Here's something you need to know about the way I select books. There isn't a whole lot of logic to it. If it got good buzz in any of the number of buzz-creating places I frequent, I might read it. If it has a good cover, I might read it. If I come across a good review or summary, I might read it - but know that I very rarely read such things in their entirety - mostly the first couple sentences and the last couple. I find that this way, I won't accidentally discover too much, while still getting the gist. Or, as with today's title, it has a curious title, I'll feel compelled to read it. Thus, The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp.
Like a crazy magnet of coincidence, this is indeed another take on the Arthur legend. Since I have that habit of not reading full summaries this was a complete surprise to me. I saw cars and helicopters on the striking black, grey and red cover and thought, "Hey! An Alex Rider rip-off! Cool!" Because, I like the Alex Rider books, and do intend to finish them someday, and who doesn't want to find more boy books? I almost feel that I didn't give this book a fair chance, I was all ready in the first few pages to love it. It was great; very fresh, very humorous. It kind went downhill from there. The disbelief that I exhibited, had there been anyone to witness it, upon my realization of the tome's Arthurian connections, would, I'm sure, have been comical. I have well expounded my unease toward the genre in this space, so I don't feel I need to go there again. The originality of the first few pages quickly turned into a boring exhibition of annoying characters and a stupid series of events that naturally places the whole world in danger of well, needing to be saved from and by Alfred. Hey - I did say that I didn't give the book a fair chance! It should go well with fans of Alex Rider, nightingale or Silverfin, and possibly Darren Shan. Boys 12+
Can I say that I'm really excited that Ranger's Apprentice Book 2: The Burning Bridge is coming out on June 15! I so know what my belated birthday present to myself will be!
5 comments:
THERE IT IS!!!!! Proof that you judge a book by its cover!!!!!
Well, that, darling, I've never denied. In fact, a bad cover may never be read despite how good people tell me it is - exhibit: Harry Sue. It's just not going to happen. probably.
Harry Sue does have an ugly cover. But then again, so does A Bad Boy Can be Good for a Girl, and you should definitely give that one a try.
I see. You have a prejudice against books with ugly covers. My question is what have those books ever done to you? I mean really Jac, those poor books being judged before being given a chance. What has this world come to? =)
bah. If the publishers didn't care enough about the book to hire a good graphic artist, then the book probably isn't a must read. In my defense, titles, rewiews and summaries are the most common ways I find things to read. Oh - and ugly covers assault my finely defined aesthetic sensibilities. hehe.
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