i love dirt!

i love dirt! 52 activities to help you & your kids discover the wonders of nature by Jennifer Ward (Trumpeter Books, 2008).

I know. We are approaching the season, at least in the Northwest, that dirt is inaccessible, either snow and ice covered, frozen solid, or muddy.

I still love this book! The illustration took me right in. The little boy on the front looks like my son at that age and my grandson. I WANT to find that same trail and head down it.

Kids LOVE being outside. This book is full of ideas to get your kids to connect with and enjoy nature. They will use anything that is outside to fuel their imagination.

Take for example, our playground at school. Inside the gym on rainy/snowy/icy days, they can play line tag, a form of chase that is conducted entirely on the gym floor lines. Now, a new one for me, is the outside twin to this game. Our big equipment section is situated on a base of chipped wood, easily a foot deep. Almost ALL of the students have spent many recesses dragging their feet and hands to make lines all over the bark, creating bark trails.

"Now we can play line tag outside," yelled one joyous boy.

So that's what it was! I was wondering. (Obviously unfettered minds had moved from tunnels of military action to a whole group game. Before that, tunnels and ditches houses and homes. Before that, holes of habitation and animal dwellings.)

This book is a great idea book and resource for families and teachers. Love it!

Not to mention I bought it at Powell's in Portland, a must see block of books if you are a lover of books.

Eat, Pray, Love

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (Penguin Books, 2066)

I tried. Really.

Usually I love travel books. But I just couldn't get into this one.

Ok, the first third of the book, where the author travels to Italy, was good. I really thought I would enjoy the rest.

Then came the second portion. She divided the book up into 36 chapters each, 108 total, for a special number. My belief system is so different than what she describes and explains and goes on about that I found myself wondering when this section would be over. I actually skipped many pages. (The book gets done faster that way.)

And then yesterday, even when she went on to the last third, travel to Indonesia, I gave up. No more.

The travel stuff is fun and she is a very honest, witty writer. I laughed aloud at some things.

But the religious viewpoints just grated my teeth. Especially in such great detail.

I'd pass on this one. I know. It's a movie, etc. That's why I thought I would read it - travel, movie - then go see it.

Guess not.

Not a keeper. Be putting it back on the PaperBackSwap exchange site.

Special Delivery

Special Delivery by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers, 2012)

If you have even had the slightest concern about human trafficking, as disturbing as the thought is, this book is an eye opener.

Special Delivery is well written. The content is exceptionally hard to read. Though fiction, the fact is that human trafficking is a reality. I had a very hard time thinking that people could treat others in such horrible ways.

The story line weaves between two settings, eventually coming together in the end.

Definitely a book to read to increase your awareness of human trafficking. Bring the tissues.

TIP: One more day only - for the month of July, this book is available for your Kindle and Nook for $2.99.

Red Ink

Red Ink by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers, 2010)

Available through New Hope Publishers, www.newhopepublishers.com

You hear inklings about the persecution of believers in other countries. Sometimes it is easier to not think about what our brothers and sisters endure when they remain firm in their belief in Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks many times about hardships some will face. Faith through persecution is a strong faith indeed.

Kathi Macias wrote Red Ink, a fictional story about a young mother who is placed in prison because of her faith in Christ. This story tells of her difficult and heart breaking trials. Macias divided her story between the two continents of China and America. Prayer warriors are supernaturally called to pray for a woman in prison in China, while also dealing with trials of their own. Macias does a masterful job of weaving the separate portions of the story together.

Though fictional, the persecution of believers is real. I enjoyed reading this book on my Kindle, even though it was very disturbing to think about the reality of persecution. Read this novel and see how you are called to pray and get involved.

Pearl in the Sand

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar (Moody Publishers, 2010)

I love this book! I had no idea what it was even about when I got a free copy for my Kindle.

No money well spent! Tessa Afshar does a fabulous job of filling in the life of Rahab, a prostitute in the biblical city of Jericho who helped Joshua's spies(Old Testament famous Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down). Joshua was the leader who took over when Moses passed away.

While much of the story was a speculative love story about lifestyles back then, the spiritual insights and connections with Jewish history were enlightening. I enjoyed reading and thinking about this story based on Rahab, a woman listed in the lineage of Christ.

Read it. It's great.

