Finishing

It is really satisfying to finish books, especially ones that are on your to-read list. This week, I finished a few books, most of which were on my list, including:

Maphead, by Ken Jennings: Good read. Not a geography textbook, more a look at the history of geography, the uses of it, how it's changed, and the quirks of people into geography. Don't think you'll come away with a basic knowledge of the world map. Instead, you'll come away wanting that knowledge. Don't be intimidated. Jennings' style is light and entertaining.

Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis: First thing you think of when you hear C.S. Lewis? Narnia and books on Christianity. Science fiction? Not so much. But, he did author a sci-fi trilogy. I started reading it, then lost my copy (fortunately it was a 50 cent copy. Still, sad) and had to check out a copy from the library. I think having read it over so much time made it a bit harder to follow, but at the end, I really wanted to know what happens next. So, looks like at some point, I'll be picking up the next book. True to his style in The Chronicles of Narnia, there are religious overtones. It's interesting to read sci-fi from so early (mid 1900's), and to try to imagine what Lewis envisioned as he wrote. Also interesting, because he's writing about a man who visits Mars (hope that's not too much of a spoiler), which probably seemed impossible then, but we've got stuff on Mars now. There are lots of dimensions to explore here.

Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer Holm: This is one of those books that just tells a story. There's no overt moral or theme or lesson. It is just a story about life in Florida during the Depression. Written for the upper grade school age (by my estimate), it is an enjoyable read. Good style, the characters are real and believable. Now, as far as plot goes--don't expect a plot. This book is like life. It just unfolds. I like books like that, and this one is a good one.

Princess Ben, Catherine Gilbert Murdock: I don't know why I'm so into fairy tales rewritten lately, but it seems like I am. Think retelling of Sleeping Beauty crossed with an element of Snow White and a tower factor (Rapunzel, anyone?), with references to a lot of other fairy tales. Young adult girls will definitely like it. Not all retellings are equal, but this is on the high end of the scale.

Don't think I wasted any time filling up my list, though. I've been investigating the Hamish MacBeth books by MC Beaton, I'm enjoying some Terry Pratchett, and I've got Mao's Last Dancer on the list.
 Fingers crossed, soon I'll have less time for so much reading because I'll have a job, but in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy things.

Hope I haven't bored you too much--I'll come up with something really exciting for next week!