I checked this out to fill some of the 6 hours of driving time I did over the weekend as a nod to my middle-school days, and I was shocked to realize that all the memories I have of "reading" this book as a kid have been reshaped by the film adaptation, which has so many issues--don't even get me started.

Aside from my immediate shock and disappointment in myself for allowing a movie version to influence how I remember a book, I was able to jump right back into the story from my youth. I have to say, as cute as the movie version of Toothless is, I absolutely adore the petulant, self-centered, but ultimately loyal, book Toothless better. He comes alive in the story as his own stand-alone character who I just adore. He's whiny and stubborn and comical. Hiccup is scared and brave at the same time and I found myself entranced by his willingness to do the right thing even when it could cost him his life. I will definitely be getting back into this series.