I Do Read, You Know

Seriously, one would think I never read, according to how often I post about books. I read all the time.

But who wants to hear about the local newspaper or food labels or yahoo news reports? I have several books in progress, but prefer to complete them before blogging. And now, with the Kindle, I don't feel free to borrow a cover shot from publishers or book companies to go along with those I can't take a photo of. Conundrums.

Speaking of Kindle, though, New Hope Publishers is having a great deal this month! Many of their titles are available for $2.99 the entire month of July! That's a steal.

Check out titles at www.newhopepublishers.com.

Really. Go now. Now. Stock up.

Heading there myself. See you in cyberspace.

River's Call

River's Call by Melody Carlson

Just a warning! This book is the middle book of a trilogy! I wasn't aware of that when I read it. When I got to the last page, it wasn't done yet!

But all is fine. I enjoyed this book and can easily imagine what happened in the first book. I do need to track down book 3 to finish the tale of women who learn to live with their Native American heritage.

I would show it to you by cover, but it's already packaged and ready to be on its' way to a member of Paperbackswap. I barely added the book to my account (ready to send to someone else) and there was a request already in place! I like that quick turnaround.

Good, light read.

The Light At Tern Rock

The Light At Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer (Scholastic, Inc., 1951).

An oldie but a goodie. The Light At Tern Rock gives an insider's view into the loneliness and isolation of a woman and young boy as they spend Christmas working at the lighthouse.

Though old, as far as technology and such goes, this book tells a great story about a young boy who is promised that he will be home for Christmas - but he is not. Old fashioned ink illustrations give voice to the setting and emotions of the story.

Quick read, suitable for elementary readers and those in love with lighthouses. It made me feel and want to experience the dedication and harsh conditions necessary for working at a lighthouse.

Thumbs up.

Natural Consequences

The Ladybug and Other Insects by Pascale de Bourgoing, Gallimard Jeunesse and Sylvie Perols (A First Discovery Book, 1991)

The Very Grouchy Ladybug (by Eric Carle)

That's it. Aphids are destroying some of my plants, especially the used-to-be beautiful flowers.



I'm going au natural. Marched down to the nursery and bought 1500 ladybugs. Give or take. Hah! That'll show them who's boss. $9.99 per container. Let's see, that works out to about... $.0067 cents each. What a deal!

Special directions are to water garden first. Let drip. AFTER sundown, release 1/3 of the ladybugs. (Easier said than done, as ALL want to be first out - 1500 voices yelling, "Let me out of here!"). I chilled mine first in the fridge to slow them down. Did not last long.

Put ladybugs at the base of the plants, as they will climb up. If they are released after sundown, they will not immediately fly away.

I actually read and followed the directions. Today, I saw 1/3 of my ladybugs. Busy on the ugly flowers, munching away on the vermin who set out to ugli-fy my plants.



Mission appears to be accomplished.

Skip a day. Add the next 1/3 of the ladybugs. Skip a day. Add the last 1/3. Slowly, slowly, I am building up a ladybug colony. This is exciting. I want to see some tiny yellow eggs and then some larva crawling around. Yes.

But while I'm waiting, maybe I'll check out two great ladybug books. The Very Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle is a fiction gem. I believe about 1499 of the ladybugs in my container were grouchy. Now only about 599 are grouchy. Carle's book is loads of fun for kids and adults.

A wonderful nonfiction fact filled treasure is The Ladybug and Other Insects. The photographs are great, as well as the information garnered to help me on my quest for eradicating the plant leeches in my garden.

In Progress

Seriously. I have so many books and magazines and other 'reading' endeavors half begun. I have high hopes of finishing them all (with the goal of beginning even more reading projects).

Currently, partially through Little Women (a free classic on my Kindle). Started This Present Darkness (Frank Peretti), which I think I have read in the past. I have Paris to the Moon partially started, but will have to go back to the beginning to remember what is going on in the novel. Almost done with the Book of Acts (Bible) and ready to go back and read about Joseph in the Old Testament. Started The Best Cat Ever, but couldn't really get into, which means I may give it one more try to see if it clicks. If not, it's hasta la vista baby - going on the book exchange web site. About half way done with Streams in the Desert (can only read one page a day, as it's a devotional). I would be in the middle of the June Missions Mosaic, except, again, I have misplaced the current month's issue. I have May and I have July, but June has jumped my ship of stacked and readable goods. Just finished Good Housekeeping. The July issue of Martha arrived yesterday, and it looks good. Making good headway through Classroom Management (for a class I'm taking). That is not it. But I'm embarrassed to say how many more reading projects I have lined up...

