Book #22: "The Book of Mormon Sleuth"

First of all, in case anyone was wondering about the last several posts: no, I didn't read all these books in one day. I'm just behind in writing about them. And since I spent the day in bed recovering from a migraine, I thought I'd at least do something productive and catch up.

So this is a fun little adventure story, particularly for LDS parents who want their kids to read but are concerned about the content in today's literature. I myself believe that kids should read whatever they want as long as they have someone to talk to about it...but I'm also not directly responsible for the morals and values of any small humans-or any big ones, now that I think about it. Which is why I always mention potentially objectionable content, both here and in books I recommend in person.

This book has none of that. It's not brilliant, but it's fun and funny and fast-paced, with a few sweet and spiritual moments thrown in.

Author: C.B. Andersen

Potentially objectionable content: Not so much

Book #21: "The Crossword Obsession"

Being a voracious reader means that you frequently get asked what you're reading. (Never more true than when you have embarked on a mammoth reading project, by the way.) And when the answer to that question is "A book about crossword puzzles", you are bound to get, at the very least, some odd looks.

But I'm used to that and carry blithely on. When I was in my early twenties, I used to do the crossword in the paper with some friends, and since then it's a hobby I dabble in. I found this book in a bargain section of a different bookstore, and this subtitle says it all: "The history and lore of the world's most popular pasttime." Compiled mostly of quotes from interviews of crossword luminaries, it can get tedious, but still a worthwhile read for anyone who has ever wondered about the history and construction of word puzzles. It even has some puzzles in the back to solve.

Author: Coral Amende

Potentially objectionable content: Unless you have REALLY strong views about crosswords, I doubt you'd be upset by anything here

Book #20: "The Woman Who Is Tan And Always Has A Flat Stomach"

When I moved back to Boise and had to put my books into storage, I naturally spent some time looking for new ones to fill the gap. And since I worked in a bookstore with a large bargain section, I'd sometimes go browse for something that looked interesting. Which is how I happened on this book, a collection of humorous essays about all those women that seem to do everything better than you. Is this a problem men have? I don't know, but great is the rejoicing of the woman who can overcome her tendency to compare herself to others...and feel like she never measures up.

This collection is amusing, occasionally hysterical, and well worth the four dollars or so it cost me.

Author: Lauren Allison

Potentially objectionable content: Some language and adult topics

Book #19: "The High King"

The last book in the series, the only one to win the Newbery Medal and the first one I ever read. When I was probably, oh, ten or eleven, my mom ordered this from one of those elementary school order forms (remember those? The best thing about grade school? Yes, including recess. Okay, maybe that's just me), intending to read it to all of us at bedtime. We never quite got around to that, and (as most books in our house did at one point or another) it made its way into my collection.

The final chapter of this story is of a country at war, and while necessarily darker than previous volumes, brings it to a satisfying and even heartbreaking conclusion. In a last, furious attempt to destroy the evil Arawn, the characters must give (though it's a mathematical impossibility) more than their all. Thus the death toll is higher, with some absolutely spectacular battle scenes that rival any in adult literature (Tolkein, I'm looking at you here.) And in the end, it is about what all epics are about: friendship, honor, family, love. Which really does conquer all.

Author: Lloyd Alexander

Potentially objectionable content: The aforementioned deaths and battle scenes

Book #18: "Taran Wanderer"

This may be my favorite book in the series, though it's hard to choose. Longing to prove himself of noble birth (and so prove himself worthy of a certain princess) Taran sets out to discover his parentage. Bringing back some old friends-as well as Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, who can't really be described as friends or indeed at all-and introducing some new ones, this book is the most introspective of the lot. Though there's plenty of action (including a couple of memorable battle scenes), this story is really about finding out who you are-virtues, faults and all-and coming to terms with it. In short, it's about becoming an adult.

All truly great stories lead you to invest in the characters, to weep for their losses and cheer for their victories-to become a silent but loving friend. Taran tends to chastise himself for his failures more than rejoice in his successes, and while I cringe every time he beats himself up, I also recognize myself in him.

Author: Lloyd Alexander

Potentially objectionable content: Some intense battle scenes and the series' scariest villain