The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison

This is a book with grit. If I didn't know the author was a girl, I'd think she was a boy. This book is descriptive about hunting, aggressive and written in the view point of the prince. It's a new kind of writing for me. When I say that I don't mean it bad. It's just different that what I am used to. Mette is a great writer. She is very good.

This plot in this book is developed really well. It is intriguing and makes me ask questions right away. There's so much to this book of such great substance. I really did enjoy it.

The Undaunted by Gerald N. Lund

This book is 802 pages long! When I got it from the library it was "daunting." I figured I had to read 5 chapters a day to get it done it time. So, I waited till the last minute like a dummy and had to go on a reading spree.

I forgot how fast the chapters go and how good an author Gerald N. Lund is. I got so caught up in the book I didn't even have to try to be on a reading spree. I was on one due to the pure joy of the story. I even learned a true fact or two along the way.

What a great courage of love, prayer, and perseverance!!!

I love his notes at the end of the chapter that helps us to know what the real facts are too. I like his take on things too. He seems to put it all on perspective.

So many things I like about this book. I love how it starts out with the coal miners. And later it is easy to see how that fits into the story. In his notes he even quoted from one of my favorite authors Susan Campbell Bartoletti. She wrote "Growing up in Coal Country."

This was a very exciting pioneer story with great characters that I really grew to love. I highly recommend reading this book.

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

This story is like its name…enchanting. This is a story about Lucinda. Her parents went to a ball and never came back. She lives with her uncle and very mean aunt. I think what I like most was that I didn't know where the story would lead to next. Things seem to change so quickly. I loved the male characters in the book. I grew to care for them quite a bit. I giggled quite a bit while reading this book. It is one of those precious books I wanted to read in one sitting. I even tried not to read it in one sitting but, kept coming back to it. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading it again.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

This book is a Newberry Honor Book. I love this book. It is a story about Miri. Miri lives in the mountains with her sister, Marda, and her father. The people in her village work in a quarry. Her father won’t let Miri work there. She doesn’t feel useful with her family.

Then news from royalty comes that the prince will chose someone from Mount Eskel to be the princess. An academy is started to train the girls. There are many obstacles, dreams, surprises, learning, and hardships that happen in the academy and Miri misses her family.

This is an exciting adventure. I love Miri and love the romance that goes on in the book. I highly recommend this book.

Mir, Mirror by Mette Ivie Harrison

This is a book I am really having a hard time deciding what I think about it. While I like the characters and really grew attached to them, I am nagged at the gruesomeness of some of the parts. I think it IS meant for an older audience that what the publisher recommends for sure. Mette Ivers Harrison is a great writer. She really did hold my attention throughout the book but it’s scenes from the book that make me not sure how I feel about it. The gruesome actions didn’t seem justified and I don’t think that justice was felt in the end for those gruesome parts. So, I’ll just tell you that and know that I still don’t know what to think of it.

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko

I like the way this book is written. There are two characters’ views: Kirsten and Walk. The chapters go back and forth in that person’s point of view. Kirsten and Walk go to the same school. Walk is black and Kirsten is white. Kirsten has a friend named Rory that is acting a bit different this year and she struggles with her weight. Her parents are fighting a lot, too. Walk got a scholarship to the school and works really hard to do his best. His mom has high expectations of him. This story follows them as they meet and learn about life. This is a story that tugs the heart. It surprising some of the turns it makes. I highly recommend this book.

Notes From a Liar and Her Dog by Gennifer Choldenko

This book is great. I think it has a little attitude that kids will relate to. I like it especially because as I kept reading I started understanding why the girl had an attitude and why she lied. This book has a definite lesson that hits to the very soul and teaches excellent values. I like Ant (short for Antonia) MacPherson and her little dog named Pistachio. I like what Ant learns about herself and about the adults around her. I think the adults around her even learn a thing or two.

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

This book is just as fantastic the other Bayern books.

Rin is Razo’s little sister. Rin lives in the forest with her mother and many brothers and their wives & children. She is very busy helping everyone.

