Thursday, August 28, 2008

Book Recommendations, Laurel Snyder

Thought you might be interested in what we intrepid travelers were reading on our LONG LONG flight from Buffalo to San Diego.

Off topic for a sec, I think Southwest Airlines might want to consider investing in an up-to-date map of the United States. Even I, a woman who can barely make it to the end of her driveway without a Garmin, know that it makes ZERO sense to fly from Buffalo to BALTIMORE and then San Diego.

Southwest, please research the expression "as the crow flies." Yes, yes, I understand there are weirdo rules about hubs and flight patterns. BUT we live in an age of expensive gasoline and over-extended busy lives. Why don't you stand up, be a leader and fly DIRECT.

AND, if you're going to make huge geography faux pas resulting in HOURS of extra air time, please offer a hearty, substantial meal. Preferably something steak-ish. With a robust red wine. Toss out the cockpit window those mini packets of salty nuts and teeny tiny cans of coke. Luckily for you, Child #3 had the presence of mind and stomach to suggest we grab some Quizno subs on our dash through the Baltimore airport. Because a hungry child #3 and a hungry child #4, well, let's just say it's not a pretty sight.

Rant over, here are our respective books:

Words of wisdom from Child #3 (age 12 years) regarding The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: It's a fantasy. It's a mystery. It's great.

(Mom interjection: The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series. It's a modern-day, fast-paced adventure that's based on Greek myths. I've read enough of it with Child #3 to say I'll definitely go back and finish it on my own time. Terrific read!)



From Child #4 (age 8 years) about The Talented Clementine by Sara Pennypacker: Clementine has so many talents that she can't choose one.

(Mom interjection: Clementine is a feisty third grader. It's a humorous book about believing in yourself and all that you can accomplish. Another terrific read!)


Me: Over the Edge by Norah McClintock is a magnificent teen mystery. Chloe figures out why classmate Peter winds up dead at the bottom of a cliff. This is one of several "Chloe and Levesque" mysteries. I'll definitely order the rest of them. This book is appropriate for younger readers as well. Nothing untoward happens. (love that expression, but can never find a place to use it!) Thank you Niece K for the recommendation. And for the book which I, ahem, left on the plane. No worries, though, I'll order one from amazon and have it shipped to you.



From the Class of 2k8: Here's a link to a contest for a free signed middle-grade book: Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains by Laurel Snyder. Laurel is a classmate from the Class of 2k8. She's easily one of the most creative people I know. This is her launch week on the Class of 2k8's blog. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of her posts.

14 comments:

  1. Words can't even begin to describe how much I loathe southwest. But ya gotta give it to them, they are one of the most successful airlines out there.

    ReplyDelete
  2. oooh - great post! I just ordered The Lightning Thief on our library's online ordering tool for DS who's 11.

    Thanks for the recommendations!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. she was also on chris eldin's 'book roast' [link on my page]this week, and we did it to swell turn :P lol

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved The Lightning Thief.

    ReplyDelete
  5. wow, how cool the family read together. I sure wish my son would have read more.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I usually love flying, but long circuitous routes, not so much.

    Great book recommendations!
    Teri

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love when you recommend books - I have a few nieces and nephews to buy for! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. When we went to Rick Riordan's talk/signing at Hicklebees bookstore, my son told RR that he (RR!) was a genius. I'm pretty sure that's an accurate assessment. In fact, you made me remember something he said during that talk--blogging about it today! :)

    And I'm off to hunt down that teen mystery. Hoping its not just available in Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the book recommendations! Always appreciated and they sound great, for all the girls. They can't get enough books.

    Your so right about the airlines. Makes no sense...at all. Glad you had some food with you on the plane. That made it a much happier trip, I am sure.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You went through BALTIMORE?? Good grief. I love Southwest but that's ridiculous!

    Sounds like you're having an exciting summer. Enjoy but grab some rest when you can!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I always get Gregory at least one new book when we fly.

    Yes flying is frustrating

    ReplyDelete
  12. Airlines are not what they used to be.

    Thanks for the recommendations. I like to read books from the younger set on occasion. Soon I'll be starting one of Harry Turtledove's alternative histories for YA "In High Places."

    Christmas is just around the corner, and it's not too soon to be looking for stocking fillers.

    ReplyDelete
  13. My daughter enjoyed the Lightning Theif series too :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I just had to comment again that my son flew through the first two Riordan books and made me buy the last two in the series this weekend.

    He read for six hours STRAIGHT. That's pretty good for an 11 year old who loves video games.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are always welcome!