Sabriel

by Garth Nix

This was without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read in some time. I was hoping to find a young adult fantasy novel that approached magic differently from every other book in existence. It seems like authors can’t think of much besides “Magic is like a continuously flowing river/power source that we draw from.” And honestly? I’d like to see some creativity.

Thank you, Garth Nix. Sabriel was not only refreshing for its take on how magic works, it was superbly written and I actually was interested in the characters. The plot was compelling. I read it slowly just so that I could absorb everything completely, and I wish I could read it over again. (Library book. Had to give it back. Buy me a copy?)

I’ll definitely be checking out the subsequent books in this Abhorsen series, and I suggest you try Sabriel for yourself. There you have it: a positive book review!

The Borrowers

by Mary Norton

I’m quite sorry to say that I found The Borrowers tedious and dull. I didn’t actually care if they got kicked out of their home or eaten by the cat and stomped to bits.

Please forgive my lack of compassion.

The Teacher's Funeral

by Richard Peck

I had hoped that this would be as good as A Long Way from Chicago. It wasn’t.

Still worth reading if you enjoy Peck’s work, though.