book reviews

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Yes, I'm behind. I only just finished reading this to my boys. Overall, I like Harry, but I'm not rabid about him. In the first two books, there are entirely too many times when he should talk to Dumbledore instead of stumbling about on his own, and it's too unbelievable that three novice magicians resolve these issues when the best wizards in the kingdom have not. Nonetheless, quibbles aside, it was a fun little book and the boys enjoyed it.

Jeffry D. Wert, The Sword of Lincoln. This book follows the trials and tribulations of the Army of the Potomac throughout the war, focusing largely on the changes at the top, but with a lot of reference to soldiers' letters and diaries to get their viewpoint as well. It's a good overview, and due to its nature covers quite a few areas that don't get a lot of attention normally.

Roger Lea MacBride, On the Other Side of the Hill. These books are interesting when you try and view the events from Laura's perspective rather than from Rose's. In this one, with droughts and fires and various other setbacks, you see the restless Laura of her own books straining against the ties that keep her in debt on a struggling farm, while at the same time pushing onward toward her ultimate goal of making it prosperous.

Edith Hamilton, Mythology. I could swear I tried to read this classic once before, and couldn't make it through. I can't imagine why. I found this a well-written, in-depth, entertaining overview of Greek mythology, with dabbles into Roman and Norse, as well.