I read a few books this week...

I don’t know how many of you have read this book or seen the movie. Both have been out for a little while, but I thought it was worth blogging about. First of all, Eragon is a fantasy novel. I’d put it right in between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. It was written by Christopher Paolini when he was 17 years old (he started it when he was 15). The book is the first in a trilogy. The second book (Eldest) is out as well.

Eragon is a farm boy in the land of Alagaesia. He discovers a beautiful large blue stone and soon discovers it’s actually a dragon egg. The egg hatches and the dragon inside (Saphira) becomes his best friend. An old friend in the village tells him stories of a glorious age in the old days when the Dragon Riders ruled instead of the evil king Galbatorix. Eragon soon finds himself training to be a Dragon Rider and engaged in a quest to rid his world of evil. But he can never understand how far that quest will take him, or what he will encounter along the way.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to start the second one. I definitely like Harry Potter better, but I really was impressed by the imagination and writing of such a young author. Check it out and share your thoughts here.



Title: Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Type: Fantasy


The Penderwicks was a fun tale about 4 sisters on summer vacation with their father. Although the story is set in the modern era (there are laptops and cars), it evokes the feelings of an older more classic tale such as The Secret Garden or something. It was extremely easy to read and fun. I’m excited for the next ones to come out (there are supposed to be 5 in all on the Penderwick sisters).
The Penderwick sisters and their father rent a small cottage for their summer vacation. When they arrive however, they realize the cottage is on the estate of a mansion with a very snooty owner. The owner’s son however soon becomes their accomplice as they engage in good-hearted mischief and fun.
The girls have a strong sense of virtue, honor and caring for one another, and their polar opposite personalities make the book truly fun to read. Anyone can identify with at least one of the Penderwick characters. This was a fun summer read.

Title: The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
Author: Jeanne Birdsall
Type: Young Adult Fiction




This was a fun twist on a fairly classic tale. A king offers his daughter’s hang in marriage and half the kingdom to whichever prince can slay the dragon, cast out the witch, defeat the bandits, and rescue the princess from her tower. We’ve all heard that part. Here’s the new stuff. Princess Meg is furious with her father for locking her up in the tower and refuses to be a part of such a stupid competition. She’s not into swooning over all those boys that have come to win her heart. She thinks they’re ridiculous and she’d much rather be out chasing frogs than doing embroidery or planning her wedding. She decides to take matters into her own hands and, with the help of a few friends, escapes the tower and goes to rescue the dragon and warn the witch. Along the way she makes some unusual friends and together they have brilliant adventures together. Another fun easy read.

Title: The Runaway Princess
Author: Kate Coombs
Type: Young Adult/Children’s Fantasy



I saw this title in the book orders and immediately wanted to read it. Willafred is the daughter of one of the most talented wedding planners in the country. Sound glamorous? It’s not. Willa’s not allowed in the shop or near the weddings because her mom doesn’t want her to lose focus on her studies. But she’s only 13! Willa’s sick of the rules and she wants her mom to stop moving around and plan her own wedding so that Willa can have a father. When Willa makes a big mistake though, she’s sure that all the progress her mom has made is gone for good. But is it?

This was a cute tale of tween life and the battles we all faced. Willa is the underdog in all of us and the book is short and sweet. A happy ending with a bit of romance laced through the story of a mother and daughter growing closer together. (Abby B, you’d like it).

Title: The Wedding Planner’s Daughter
Author: Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Type: Young Adult Fiction