Her mother is a great source of peace but she feels that her mother doesn’t know the real her. She has so many questions about herself. I love the way this books tells the story of Rin finding out more about herself.

The characters I love so much are back and even some unexpected characters surface. Rin is a favorite of mine. I really like her. This book is great!

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko

I liked this book every bit as much as the first. At the conclusion of last book, Moose finds a note from Al Capone saying "Done." Moose knows what that means. Al Capone helped Moose get his sister into a special school.

In this book, another note is found and it is clear that it is Moose's turn to pay back Al Capone.

There is a little bit of romance going on in this book as well as adventure and nail biting suspense.

I really enjoyed the Author's notes at the end too. Some of the real stories there are worth the read by themselves. Alcatraz is an intriguing place and I thoroughly enjoyed this fun adventure.

Unlike the first book, there are not the uncomfortable, blushing moments. I like that A LOT!

The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale

This book is amazing. At about half way through, I stopped a while and thought about it. I really liked this book, but it seemed so much had already happened and how can there be that much more of the book to read? I was enjoying it thoroughly but didn’t know it could get any better.

Becky Jack is a housewife and she is perfectly happy with her life. One day she meets her favorite star. His name is Felix Callahan and finds it interesting to converse with Felix. Before they know it Becky and Felix are talking all the time and call each other best friends.

I found myself experiencing many emotions during this book and couldn’t conceal a giggle or two here and there. Shannon Hale does a great job with helping me to feel great range of emotion.

This book has amazing twists and turns and things I didn’t expect and can’t mention without spoiling the book.

It really was a top notched book!

Beyond the Spiderwick Book 3 The Wyrm King by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

I hate it when I am anxiously awaiting for a bunch of books I put on hold at the library and then instead of coming one at a time they all come at once!!! I now have 4 books to read in a short time because there are many more people waiting for these wonderful books.

This book was one of them. I love the Spiderwick and Beyond the Spidewick series. There is something about them...one of intrigue.

On the back of this book it say, "It's over." This is also book 3 of 3. That probably gives you an idea when this series will end.

This book had adventure and a good theme. It spoke to me of family and friends and how important they are to us. It also talked of courage and no matter how desperate things seem we can get out of the situation on top. It was encouraging to me.

But, I also liked just getting lost in the fun tale.

Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards

This is a sweet book that I wanted to last longer. Mandy is an orphan, but she is very well behaved. The place she lives is a very good place with a lady who really does a good job running it. The lady is very aware of the children and is loving.

During this book, I felt a desire to keep my things nicer and I actually felt motivated to clean my house! lol....maybe you'll have that luck too.

Mandy finds a place that she can be alone and longs to be there always. There is adventure and trouble that she gets into in trying to be in this place alone. Discover where that place is when you pick up this fun book.

Thanks Sue for letting me borrow your book!

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

On the acknowledgements page at the end of the book it says: "This story is based on the fairytale "Maid Maleen" as recorded by the Grimm brothers, though I took many liberties with the original in my quest to find Dashti's story."

This is a story about Dashti. Dashti is a mucker. She has a talent of singing and with that song she can heal. When she sings to a mistress to ease her aches, the mistress decides to train Dashti to be a maid for Lady Saren. So, Dashti learns to read, write, and care for her. It takes many months to just train.

So after her training, and barely becoming Lady Saren's maid, she goes to a very busy house and meets Lady Saran. Lady Saran right away makes her pledge to serve her.

Next, She finds out Lady Saren's father is going to lock her up into a tower for seven years because she would not marry the man her father had decided on for her. Lady Saren had another man in mind.

Dashti finds her self having to take care of Lady Saren in a cemented tower and writes it all in a book day by day. I couldn't help but want to keep reading this book. They have many adventures and I really liked discovering them for myself and I think you will too!

Loved this book, and I'd love to read it again.

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale

Shannon & Dean Hale (are married)

Illustrated by Nathan Hale (not related)

This is a graphic novel. It is a fun adventure with Rapunzel in Western Style. It's fun how Rapunzel uses her braids like a rope and lasso just like the Wild West.

