Fall Into Reading ~ Review: Green

O.K., I know I'm really behind... but I've finally finished reading Green, by Ted Dekker. This is the fourth book of a previous trilogy. Confused? Well, the fourth book is actually the end and the beginning of the story, making the series a circle - and yes, the name of the trilogy is The Circle Trilogy. So, I guess it does make sense after all.

I absolutely loved the books in the trilogy when I first read them a couple of years ago and anxiously awaited for this new book to be released. I'm not disappointed. It was fabulous. If you like Ted Dekker, you should definitely read this series. Even though it is a circle and you could technically start with Green, I would start with Black and progress through Red, White and finish with Green. I think it makes more sense that way, but that could just be me.

This story is filled with betrayal and hope, the Apocalypse and great redemption, expressions of good and evil, hate and love. Love being the central theme of all the books. It was an action packed, heart pounding, fast paced adventure that alternates between two realities. With all of the twist and turns, I'm sure you will be reading late into the night like I was.

Book Review ~ Watcher in the Woods

I just finished reading Watcher in the Woods, by Robert Liparulo. It is the second book in the Dreamhouse Kings series. I pre-read the first book in the series, House of Dark Shadows before placing it in Nathan and Ryan's book basket. I wrote about this book in an earlier post.

The second book picks up right where the first book ends (or not ends). I just can't stop reading this series. The story just sucks you in and never lets go. There are more alternate worlds to explore, which adds plenty of tense action and adventure to the story.

Brothers, Xander and David King, along with their sister and parents move into a creepy old house that is chock full of secrets. First, sounds are never what or where they seem to be in the house. There is a secret portal from the linen closet to a locker at school. Then there is a secret third floor with portals to alternate worlds. If that is not enough, the house is set in a rather dense dark forest that contains a clearing where you can actually float.

A family member has been kidnapped and taken to an alternate world and the rest of the family must work together to bring them back. Now, a stranger shows up trying to get the house for himself and is willing to do anything to get it.

What can possibly happen next? I have no idea. But, I can't wait to find out.

Fall Into Reading

Katrina from Callapidder Days is hosting the Fall Into Reading Challenge. Sounds like fun - I'm in!

So, I've compiled a list of books that I'm all set to dig into and read. I'm not reading them in any particular order. But, I know that I'll be starting with Green, by Ted Dekker, because it's already sitting on my nightstand.

• Green, by Ted Dekker
• What in the World Is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore, by David Jeremiah
• Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo
• Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers
• Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn
• Atlantis Found, by Clive Cussler
• Farraday Road, by Ace Colins
• The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck

Now the fun part begins... reading and checking out what others are reading.

It came!

Finally, the new Hunter Brown book arrived in the mail today. I had to order it from CBD because I couldn't find it available anywhere else. The boys (Nathan and Ryan) are absolutely ecstatic! It's been a long time since they have been this excited over a book series. They have always enjoyed a good story, but rarely do they share my enthusiasm for reading. I'm always on the hunt for books that will get this kind of reaction from them and get so excited when I find one. I'll write a more detailed book review once I actually get to read it. I'll also have the boys post their reviews to give their thoughts on the book.

Book Review ~ House of Dark Shadows

I have just finished reading House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo. I was actually pre-reading this for Nathan and Ryan. They love spine-tingling mysteries, but there is a fine line between a book that is spooky or mysterious and one that is scary or terrifying. However, I think that they are really going to enjoy this series. It is a little reminiscent of A Wrinkle in Time.

In the book, the King family move from Pasadena to the small town of Pinedale. The house they move into is not what it seems. Brothers Xander and David discover a secret third floor with rooms that lead into the past. Unfortunately, most of these rooms seem to lead to life-threatening scenarios that are almost impossible to survive.

The book actually leaves you with more questions than it answers. So, if you read this, be prepared to read the entire series.

A new box of books!

Getting a package of books delivered to my door always puts a smile on my face :)

I found some bargain books for the boys from Amazon and received free shipping.

• Isle of Fire (Pirate Adventures, Book 2), Wayne Thomas Batson
• The Final Storm (Door Within Series, Book 3), Wayne Thomas Batson
• Hatchet, Gary Paulson
• My Side of the Mountain, Jean Craighead George

This should keep my younger boys busy for a little while. But, I've also ordered Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire, by the Miller Brothers. When that book arrives, I'm sure it will jump to the head of the line. They love the Codebearers Series.

Book It! Program

The BOOK IT! program (for grades K-6) motivates children to read by rewarding their reading accomplishments with praise, recognition and pizza. This program is sponsored by Pizza Hut.

My kids have always enjoyed this program and look forward to it each year. This will be the final year for Nathan and Ryan. It's too bad the program doesn't continue past the 6th grade.


Here is a link for the reproducibles: http://www.bookitprogram.com/teachers/reproducibles.asp

Reading is one of my favorite activites

I definitely read my share of news, current events, text books, reference books, historical novels, etc. on a daily basis for self edification and for homeschooling. However, when I have free time, I relish reading fiction. It is a complete escape and is almost always better than a movie. So, what am I reading? Well, I just finished Deep Blue, by Tom Morrisey. It is the first book that I have read by him, and it was pretty good. It was like a Clive Cussler book for the Christian market.

There is a book that I am eagerly anticipating... Green, by Ted Dekker. The release date is September 1, 2009 and I can't wait! The Circle Trilogy is one of my all-time favorites.


Click on the book to read the first chapter:




Click on the picture to see a video clip:

A book that has my younger boys...

JUMPING UP AND DOWN in anticipation - Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire. The release date is set for September 9, 2009. This is the second book in the Codebearers series. The first book, Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow was one of their favorite books this past year. Part fantasy, part allegory and full of action and adventure. It kept my reluctant readers captivated from the beginning until the very end.



Watch a video clip:




http://www.codebearers.com/