Book Review 1

This review is for my reading over the first 6 weeks of the year. The three titles that follow are all juvenile/ young adult titles that capture the imagination and beg of you to read the counterparts of their series. They are:

• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia, book 2)
• So You Want To Be a Wizard by Diane Duane (Young Wizards, book 1)
• Deep Wizardry by Diane Duane (Young Wizards, book 2)

First, a look at a book that opens to another land. After seeing the movie at the beginning of the year, I was drawn to read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. While the movie and book differ only slightly, both are worth your time. For of those unfamiliar with the plot, four young English children are transported magically to another land through a wardrobe. Once there, they learn of an evil queen or witch who has caused the land to be suspended in an endless winter. With the help of the true king, a lion, the four children rise up against her and fight. The story incorporates strong family ties, a sacrifice, and strength to overcome creating something you wish you could be a part of. The story reads fast and is fairly short. (The movie differs from the book by adding scenes for length.) The Christian beliefs of C.S. Lewis are apparent but well written into the book as to not be forceful. I would recommend this book and series to readers of all ages. I am thankful to a teacher in elementary school who opened my eyes to this classic.

Now, a look at the first two books of the Young Wizards series. I came upon these titles working at Brentano's in the children's section. After reading the entire series (available) of Harry Potter, I had always wanted to read and compare other wizard stories. This series continues to grow with new titles still arriving even after 20 years. Nita learns of her abilities as a wizard from a book she finds. She joins with Kit who is also a novice wizard, and they embark to try and save the world. In this series, the plight of a wizard is to help slow the death of the earth and fight the Lone Power that represents death. In their first adventure, a simple spell turns into a mission to save a magical book that has the fate of the universe tied to it. Nita and Kit search another realm to save the book and return it to safety. In their second adventure, our two wizards join whales deep in the Atlantic to help calm the seas and save Manhattan from seaquakes. Both books include an array of characters that become friends with the main characters. What I enjoy about this series is the young wizards are self-taught, learning their trade together, seeking help from their seniors rarely. The descriptions of speaking to nature and understanding plants, animals, and machines are delightful and wimzical. I would recommend this series to young readers who enjoyed Harry Potter but want a different look of what magic could be.

I have also been reading up on programming, gardening, flower arranging, and array of other domestic topics. You guys prolly don't need a review on what I thought of Home and Garden's Indoor Gardening book. But if you do, you let me know.