Rapunzel is living with Mother Gothel. At first Rapunzel doesn't know that Mother Gothel isn't her real mother. She decides to take a view over the gigantic wall and notices that life is much different than her little world.

The pictures here are great. It is fun to just to look at the pictures alone. The story is intriguing and they just get into one adventure after another. I couldn't stop reading.

My sons age 14 and 11 both read this fun book and really enjoyed it too.

If you have a reluctant reader--this would be a great book.

I look forward to the continuation called Calamity Jack.

Austenland by Shannon Hale

If you think I am on a Shannon Hale kick, you are ABSOLUTELY right!

First, I have a caution with this book. I would not want my 16 year old son to read this book. There are some details between boy and girl that I don’t want him to dwell on. I think that this book is for an older audience than that. I would classify this as an adult book as most others do also. She handles situations very respectful, well, and tactful.

I couldn't put the book down, which probably doesn't surprise you with a book from Shannon Hale. Most of her books I would read more than once though, and this one I probably will just read once, but who knows.

Jane loves "Pride and Prejudice" especially on DVD with Colin Firth. It is the secret that she feels guilty about. She hides her DVDs because of that guilt.

Her great aunt, Carolyn comes to visit. She notices the hidden DVDs and when she passes away she leaves Jane a vacation to Austenland. In Austenland, they recreate the time period of Jane Austen's books. They dress like, talk like and act like this time period.

Jane decides to do it go there and has quite the adventure.

I really enjoyed this story. I do recommend this book and getting caught away in a fun bit of romance and men. I think there are many things about it to get caught up in too.

Happy reading to yah!

River Secrets by Shannon Hale

This is a great book. I love the character of Razo. He is a fun, loving guy. This book follows him and what a fun adventure it is!

The Tiran people come and offer an exchange of people. A select few of the Bayern people will go to Tiran and another select few of the Tiran people will go to Bayern. This is done in hopes to promote peace among the two countries.

Razo finds himself among the group that goes to Tiran along with Enna, Finn and Talone. He wonders why. He doesn't think he has anything special about him. The people seem hostile and want war with his country. He discovers some things about himself he didn’t know about before.

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book, it is great. I look forward to Forest Born on September 19, 2009 where the story can go on.

Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

This book doesn't disappoint. It is adventurous, fun, romantic, and thought provoking. Enna is Isi's (Anni's) friend. Enna's brother finds a piece of vellum and learns how to use fire. He seems to change because of it and not in a good way.

Meanwhile, Isi is having a problem with the wind. It is very loud and her husband finds her a place that doesn't have as much wind that is low in the castle.

War is on the horizon with a country that wants to take back their land from many generations ago.

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book. It is a delight. I had a hard time putting this book down. It is wonderful!

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

I am officially a Shannon Hale fan. This book was wonderful and I want more. Fortunately, there are more books about this same place called, "The Books of Bayern." I will be reading them.

I was hooked on his book by page 2. I recounted what had happened so far from page 2 to my husband. When I said it aloud I realized that everything was intriguing and so much happens even by page 2. I relished every word and couldn't put the book down.

Ani is born with her eyes closed. She doesn't open them until her Aunt comes and tells her stories in the middle of the night. She is close to her aunt and her Aunt teaches her many things and stories that come in handy later on in the story. I don't want to say too much because there's much to be discovered on your own.

I highly recommend this book and would love to read it again--if I didn't have more of her books to try.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Okay, if I were to only read inside the cover I would have never read this book. She talks of private parts right off. I think this inside cover is to attract those who may be a reluctant reader. The book doesn't have a lot more parts like that, but there is a naked scene, that made me uncomfortable. But, that was a reality to be aware of.

That being said, I loved this book. It deserves the Newbery Honor Award. It is intriguing to learn about Alcatraz and Al Capone, the prisoner. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end. Whether I realized it or not, I learned things about this famous prison.

I was also really interested in Moose's sister's problems. She covers Autism beautifully and with compassion. It helped me feel grateful that those with Autism seem more understood now-a-days. There is still room for improvement in today's world though.

