Day 14: Favorite book by favorite author

I think the question is "What book don't I like by Roald Dahl?"

Well, I think that my favorite book is a toss up between The Witches, The Twits, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes.  I like all of the books that I've read by him, and I still need to read a few more, but let's say The Twits and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  

I was first introduced to the story of Charlie Bucket when I was watching the movie Willy Wonka (you know, that classic one from the 70s).  My sisters and I really enjoyed it, and then I had figured out that it was a book (probably in 2nd or 3rd grade) and I devoured it.  I loved the book and the story.  And I loved candy... Maybe that was part of it as well.  I love how the main children (besides Charlie) are all products of indulgent parenting.  Even though Charlie was a poor kid, he was still happy because he had his family and it made him humble, and not so stupid.

And The Twits.  I just remember that when I read this story that one of the things that I read was that if people are mean and have ugly thoughts it will make them ugly.  And that's what happened to the twits.  It really was an amazing concept for me to understand when I read it (again sometime in elementary school). 

Day 13: Your favorite writer

For children's books, there really was no contest on this one.  Well, maybe a little bit.  I really like JK Rowling.  And Rick Riordan.  And Katherine Paterson (so underrated).

But my favorite writer of children's books is without a doubt, Roald Dahl.  I loved his books when I was younger, and to this day, I still enjoy reading his books, and I hope that my sons will enjoy reading his books as well.

I love that the way Dahl wrote brought so much creativity, imagination and magic to kids.  He had a wonderful sense of humor with the way that he wrote, and I really loved the books because they were so funny when I was younger.  I feel like they are definitely geared to children, but the young at heart would enjoy his books as well.

And he has so many wonderful things to say about the importance of children being children and using their imaginations.  LOVE this author, and I hope that I can get all of his books collected one day. 

Day 12: A book you used to love, but don't anymore

The Outsiders by SE Hinton

I really loved this book when I read it  (8th grade).  But I never had any desire to read it again.  The older I got, the less sad endings I like.  BUT, I feel like this is a book that all middle schoolers should read.  I won't read it again, but it is an excellent book. If this was in the grown-up books or classics category, the book would be Wuthering Heights. 

Day 11: A book you hated

This, I think, kind of goes under the most overrated books.  Oh well.  A book I hated.  Well, let's just say that I am the type of person, that if I can't make it through the book, there's a good chance I am going to "hate" it.  

That being said, there is only one book I can recall reading all the way through when I was younger, and I had no desire at all to read it again.  That book is:  From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  

I don't recall much of the story, except I read it in 5th grade and I did not like it at all.  And, I have had no desire since reading it, to pick it up again.  So, that's the end of that.  :)