September is Roald Dahl Month!

As a child one of my favorite authors was Roald Dahl. My sisters and I made it a point to read anything of his we could. But my obsession started with a book that is still one of my favorites today: Matilda.



I've had my copy of Matilda since I was in the 4th grade (it's been with me for 18 years now), and it's one of the few books that I can sit and read over and over. Surprisingly this is also one of my favorite movies.

I don't know why this book is so dear to me, other than I was going through a lot when I first read it, and I think it was the first book that I was truly able to escape into. It helped me to forget about my parent's separation, it helped me deal with a step-mother and step-sister, and it helped me loose myself and not think about the rest of the stuff a normal 10 year old goes through.

If you and/or your children haven't read Matilda I would recommend it. It's a great story. All of Roald Dahl's books that I have read have been great. He's a great storyteller and is able to spark a child's imagination in a way that only a few authors can.

I would argue that Roald Dahl should be place right up there with Dr. Seuss and Judy Blume as far as being a great childrens author.

If your looking for something to get your children into reading I would recommend any of his books. He has books for just about any age level.

To find out more about Roald Dahl or to find some fun activities to help celebrate Roald Dahl month visit his website. There's a list of all his books, fun activities to print off and share with your children, games and more.

If you're not familiar with Roald Dahl I hope you enjoy a new author, if you already love Dahl I hope you enjoy the fun games on his website.

While Roald Dahl month only lasts for a few more weeks remember that reading can last a lifetime!

Review: The Forgotten Man by William Graham Sumner

I won this on Library Thing's member giveaways.



My Review:
This book is actually a speech that was given in 1883. The concept of this speech is that the lawmakers ask for help for the poor and overlook the class of people that make life in the country possible, the forgotten man.

There were a few ideas and beliefs that the author talks about in which I don't agree with, but he makes very valid arguments for his ideas. I also did agree with some of what he mentions, however I don't know how feasable his ideas are, and if they would work in the society that we live in today.

One thing that surprised me is that even though this speech was written over 100 years ago it was still pertinent to today. I don't know if that is a sign of a great speech writer, to write something that holds true for over 100 years, or if it is a sign that our country really hasn't changed that much in 100 years.

It was a quick read, and if nothing else it makes you think about our social and political structure. It was a bit on the rough side to read, because it was pretty dry, but I think more of that was because it was written as a speech rather than a book or a story. I think it was interesting and was worth the hour or so it took me to read it.

To find out more about the book or where to purchase it please visit Sparks Media's website.