November 2020 Books

 The total for this month was 7 books, 3 magazines, and 0 books abandoned.

That brings the total to the year to 111 books, 32 magazines, and 6 books abandoned.

The Archer's Cup 

by S. D. Smith

Hot of the press, this is the ninth book by S. D. Smith, and the third devoted to the adventures of the up-and-coming rabbit Archer, Jo Shanks.  Excellent.

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

by Howard Pyle

The original book about Robin Hood and his merry men and their adventures in Sherwood Forest, outsmarting the Sheriff of Nottingham.  It was interesting to read this right on the heels of the S. D. Smith books with all their archery contests.  Overall, a clean, fun book.  The audiobook was fun to listen to for the proper accents.  The epilogue does recount a sad ending to Robin's life.

The Perfect Horse

by Elizabeth Letts

A history of the various people and horses involved in Nazi Germany, including, but not limited to, the Lipizzaner of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.  It delves into the background of eugenics and how Darwin's theory of evolution inspired Hitler and his people to try create not only a perfect breed of humans, but a perfect breed of horses.  It details the effort of a group of American soldiers to rescue a herd of Lipizzaner  and Arabian horses, including the mares used to produce the Spanish Riding School performers.  Includes some bad language, quoting from General Patton and others.

The Wingfeather Saga (set of 4 books)

by Andrew Peterson

This fantasy series has similar themes as the Green Ember series: a kingdom fallen to evil creatures, hidden heirs, outcast protectors of said heirs, betrayals, unending dangers & survival against impossible odds, miracle potion that heals mortal wounds.  And humor.  Witty dialog and prose. Reluctant characters thrust into the adventure of their lives, longing to return to their previous comfortable and familiar existence, grappling with bitterness and anger at the changes forced upon them.   A bitter rejected lover at the root of all the treachery. Self-sacrifice to bring healing and/or safety to others. Unlike Green Ember, this one does have a deity (referred to as "the Maker").  There are Biblical parallels, though not as obvious as those in The Chronicles of Narnia. The characters learn some of the evil that lurks in every human heart. Most chapters end on a cliff hanger, making it hard to find a good place to stop. It is darker and more intense than the Green Ember series, perhaps because many of the characters are human rather than rabbits and birds of prey.  There are some scary scenes and grotesque monsters. But, the ending is so redemptive! I'd recommend for age 12 and up, but if parents have any question about their child's readiness for it... read it first yourself and decide if you think your child is ready for it.  These will definitely be on my "to keep and read again" shelf.