I am putting down all the books I read in my blog, and then putting down what I thought about them.. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:56:00 -0600 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:56:00 -0600 In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all the others.  But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him.  After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense tadk, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care.  Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose. I have seen all three LOTR movies, and figured I might as well read the books, too.  This book is so different from the movies.. there are a lot of characters in the book that aren't in the movie, and vice versa.  Tom Bombadilo and Fatty Lumpkin are two that are both in the book, but aren't in the movie.  And the elf-lady that brings Frodo on the horse across the river away from the black riders is in the movie but not the book.  So, I think I like the Fellowship of the Ring book better than the movie, but I am over half finished with The Two Towers, and I think I like that movie better than the book. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/484580/ Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:56:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/484580/ Not all is well in Utopia. Though Jesus has established His thousand-year reign on earth, people are born every day who still must choose to make Him their savior.  And not all do. Those who have returned from heaven with Christ never age. Believers who survived the Tribulation never die, but the ravages of time affect them. The saints of the ages -heroes from the Bible- help rule. While those who choose not to trust Christ are accursed and die young, devotees of The Other Light -Lucifer- conspire to populate the end of the millennial kingdom with a massive army. When Satan is loosed for a time to once again tempt the nations, he leads this force to the ultimate conflict of good versus evil, and the result ushers in the new heaven and the new earth. Reunite with all your favorite characters and see how they fare in this capstone final title of the Left Behind saga.   This book is so awesome!  I loved how they had the heroes of the Bible in there- Noah, David, Joshua and Caleb.  I only have three more prequels left to finish the series. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/452687/ Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:01:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/452687/ You know it's going to be a rough summer when you spend Father's Day visiting your dad in the local lockup. Noah's dad is sure that the owner of the Coral Queen casino boat is flushing raw sewage into the harbor-which has made taking a dip at the local beach like swimming in a toilet. He can't prove it though, and so he decides that sinking the boat will make an effective statement. Right. The boat is pumped out and back in business within days and Noah's dad is stuck in the clink. Now Noah is determined to succeed where his dad failed. He will prove that the Coral Queen is dumping illegally . . . somehow. His allies may not add up to much-his sister Abbey, an unreformed childhood biter; Lice Peeking, a greedy sot with poor hygiene; Shelly, a bartender and a woman scorned; and a mysterious pirate-but Noah's got a plan to flush this crook out into the open. A plan that should sink the crooked little casino, once and for all. This book is sooo funny!  It was way better than Hoot.  I love the way they caught the bad guys in the end!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/434407/ Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:06:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/434407/ Roy Eberhardt is the new kid--again. This time around it's Trace Middle School in humid Coconut Grove, Florida. But it's still the same old routine: table by himself at lunch, no real friends, and thick-headed bullies like Dana Matherson pushing him around. But if it wasn't for Dana Matherson mashing his face against the school bus window that one day, he might never have seen the tow-headed running boy. And if he had never seen the running boy, he might never have met tall, tough, bully-beating Beatrice. And if he had never met Beatrice, he might never have discovered the burrowing owls living in the lot on the corner of East Oriole Avenue. And if he had never discovered the owls, he probably would have missed out on the adventure of a lifetime. Apparently, bullies do serve a greater purpose in the scope of the universe. Because if it wasn't for Dana Matherson...   Wow, this book is so good!!  I also saw the movie, which I think was better than the book, and that doesnt happen very often. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/434405/ Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:01:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/434405/ Here is an excerpt from a article done on Christopher Paolini.. Christopher Paolini, the #1 Book Three, still untitled, is being published on September 23, 2008. Book Four is not yet scheduled for publication. Wow!  Book three doesnt come out for almost a year!!  That really stinks.. I have been waiting for that book for a year already!!  And a fourth one??  I don't know.. that is both good and bad.. good because there will be more to read, but bad because we will have to wait even longer to read what happens in the end..  New York Times bestselling author of Eragon and Eldest, the first two books in his Inheritance series, will write an additional, fourth novel about his hero Eragon. Originally planned as a trilogy, Inheritance will now include four complete novels written by Paolini and be named the Inheritance cycle. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/431458/ Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:59:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/431458/ Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns… Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesméra, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspiring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger. Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . . Wow, this book is even better than the first, if that is even possible.  Christopher Paolini wrote that there will only be three books in the inheritance series, and I can't wait for the last one to come out!!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/431450/ Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:56:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/431450/ When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. . . . Wow, this book is sooooo awesome!!  Christopher Paolini wrote the first one when he was only 15!!  In the book, Eragon does use magic, so people who are totally against magic won't want to read it, but it is sooo good!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/431447/ Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:47:01 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/431447/ [x] You become grumpy if you are interrupted while reading. [x] You sometimes forget the name of the main character in the book you are reading because with the 50,000 other people you’ve read about it’s hard to remember names. [x] The next best place to home is the library. [x] You get the urge to shout with joy when you find another book by your favorite author in the library. (actually, I have done that before... lol) [x] You feel miserable every time you end a story or finish a book because you’ve lost some great friends.   