September Books

Well it looks like I'm reading way too much to keep all the books on my new side link list so instead at the end of each month I will move them to a post and clear the list. Here are the books I've read, September 2007. 15 in all, about one every two to three days is what it breaks down to. Now, some are short - kids books even, so obviously those only took mere moments.

Inside Mrs. B's Classroom, Leslie Baldacci - I was warned that this was not very good, and to be honest I was disappointed with it. The chapters feel more like elongated newspaper articles, there is little connection between them and no in depth reflection. A good friend however just started teaching the same demographic, age and subject, so it was entertaining to read stories that were almost perfect reflections of conversations we have had since the school year started.
The Grey King, Susan Cooper - September 2007 - Book 4 of the Dark is Rising series, still good, but I'm starting to lose any deep interest. Glad there is only one book left, I think I'm ready to be done. Also, the movie previews for The Seeker (based on this series, opening in a week) look nothing like what I've read, so I don't think I will be racing out to see it (also it is made by the same folks that made Bride to Terabithia which I refused to see after a lifelong love affair with the Katherine Patterson book.)
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee - September 2007 - My fall back book. The one I read when I need something good, comforting, and reliable. I have read this probably over half a dozen times since I was 13. I love it and it had been a few years since I had picked it up. My trusty copy is miles away in a basement with the rest of my possessions (patiently waiting for me to have space to reclaim them) so I bought a new copy from my favorite bookstore and delved into again. I loved it all over again.
Greenwitch, Susan Cooper - September 2007 - Book 3 of the Dark is Rising series. Short, glad it only cost $6.
Over Sea Under Stone, Susan Cooper - September 2007 - Book one of the Dark is Rising series. My brother recommended them so I thought I'd check it out, he usually has good recommendations. The story is good, easy to read since it's a young adult reading level, and intriguing. As I will find out, the books are pretty self contained which I like, I don't feel like I immediately have to pick up the next one from fear of losing the story.
The Dark is Rising, Susan Cooper - September 2007 - Book two of The Dark is Rising series. New characters, builds up the plot some more.
The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish - Neil Gaiman - September 2007 - Absolutely fabulous. Gaiman teams up with artist Dave McKean, who is magical, to create a fantastic story that everyone should read, especially if you have two kids close in age.
Animal Farm, George Orwell - September 2007 - Finally got around to reading the high school classic. Mostly it makes me want to brush up on my Russian history, but overall I really enjoyed it. Definitely one I will reread as the years go by.
Saving Fish from Drowning, Amy Tan - September 2007 - My mom got it for me for my birthday. It is somewhat of a ritual that she gives me books (most that turn out to be ones I love) for my birthday and Christmas. This year she was on a two week trip to Italy (a surprise from my brother for her birthday) and was more than a little worn out when my day rolled around (nine days after her) at the last minute coming home she realized in the Newark airport that she had to get me a book, so she picked this up. It was good, even more timely now that Myanmar is all over the news.
Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini - September 2007 -Oh dear god. I finally got around to reading this after countless recommendations and now I know why. I'll be honest, I broke down at least a half dozen times while reading this, had to set the book down I couldn't see through the tears. I even had to put it down just to process it sometimes, which hasn't happened in a while for me. Strangers approached me on the street to ask what I thought when they saw the title. It is amazing, and if you haven't read it, go to the library now and get it.
Stardust, Neil Gaiman - September 2007 - I saw the movie first and was hesitant to read the book right away. No hesitation needed. Read the book, see the movie, your life will be better for it.
Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman - September 2007 - On somewhat of a Gaiman kick this month, loved this like I love all his work, though American Gods is still my favorite novel.
The Wolves in the Walls, Neil Gaiman - September 2007 - The fantastic duo of Gaiman and McKean team up again for this wonderful children's book. There is actually a stage production going on right now for the month of October in New York, that I would give anything to be able to go see. If anyone who comes across this actually live in NY, please go see it and let me know how it is.
Death: The High Cost of Living, Neil Gaiman - September 2007 - a spin off from the highly acclaimed Sandman series. Death was one of my (and many others) favorite characters and this small but delightful set of stories was greatly appreciated as an Endless fan.
The Sandman: Endless Nights, Neil Gaiman - September 2007