So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

High Praise to Morgan Llywelyn!

This wonderful work of historical fiction is based on the 1916 Irish Rebellion, known as the Easter Rising.

Were introduced to the main character Ned Holloran, a 15-year-old survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. Neither of his parents survive. He is given the choice to stay in the United States with his sister Kathleen and her new husband. He chooses to go back to Ireland, where he attends an Irish school lead by Padraic Pearse, who is a scholar, poet, and rebel for the Irish cause. Ned gains a new appreciation for Ireland and it’s culture and gets involved in the rebellion.

Llywelyn weaves the true facts and real life historical people of the rebellion with her fictional character Ned Halloran seamlessly. She introduces us to the amazing Irish history and people of the time in an informative and entertaining way.

This is the first book in an Irish Century Series. I can hardly wait to read the next one, 1921: The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War! 4.5/5

Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:01 PM 2 comments    

Labels: Books Read 2007, Historical Fiction, Ireland, Morgan Llywelyn

Juliette added a cool website to her Live Journal, "Thinking..." and when I saw and experienced it, I had to add it here.

The site is called Free Rice. It's a site where you can test your vocabulary and for every word you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice. Today, I made it up to level 35 and donated 300 grains of rice.

Give it a try, it's fun and a good cause.

Here's the link:

http://www.freerice.com/index.php

Posted by Teddy Rose at 12:25 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Feed the World, Fun

Posted by Teddy Rose at 2:37 PM 8 comments    

Labels: Australia, Books Read B/4 2007, Historical Fiction, Kate Grenville

First published in 1924, over the vast sweeping landscape of India under British rule A Passage to India examines the cultural differences between the Indians and the English.

As the novel opens Ms. Adela Quested and her potential mother in-law, Mrs. Moore arrives in Chandrapore India. They both have the desire to see the real India and not just hang out with other British citizens. Mrs. Moore becomes friends with a local, Dr Aziz who promises to show her and Ms. Quested the famous Marabar caves. While at the caves, a possible incident occurs that alters the lives of all of the characters involved.

I can see why this book is on the top 100 books to read list. It is a must, especially for Classic lovers and those interested in British rule India! 5/5

Also Reviewed at:

My Own Little Reading Room

Random Field Notes

A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore...

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:26 PM 19 comments    

Labels: Books Read 2007, Classics, E. M. Forster, India

This is the first Bill Bryson book I have read, but certainly not the last!

Bryson takes a hilarious trip down memory lane. He mixes in his childhood memories of Iowa, historical facts, and adds his own character, The Thunderbolt Kid. It’s a recipe for a fun filled ride with belly laughs and nostalgia.

This is a great book for baby boomers, but I think the younger generations will enjoy it as well. He writes of a less serious time in U. S. history. At time that was considered prosperous and care free. A time when giant box stores didn’t take over entire towns like today.

I listened to the audio version of this book, which Bill Bryson narrates himself, on a plane trip. Passengers sitting near me asked what I was listening to, I was laughing out loud that much; it just couldn’t be helped! If you don’t like funny books, don’t read or listen to this one. If you do like funny books you may want to read or listen to it in private so you don’t draw attention to yourself like I did. 5/5

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:10 PM 2 comments    

Labels: Bill Bryson, Books Read 2007, Memoir

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:58 PM 5 comments    

Labels: Books Read 2007, Japan, Karin Muller, Memoir, My 1st Post