When I sat down at the computer to start my work this morning, I felt like I was forgetting something, and then it dawned on me: our blog has resumed after a summer hiatus, and my day to post was yesterday! And so, like a kid walking into class late, I’m finally here and ready to start a new year of posting and reading and learning from my fellow potatoes.
Summer was hectic, what with our move to Whidbey Island, exploring our new “neighborhood,” and entertaining family and friends on our sailboat. As you can see by the accompanying picture, however, there is always time for reading!
Like some others, I tend to take summers off to read and recharge myself, then resume my writing schedule when school begins again. Some of the books I recently read and would recommend include:
The Willoughbys, by Lois Lowry. Very funny book, crisply written.
Freddy Goes to the North Pole, by Walter Brooks. I always seem to have a Freddy book on my nightstand. This one, second in the series, contains all the elements I enjoy in a novel: great characters, humorous situations, plenty of action, and a reading experience that is just plain fun!
The Teddy Bear Habit and its sequel Rich and Famous, by James Lincoln Collier. A “lost treasure” from my youth, The Teddy Bear Habit still inspires me, though I admit it’s strange to read a kid’s book involving beatniks and hippies, and adults who always seem to have a cigarette going! I was excited to finally read the sequel this summer, but must admit it did not have the power, for me, of the original.
Rumo, by Walter Moers. Another example of unbridled imagination by the author of The 13 ½ Lives of Captain Bluebear, one of my all-time favorite books.
To Catch a Mermaid, by Suzanne Selfors. Great fun, great plot, great writing!
Not Just a Witch, by Eva Ibbotson. I usually don’t read many books about witches or ghosts, but I love Eva Ibbotson and never fail to be inspired (and a bit daunted) by her talent. This one, as usual, did not disappoint.
Writing this list reminds me of how much I enjoy reading, and what inspired me to be a writer in the first place. Now it’s time to hunker down and do some of my own work…
5 comments:
Welcome back, Mark! Great picture. Our family LOVES all the Freddy books by Walter Brooks. I think we own and have read most of them. I have some favorites if you want to talk Freddy sometime.
I love the Freddie Books and Eva Ibbotson too! What fun to be reminded of them. Perhaps it is time to place them by my nightstand again!
It sounds like a full summer- moving is a huge thing with a family. Welcome to your new home!
Mark, what a marvelous, cozy spot for reading on your sailboat! I envy you and your son. Best wishes for you and your family as you settle into your new home on Whidbey Island.
THE TEDDY BEAR HABIT...I haven't thought of that title in years, not since I read it close to 40 years ago! But I still remember the plot, and can picture the main character keeping his teddy bear hidden inside a guitar. Thanks for the reminder, Mark. And I think it's time to read an Eva Ibbotson book; it's been a while since I've done so, and I, too, admire her writing.
Such a great photo. And welcome back! I'm so envious you get to live on Whidbey, that is my dream locale...
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