Review: Kidnapped

I bought "Kidnapped" for the same reason I've bought most of my books the past few months: it was on sale at a closing Borders location. And just like all of the other books from similar situations, I am happy with my scavenging purchase.

To top it off, the copy I grabbed is part of the Penguin Classics (RED) series, so 50% of sales go to The Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa (you can learn more about the special editions by CLICKING HERE). I love the design of this series: each book has the red banner at the bottom and is only black, red and white, yet each cover has it's own unique illustration. The "Kidnapped" cover was designed by Julian House.

If I were a coming-of-age boy, I would have loved "Kidnapped". It is about adventure and it is awesome. To be honest, even as a 22 year-old girl, I still loved it. And that's why Robert Louis Stevenson's classic "Kidnapped" is in fact a classic.

The story pretty obviously involves a kidnapping, and one of my favorite parts of reading this book was waiting for the kidnapping to actually happen. The suspense was pretty great and totally brought me into the story. Not only does the main character David get involved with kidnapping, he also has  experiences shipwreck, murder and sword fighting. Seriously, boys these days need more stories like "Kidnapped" and less "Animorphs" (are people still reading those? I hope not).

Sure, "Kidnapped" isn't on my list of favorite books of all time, but it definitely surprised me and I'm glad I read it. And if I ever have kids, I guarantee this will be on their bookshelf.

Penguin Classics (RED) editions

Two great things have merged and I am ecstatic about their literary baby.

Penguin Classics (RED) editions are out and they are absolutely lovely, and for a great cause. I've always been a fan of the (RED) campaign and am always pleased when they find a new partner.

On their site, Penguin Books CEO John Makinson says of the partnership:

"Penguin is hugely proud to be partnering with (PRODUCT)RED. Since the 1940s Penguin Classics have been a significant creative and educational force around the world and we are delighted to harness that to support the Global Fund through the sale of our new (RED) classics. We have chosen the eight launch titles with great care and included some old favourites along with some of the hidden jewels of rhte classics list."

So far, there are eight books in this collection. 50% of their sales go towards the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. They can be bought individually for £6.99-9.99 or as a set for £62.92. Or, register to win a set HERE.



Some of my favorite covers include Edith Wharton's "The House of Mirth" and Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent".






You can also visit the Penguin Classics (RED) site to vote for your favorite classic to be added in time for Christmas. It's probably no secret I chose "War & Peace" by Leo Tolstoy.

Speaking of Christmas, if someone would like to buy me the set, I would love to see it under my tree come December 25.

But what do you think? Do you think this works as far as cover design goes? What about the red compared to the usual Penguin orange or black?