I sat down last night to read Flora Segunda by Ysabeau Wilce. It came recommended by a homeschool graduate for inclusion in my book-in-progress 100 Books for Kids Who Love to Read. I got to page 23, closed it, and put it aside. I don't think I'll be including it.The story was compelling thus far -- a girl with an inattentive military leader mom and a fruitcake alcoholic father who lives in a magical house with 11,000 rooms. Not exactly the ideal family but that's not what bothered me. Lots of great books have dysfunctional families. What makes those books great is how the hero deals with challenges along with a redemptive ending.
I don't know if Flora Segunda gets the ending right or if it contains the True and the Beautiful because I just couldn't get past the heroine's line, "Goddess knew what hungry uglies were lurking down there." Goddess? That bothered me.
Maybe I'm overreacting but I've got a hundred books to read in researching 100 Books and I don't want to waste my time with a book that is probably inappropriate to recommend to Catholic families.
So, if you've read Flora Segunda and loved it, please tell me why in the comments. Let me know how it can be baptized and what redeeming features it contains.
Meanwhile, I decided to take a break from fantasy and try a piece of historical fiction. The Sword of Clontarf by Charles Brady (Hillside Education) happened to be closest to me when I closed Flora Segunda so that's what I'm reading now. I'm four chapters into it already and I'm really enjoying it.
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9 comments:
We did this as a read-aloud last year and LOVED it ... the boys loved the story and even Maggie (then 8) could get into it.
Highly recommend ...
Mary do you mean the Flora book or the Sword book? If you mean the Flora book then I'll keep reading. Thanks!
I put Flora down for exactly the same reason. I know it's an "alternative reality," but I have a hard time getting past the "goddess" ref in today's world.
"I've got a hundred books to read in researching 100 Books" In order to find your 100 books, you'll be reading a whole lot more. Blessings Chrissy
Maybe you've already reviewed this great book in LOL (I haven't had the pleasure of reading LOL yet), but if not, don't miss The Outlaws of Ravenhurst. My kids, 6, 8, and absolutely loved it and so did I once I got to the ending.
Anon,
The kids and I read Outlaws years ago and loved it! Yep, it's in LOL but there may be a place for it in 100 Books too. Thanks for the reminder.
In reference to SWORD OF CLONTARF, what is it about? Your Niece Deanna
Hey Deanna!
Sword of Clontarf is historical fiction taking place around 1,000 AD in Ireland and has some Vikings to boot. I'm only 4 or 5 chapters in but I like it so far. Too many complicated names to remember but after reading a whole slew of fantasy novels I've gotten used to long weird names. Here's a synopsis: http://www.love2learn.net/node/1856
So, when is your mom sending you to visit us?!
Love,
Aunt Maureen :)
I emailed Mary G. and it was The sword of Clontarf they read out loud. Some of the names were hard to pronounce but she said to joy to read all in all.
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