56. Inkheart

This is part of my series reviewing the 100 Best Children's Chapter Books of All Time, as determined by Children's Book Guide. Click on the book title link for the book description on Goodreads. While I planned on reading or re-reading all the books on the list, since I just recently read this book in February and wrote a review on Goodreads immediately after finishing, I will just copy it here (especially since I didn't like it and have no desire to read it again!).

Inkheart, Cornelia Funke, originally published 2003

Review
I had high hopes for this book, considering the positive reviews I've seen for it and that the premise of the book looked promising but . . . I was disappointed. The fact that it took my 3 weeks to finish (a book in this genre of this size normally takes 3 days) is a testament to how uninteresting I found it. I did at least finish it, so it wasn't all bad, but I have zero desire to read any sequels (particularly since it seems to stand well enough on its own).

My frustration was with the fact that I couldn't connect with any of the characters . . . and I'm definitely a book lover! The thing is, though, I love books for the stories they tell . . . not necessarily for their physical nature. These characters seemed to fetishize books themselves and while I can appreciate the pleasure that comes from the tactile sensation offered by opening a new (or old!) book, their obsession seems over the top. The only character that seems reasonable is the writer Fenoglio and that's only because I could detect genuine affection for his grandchildren.

The other beef I have is how incredibly stupid the characters are . . . and I mean stupid. Once again, while I can appreciate that your decision-making skills may be hampered in times of trial, if any of them had actually digested the stories in the books they so loved, perhaps they would have had some imagination to offer foresight. I think that's why the book took me so long to read . . . hmm, do I want to read some more of Meggie making a fool of herself or do I want to clean house? Cleaning house it is!

So, definitely not a recommend in my book. Because I am a curious soul, I did check out the two sequels on Goodreads and on Wikipedia . . . and I can't say that I'm disappointed with my choice not to continue reading.

100 Best Books Inclusion
No, most definitely no.

Rank
1. Inkheart, Cornelia Funke, 2003  (only because I haven't reviewed any others yet!) 

Next Book
Insurgent, Veronica Roth, 2012
(Yes, I realize this is not on the list - but I've been on the waitlist for 2+ months and I just got it yesterday - so I have to read it first!)

Next Book Actually On The List
59. The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, Christopher Paul Curtis, 1995