The "U" and "P" Block, The Final Chapter

An umbrella for the letter "U". Completed November 28, 2008.

A pear for the letter "P". The final block in the set, now I just have to put them together. Completed November 29, 2008.

Inkdeath A Review

How many times have you wished that you could actually enter the story you are reading? How many have wished that you could read a character out of a book and into your living room? Has a string of words ever immersed so deeply in tale that you have to be startled back into this world by a loved one?

Cornelia Funke weaves a tale that does just that in her Inkheart series. I just finished the third and final book in the trilogy, Inkdeath. This series is the story of Mo, a bookbinder, and Meggie, his daughter. Meggie loves books as much as her father. Two things in Meggie's life bother her, the fact that she has never known her mother and that her father never reads aloud to her. What she does not know is that the two things are related. You may be curious as to how they could be related. Mo has the ability to read characters out of books, and people into them. Once his wife disappears, he refuses to read aloud ever again, afraid that his daughter will disappear too.

The language is beautiful in these stories. The quotes used to open each chapter encompass the feel of it very well, and add to your reading list. This is young adult literature at its finest. And the richness of the text is inspiring to all ages. She does a masterful job of capturing the power of words and the imagination. The books became more enthralling and intense as the series progressed.

If you are a fantasy fan, I consider them a must read. I am a huge fan of Harry Potter, but this series is much deeper and more fulfilling in many ways. Definitely has a wider range of appeal, as anyone that loves the written word can identify with the sentiments found within the story.

The "L" and "K" Block

Did a lock for the letter "L". Completed November 16, 2008.

A key for the letter "K", goes well with the lock I think. Completed November 28, 2008.

Firestarter by Stephen King Review

I read Firestarter by Stephen King for the first time many years ago. My husband, a great lover of horror novels, wanted me to love them as well, but I was a scaredy-cat. So, his solution was to start me out with this early work of King's. He picked Firestarter because it isn't a horror novel, but more of a thriller/suspense/intrigue.

We begin by meeting Andy McGee, a poor college student, in need of money. His friend in the psychology department tells him about a drug experiment in which he can earn $200. It is suppose to be a test of a mild hallucinogen and a placebo. During the process of doing the paperwork, he meets a stunning blonde, Vicky Tomlinson. However, the drug they are testing isn't a mild, harmless hallucinogen; it is a strong hallucinogen and activates any latent telepathic abilities within the subjects. During their experience, Andy and Vicky fall in love and acquire some extra talents. The experiment doesn't work out so well for the rest of the participants. Andy can "push" people, give their brain a little nudge to go his way, mental domination. Vicky can occasionally move things with her mind, telekinesis. They marry and have a beautiful daughter, Charlie.

I fell in love with this adorable, intelligent, blonde seven year old that is the hero of the novel. She's really impossible to resist. She is such a sweet mixture of childhood wonder and adult concern. The true adventure for the McGee family starts when the Shop, the people that ran the experiment, think that Charlie has been relocated without their knowledge when she goes to spend a couple of days at a friend's house. They attack and kill Vicky and kidnap Charlie. This leads to the father and daughter being on the run. In the end, the Shop only really wants Charlie who is capable of pyrokinesis and telekinesis.

Much of the story revolves around the relationship between the father and daughter. It also looks at the loss of loved ones, coping with stress, and betrayal.

I have enjoyed this book both times I've read it, and the movie during multiple viewings. It is an easy and quick read, with characters that are very believable. This book started me on my journey of years with Stephen King and opened me to a whole new genre. Thank you, my husband and Mr. King. (I've been reading his books for so long, it actually feels weird calling him that.)

The "G" and "Z" Block

The international symbol for girl for the letter "G". What could be more classic? Completed October 21, 2008.


I used a zig-zag for the letter Z. It makes me think of Charlie Brown too. Completed October 30, 2008.