utterly lovable sister mice living in the perilous and unpredictable human world. Danger lurks when they must stowaway in the corners of a steamer trunk and accompany their human family onto a transport ship travelling from America to London. On board, they meet true mouse royalty and have many masterfully described adventures that are way too much fun to miss. Should I have written “mouseterfully described”? Perhaps.
At any rate, this is definitely a kid’s book but it’s brilliantly crafted with poise and elegance, such that any and all will love the story. I’ve already told my wife that she simply must read “Secrets at Sea” to our daughter because I know they BOTH will treasure it. I actually started reading the book to our little girl, but there is a snake involved in Chapter 3, which frightened her a bit. So we stopped reading together and I finished it on my own. SO glad I did! (If necessary, you can completely skip that chapter, and it won’t harm the story at all.)
I am definitely going to read more of Mr. Peck’s books – either by myself or with our kids. I just liked his writing style so much. And that is a true sign of a masterfully done book. When a reader enjoys it so much, he absolutely MUST read everything else the writer has written!
**Special thanks to Abby’s mom for giving “Secrets at Sea” to our daughter on her birthday. I’m thrilled to have finally discovered Richard Peck’s books!*