TV MINI-SERIES: Wives & Daughter (1999)

Wives & Daughters (BBC)

The BBC got another one right with this wonderful 4 episode mini-series based on classic fiction.   There are plenty of nasty characters and good ones, including step-relations, lots of plot twists and turns, and enough romance to make you sigh again and again.  The cast is excellent as well.

Contains nothing offensive.

BOOK: The Secret of Platform 13

The Secret of Platform 13
by Eva Ibbotson

This is a fun fantasy for children and makes for a good real-aloud (probably preferable, since some of the british-isms might be confusing for American children).  There is nothing offensive, though there are some moments that might be mildly frightening to very young children.  In addition to being entertaining, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to discuss the differences between the "good" characters and the "bad" ones and how those who are "good" and kind are happier.

Recommended for ages 8 - 12.

BOOK: The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl
by Shannon Hale

This is my least favorite youth book by Shannon Hale so far.  (My least favorite book of hers overall is "The Actor and the Housewife."  Ugh.)  The writing isn't fantastic, but it was more that.....even though the story was quite interesting, the book really dragged.  It felt about 100 pages too long.  Book of a Thousand Days and Princess Academy are much better.

That said it was decent and I did finish it.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

BOOK: Just Ella

Just Ella
by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Bleh.  This youth book was just plain awful.  The writing was just OK, and the story was mildly interesting, but I was absolutely disgusted by the way the author took the wonderful, sweet story of Cinderella and turned it into a feminist manifesto.  Ugh.  Instead of kind and good and long-suffering, this "Ella" despises her step-mother and step-sisters and her fondest wish is to take revenge against them.  She is rude and self-centered and seeks only her own happiness.... and according to the author this is supposed to be a good thing.  It just left me feeling sick to my stomach. 

I will definitely discourage my daughter from reading it. 

FILM: When In Rome (2010)

When In Rome (PG-13)
starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel

This is a pretty typical romantic comedy featuring two ridiculously beautiful and successful people who find love and happiness after several trials that keep them apart.  You know the drill.  Cute and safe.  It was entertaining and Josh Duhamel is incredibly easy on the eyes.  I don't recall any "language" but there are a couple of mildly "suggestive" moments, and a few glimpses of nude art, but nothing obscene or blatantly offensive. 

BOOK: The Forgotten Garden

The Forgotten Garden
by Kate Morton

I really enjoyed this great mystery of sorts, filled with plenty of shocking revelations, great character development and growth, and a little romance.  Though the story jumps around in time a lot, it was well-done rather than confusing.  Kate Morton is a good writer and I look forward to reading more by her.  However, I was a bit annoyed by her frequent use of incomplete sentences.  It was quite prevalent and I had a hard time "letting it go."  I assume it was used as a stylistic/literary device rather than ignorance or poor editing, but it really bugged me sometimes.  Otherwise I thought it was well-written.

Aside from a few instances of very mild profanity, there is really only one thing that might make some readers uncomfortable.  I don't want to give anything away, but there is something revealed toward the end of the book that is a bit shocking but it's not graphic.  I consider myself very conservative when it comes to books and this made me slightly uncomfortable, but it is nothing that would keep me from recommending this book whole-heartedly.

Recommended for Adults.

BOOK: Book of a Thousand Days

Book of a Thousand Days
by Shannon Hale

I think this is the best book I have read by Shannon Hale.  The writing it more mature and more interesting.  I enjoy books written in a "diary" form, and this one did not disappoint.  Aside from one scene that will make some people uncomfortable (a non-sexual nude scene) there is nothing offensive.  There is some mild violence.  This is a great book to be enjoyed by both teens and adults.  There is plenty of action, adventure and suspense, plus a little romance.

Recommended for ages 13 and up.