So far: 5   [] You spend three hours trying to get to sleep before getting up to finish your book. [x] Your dearest wish is that you could read in the dark. [x] Meals aren’t important if you are at an exciting part of your book. [] You fell in love with main guy/girl in the last book you read. [x] You can’t go 24 hours without reading otherwise you feel depressed.   So far: 8   [x] You chew your fingernails or twirl your hair at a dramatic part of a story. (I do that the whole story, not just the dramatic parts.. lol) [x] You know more about your favorite book then your favorite subject in school. [x] You often sniff the pages of the book you’re reading because you love the smell of paper. [x] You’ve learned to tune out other people and sounds while reading. (Lol, that is so true.  I have 5 brothers and sisters and have learned to block them out while I'm reading..) [x] When you say “I’m reading,” people know not to bother you.   So far: 13   [x] You have more friends in books then you do in the real world. [x] The librarians don’t ask if you can read the 15 books you just checked out, they know you can. [x] If you had the chance to sleep in the library or bookstore you would. [x] Books are so much more entertaining then TV. [x] You would much rather meet your favorite author then your favorite movie star. (I actually did get to meet him once!! It was so totally awesome!!)   So far: 18   [x] You can sometimes imagine dramatic music while reading. [x] Very few books have ever been boring. [x] You’ve learned not to judge a book by its cover, title and thickness. [x] You can read in the car without feeling sick. [x] Even if you do feel sick while reading in the car how the story turns out is more important then how you feel.   So far: 23   Now multiply this number by four…   I’m 92% addicted to reading! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/428349/ Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:49:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/428349/ DR. PHIL did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.  Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out!         Read on, this is very interesting!         Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself and then comment me showing what you got!              Answers are for who you are now..... not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. It's only 10 Simple questions, so...grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.                   Ready??         Begin...           1. When do you feel your best?           a) in the morning           b) during the afternoon &and early evening           c) late at night         2. You usually walk...           a) fairly fast, with long steps           b) fairly fast, with little steps           c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face           d) less fast, head down           e) very slowly         3. When talking to people you..           a) stand with your arms folded           b) have your hands clasped           c) have one or both your hands on your hips           d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking           e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair         4. When relaxing, you sit with..           a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side           b) your legs crossed           c) your legs stretched out or straight           d) one leg curled under you         5. When something really amuses you, you react with...           a) big appreciated laugh           b) a laugh, but not a loud one           c) a quiet chuckle           d) a sheepish smile         6. When you go to a party or social gathering you..           a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you           b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know           c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed        7 You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted......           a) welcome the break           b) feel extremely irritated           c) vary between these two extremes         8. Which of the following colors do you like most?           a) Red or orange           b) black           c) yellow or light blue           d) green           e) dark blue or purple           f)  white           g) brown or gray         9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are..           a) stretched out on your back           b) stretched out face down on your stomach           c) on your side, slightly curled           d) with your head on one arm           e) with your head under the covers         10. You often dream that you are...           a) falling           b) fighting or struggling           c) searching for something or somebody           d) flying or floating           e) you usually have dreamless sleep           f) your dreams are always pleasant         POINTS:           1. (a) 2  (b) 4  (c) 6            2. (a) 6  (b) 4  (c) 7  (d) 2  (e) 1           3. (a) 4  (b) 2  (c) 5  (d) 7  (e) 6           4. (a) 4  (b) 6  (c) 2  (d) 1           5. (a) 6  (b) 4  (c) 3  (d) 5  (e) 2           6. (a) 6  (b) 4  (c) 2           7. (a) 6  (b) 2  (c) 4           8. (a) 6  (b) 7  (c) 5  (d) 4  (e) 3  (f) 2 (g) 1           9. (a) 7  (b) 6  (c) 4  (d) 2  (e) 1          10. (a) 4  (b) 2  (c) 3  (d) 5  (e) 6  (f) 1         Now add up the total number of points.     OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.     51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once;  someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate. This one is me..    41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced; not to let it go to their head.   They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.     31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.     21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, ! expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.     UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.       http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/426120/ Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:07:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/426120/ 1. When was the last time you got tagged? last week 2. When was the last time you got grounded? can't remember 3. When was the last time you ate something gross? - last week 4. When was the last time you did something nice to someone? today 5. When was the last time you told your parents you loved them? - Last night. 6. What was the last book you started reading? Am I the one 7.  What is your favorite color? Orange and green 8. What was the last song you listened to? -  Love Me if You Can- Toby Keith 9. When was the last time you read your bible? BE HONEST!- last night 10. THIS IS A DEEP QUESTION!!! IF you were on trial at court for being a Christian.. would they find enough evidence to prove you guilty??- probably http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/423528/ Thu, 8 Nov 2007 16:54:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bookratings/423528/