Two YA fiction recommendations: Inkheart and The Children of Hurin

Apr 17 2007

Published by Anne-Marie at 2:13 pm under Books, YA-Young Adult Books

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I finally had a chance to finish Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart as my first venture into YA (young adult) fiction. It wasn’t bad, but I did find it a little disappointing. Some of the plot turns were kind of lame (why go back to Capricorn’s camp twice?). I’m also tired of the "missing or dead parent" plot device as A Wrinkle in Time and Disney use this ad nauseum. Still, the idea of having the ability to bring literary characters to life by "reading them out" of books was fascinating. I’ve heard the second book, Inkspell is even better and look forward to reading it.

Children_of_hurin However, it’ll have to wait for the "new" J.R.R. Tolkien book, The Children of Hurin. The book reunites Tolkien fans with the elves, men, dragons, dwarves, eagles and orcs that we all loved in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Nothing like visiting old friends.

The unfinished tale was reconstructed by J.R.R.’s son Christopher Tolkien after 30 years of editing. (You can read an essay on the book by Adam Tolkien, J.R.R.’s grandson.) It also contains paintings by Alan Lee, the Academy Award-winning designer of the film trilogy. He’s also interviewed on Amazon’s website.

I’m so excited about this that I’ll be going to the bookstore today to buy a copy instead of ordering it via Amazon.com and waiting for it to be delivered. Luckily, those nice folks at Barnes & Noble have provided a 37% off coupon. If you’re a Borders member you can use this coupon for 40% off. Both coupons expire 4/23/07.

I love great science fiction and fantasy, and it looks like The Children of Hurin will fit the bill…at least until the July 21 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I’ve placed my pre-order - have you?

(Click here for more YA novel reviews.)

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One Response to “Two YA fiction recommendations: Inkheart and The Children of Hurin”

# Nancyon 02 Jun 2007 at 4:42 pm

Although all the books suggested are on the hit parade, I have a book that is perfect for the YA reader during the summer when they are so busy that reading is often not part of the agenda. The title is Sixty Jars in a Pioneer Town. The author, Nanette Avery. It is a short historical fiction and well liked by my students. I suggest giving some new book a whirl for a change.