The Phantom Tollbooth

This was another book group book. The kids really liked it, but I could take it or leave it. It is touted as being a math book and there are several instances where that is true and that may also be why it didn't really hit the spot for me. It was just too left-brained for my flowery, creative right brain.  I really don't remember much about it other than a dog that is actually a clock and some play on words with dictionary terms etc.

The Golden Fleece

and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles by Padriac Colum

This book would be more recognized if it were titled Jason and the Argonauts since that is what it's about. Of course, the task that Jason and the Argonauts set out to accomplish was getting the Golden Fleece, but I think because of the movie, more people would recognize it by that name. This is a great introduction to Greek Mythology for children (and me). I have heard before that most stories have their origin in either Greek Mythology, the Bible or Shakespeare and through reading this book, I can see that this is a true statement. While reading, I kept coming across elements that can be found in other well-known stories, like The Lord of the Rings, Lot and his family leaving Sodom and Gomorrah, and Snow White, to name a few. This book is not necessarily a page turner, but still a worthwhile read if one is not ready to read Homer (which I have read, but can't remember).

The Help

Five Stars, hands down, one of the best books I have ever read. It was engaging, funny, witty, taught lessons, made me cry with laughter and sadness. I can't say enough about this adult novel set during the civil rights movement and the movie was perfect as well.