Reading Mondays:

Hola! Welcome to my section of the Burrow virtual space, Chary's Charming Chamber. There is a cappuccino/espresso machine and tea set over to your left. In the center of the chamber, there are chaise lounges, enormous floor pillows, reading chairs with overhead lamps, a window seat with a view of the city and lovely little chocolate treats on the coffee table. Browse through my selection of wonderfully enchanting literature on the back wall library and have a seat. Stay awhile. Perhaps you would prefer one of these works of literature:

Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb: This is the book that I am currently reading. I have to say that Robin Hobb continues to amaze me. She creates an entire world with complex storylines, diverse characters and rich imagery which transport you to the treacherous forests of the Rain Wilds. This book is fantasy and is part of a series. However, it is the first in its trilogy and not necessary to read the trilogies that come before. For those who love dragons, magic, psychic abiliites, and the capacity to communicate with animals; then this is your book. This is an adult book with adult themes, sexual situations and violence.

"They had come so far, yet now that she was here, the years of journeying were already fading in her mind, giving way to the desperate needs of the present. Sisarqua opened her jaws and bent her neck. The air was too cold and her gills were drying out too quickly. There was nothing she could do about that except to work more swiftly. She scooped her jaws into the immense trough and came up with her mouth full of a slurry of silver-streaked clay and water. She threw her great head back and gulped it down. It was gritty and cold and strangely delicious. Another mouthful, another swallow. And again."
Excerpt, p. 1, The Serpent's End.

The Heroes of Olympus Book One: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: In his newest adventure, we are back where it all started, Camp Half-Blood. We revisit old characters like Percy Jackson and Annabeth. However, there is a new generation of demigods with their own prophecy to fulfill in an attempt to save the world.

"Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death."
Excerpt,

This is a children's book for ages 9- 12 (approximately 4th to 7th grade). It is infused in Greek mythology and educational as well as entertaining. It is part of a 5 book series.

Iliad by Homer, translated by Robert Fagles: I find this one to be the best translation. This is an epic poem, which was actually sung to an audience, written in such captivating language, one cannot put the book down. Most know the plot - Love Goddess offended that supermodel status girl is the most beautiful in the world. Goddess places curse on girl. Greek King loses supermodel status girl to Trojan prince. Greek King brings army to Troy to get her back. Most feared warrior fights Kings battle. Warrior is really angry all the time. Greeks and Trojans fight epic battles. Small respite to bury dead. I won't spoil the ending, but will leave you with my favorite quote:

"Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles,
murderous, doomed, that cost the Achaeans countless losses,
hurling down to the House of Death so many sturdy souls,
great fighters’ souls, but made their bodies carrion,
feasts for the dogs and birds,
and the will of Zeus was moving toward its end.
Begin, Muse, when the two first broke and clashed,
Agamemnon lord of men and brilliant Achilles.,"
-Excerpt, Book 1, lines 1-8.

This is a classic book suitable for adolescents to adults. There is much violence, love, sex, lies and betrayal. Unfortunately, the Greeks and Trojans did not have digital video, shortening the war to a mere two years instead of ten.

Well, that is just a small sample of the books in my library. Feel free to stay in this gorgeous reading room for as long as you want. Adios!

The first image, The Moroccan Style Reading Room, can be found here.