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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

A Novel a Day Keeps the Fidgets Away

I'm a nanny. I get paid to play. Play, break up fights and force stubborn children to eat their vegetables. Like any job, mine has it's trying moments. I scrub away explosions of fingerpaint, I ward off vicious cats, I deal with tantrums, I monitor computer time, and create an endless list of activities to fill the day, but the truly interesting thing about kids is how easily entertained they can be. Yesterday I took the boys to Bowness Park, and they threw rocks in the river for hours. Give the boys a ball and a bat and they will invent their own version of two-man baseball, which usually involves getting very dirty. I have discovered that in light of these kids creativity and ability to be so easily entertained, there are typically several hours in my work day when I have nothing to do.
After my first day of suppressed boredom, I concluded that it would be best to bring a book to work. I am a self-proclaimed bookworm, and I usually have book going. I would say that I'm a regular reader. This summer, my intake of books has skyrocketed. In the endless hours I spend sitting by the river, with nothing to do but keep a watchful eye on my charges, I am usually going through a book in about a day and a half. For lack of anything better to say, here is a list of just some of the books I've consumed in the past weeks:
Boy; Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl- I first brought this book with the possibility of reading it to the boys, but I think their attention spans are a little short. In the end, I read it myself to kickstart my reading frenzy. For anyone who is interested or cares, I strongly recommend it.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis- For lack of anything better o read at the time, I reread my all-time favourites. C.S. Lewis is a genius. I'll never tire of these books.
The Giver by Lois Lowry- I read this in about half a day. We were at Bowness Park. I first read it in grade 5, and I still cry every time.
NOTE: For anyone who's read it, Jonas does NOT find another community at the end, he definitely dies. (Sorry, Spoilers)
Eragon by Christopher Paolini- I confess, I read this one AFTER I saw the movie, but I definitely like the book better. An impressive book for a 17 year old.
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella- also, Can You Keep a Secret? and Shopaholic ties the Knot. I read these when it was really hot and I was easily annoyed. They're a good brainless read.
Emma by Jane Austen- Not such a brainless book, but nonetheless enjoyable. Not my favourite Jane Austen though.
World War I in Cartoon- I found this one in the library. It was interesting to read. Cool to see all that history and propaganda.
The Belgariad by David Eddings- This is five books. Another favourite. I first read them in grade 8, and it's amazing how good a book can be when you haven't read it in years. Especially if you were pretty naive and didn't get half of it the first time you read it. Oh, and I also read Guardians of the West by the same author.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke- my current project. I've never read it before, so it's quite exciting. So far, I like it. It's an interesting idea.
See? Isn't my job just full of intrigue?

1 comment:

smiley said...

Inkheart is sooo good!! I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you would like to read the sequel let me know!

I wish I could read at my job... Oh well!! I'm done... TOMORROW!! :D