INKHEART by Cornelia Funke

Yes the title says "Tintenherz". That's because this novel was written by a magnificent German author by the name of Cornelia Funke. Translated into English as "Inkheart", this book is about a man and his daughter who have a strange power. When Meggie's father Mo reads aloud, the books come to life. This power is not as wonderful as you may think, especially when he read a book called "INKHEART" that was filled with dastardly characters to his wife. Before he could blink an eye, the room was full of men in jet black clothes: Capricorn, Basta, a friendly juggler called Dustfinger - and Mo's wife was gone. Mo found that if something is read out of a book into our world, something from our world must take it's place. But it was too late. He tried for a long time to read her out of the story, but to no avail. Nine years later when Meggie is twelve, Dustfinger shows up at their door, telling Mo that Capricorn wants the books and is on his tail - again. There is an iffy part here where Meggie listens to the conversation instead of going to bed. Yet another when they go to see an aunt she's never met and Mo does not tell her why or what they are running from. She refuses to get in the car until she knows everything. This Aunt Elinor is a gruff book collector. A little grumpy, but a loveable character as the story goes on. Together they confront and escape Capricorn several times, drag the author of INKHEART into the action, and make everything right in a stunning climax. Or do they make EVERYTHING right?

This book is amazingly creative and well-written! I can't believe I didn't hear about it before I saw the preview of the upcoming movie about it. However, I've already mentioned some slight disrespect by Meggie to Mo, but everything indicates that they are best friends and very close. Also it would be nice to give this book to your mom at the precise moment you hand her a black sharpie. Elinor likes to use a naughty word, as does Basta on occaision. I HIGHLY recommend you get a reliable sharpie-user, because this one is just too good to miss! I do hate it when they ruin good books with all that cussing. Upon further research, I have just discovered that this book is only the first in a trilogy. I see very few things left unsaid, but it is an exciting find! Again, GET A SHARPIE-USER!!!!! Don't miss this one!!!!!