The Locale: Brenda & Katie @ Susan & Olivia’s
Grade 5-9. As the cover proclaims, this story is truly "part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink." Readers first meet Chris when he is a strong-willed, clever child of six. He has run away from home, determined to live on his own in the forest. Edric, a troll, finds him and gives him shelter but cannot make him go back home, and Chris grows up with Edric and his dogs as his family, guided by an etiquette book found in the forest and Edric's own wisdom. As the boy grows, he continues his interest in inventing and watches the princess in the castle across the river. She is headstrong but lonely, and when Chris contacts her by carrier pigeon (or p-mail), they become best friends.
When he takes work at the castle, there is no way that Chris, a commoner, can tell Marigold who he is, and he can only stand by as she is to be married to an unsuitable suitor. When he learns that her life is in danger, he must find a way to save her and the kingdom. This complex, fast-paced plot, a mixture of fantasy, romance, comedy, and coming-of-age novel, succeeds because these characters are compelling, well developed, and sympathetic. Quirky personalities and comic subplots give the story additional texture. Readers will be drawn into this world and be satisfied by the denouement. This blend of genres will appeal to a wide range of readers, and it's all great fun.
The Fun (waiting for Katie’s Report):
(Susan’s Report) Because Brenda & Katie’s new home was not ready to receive visitors, the group was flexible and met at Susan & Olivia’s home. Brenda & Katie has lovely Japanese lanterns to decorate the house like the jewels in Ed’s cave. After some book discussion, Brenda & Katie had a clever p-mail activity. Oodles of fun!
The Vote: Olivia presented the following books. We will meet @ Olivia & Susan’s on October 29th.
- Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf. 0 votes
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. 7 votes * WINNER
- The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick. 1 vote
Changes/Updates: Looking for adding one more mother & daughter team. It is Cassie & Susan’s turn to invite a member, and they had a potential pair. Waiting to hear confirmation.
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