Book 587: The Best of Mystery, Alfred Hitchcock

The Best of Mystery, edited by Alfred Hitchcock, Galahad Books, 1986.

Anthologies are tricky to rate.  Some of the stories in this collection were so good, they will probably stay with me for years.  Other stories were almost instantly forgettable.

Overall, the writing was good, the pacing was quick -- which is good, because this doorstop has over 600 pages. 

Book 586: Tragic Muse

Tragic Muse, the Life of Rachel of Comedie Francaise, Rachel Brownstein, 1991.

Before I read this book, I knew nothing about Rachel except her name.  Now I know a little bit more.  But not quite enough to feel like I know her.  Still, it was good to read about a woman who influenced Sarah Bernhardt.

Book 585: Music, Hit the Right Note

Music: Hit the Right Note!, written by Dan Green, Simon Basher books 2011.

I adore Basher books because my third-grade son adores Basher books.  This one was an excellent introduction to the study of music.  It did not cover reading music, as in reading the actual notes of music, but it did cover just about everything else, including types of instruments and musical styles.

Book 584: Stone Fox

Stone Fox, by John Reynolds Gardiner, Harper Collins, 1980.

There was an article out quite recently about not shielding our children from sadness or darkness.  This book makes no effort to shield, and that may be why it is so memorable.  My son and I read this book for his third grade class, and we both were crying by the end of the book.

Book 583: Planet Earth

Planet Earth, What Planet Are You On?, written by Dan Gilpin, Basher Books 2010.

This is another brilliant book from the Basher team.  These books are engaging, informative, easy-to-read, and entertaining.  Pretty much everything you would want in a book for third graders.

Book 582: The Human Body

The Human Body, written by Bob Green, Simon Basher Books.

My third-grade son chose to read this book for fun.  For real.  He likes the Simon Basher books THAT much.  And he seems to always learn something from them.

Book 581: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dalh, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Penguin, 1964.

Of course this book is brilliant.  Of course this book is funny.  Of course it is sharp and quick-paced.  But it is also creepy and unsettling -- and I mean that in the best possible way.

The movies based on this book are good, even great, but do not come close to reaching the level of this book.