C'est tres normal for me. I LOVE reading. I LOVE words and plays on words. Written texts draw me in. Zip. I'm there. I once had my administrator say, as we were discussing one of my text oriented students, "Look at that poster. Now either you look at it and notice the pictures, or you notice the words."

I always notice the words first. That's my label. Text oriented.

I have it. My new career goal is to be a professional reader. Yes. I like that idea. Any ideas how to start that one and actually get paid for it?

Guess I'll have to read up on it.

Yay! Just found the June Missions Mosaic. Right here on my desk. Better get busy.

Frankie Works the Night Shift

Frankie Works the Night Shift by Lisa Westberg Peters (Greenwillow Books, 2010).




I just discovered this fabulous book! If you love cats, children, and enticing illustrations, this is definitely for you. Even if you only slightly enjoy the above, you will have a fun time reading Frankie Works the Night Shift.

Frankie (aka night watch cat at a hardware store) is on the prowl. Part adventure, part comedy, part counting book, this must have book was loved by my current audience of 6 year-olds.



I shall be hunting this book down for my own library. I know two grandbabies and many, many future students who will love Frankie as I do.

Going to the Olympics, Uh-huh

Yes, indeed, I am heading to the Olympics. THE Olympics. August. London, England. Kind of thinking hot and humid and sweaty and crowded (that last one could be a severe UNDERstatement) but who cares? It's London AND the Olympics!

How exciting is that?

In preparation for my trip, I found a great picture book about London at a recent library visit. Can't do London without some great photographs thrown in.

United Kingdom, Country Explorers, by Madeline Donaldson (Lerner Publications Company, 2011) is a great book. Written at an elementary level, it's a quick and informative read. And like I said, it has great photos. The book also explains some history of the United Kingdom and covers a broad base of general information. Perfect for someone who is going to the Olympics.

Like moi.

Christmas in Williamsburg

Christmas in Williamsburg, 300 Years of Family Traditions by K.M. Kostyal with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (National Geographic Society, 2011).

Yes. I know it's May. Not even May 31st. But I took a field trip recently with my kinder students to visit a local library where one of the mom's is a librarian.

And guess what I found? A very cool book put out by National Geographic. So, Christmas in May. :) Since I've been to this historic town, it was a little like revisiting a favorite stopping place. Except we went in the summer. And it was nice outside. And they weren't decorated for Christmas.

But still, it was colonial Williamsburg! For someone who spends 99.9% of her time on the west coast, that is pretty cool.

(Mr. Q. on the phone while gazing down the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.)

This book is filled with history and connections to the past and present. Christmas traditions are explained. Photographs, sketches, and artwork decorate the pages. Written for children and adolescents (and history loving Nana's), this book is delightful. Included are many do-it-yourself projects and recipes. Excellent!

I truly enjoyed my mini-vacation into Christmas.

(Don't know what I was thinking, but this is the ONE photo of myself in C.W., sitting next to a historical figure in bronze. Just can't remember who it was.)

I have to remember to recheck out the book around the beginning of November. When I am decking my own halls and re-establishing our Quantrell family traditions.

P.S. Can you see yours truly in the reflection on Christmas in Williamsburg?

Wins - By a Hand

"If he grows into his paws, this guy is going to be HUGE."

Those were my thoughts as I traced the hands of one of my students. Reminded me of the old saying about dogs. This guy had pretty large hands. It will be interesting to see how tall he gets.

Mother's Day is upon us next Sunday, so kindergartners are busily preparing for our Mother's Tea. Prep includes card making, cleaning of desks, making of gifts, decorating...That's how I came to notice the big paws of one of my little guys.

We made Mother's Day cards from a project listed in From the Hands of A Child, Special Seasonal Art Activities for Primary Children by Anthony Flores (David S. Lake Publishers, 1987). We turned the flower basket (complete with green hands for flower stems) into a Mother's Day greeting. They are exceptionally cute.

This book is great for hand-sy ideas. I had to trace the parts for my students, but older can do their own pre-craft work.

