My library offers this book in e-book format, so I downloaded it to my Kindle to see what it was about. I read about half of it before I started thinking, "This is really good! Why haven't I heard about this before now?" So I looked it up on Goodreads, and it turns out THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND won the Newbery Medal in 1959. Well, no wonder it's good! If you haven't read it, I recommend it. The setting is simple, but the characterization and conflict are superb.
This is another great book I came across at the library. THE CITY OF EMBER is packed with symbolism, the dual POV's work wonderfully together, and the premise is intriguing. It was a quick, compelling read. Believe it or not, there's no romance in it, but I still liked it! (Doesn't happen often.)
I read this in a day. Yes, ONE DAY. It grabbed me and did not let go. The MC's character ARC unfolds beautifully. I sympathized with and related to her from the get-go. Plus, there's a steamy kiss between her and a man called the Darkling. Oh yeah, good stuff.
This book made me laugh, cry, cringe, ache, and at one point, it scared the crap out of me. It was FANTASTIC. And I'm not even a horse person! Read it. Now.
I've read other great books as well (you can find me on Goodreads) but I can't stop talking about these four magnificent stories.
What are you reading?
42 comments:
Yay, for books to add my list TBR list! Okay, so it's already out of control, but I always like a good recommendation!
I've been dying to read Shadow and Bone for a while now. Everyone's been raving about it. Just wish there wasn't so many other books to read!
I think I will be checking out 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond.'
Thanks, Em.
I can't tell you how many times I read The Witch of Blackbird Pond growing up. I loved it. I'm adding the others to my to read pile. Thanks.
Oh my goodness, I haven't thought of The Witch of Blackbird Pond for such a long time! I LOVED that book~ glad you found it.
Those really fabulous books make me jealous and excited all at once!
I read The Witch of Blackbird Pond years ago!! I definitely need to pick it up and reread it :)
Thanks for mentioning Ember and Shadow and Bone: both of those sounds great!
Cheers,
Jen
I could gush all day long about The Scorpio Races.
I'm with Brinda- The Scorpio Races was crazy good!
I haven't read any of these. Right now I'm reading Hollowed, a paranormal story by Kelley York--and a step away from the contemporary I usually do.
I loved Witch of Blackbird Pond when I was young. Such a great book. I swore I was going to name my son Nat. ;)
The Scorpio Races is on my TBR list. I am a horse person! I need to read it!
The Witch of Blackbird Pond was my absolute favorite book growing up. Kit rocks.
City of Ember the movie (excellent if you haven't seen it!) got my kids to pick up the book and read it. I love it when that happens.
Shadow and Bone read in one sitting? Yeah, me too. It was amazing. (I am a member of Team Darkling, just saying :)
Scorpio Races is sitting on my shelf. I've heard such mixed reviews about it. Sounds like I should just read it already.
Great books!
I've been meaning to read The Witch of Blackbird Pond for a while now... It sounds great! And I have Shadow and Bone on my bookshelf. Can't wait to crack it open! :D
Great suggestions Emily :) I really need to re-read The Witch of Black Bird Pond.
I loved The City of Ember, but I need to check out the others! :)
I LOVED Scorpio Races :) I have Shadow and Bone sitting on my shelf to read, and it sounds like I need to read the others.
You know how much I love Shadow & Bone. I've also had The Scorpio Races and The Witch of Blackbird Pond on my TBR list for a long time. I need to get to it! And City of Ember looks really cool. Thanks for this post. I love book recommendations!
Thanks for sharing, Emily.
I'm now scared to read Scorpio Races.
I must have been about ten when I read The Witch of Blackbird Pond, but I still remember falling in love with Nat. :) I have to reread it!
Some excellent recommendations. I will be adding a couple to my to-read list. Thanks!
I can't read books in just a day like you, but I am about half way through Smoke and Bone and loving it. It feels very Eragon-ish right now as she is training, which is not what I was expecting!
I mean SHADOW and BONE! I get this title mixed up with DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE. ;).
I loved The Witch of Blackbird Pond. AND The Bronze Bow. Now I want to reread them. :)
The Scorpio Races sounds like something I'd read.
Suze, you haven't read it either? Good. I was beginning to think I was the only one!
Elizabeth, :)
Jaybird, definitely was.
Ilima, there's an Ember movie? I HAVE to see it!
Juliana, I liked it a lot too.
Peaches, just one part is scary. It was great though.
Marcia, The Bronze Bow? I must look this up...
I remember reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond in grade school, but can't for the life of me remember anything about it (what did you call that? placenta brain:)
Thanks for the recs, Em :)
you make them all sound so good!
my boys had to read city of ember in school, then we got the movie, good stuff, but the next two are slower
been curious about shadow & bone ans scorpio races, thanks!
I hadn't, but I remember the cover. I started reading an excerpt online, today. Girl thinks she shall certainly pick it up at some point. See if it's something appropriate for my daughter, too.
I'm reading a YA novel at the moment -- Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon. Good suspense and good writing in this one, and I don't have the ending figured out yet.
That is funny. My book club is reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond this month. I don't remember every reading it before but I am looking forward to it. Shadow and Bone has been on my to-read list for a while. Now I will have to add the other two as well.
Oh yes, I've heard good things about all of these, but have not read any of them! Thanks for the recommendations!
Blackbird Pond pretty much never gets old. I love that book...
Oh, yes, I've read all of those except for Shadow and Bone. Loved them. And since we seem to have similar tastes in books, I better add Shadow and Bone to my TBR list. :)
Heard of City of Ember before but never got around to reading it. Nice list Emily.
Kim, :)
Tara, you're welcome.
Suze, I thought it was great for MG.
Donna, you'll like The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Very good.
J.S., I love it too!
Sheena, thanks!
My wife likes this one, and I've totally been meaning to give it a read. Guess I ought to now:)
My copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a mess. I've read it too many times. :P
I've always wanted to read The City of Ember, I've heard good things, plus, I've always been drawn to the cover. I have a friend who has it, maybe I'll finally ask to borrow his copy.
Also, I tagged you in a meme-thing over at my blog, and now I'm going to friend you on GoodReads (because I don't think I have yet) :)
I read The Witch of Blackbird Pond two or more times.
I haven't read the other books, but would love to.
I may have to check out Shadow and Bone! I read the Witch of Blackbird Pond a long time ago, like when I was in high school. I totally forgot about it until you mentioned it.
Great list. I need to check out so many from this. Thanks Emily!
So many great books... I just finished City of Ember... loved it. Am about to read Scorpio Races.
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