I was able to listen as the author talked to a bunch of teachers and librarians and I was impressed to learn that her sister had the same type of problems. She talks with understanding and a knowledge of being there. I found the theme that we love those with Autism and they do much better to be beautiful.

It is a wonderful book and I couldn't put it down. I love the characters. I'd recommend this any day.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett illustrated by Tasha Tudor

After trying to read the last two books, this one was just beautiful.

This is a story about an amazing girl that is being dropped off by her father at a girl's school. Their relationship is described beautiful and you know they are close.

This is a little girl who doesn't give up. This girl has fortitude. She is strong and goes through much but still comes out a Princess.

This is good, beautiful writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Books not to read!!!!!!!

Yuck and YUCK!!!

This book talks of Oral sex in a lot of description. I bought the first book to see if I'd like the series. It starts out innocent enough and then unexpectedly it described a scene of oral sex and without realizing it I had an awful image in my mind. YUCK!!!! I couldn't even give it to DI....I gave it right to the trash.

This book was on display at the library. It looked fun...swords...kings....perhaps castles. Well right from the first it was very sexual. I didn't enjoy it at all. Bluck!!!

Warning, Warning with these books. They are not my kind of book!

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

Turner is a young boy who moves to a new community because his dad is the new minister. He doesn’t really like the new community. They play baseball differently, they aren’t that nice, and his dad is trying so hard to impress the community that he is extra strict with Turner.

Turner meets a little girl named Lizzie. She is from an island founded by former black slaves. These people live a very simple life. Turner and Lizzy become friends and discover a plan that the community has will leave Lizzy and her people without a home.

This is a story about friendship and about cruelty of people and of the goodness of people. This book is based on an event that actually happened. It is an impressive book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

It deserves the Newberry Honor, and Printz Honor Awards. I loved it from beginning to end.

The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket

This lump of coal can think. He really wanted to become an artist. He thinks he can do it if there is a barbeque but it is in the heat of winter and he has been forgotten.

So he tries to move around. He rolls out the backyard and into the center of town. Window shopping helps him find an art gallery with pictures that looked like they were made by other Lumps of coal. He was so surprised. When he goes inside he gets kicked out and told only humans paint here.

So he moves on. He finds a Barbeque place in a Korean restaurant. They said they don’t need any coal.

Just as he was about to give up, he meets Santa Clause. But, this Santa was just an employee of a drugstore. He told them that he did have a disobedient stepson and he wanted to put the lump of coal in his stocking as punishment.

Then the stepson, Jasper, says he wanted coal to create art. The lump of coal is happy to help. Jasper is surprised the lump of coal can talk. They create art together and make a fortune.

With their fortune, they open up a restaurant called “Yi Sang’s Korean Barbeque Palace and Secretarial School. So during the day they cooked genuine Korean food and in the evening they created works of art. Then it talks of miracles.

The illustrations in this book are great. I just love the lump of coal character. He almost makes me giggle when I see him. The story is cute too, it is a fun adventure. I really like the compact size of the book. It is appealing.

Milly and the Macy's Parade by Shana Corey

The story takes place in 1924 in New York City. Milly had came to America from Poland. It is Milly’s first year in America and it is the holidays.

Milly’s dad works at Macy’s. Macy’s is a very busy this time of year. There was magic in the air. Thousands of people came in the store, but some only put their nose against the window to look inside. Then they’d say, “It’s not like home.”

Milly remembers Poland and misses it. She listens as her dad and his buddies are sad and homesick. It is as she is listening to them that she has an idea!

She runs to Mr. Macy’s office. Mr. Macy’s has noticed that his workers were all frowning. He realizes this depresses the customers. Mr. Snidely, his assistant suggests firing them all. Milly runs in and tells him he can’t fire them. They ask who she is. So she told them her idea to bring everyone’s home to America.

So the next day, a sign announces there will be a parade on Thanksgiving. Everyone is excited because it will be just like back home. The word gets around quick.

On the day of the parade, all the employees are dressed up. They all strolled down the street and made a parade. Milly rode an elephant borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. Milly suggested doing it every year. Mr. Macy agrees.

This picture book is very fun. I love the illustrations and it is such a fun idea.

