April Book Review <3

Well, I got a book read this month. And yes, yes indeed, it was yet another children’s book. The Arkadians is written by Lloyd Alexander, a Newberry Medal winner for another of his books. It is well-written and geared for ages 8-12/grade 3-7. 

I refuse to apologize that this is what I read. I found it in one of those lending library boxes around town. I thought it might be a good summer book for one of the grands, but wanted to read it first to see what it contained. I will add some thoughts about this at the end, but here is a little about the book.

The story follows the escapades of Lucian and a poet-turned donkey, Fronto, as they flee from the royal palace in the fictional land of Arkadia. They meet up with a somewhat enchanted character named Joy-in-the-Dance and she becomes their guide through various lands as they seek to get Fronto restored to his human self before time runs out and he is permanently turned into a donkey. 

It is a fun story and I enjoyed reading it. One of the comments inside the front cover explains it better than I can. From Booklist: “Part Greek myth, part Canterbury Tales, part Wizard of Oz…Done in epic style, the book almost brims over with tales, twists and troubles.”

I would add a little dash of The Hobbit in the mix as well, but this is spot on. It was a good read and just perfect for the time I had to invest in reading this past month. 

Now here are my comments continued from above. 

I would say it is fine for our grandchildren to read, but it would be most fun to do as a read aloud with children. A chapter or two a night with time to talk about some things together would be ideal. It is a good one for them to keep track of in their mind until the next chapter is read. There are beautiful themes of wisdom, forgiveness, restoration and courage to be discussed. 

As for me reading a children’s book, I want a minute of your time to explain. I have what is known as an overactive imagination. I invest 110% in movies and books, thinking and replaying them in my mind far too many times to be healthy. Just this morning I googled “Sophie’s Choice” which we saw decades ago, yet the story still haunts me.

While we laugh about this within our family, it is something that I have to watch. Our children will recommend a movie to us and then say mom shouldn’t watch it. The same goes with books. Well-written children’s books offer me the gift of beautifully crafted words and stories with a less heavy dose of drama and detail. 

Reading is supposed to be enjoyable and informative. Often I will start a book that others are loving and a few chapters in, I feel a kind of oppressive spirit as I absorb the characters dilemmas and emotions. I put it down and decide it is best left unread.

There are adult fiction books I have been able to enjoy and hold lightly. I am always thankful for those and appreciate hearing ideas from my reading friends about what they are reading. I can usually tell by their conversation or by googling “Sensitive topics” if it is a book I would enjoy or need to take a pass on. 

Thankfully there are so many books out there, I do not run out of things to read. I sleep better and function in my mind and spirit better by not taking in words or pictures that are going to leave me in an unhealthy place. 

I hope if you can relate to this, you feel a little less alone. Hopefully we all know what we can handle with our viewing and reading and listening and be aware if things are affecting us negatively. 

Each brain is wired differently and it is good to assess how something is affecting us. Truly we have no end of options when it comes to entertainment. It is a good reminder as well that just because something is recommended for children, it may not be what is best for that little mind and heart. 

I have decided to attempt the Narnia series this coming month and finish it over the summer. I have always wanted to read the set and it is sitting patiently on the book shelf so now seems like a good time. 

I would love to know what are you reading this month. Leave a comment and I can share or just keep private <3