The Book Review Club (December 2012)

This is our LAST Book Review Club of 2012! I know. It's crazy. Where did the year go?! Anyway, here we are in December, a month where you possibly/probably/hopefully buy lots of books to give as gifts. Check out the reviews below. They'll give you some great ideas (both for giving and for reading!)! Happy Holidays!

THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (originally published in French, 1943)

Child #2 arrived for Thanksgiving with his two roommates from Occidental College. They were delightful, btw. And not just because they gave us the the above book as a gift.:)

I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo, but this is no ordinary version. This is the DELULXE POP-UP version. It is oh so wonderful and fun and would make a great holiday gift. Above is Child #4 and our new dog (that's a story for another post) enjoying the book.

The first time, I read THE LITTLE PRINCE was a few short (okay, ages and ages and ages ago) years ago for high-school French. I was going to dig up my paperback dog-eared French edition to show you, but ran out of time. Anyway, I loved this book back in the day. Child #4 and I have been reading our deluxe pop-up version together. I still love this book.

In short: An aviator whose plane is forced down in the Sahara Desert encounters a little prince from a small planet who relates his adventures in seeking the secret of what is important in life. (from the inside flap)

You can read THE LITTLE PRINCE on a variety of levels. If you're in the mood to look for deeper meanings, you'll find plenty. For example, the prince has to pull up the baobabs regularly ("as soon as you can tell them apart for the rosebushes"), or his planet will be overrun with them. This led to a great discussion on self-discipline/not procrastinating and cleaning your room and not waiting too long to apologize if you've hurt someone's feelings. But, if you don't feel like analyzing, the story itself is entertaining. Also, the pop-ups are magnificent. They spin and turn and move from side to side. There are envelopes to open and flaps to pull. Incredible.

On that enthusiastic note, I urge you to check out the links below. These people always something of interest to say!

MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT BOOK REVIEWS

Ellen Booraem of Freelance Ne'er-do-well: GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers (young adult fantasy)

Sarah Laurence: MEANT TO BE by Lauren Morrill (young adult)

ADULT BOOK REVIEWS

Linda McLaughlin: THE BOOK OF LOST FRAGRANCES by MJ Rose (paranormal thriller)

Patti Abbott: THE UPRIGHT PIANO PLAYER by David Abbott

Staci of Life in the Thumb: MERRY EX-MAS by Sheila Roberts (contemporary, holiday romance)

NONFICTION REVIEWS

Scott Parker: THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS: HOW CHARLES DICKENS'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL RESCUED HIS CAREER AND REVIVED OUR HOLIDAY SPIRITS BY Les Standiford (history) Try saying that title five times fast!


Note to Reviewers: Any errors (broken link, missed review, etc), just shoot me an email or leave a comment. Thank you so much for your reviews!