Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of those books that was incredibly important in my formative years. My parents are both former schoolteachers, and firm believers in the importance of reading aloud to kids. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is my dad’s favorite kids’ book, so it stands to reason that this was one of the many books he chose to read to me when I was little. As an adult I have realized that it is not just the books I read as […]
Truth is More Important than Modesty
Roald Dahl was the most amazing storyteller. He had a knack for always using just the right word or turn of phrase to enthrall, amuse, or disgust his reader. Boy is the story of his early life, from birth until leaving school to work for the Shell Oil Company as a salesman prior to World War II. Somehow he turns even a typical British childhood into something truly special. Dahl grew up in Wales but was educated in England, per his father’s wishes. The most […]
Tales of the Unexpected
If you weren’t a British telly viewer in the 80’s, you’d be forgiven if you were under the impression that Roald Dahl was solely a children’s author. But those of us who watched Tales of the Unexpected (and have had the opening theme tune stuck in our heads ever since) will also be familiar with him as the author of a wealth of short stories, often adapted for said show and all with the unsettling undertones that also ran through his children’s books. This book, […]
As Excellent as Was Promised
Best for: Kids. Adults. Humans. Other. In a nutshell: Very smart young woman Matilda uses her mind to fight back against those who treat her — and the people she cares about — poorly. Line that sticks with me: “Of course you looked! You must have looked! No one in the world could give the right answer just like that, especially a girl! You’re a little cheat, madam, that’s what you are! A cheat and a liar!” Why I chose it: As part of our […]
It’s the final countdown! My first Cannonball!
So I finally achieved it! My first Cannonball 😆. I’m proud of myself. I know people have done doubles, triples, and even quadruple Cannonballs, but right now, 52 books is good for me. I’m off from work this whole week, so I anticipated finishing earlier, and possibly even going over 52. I thoroughly underestimated my laziness though, so I’m getting this one in right under the wire. I’ve always been a great procrastinator though. My motto is “why do today something you can put off […]
OCD, The Martian, and Me
#145: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl: 2 stars. #146: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: 4 stars. #147-8: Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins: 1 star each. #149: OCD, the Dude, and Me by Lauren Roedy Vaughn: 1 star. #150: The Martian by Andy Weir: 5 stars.