Title: Ransom my Heart Author: Meg Cabot
ISBN: 9780061700071 Pages: 396
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 2009
ISBN: 9780061700071 Pages: 396
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 2009
Readers Annotation:
When asked to assist in the extortion of a wealthy man, the kindhearted yet rebellious Finnula Crais agrees. What Finnula did not agree to was falling in love with the most maddeningly handsome and charming man she had ever met.
Author Information:
Known for both adult contemporary fiction and tween/teen novels, Meg Cabot first began her writing career at thirty years old. Her most popular books are the bestselling YA fiction series The Princess Diaries, which have been published in more than thirty-eight countries and made into two films by Disney Studios. Meg is also a #1 New York Times bestselling author with books such as Mediator, Airhead, Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls, and Insatiable. Her books All-American Girls and Avalon High are also award winning. Her newest upcoming series is called Abandon, and will debut sometime in 2011. Cabot has also been named as a 2008 Distinguished Alumnus by Indiana University for her exceptional career.
Meg was born in February 1967 in Bloomington, Indiana. Presently, she lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and one eyed cat. Cabot also has written under the pen-names Jenny, and Patricia.
www.megcabot.com
Known for both adult contemporary fiction and tween/teen novels, Meg Cabot first began her writing career at thirty years old. Her most popular books are the bestselling YA fiction series The Princess Diaries, which have been published in more than thirty-eight countries and made into two films by Disney Studios. Meg is also a #1 New York Times bestselling author with books such as Mediator, Airhead, Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls, and Insatiable. Her books All-American Girls and Avalon High are also award winning. Her newest upcoming series is called Abandon, and will debut sometime in 2011. Cabot has also been named as a 2008 Distinguished Alumnus by Indiana University for her exceptional career.
Meg was born in February 1967 in Bloomington, Indiana. Presently, she lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and one eyed cat. Cabot also has written under the pen-names Jenny, and Patricia.
www.megcabot.com
Plot Summary:
A kindhearted renegade, Finnula Crais is the best shot with a bow and arrow for miles around. She uses her talent to poach deer for the starving townsfolk. She rationalizes her behavior because she is merely stealing from the greedy Reginald Laroche, caretaker of the Fitzwilliam lands. One day, one of her many sisters asks for her help. Finn begrudgingly agrees to take a wealthy man hostage and ransom him for a dowry for her sister's upcoming wedding.
Sir Hugo Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Stephensgate, is returning home from the Crusades after many long years. Miles before his home, Hugo is suddenly attacked by a petite but strong-willed woman, Finnula Crais. Enamored by Finn, Hugo decides to allow himself to be taken hostage. For the remainder of the journey back to their hometown, they fall in love. Hugo returns home with the determination both to set things right in his Earldom, and to marry the Fair Finn.
Critical Evaluation:
A kindhearted renegade, Finnula Crais is the best shot with a bow and arrow for miles around. She uses her talent to poach deer for the starving townsfolk. She rationalizes her behavior because she is merely stealing from the greedy Reginald Laroche, caretaker of the Fitzwilliam lands. One day, one of her many sisters asks for her help. Finn begrudgingly agrees to take a wealthy man hostage and ransom him for a dowry for her sister's upcoming wedding.
Sir Hugo Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Stephensgate, is returning home from the Crusades after many long years. Miles before his home, Hugo is suddenly attacked by a petite but strong-willed woman, Finnula Crais. Enamored by Finn, Hugo decides to allow himself to be taken hostage. For the remainder of the journey back to their hometown, they fall in love. Hugo returns home with the determination both to set things right in his Earldom, and to marry the Fair Finn.
Critical Evaluation:
Incorporating love with humor, this book is a delight to read. Though somewhat predictable, the reader can't help but be enchanted with its many delightful and complex characters . Additionally, the story begins with a Robin Hood-like theme, ideal for fans of the Prince of Thieves. This romance novel is narrated from both the female and male protagonist's point of view, presenting the reader with insight into the nature of their relationship. The historical aspects are somewhat underplayed, working simply as a backdrop to the romance. Finnula's unconventional heroics lend a fresh tone to the Medieval plot. The book explores the familial relationships of Finnula Crais, as well as Hugo Fitzwilliam, adding an extra layer of interest and realism to the story line. Meg Cabot strays from her usual style of writing, consisting of traditional novels set in the present day, creating a historical fiction piece with a more risque theme.
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Curriculum Ties: History - Serfs, Medieval. Economics - Robin Hood
Booktalking Ideas:
1. Finnula Crais hunted animals from the forbidden lands of their greedy overlord to feed the starving people in her town. Do you feel that it's moral to steal from the rich and give to the poor?
2. Finn had a family of five older sisters and one older brother, all whom considered themselves her protector. Do you have protective older siblings, and do you feel they have ever overstepped their boundaries?
1. Finnula Crais hunted animals from the forbidden lands of their greedy overlord to feed the starving people in her town. Do you feel that it's moral to steal from the rich and give to the poor?
2. Finn had a family of five older sisters and one older brother, all whom considered themselves her protector. Do you have protective older siblings, and do you feel they have ever overstepped their boundaries?
Reading Level/Interest Age: 16+
Challenge Issue: none
Why I chose this item: I wanted to include something written by the popular author of the Princess Diaries.
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