Fablehaven Series

"Don't judge a book by it's cover." Usually referring to people but in the literal sense, this is very true! I had seen the Fablehaven books in bookstores and in the library, but wasn't very interested. I had completed the entire Harry Potter series and felt like nothing could compare. It took my 11-year-old daughter to show me the way. She received the first book as a chosen gift at, none other than, the library. As a fourth grader, all she had to do was sign her name under her class list and she could choose any book in the bin. Of course, I encouraged her to pick the thickest book, more for the freebie, right? She began reading it, at this point I still wasn't really interested, and kept getting more and more excited. My turning point? She mentioned a Samoan character. A potion master. My interest was now piqued and I couldn't wait to start. I had to take a break after the second book so my daughter could finish the others in the series and I didn't want to interrupt her flow. I just finished the final book this morning and as always, after a really great book or series, I feel sad. Sad because there will be no more adventures with Kendra and Seth. No more potions from Tanu. No more demons to fight. No more conversations with the Fairy Queen. No more confrontations with the arrogant centaurs. No more trading batteries with a couple of resourceful satyrs.

In this month of November, the month of Thanksgiving, I have to join my fellow bloggers in giving thanks. I am thankful for my parents, especially my mom, who instilled in us the joy of reading. Not only did she show us the value and fun in reading, she made sure we had many books to read. With our vast library (three layered wooden shelves, held in certain spots with cement bricks-none of those put-it-together-yourself stuff from Walmart, spanning two walls in our dining room, also used as my younger brother's hiding spot for foods he did not like) we were able to explore different genre of books from young beginner books to young adult books. Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Fiction, Nonfiction, anything we could order from the school book orders. During the summer, we would join the library summer program and spend hours each day in the library, reading and participating in various activities. Fond memories that I've tried to recreate in my own home. My book shelves happen to be the put-it-together-yourself kind (from Aikea and Walmart) but the shelves are full of books from my past and books from my kids' generation. Books that we enjoy together. Books that take us to another world, introduce us to the supernatural, and books that we can talk about after we've shared the stories in them. Like Fablehaven. Which my 11-year-old and I yearn for more stories from this series.

Book Review: Telesa

At last! A young adult fiction book that is not only well written, but about us. "Us" meaning Polynesians and more specifically, Samoans. What an absolute pleasure to read about these two main characters, Leila and Daniel, and their developing relationship. It doesn't hurt that this tale also consists of the beauty of the Samoan culture, strength (most especially strong female characters whether they are evil or not), and a play on Polynesian legends. The dialogue is seamless, which is not an easy task as a writer well knows. And the relationship development between the many characters is well thought out, again, not an easy task. My favorite characters?
*Simone: A GORgeous fa'afafine who epitomizes the best of the third gender. (Can I get two snaps with a twist and a HEY!) I can think of several fa'afafine I knew growing up in American Samoa and I think most Samoans can reminisce about a "Simone" in their lives. A girls best friend and defender. Extremely graceful dancers. Trusted confidants. Our personal cheerleaders.
*Salamasina: Daniel's grandmother and a very strong female character. She's a hard woman but only because she is trying to take care of her family. Her knowledge of medicinal plants is something that should be studied in today's modern world of synthesized medication. I didn't know my grandmother very well, she died when I was 8, but I can see my grandmother in this woman.

I encourage everyone to read this book, whether you're Polynesian or not. It's a true modern love story with all of the twists and turns to keep you turning pages (paper or kindle).