Thumbs up for this book! (and pinkies and pointers and ring fingers...)

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, Art by James Dean

I LOVE this book! My students LOVE this book! The soundtrack for it is awesome.

Pete the Cat has some cool white shoes. But they don't stay white. And Pete is cool with that, because it's all good.

Once you listen to this book on CD and check out the neat illustrations, the song and words will be burned into your memory. My kinders cannot help but jump up and move to the music when we have this book playing.

Don't want to ruin the ending for you. We created our own guitar props and added a tail, ears, kitty nose, and whiskers to our bodies to become like Pete the Cat. And then we went walking down the street...

Best Friend

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

Approximately 2000 years ago today, my best Friend did this.

He willingly and painfully gave up His life for me, His friend. Me, who wouldn't be born for over 2000 years. He, who is master of all time, space, and eternity, chose to take the hard way. For me.

For you.

His name is Jesus. The Name above ALL Names. Not some names. Not a few. Not just the pretty people (or the poor or the wise or the silly or this or that group). All.

"For God so loved the world (the WHOLE world, meaning the people on the whole world, including those in the past, present, and future) that He gave His one and only Son (ONE means 1, not any other number; only means ONLY), that whoever (WHO EVER, anyone can choose to believe, but choose they must do, just as Christ CHOSE to die for us) believes in Him shall not perish (ie: spend all time beyond death in separation from God) but have eternal life (that's a long time folks, eternity, to infinity and beyond)." John 3:16

Thank you, Jesus, for choosing me. And us.

Alive

Alive as heard on Music Inspired by The Story (see iTunes)
Artist: Natalie Grant

Who but You
Could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies
And dream of me?
What kind of Love
Is writing my story until the end
With Mercy's pen?
Only You
What kind of king
Would choose to wear a crown that bleeds and scars
To win my heart?
What kind of Love
Tells me I'm the reason He can't stay
Inside the grave?
You. Is it You?
Standing here before my eyes
Every part of my heart cries


My new FAVORITE song, part of a wonderful CD by a variety of Christian artists.

It's mind-boggling to imagine WHO would choose to do all that is told in The Story.

Me = humbled and grateful.

The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley I LOVE women heroines and horses and adventure, especially when they are all thrown into the mix together. I very much enjoyed this adventure fantasy story by McKinley. Harry, yes, a female, discovers that she has distant bloodlines of the Hill folk. After she is taken to live with them, she learns many new things about herself - including how to fight, survive, and ride superb horseflesh! My favorite stories are where the underdog or misfit finds her place, through much toil and many challenges. And in the end, she gets a great guy. Romance! Good versus evil, clashing cultures, reconciliation...great read.

The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley: I LOVE stories when heroines and horses and adventures all come together. Harry, yes, a female, is the heroine of this riveting fantasy adventure. Good versus evil, insurmountable obstacles, family tragedy, lack of direction for the future...It's all woven into a tale of a woman who overcomes difficulties and learns to thrive in a new culture. AND she finds out she can speak an unknown - to her -

language (don't we all wish that?), fight, lead, and ride superb horseflesh! And in the end, she gets a great guy. Romance to boot. Great story and a fun read.

Cookie's Week

Cookie's Week by Cindy Ward

Love this book. Especially since my kinders are paying attention to rhyming, illustrations, authors, animals, days of the week...According to one particularly memory-gifted child, I also read it on the first day of school (in August). Today is March 20. He is correct, by the way.

As we re-read Cookie's Week, suddenly my eagle eye super kids noticed, "Hey, that's watercolors!" "And salt!"

Maybe the grammar wasn't correct, but the comments were right on. We have been noticing how authors illustrate and create stories. We've even used watercolor paints, combined with cool salt effects, to make our own illustrations.

Read about Cookie's days and troubles caused by an over-energetic kitten. Enjoy simple predictable phrases and great watercolor illustrations.

Thumb's up.

(Weird, but the photo is correct on my memory card, but each time it loads sideways. Just hold your computer on its' side and you'll be fine.)

Chalice

Chalice by Robin McKinley (Firebird,2008)

What an interesting book! I recently read one of McKinley's books, and enjoyed her fun writing. So I checked out a few more of her books.

Chalice is basically a fairy tale, and a quick easy read. Nice for falling into bed and enjoying a bit of a good story (or a page or two) before my eyes shut.

