The Writer's Book Tag

Sarah at Pen of a Ready Writer tagged me on this a week or so ago.  I enjoyed reading her answers (she loaned me all her Kingdom Series books so I could read them), and can't wait to share my answers.

First Draft

A Book or Series You've NEVER Read Before

There are a TON of popular books/series out there that I haven't read.  Most of them are because I really don't read a lot of non-Christian authors (especially newer books/authors).  I read a lot of old stuff growing up (homeschool style!), and now that I've just discovering the realm of Christian-authors/Christian fantasy, it seems like I have less and less time and interest in reading fiction.

I'm just going to go with one I hear about a lot - the Percy Jackson books (I don't even know the title of the series??).  They sound like they're extremely funny, and have some really interesting characters but I just don't want to read a story about the Greek/Roman gods being real.  I have better things to do with my reading time.

Second Draft

A Book or Series You Didn't Like as Much the Second Time You Read It

I haven't done much re-reading lately, but about half a year ago I got a used copy of Book of a Thousand Days.  I had read it to my sister a while ago, and remembered liking it.  This second time, however, I didn't enjoy it as much.  I think I had forgotten how much Asian culture was in it (as in, praying to the gods, and such), and so on second reading I found her prayers a little annoying, as well as completely disliking the conclusion.

Final Draft

A Book or Series You've Liked for a Really Long Time

The Wilderking Trilogy.  Hands down.  I fell in love when Mom read them to us years and years ago, and still enjoy them now.  The covers are so cool, and there's nothing bad I have to say about these books.  They're funny and full of adventure, with cool characters and great Scriptural themes.  You'll find alligator wrestling, court intrigue, panthers, and examples of faith and friendship.  Plus, there are maps and poetry!!!  (Feechie poetry, anyone???)

Killing Off Your Characters

A Book or Series that Made You Cry

Don't laugh.  This one makes me cry every time.  You get attached to this cute little dog and her way of seeing the world, and the ending....oh, it's beautiful.

(I especially love how the author manages to write Squirrel as a realistic dog.  The things that happen to her, the way she reacts and thinks, are all fairly realistic.)

Plot Holes

A Book or Series that Disappointed You

I know...everyone is startled to see an Andrew Peterson book under that heading.  But I have a good reason: I was hoping this book would have a little more about the characters I had come to know and love during the Saga.  And while this book was adorable and fun and entertaining, it was not what I had hoped for (save for a few cameos, which were great!).  Once I realized I wasn't going to find out what happened after the ending of The Warden and the Wolf King, I was able to do re-read and enjoy it a lot more.  But my first reading was quite disappointing.

Writer's Block

A Book or Series You Haven't Finished

I started off with high hopes for the 100 Cupboards trilogy.  Orphaned boy finds cupboards in an attic that lead to other worlds???  So cool!!!   But then....I didn't get into the story, and didn't like the characters (at all), and there was more magic than I like in books, and there is not as much cupboard exploring as I had hoped for (things even got super confusing in the second book; I never really knew what was going on).  If I ever come across a used (cheap) copy of the third book, I might grab it up, if only to finish the trilogy and find out what happens to the only character that I liked.  But I'm not dying to find out.

Feedback

A Book or Series That You Would Recommend to Anyone

The Ilyon Chronicles!!  They are quickly becoming a favorite.  Great characters, no magic, epic adventures...  My brother just read them all as well and is even considering re-reading... (and he doesn't read a lot of books like these, so that's saying something).  Only downside is the series isn't finished yet....and the next book might be a while....  *goes to sit in a corner and cry*

~~*~~

I tag....

~Anyone who has read at least one of these books I mentioned and make sure you mention which one on your post
~Anyone who has (or had) a dog and talk about your dog in the post
~Anyone who has recently gone on a run (how long should it be to actually qualify as a run is up to you) and explain what you were running from or where you were running to on your post

But these are the rules:

1.  Shout out to the blogger who tagged you
2.  Tag three people
3.  Use the graphic

As an additional note, I'm hoping to post once a week (on Wednesdays) for the next few months.  I'm trying to work on making my posts better as well as have them prepared at least a week beforehand, and so I'm going to make it a little easier on myself.  :)  I'm doing a big writing push to get my WIP done, and it's taken a lot of my blogging time.  I was going to post this on the 7th, but ran into technical difficulties at the last minute...