Roger, the Jolly Pirate by Brett Helquist

I think this picture book is really fun. The illustrator and author of this book is the same illustrator that has illustrated the "Series of Unfortunate Events" series.

This book tells us how Pirates came about having the flag with the skull and bones on it.

Roger is a jolly pirate and his fellow buddies call him Jolly Roger, but they are not nice about it.

Anytime they do their pirate work, they send him down underneath. He doesn't like that.

So one day while the enemy has attacked their ship they send Roger underneath. Roger decides he is going to bake a cake so that they won't be so mad at him.

In making the cake he looks for a pot to cook it in. You see him putting his ingredients into a cannon. He lights the wick at the bottom to watch it cook. It explode and he gets blown through the ceiling and up on deck. He has soot and flour on him and looks like a ghost. The attacking enemies sees this and abandon ship.

His fellow pirates are so happy that they make a flag for him.

This a fun picture book. The pictures say so much even when the words don't say it. I love the explosion.

They have a song at the end that is just fun.

I really enjoyed this Children's Picture Book

Lost and found by Andrew Clements

Ray and Jay have noticed that people look at them as one person. So when their new school, loses one of their files on the first day when one is sick, the twins decide to use the situation to be thought of as one person instead of a twin. This book is just simply FUN!! It is well written and a super fun read. Cute story.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

What a fun, little adventure of a book. Claudia decides to run away and Jamie is her brother of choice to go with her. Together they find themselves living inside a Museum. This book is surprisingly intriguing and fun to follow. The story is sweet and full of good secrets.

Smart Dog by Vivian Vande Velde

Amy happens upon a dog who can talk. He is trying to escape the college that he tells her has used him as an experiment. Amy tries to help him.

A talking Dog? The book makes it seem quite logical that this could happen in real life. The book feels very real.

The story is one of courage that Amy learns and of friendship. This is a very sweet book.

Black Potatoes by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

I really liked this book. It seemed incredibly full of facts about this period of time. I have a deep respect for the Irish and all they’ve been through. I don’t know how people could ever survive amid such lack of food…or perhaps lack of access to the food.

I must admit, I was less than pleased about the help they received. Irish seem to be a very hard working group of people. Their ill fortune should not have been so tragic. If other countries, especially England, would have been less selfish they could’ve helped prevent such a massive desolation. England wouldn’t let Ireland handle its own problem. It was like their hands were tied. It makes me wonder what the outcome would’ve been if the Irish’s hands weren’t tied. If they were able to use some of their own resources instead of being taxed to death and left without their other major resources that were exported to England. It is a sad time in Ireland and England’s history.

I would definitely recommend the book. It gave me such a desire to feel grateful with what I have and sorrow for those who didn’t have much. Even though it is sad to know some of the details, it helps to be informed. Being informed may just prevent it from happening again.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Addie lives in a trailer with her mom. She would love to have a normal life and keeps waiting to have one. She loves her mom, but her mom is an “all or nothing” mom. This book is very effective in showing the effects of a mom who has some real problems and how it affects many people. This is a very good book. It is good to read about such an upbeat girl even though her world is far from ideal.

Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George

Dragons, Dragon eggs, Volcanoes, Adventure!

This book is full of excitement. I had a really tough time putting it down. I struggled to keep all the dragons straight. There were many, but I think I followed pretty well. I felt very satisfied with this book. In this book, some things happened that I wanted to happen since the first book. I highly recommend this series, it is a quick, fun read.

Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer

I always love the Artemis Fowl books. They have such great adventure and there are always little twists and turns that I just don’t expect.

I can hardly wait to see if he will write another. The end of this one suggests one.

This is the newest one and it has taken me a bit to get to it, but once I started reading it went quickly. I forgot how much I love the Artemis books until I picked up this one. Eoin Colfer has done it again. It’s a hit in my eyes.

I want Holly and Artemis to get together though!

Lots of Posts

The posts today are many. I have been keeping track of the books I've read since the beginning of the year and didn't realize it had been so many. I also wanted it to be easy if someone wanted a particular book so I put labels on the books. Many changes today. I will write a report after this post on the book I finished this week and I will keep up now that I have this blog.

