Sunday, January 20, 2008

Our Wild and Crazy Weekend

It was Friday night, and we were ready to party. No, we were ready to PAR-TAY! So what did we do? Go clubbing? Dancing? Making out in our car? Nope. We were in the middle of a really good book, so we snuggled up together and read. Only, I wasn't up for as much action as the rest of the family was. They made it until 11:15, whereas, I passed out a little after 9. Lame, I know. I just can't party like I used to. At least they got a really good shot of up my nose.
What were we reading that had everyone but tired Mommy so engrossed? My friends, I think it's time to introduce you to Nancy Farmer. We've been reading the Sea of Trolls, a story about a boy from England during the time of the Vikings. Very, very good stuff. She does meticulous research, and it's especially fascinating to me because my ancestors came from both the good guys and the bad guys. Nancy has won three Newberry honors. I doubt that's ever been done before. #1,2 and I read the House of the Scorpion, and let me tell you, it was intense. It explores the morality of human cloning. I wouldn't let anyone under ten be around for that one though. Like I said, it's gripping. A Girl Named Disaster was fantastic! It follows an African girl's journey from a remote village to civilization in search of her dad. She tries to reconcile her traditional beliefs to modern life. The story was a bit earthy though; there was this witch woman in her dreams named 'Long Teats' whose breasts were so long that she wrapped them around herself like a blanket. My boys thought that was hilarious. I don't think any but the oldest even really got what that meant. The girl starts her period while she's on her journey, so that was a great conversation starter. It's important to me that my boys don't grow up totally female ignorant. So what I'm saying is, they aren't really good bedtime stories for the very young, per se. They're more like books that suck you in so completely that your laundry pile grows unnoticed.

7 comments:

My Three Sons said...

I love books that suck you in completely...everything in my house goes to pot (frequently) when I pick one up!! What a fun family night. Love the nose shot....at least it was a very clean and tidy nose :) btw I'm English, too. I don't know if mine ancestors were the good guys or the bad guys, though!

Kim said...

You're a funny girl!!! We just finished "Frindle" with the kids. Jeff loved it as much as the kids did. I did too. Cute book. I love your stories. Your blog makes me happy!!

Home of the Muddy Kids said...

I loved your last recommendation, so I'll have to try this one too. I'd better do laundry first though, for the well-being of my marriage.

Lee said...

I haven't taken the time to read a good fiction book in a while. Everything I seem to read lately is a how-to-do-it-better type book. Love the pics! I adore that you put all your crazy pics up, you rock.

Kristin said...

I was at the library today looking for something new to dive into, this sounds fun. Maybe Noah and I can read it together. Thanks for the recommendation.

Sarah Jones said...

Hey, I am glad you found us! We need to get everyone into this blogging thing. Being so far away makes it difficult to keep track of all the things everyone is doing. We look forward to reading your posts and seeing what you're up to!

Abby said...

Love love love the shot up the nose and thanks again for some more great books. You are a gift.