So I read a Dickens’ book over the past couple of weeks that I never read before and really had no interest in. However, for the 2015 book reading challenge I needed a book that my mom loves, and this is what she gave me – The Olde Curiosity Shoppe. As a bonus, you can download it for free on your Kindle.

I have to say that this was the HARDEST Dickens’ book I have ever read. I had to force myself to read the first half – constantly reminding myself that I had to do this for the challenge. Finally, I was hooked. Let me say that this book has the most hideous villain of any Dickens’ book that I have ever read. I do not have enough words to describe how much I hate Daniel Quilp. I was never so glad to see a bad guy get his comeuppance.

There was also someone who I started out not liking much – Richard Swiveller. He’s a shallow opportunist who drinks too much, but through the course of the book he changes for the better. He shows that he can put the needs of others before his own wants. By the end of the book he was one of my favourite characters.

I also enjoyed the character of Kit. He’s a simple, good good-hearted soul. He doesn’t seem like much when you first meet him, but he’s a big part of the book, and you really do love him. He is falsely accused of stealing five pounds which in those days could mean being transported to a penal colony. You’ll have to read the book to see how it all turns out for Kit. 

So, if you can hang in there until you’re hooked you will enjoy this book.

17-year-old daughter – Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery. This is the fifth book in the Anne series – a sweet tale of Anne as a wife and mother.

 

 

 

15-year-old son – The Collected Short Stories of Louis L’Amour

13-year-old son – “A” volume of the World Book Encyclopedia (1969). This is from the set that my dad and mom bought for me when I was born. Even with the internet I still see the value of having encyclopedias. My two oldest boys can often be found with a volume.  If you’re in the room with them you will soon be listening to any random facts that they find especially interesting.

11-year-son – Gold Medal Summer by Donna Freitas

9-year-old daughter – Isabel: Taking Wing by Annie Dalton…A historical novel about late 16th century London.

7 and 4 year-old sons – Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We’re still working our way through this. Micah is enjoying listening to how Pa built their house, stable, doors, roof, floor, fireplace, and soon we’ll read how the well was dug.

 

 2-year-old son – Time for School, Mouse by Laura Numeroff.

Have you ever had to force yourself to read something?