Classic fairy tale stuff, with the evil guy, the nasty older brother, disaster, failing lands...and then the Chalice (it's a title? job? calling? appointment?) is chosen and begins to try and pull the land together. In comes the Master of the land, hero in disguise. No spoilers for you on this one either!

Just let me say, the part I like best is the way the Chalice works with bees and nature and uses all sorts of natural remedies for everyday problems.

Girl hero + overwhelmingly hard tasks + negative situations = a great fairy tale.

Home to Holly Springs

Home to Holly Springs, The First of the Father Tim Novels by Jan Karon.

You may have figured out by now that I like books by Jan Karon. Her characters are so true to their nature and the interactions and relationships between book personalities rings honest. Not always nice and pleasant, but honest. I've read all of her Mitford books. And I've stumbled on the first novel of Father Tim.

Home to Holly Springs tells the story of Timothy as he revisits his growing up town and all of the events that happened during his childhood and adolescence. Karon really tackles some big social issues in this novel. But if I tell you...I'd have to kill you. I mean, I'll just let you read it yourself. No spoilers for you!

Again, she has created a wonderful, thought provoking, past examining story. If this is the first...where are the others?

Waiting for the next one.

Heaven is for Real

Heaven is for Real, A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson, 2010)

My little boy nodded as though reporting nothing more remarkable than seeing a ladybug in the front yard. "Yeah, Jesus was there."
"Well, where was Jesus?"
Colton looked me right in the eye. "I was sitting on Jesus' lap." (p.xix)

If you're curious about Heaven, this is a great read. If you are not curious about what happens after death, this is a worthwhile endeavor.

I read this book in two evenings. Fast paced, easy to read, and enjoyable. Of course, I didn't stop along the way to look up Scripture references provided by the dad of Colton, the child who described great details about his trip to heaven during a surgery.

Dad, Todd Burpo, is pastor at Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Nebraska. Burpo provides numerous accounts from the Bible that correlate with Colton's experience. Hard to believe, as seen through the eyes of a then four year old child. But then, without faith, Heaven is a hard concept to grasp. (Although most hope that it is real. Well, maybe some hope it is not real, because they are not ready and don't think they will get to go when their time is up.)

Still skeptical? Read the book. And then go a bit further and check out the DVD based study and participant's guide that goes along with Heaven is for Real, which includes Bible study about Heaven as given in the Good Book. Visit www.heavenisforreal.net and www.hifrministries.org for more information.

Done reading. Done blogging. Time to check out the Web sites.

That's where I'm headed next.

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman (Cowman Publications, Inc.; Zondervan Publishing House, 1925).


"We fail many times to receive the blessing He has ready for us, because we do not go forward with Him. While we miss much good through not waiting for God, we also miss much through over-waiting. There are times when our strength is to sit still, but there are also times when we are to go forward with a firm step." (p. 29, J.R. Miller)

This year, 2012, I am revisiting a devotional book I discovered in college. This seemed to be the right year to reread the compilation of great and deep thoughts, comments, songs, poems, Bible verses, and more.

Although much of the text is old King James wording, the truths and illustrations ring loud and clear. Numerous dog-ears already fill the first month of devotions. Sigh. My poor books!

Needing insight and inspiration? Several editions of Streams in the Desert are available. But I'd just go ahead and start with the first one.

May inspiring reading abound to you.

John 3

What a fabulous book!

John 3 - a chapter within a book within a Book. All you need to know.

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3)

Another famous verse in this Book of John was shared by children last Sunday between plays of a football game, New England and Denver, if I remember correctly (thanks to Tebow, tebowing - a new verb - and Tebow 316). Radical!

Check out the instant replay on YouTube. Look for John 3:16.

Lawn Boy Returns

"And here I'd thought telling Kenny and Allen I was rich had been tricky. Wait until Mom and Dad got home and I had to break it to them that my finances were being audited. Or frozen. Or audited and then frozen. Whatever. It was not the kind of news you broke to your parents over the phone; this called for face time when they got back from up north." (page 62, Lawn Boy Returns, Paulsen; Scholastic, 2010)

What happens when a 12 year-old kid gets rich, has a personal stock broker, a lawn mowing business, employees, sponsors a boxer? He gets in trouble with the IRS and inherits mysterious relatives! And then the bad guys come in.

