I've been anxiously anticipating reading the prequel to James Dashner's The Maze Runner series for quite some time. I'm sad to say I'm disappointed. I didn't learn quite as much about Teresa and Thomas as I had hoped. Perhaps it had been too long since I read the trilogy, but I feel Dashner had an opportunity to explain more about how Thomas became such an integral part of the development of the maze and how/why he agreed to enter the maze. I'm sure my tween readers will enjoy the zombie-like characters Dashner later refers to as Cranks and the action-packed scenes that dominate the book. I personally tired of all of the violence, but accepted every bloody fist-fight and life-endangering decision Mark, the main character, made...as they were pertinent to this story. Sometimes my students like for me to rate the book for them and I'll have to give this 3 of 5 stars. Sorry Dashner, but I was expecting more. And if I could be extremely critical for a second, I'll say that what irritates me the most about this book is the prologue tease... We open with Teresa and Thomas. The prologue leads me to believe this book will lead up to the moment Thomas agrees to have his memory wiped clean and enter the maze. The epilogue doesn't satisfy this need at all! I'll not spoil it for you, but I just want to scream, "Oh, c'mon, Dashner! Why couldn't you have filled in the blanks a little better for us?!" Sorry. I get emotional when it comes to reading. I put a lot of time and effort into reading a book. Do you know how difficult it is to work full-time, be a devoted wife and mother and find time to read for pleasure!?????? Sorry, again. Tangent. Soap box. Lecture. (Enough).
Now on to something for adult readers...I'll let you know in my next post if it's appropriate for younger readers. My husband purchased Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand as a Christmas present for me based upon a smashing review by "the only other READER I know". ;)
Happy Reading!
Oh! And Happy New Year! It's almost officially 2013!
RC
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is a must-read for every married couple. I usually don't "enjoy" reading self-help books, but as it was recommended to me and my husband, I decided to give it a try. So glad I did. Not only have I learned how best to communicate with my husband and how best he can communicate with me, I've learned a valuable lesson about communication with others.
In essence, I ask you this...Have you ever felt unappreciated? If so, read this book! There's a good chance that others in your life feel unappreciated by you as well. Fix that and you fix a multitude of problems, address a multitude of issues and prevent a multitude of bad decisions.
Grateful to have read this book. Reluctant at first. Blessed in return.
Happy Reading!
(And for those parents of teens, you'll be happy to know there's a version for learning how to communicate with them too!)
RC
