Archive for July, 2009

This is another book I’ve been meaning to read for quite some time. I even have the sequel already in my possession (Seeing Redd). This story is the imaginative retelling of Alice in Wonderland. At first glance, the reader may think, but I know this story! But you don’t, you really don’t, not the way Frank Beddor tells it!

Alyss is the princess of Wonderland, heir to the throne. Her mother rules the land as head of the Heart family, one of the 4 dynastic families of the country. Years ago, Alyss’ aunt, Redd, who should have ascended to the throne, was cast away from Wonderland because of her evilness and tendencies toward Black Imagination (more on that later). For years, she has sought her revenge on the royal family.

Surrounded by friends, Dodge, her childhood playmate, Hatter Madigan, her mother’s personal bodyguard, and Bibwit Hare, her tutor, Alyss lives in the royal palace, until the day of her 7th birthday when Redd seeks to exact her vengeance.

Alyss is whisked away along with Hatter into our world, where they are separated and she is forced to put aside her memories of Wonderland and live and grow with her adopted family, becoming Alice. And all the while, the new Queen Redd tortures her citizens into submission. How will this twisted tale of Alice in Wonderland be set to rights in the end?

The characters in this book are fascinating, and very different than what you would expect, coming from the original tale. Alice is a beautiful girl, with extensive powers of imagination (in this world, the power of imagination is used to create things from nothing–White Imagination being used for good, and Black Imagination being used for evil). Her tutor, Bibwit Hare (you may think of him as the white rabbit), is intelligent, resourceful, and courageous. Queen Redd is just as mad and crazy as ever, but there is a story to her sad existence, and while you may not pity her, there is certainly more depth to this than ever was before.

I’m very excited to pick up the next book, Seeing Redd, and then the third comes out this fall. What will come next for Alyss of Wonderland?

Do you have any 4th of July traditions? Many people watch fireworks with their family and loved ones. Or perhaps you have a barbeque, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, and maybe even some corn on the cob.

This year I decided to relax, stay at home with my family and read a few books. Oh, and of course I had to watch Independence Day. The 4th of July has always been a big day for action movies (especially if you’re Will Smith).

It’s a great patriotic movie for the holiday. And, oh, you have to have popcorn. Definitely. I feel the same way about these types of action movies as I do a great many books–many that would in turn make great movies themselves.

I just recently finished the 4th Percy Jackson book by Rick Riordan. I again recommend this series. It’s fun, humorous, and has insanely suspenseful storylines that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy immensely.

So this holiday, and this summer, pick up an action book or watch and action movie, toss back some popcorn and have fun!

Hello world! I just got a Blackberry and now can blog with it. I wouldn’t recommend it, but I hope to utilize it for quick updates. I hope to update this week with some great books I have read recently and other news. As always, thanks for reading!