Not too bad for a return book. I enjoyed the fact that this preteen needed to get away and think for awhile. The only place he could do that was if he went off and mowed a few lawns. Does that sound familiar!?! Like father (KQ), like son (TQ).

Quick, fun read. Boys will enjoy this story. Good for discussion about making money, stock markets, personal goals, dreams, interesting family...

Lawn Boy

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen caught my eye due to the lawn mower on the front cover.

We had our own lawn mover boy, from the age of 2, and he lived, breathed, fixed, used, took apart, followed, inhaled...lawn mowers. The bigger he got the bigger the mowers got. Until he was big enough to dig into the engines of full sized vehicles. Now lawn mowers are relegated to the station of yard tool. Truck and diesel engines rule.

I thought Lawn Boy would be an entertaining story of someone like our own lawn mower boy. It began that way, where the main character was given his grandpa's riding lawn mower for his birthday (hmmm, our lawn boy was given several mowers, good ones, broken ones, ones for parts, ones to fix...).

The boy starts out mowing his own somewhat horrible lawn, and ends up feeling a super connection with the mower. In short order he has entire neighborhoods using his mowing services, builds his own mowing empire complete with assistants, workers, a stock broker - the whole works.

This is a story of a poor family and how they get rich in a unique way. I was more interested in the original word play than the stock market talk, but the book was entertaining.

I think our own lawn mower boy takes the cake, but this book was a good read. Kids in elementary school, boys in particular, will enjoy reading Lawn Boy. Especially if they like mowing lawns and making money.

In This Mountain

Just finished In This Mountain by Jan Karon (Book 7 in the Mitford Series - somewhere I got out of order, as I need to read Book 9 next).

What a pleasant read! I love the character development so much. You can almost see what is coming with Father Tim refusing to take his medication for diabetes. The twists and turns of faith being worked out in multiple lives are very good. Karon manages to get the plan of salvation, the salvation prayer, and numerous Scripture references and direct quotes worked into the story line.

What I really enjoy is that the people in her books are people. Just normal, everyday people. While shy on cuss words, violence, and steamy sex scenes (I would say about 0, which is fine by me), true life happens. So and so comes from abusive backgrounds, mean people coexist with normal people, even evil people have a place in Mitford (but wait - evil people have a chance at reclamation, as regularly viewed during Christmas in A Christmas Carol).

Good and bad things happen in Karon's book(s). I keep waiting to read that Barnabas gets old and dies. I don't mind so much the people dying, although I like it when the author ends the books/series with most everyone intact. But when the favorite pets pass on, ouch.

Waiting for Book 9. I remember snatches of it, especially relating to certain characters, but it has been so long since I've read it, I'm not sure what happens. Joy! A brand new book! It sometimes pays to forget stuff!

I recommend this book, beginning at Book 1, all the way through Book 9.

Looks like Karon is working on prequels to Father Tim's life. I started one about going back to Holly Springs, but can't commit to it yet. Gotta finish Book 9 first.

BTW: Check this source out if you would like to trade books for the cost of postage (no charge, just postage to mail your books to other members, they mail their books to you...). I'm waiting for my Book 9 from this source.

www.paperbackswap.com (This site also includes hardback and listening volumes.)

Happy Reading.

The Dragon Rider Series

Humph. I'm a bit upset at the supposed conclusion of the HUGE, long, four volume Dragon Rider series.

Just finished Inheritance (Christopher Paolini). It did not end how I wanted it to. It did not end at all. Let's say that too many questions were unanswered and left hanging for the author to write THE END on the final page.

Sure, he admits to going off to other characters and stories. He even says he may have to come back and write some more to clear up some of the wide open leads and clues that left me frustrated. Duh!

Maybe he's just tired. The four books are after all, large volumes. Excellent reading (except for that phase where the dragons were all using hyphenated thoughts, which I thought was a bit distracting and annoying).

Good versus evil, compelling characters, twisting relationships, treachery, secrets, mysterious happenings, war, devastation, hope, unforeseen relatives, loss, gain, power, leaders,...but conclusion? No way.

So, from this reader, just take a year or so off. Then get back to it, baby. We all know it will take a few years to get the next volume out anyway. We'll wait.

But don't leave us hanging.