Harry Potter: Book 1

I read this book at least eight years ago, and now that I have the entire HP series!!! I am going to slowly re-read them all again. This is the first book and perhaps one of my favorites. Its not as long as the others, I like the new discovery of this whole new world and learning of it through Harry Potter's own bewilderment at all the new things that the wizarding world has to offer. Simply put, its a great book. The adverbs throw me off in her works, but as long as I ignore them, its just a great fun fantasy adventure!

Slam- Nick Hornby

I love Nick Hornby books. I've devoured every book he's written. He's a good writer, he's hilarious, and he provides insight without being too stuffy. Though Slam was written for a younger audience as a YA book I knew I had to read it since Hornby wrote it and since I love YA literature I didn't expect this to be bad. Well, it was not bad. But it wasn't great which Horby usually is. There are some really funny parts but the books takes a long time to get going. I think the problem is Hornby writes it in the style of a boy talking to you as he writes his book. Its a bit distracting and you end up feeling slightly annoyed as you read. Still, its not a bad book, but Hornby being as great as he is, I expected more.

The End, by Lemony Snicket

This is the conclusion to the "Series of Unfortunate Event" saga. I feel duped. Royally duped. I read the first 12 as the drama built and I couldn't wait for book 13. And it just stank like a dead fish.

****Warning: Spoilers follow*****

I understand that everything would not be wrapped up nicely in a bow with this story. It is after all, a miserable story of children met with obstacles and tragedy every step of their way. But absolutely nothing was resolved. The sugarbowl that we followed for three books? Nothing. The twins that were kidnapped? Nothing. Most of the mysteries that we followed through and salivated for were left open. I guess the Olaf stuff was dealt with and you sort of empathise with the villain. You understand a bit more about the parents of the siblings. But not much more. And the only thing David Handler could tell us is that you can't tie things up in a bow because life does not work like that. Yes, David you can't tie things up in a bow because life does not work like that but this is a fictional fantastical story and you are a writer and you owe your readers some conclusion. I think he may be planning sequels to the saga to explain some of these mysteries but I for one won't be contributing to any more of his sales. I'd hate to encourage this sort of irresponsible storytelling.