Some thoughts

Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all.  ~Abraham Lincoln

This is something that tortures me sometimes when I'm trying to write my own stories. But for those of you who feel the same, here's this article; scroll down to  the one about J.K.Rowling. (I haven't looked at it recently so don't blame me if you see something that offends you.)

http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-artists-who-stopped-sucking-out-nowhere_p2/

The Tattooed Potato by Ellen Raskin

I loooooove this book. It's by the author of 'The Westing Game' and again she throws in twists that are, while slightly too convenient, still something you can pick out and see coming if you really really have no life and study it all. And what she says about art in this book is very interesting. If I had it here I might look up a quote. I'll try to remember to do so later.

Read again? Yes!
You read? It's out of print but if you want to put the effort into it you can get it off Amazon. I think it's worth it. Try your local library first to see if it's worth it. If you know me, I'll lend it to you, when JM is done.
Rating? Great!
Age level? that's a bit iffy. Upper teen to young adult if they're going to appreciate it, I'd say.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selsnick

Liked the pictures. Very original concept. The movie's kind of annoying me right now but it seems like they have been somewhat close.

Read again? no.
You read? Of course.
Rating? Good.
Age level? Any age.