Here I am again filling out a book tag. With how busy I am lately, they are a good way for me to finish writing fast and have fun. Todays Tag I found from Suzy’s Cozy World. Since I love Lord of the Rings, this seemed like the perfect Tag prompt.
Let’s get started!
Gandalf – A book that taught you something
Kate Milford‘s The Boneshaker (2010)
I learned so much about automatons, mechanics, medicines, old Southern folktales, and the culture during the early 20th century. It was simply fascinating to read this book. Her other book Greenglass House is just like that as well. Milford really paints history in beautiful, fascinating colors.
Frodo – A book that left a mark on you
Ruta Sepetys‘s Between Shades of Gray or Ashes in the Snow (2011)
I knew about the German holocaust, the billion people killed in China, and Russia’s internment camps. I did not know about the Slavic people’s from Lithuania and other neighboring countries mistreated, killed off, and imprisoned in Russia. This book opened my eyes to parts of history I did not know. It is one of my favorite books from these past few years. I highly recommend it to anyone who has not read it.
Legolas – A book you finished in one sitting
J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
This is the one book I know for sure I read in one sitting. I probably did the same with the 5th and 6th books in this series, but this felt like my most impressive accomplishment.
Gimli – A book that features an unlikely friendship
Juliet Marillier‘s Wildwood Dancing (2006)
For this question, I immediately thought about the sweet friendship between Jena and her frog Gogu, who she could understand and talk to. Their relationship is the heart of this beautiful fairytale book.
Merry – A book that pleasantly surprised you
Tahereh Mafi‘s Furthermore (2016)
I honestly didn’t expect Furthermore to be as interesting a read. The cover is beautiful, but the premise seemed too predictable. However, when I sat down and started reading, this book had its hooks in me. The story and writing style are just as colorful as the cover.
Pippin – A book that made you laugh
Philip Ardagh‘s A House Called Awful End (2003)
A House Called Awful End is the funnier version of A Series of Unfortunate Events. I laughed so hard reading this story. the stuffed weasel, the house and people who smelled like old hot water bottles, and even the silly old man with his fake gun stole my little heart as a teenager.
Boromir – A book/series that you think ended too soon
Brian Selznick‘s The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2008)
This book unfolds like a dream. It’s beautiful artwork, writing, and conclusion stole my heart the first moment I read it. My one grievance against it was it ended so fast. Because it is so beautiful I wanted more.
Sam – A book with memorable side characters who stole the show
Eva Ibbotson‘s The Secret of Platform 13 (1994)
I am not sure who constitutes as a main character in this story, but I love all the quirky side characters scattered throughout the book. Ibbotson always has such amusing side characters and this book is no exception.
Aragorn – A good book with a bad/average cover
Elizabeth Marie Pope‘s The Sherwood Ring (1958)
My friend Erica really likes this book and gave it to me to read. I didn’t want to because its cover wasn’t very appealing to me. In fact, I think it is kind of ugly. But as I read it, I actually enjoyed it. It’s a good story, and a fun look into Revolutionary History in the United States.
Gollum – A book that had great potential but disappointed you in the end
Colleen Houck‘s The Lantern’s Ember (2018)
I read this book fairly often because I love the IDEA of it. I have a soft spot for Halloween-esque stories in forested towns. I love who the characters are, especially Jack with his Pumpkin who carries his soul. But, Houck’s execution just fell so flat. This felt more like a third or fourth draft rather than a well-polished finished novel. In fact, if she took her story and fixed it up I think it would do it a lot of good. I still love reading despite these flaws because it sparks my imagination.
Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.
March Book Madness! Day 22, A Book For Each of My Initials
March Book Madness! Day 24, My Life in Books Tag
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So Many Thoughts 