Aged 85, British novelist Eva Ibbotson passed away on October 20 this year. Ibbotson was a very active writer in the final years in her life. In fact, all of her novels were published in the latter half of her life.
I remember reading several Eva Ibbotson children's books when I was in elementary and middle school. Her novels are filled with magical creatures and places, along with a bit of humor, the perfect combination for imaginative young boys and girls. These are my favorite Ibbotson books:
The Secret of Platform 13 - Platform 13 is a portal at King's Cross
Frankenstein
by Louise November 1st, 2010 | Authors, Classics, Fiction
What do you know about Frankenstein? Most people know that Frankenstein is about a monster that a scientist brought to life. Many people also think that Frankenstein is the name of the monster, when it is, in fact, the name of the scientist who created The Creature. Did you know that already? Here's a fact that not many readers seem to know: Frankenstein's author, Mary Shelley, was just eighteen when she wrote the novel. In fact, the act of writing the novel was a result of boredom on a summer evening.
Shelley and her friends were passing the time by
Shelley and her friends were passing the time by
The Plot Against America, by Philip Roth
by Jane Wangersky October 18th, 2010 | Fiction
Philip Roth, who has often drawn on his own life for material for his fiction, goes a step further in The Plot Against America -- he writes an alternate history of his family and his country.
In the world of this novel, President Franklin D. Roosevelt is not elected to a third term in 1940. Instead, Charles Lindbergh -- world-famous pilot, father of a murdered son, and anti-Semite -- is elected on a promise to keep the U.S. out of World War II.
Seven-year-old Philip and his family, ordinary Jewish people living in Newark, New Jersey, appear as themselves, and Roth
In the world of this novel, President Franklin D. Roosevelt is not elected to a third term in 1940. Instead, Charles Lindbergh -- world-famous pilot, father of a murdered son, and anti-Semite -- is elected on a promise to keep the U.S. out of World War II.
Seven-year-old Philip and his family, ordinary Jewish people living in Newark, New Jersey, appear as themselves, and Roth
House
by Ronald A. Rowe October 13th, 2010 | Authors, Fiction
House is a novel by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. I recently finished (and was very pleased with) Peretti’s Monster and enjoyed Dekker’s Black, so a collaboration between the two seemed like a no-brainer.
House is a far darker story than either of their solo efforts I had read. I struggled to define the genre of this book. “Horror” doesn’t quite capture it, but I could think of no better description. I’ll fall back on the blurb on the cover and call it a “supernatural thriller,” which is fair because it does involve the supernatural (a minor spoiler only if
House is a far darker story than either of their solo efforts I had read. I struggled to define the genre of this book. “Horror” doesn’t quite capture it, but I could think of no better description. I’ll fall back on the blurb on the cover and call it a “supernatural thriller,” which is fair because it does involve the supernatural (a minor spoiler only if
This Week’s New Releases (9/26)
by Jaclyn Abergas September 29th, 2010 | Fiction, New Releases, Nonfiction
Here are this week's newest releases.
The Fall (Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan)
The second book of the Strain trilogy, Fall continues where Strain left off. The vampiric virus that was unleashed in Strain has now spread all over New York City. Eph Goodweather, head of the team dedicated to fighting these horrific monsters, have identified the parasite that causes the infection. But it might be too late.
Mini Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
Becky Brandon is back with a mini shopaholic in the person of her two-year-old daughter, Minnie, who declares everything is "MINE!" And that includes designer handbags, accessories and her online purchases.
The Fall (Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan)
The second book of the Strain trilogy, Fall continues where Strain left off. The vampiric virus that was unleashed in Strain has now spread all over New York City. Eph Goodweather, head of the team dedicated to fighting these horrific monsters, have identified the parasite that causes the infection. But it might be too late.
Mini Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
Becky Brandon is back with a mini shopaholic in the person of her two-year-old daughter, Minnie, who declares everything is "MINE!" And that includes designer handbags, accessories and her online purchases.