Have a groovy Day!

The Adventures of Spider by Joyce Cooper Arkhurst Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

These are West African Folktales.

This book is great. I enjoyed reading it. It does have what I think would be the feel of listening to someone tell a few West African Folktales. I like it that they say spider is “just like a naughty little boy.” Spider is clever, mischievous, greedy, loves to eat, hates to work, and he plays a lot of tricks. It as the introduction says can be like us or like me.

These are fun stories. Each one teaches a lesson. I sat and read this book straight through. They are fun tales.

The pictures are fun. They are so appropriate for the subject. They remind me of what I think a folktale from West Africa would look like. He uses only a few colors on some. Those colors repeat on different picture pages. I like the colors and how they are dispersed. I also like that every once in a while they throw in a drawing without any color.

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George

There are a lot of twists and fun plots in the story. This book is so fun. I had a hard time knowing where the book would turn next. I had great wishes for Creel and became quite attached to her and her beautiful embroideries. My sons called it a girly book. One of them liked the book even though it was girly. I liked it--girly or not.

I like how the author keeps my attention. I like the story line. It is very appealing. I didn’t want to leave the story and was not disappointed when I did come back to the story. Great book!

Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George

This story is a continuation from Dragon Slippers.

This story has many turns and twists and it kept my interest really well. There was a point in the book that seemed to get a bit unexciting, but that changed fast and soon I was enthralled. I enjoy Jessica Day George’s style of writing. I kept hoping that something would happen between Luka and Creel. I have grown quite attached to both of these characters and this story. I look forward to the next one.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Wow! I couldn’t keep away from this book! Wonderful, Marvelous! I love happy endings. It is so intriguing and I kept wishing for the Lass throughout the book. I was pulling for her and her brother Hans Peter. At first, I thought the stranger in her bed was a bit weird, ended in a great way. Ahhhhhh! A book of true love and magic—it’s a fun book!

The cover says: "It’s based on the Nordic fairy tale called “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” and has romantic echoes of Beauty and the beast." I would definitely agree with that.

The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

I had read this before and I didn't realize that until I was reading it. It was a gift from my neighbor. I've never owned it before and I really enjoyed reading it again.

jThe story is really quite beautiful. The part with the music box going off in the middle of the night was scary for me though. I did enjoy the way he told the story and I was definitely touched by it. It was beautiful.

A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell

This is an American Spy telling his incredible story.

I had a hard time putting this one down. It was a very fun book. I learned so much about the history of Russia that I didn’t know. I have a respect for Russia now. My, what struggles that country has gone through! I loved this book. At the end there is a history of dates in the history of Russia and it has definitions too. I found that part very helpful too. Loved this book!

Midnight Predator by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

I could not put this book down. It was quite gripping. It had suspense and I never knew what would happen next.

This is a vampire book too by the same author as "Demon in my View" and "Hawksong." I liked this book too. It is one I often think about.

This book has some cool scenes and events that happen that I have often thought about later. This is a good book, but it really surprises me that it is a vampire book again. Really I do not search out vampire books...really!! lol

Demon in My View by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

This book has a new take on vampires.

Jessica is a very dark girl. She likes things black. She is also an author even though she is still in High School. What she doesn’t know is that her books tell real secrets about real vampires.

She doesn't know her stories are real at first.

This is a great book.

I really don't normally go for vampire books, but I like this one.

Well, Perhaps I can't say that though because I love the Twilight Series. I guess I should say that I used to not like vampire books.

The Creek by Jennifer L. Holm

This book is very realistic to me. It seems like it could really happen.

I liked "the creek." It was very suspenseful, but not too scary. I was surprised in almost every case. It’s a fun story and I thought about it long after I closed the book.

Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

I like it when the author suddenly talks to the reader. It happens all throughout the book. She adds, “Dear reader” to her sentence and it is like she is telling me the story. The author even had me look up the word perfidy. It’s a good tale. I was hoping for the little mouse. I didn’t think I’d like a book about a mouse. I do though. It is very good.