The latest trap:
I could tell, he was proud of himself. He knows I enjoy reading YA to preview books for my children, make suggestions to our library director, and because some of them have been very good. He also knows that my heart belongs to the classics. "This is a young-adult book, written in a Dickensian style, it says on the jacket," he tells me with a grin. "I thought you might like it."
I look at it and shrug, thinking to myself, "Probably not Dickensian in style. Probably not something I want to read, it is about a print shop!" But then he looked crestfallen. I had disappointed him. I added the book to my bag, but first managed to read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaskey, and Fang by James Patterson. Then I thought I'd better tackle the book hubbins brought home.
Well, it has some aspects that remind me of Dickens. The feeling of the desperation of London at that time; Dickens was really good at weighing his readers down with the bleakness of it. Bajoria accomplishes that same sense of understanding of the filth of London both figuratively and literally, and the injustice served upon the children who were poor or orphaned. We follow the story of Mog, a 12-year-old printer's apprentice, which is commonly known as a printer's devil.
Mog is a bit too curious and gets tangled up in an intrigue of drugs, criminals, and the London subculture that lurks in the shadows and most would like to ignore. There are many twists and turns which required me to go back and re-read passages to discover a clue I had overlooked or to reacquaint with a character I had dismissed. This story held me captivated. The bravery of Mog never ceased to impress me.
I am sick today, too sick to go into work, and ended up in bed most of the day. When I was not sleeping, I was reading this book. I got to the end...and...was...left...hanging. Darn. He did it to me again. It is part one of a trilogy. I ordered the next book from ILL and now I wait. I recommend reading this one, but having book two waiting before you are done, you will want to pick it up and keep going. I know I wanted to.
It's Monday, what are you reading?
**NOTE TO LIBRARIANS**
I was intrigued enough that I mentioned the book to the librarian who does the purchasing. I looked it up in the catalog to find it is categorized both as J-Fic and as YA within our system. I would maintain the subject matter of working children, child abuse, drugs, murder, and intrigue put this solidly within the YA, and I would go out on a limb and say it could hold its own categorized as Adult Fic.
12 comments:
I think thats sweet that your hubby brings you home books. You are a lucky wife indeed.
I read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side last week also, I liked it. And The Printer's Devil sounds interesting, I'm going to have to check that one out. Have a great week.
Haven't heard of the Printer's Devil before but it sounds promising!
Danya
A Tapestry of Words
Oh, I've heard of this one before! I won a copy a while back (*checks calendar....yeah a WHILE*) but as of yet have not had the chance to read it. Sounds like it shall live up to expectations I had when selecting it...glad you enjoyed it as well! Keep discovering new reading adventures thanks to your husband's random purchases... ^_^
Happy reading!
I'll look out for The Printer's Devil, thanks. I actually work for a printing company, so the title is right up my street! :D
Thanks for commenting on my blog.
Every Last One was my first Anna Quindlen book, and I am hooked on her writing. However, the subject matter was heavy and depressing and left this mommy clinging to her kids. Not sure if all her books are like this one or not. but, I did like it enough, that I will probably read more.
It must be so nice to have a hubby who brings you books! Even though mine reads a lot,I still do most of the book acquiring in our household. I'd love to be surprised with a book gift now and then.
Hope you enjoy all your reading this week!
Thanks for visiting my blog and all your nice comments!
It's so sweet that your hubby brings you books! How lucky are you?
http://www.theliterarylioness.com
This is such a fun post! Seriously - I love that your hubby does that but what a bummer when you discover they are part of a series! Hope you feel better.
:D
I wish I had someone who bought me books and I hope you feel better soon.
How thoughtful of your husband - enjoy your reading.
Thanks for the comments, everyone! Yes, I'm a lucky girl, my hubby is always thinking of me. He brings me books and snacks. He is also delighted to read all of your comments! His tailfeathers were on display this morning ;-)
~Lily
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