Gossamer

by Lois Lowry
CMSW, paperback, 154 pages
Maud Hart Lovelace nominee

Littlest One is a dream-giving creature with lots of curiosity. When she irritates her teacher too much, she is assigned to Thin Elderly. The two of them try to protect the boy John and his elderly caregiver from the Sinisteeds who bring nightmares.

A cute story. Seems to be for a younger reader. It is probably one of the MHL titles on both division lists.

So B. It

by Sarah Weeks
Dakota County library, paperback, 245 pages

Another MHL nominee, this one is about a girl named Heidi whose mother is mentally handicapped. When Heidi was only a week old, they showed up on Bernadette's doorstep and she's been helping them out ever since. But Bernie is agoraphobic and cannot leave her apartment. As Heidi gets older and has more responsibilities, she wants to find out about her mother's past. When she finds some photographs, she gets clues that will take her from Reno to New York.

I liked this book, though it was kind of bittersweet. Heidi is a very realistic character (except for her "luck" - that's a supernatural element) and I found myself wanting her to know the truth. I enjoyed her book "Jumping the Scratch" more than this one, but she gets into kids' heads pretty well.

Drawn & Quarterly Showcase 3

Genevieve Elverum - "We're Wolf", Sammy Harkham - "Somersaulting", Matt Broersma -"The Last Voyage of Dr. Frobisher"

Dakota County library, paperback, graphic novel, 95 pages

Strange, somewhat interesting, mostly incomprehensible. I love reading these from the public library so that I'm not spending my money or school money on them. I wouldn't even buy this for a HS library . . . just not my cup of tea.

Jackie's Wild Seattle

by Will Hobbs
CMSW, paperback, 200 pages
Maud Hart Lovelace nominee

Shannon and Cody go to Seattle to stay with their uncle while their parents travel to Pakistan with Doctors Without Borders. They find out that they will spend their two months with him at an animal rescue shelter out in the woods, not at his old beach house like they had thought.

There are some questions to be answered, some new experiences to be had, and some friends to make. This story surprised me and I enjoyed it more than I expected!

Shackleton's Stowaway

by Victoria McKernan
Dakota County Library, paperback, 317 pages
Maud Hart Lovelace nominee

Wow. This would be an amazing story even without most of it being completely true. To know that these men actually survived in Antarctica for two years without our modern-day technologies just astounds me. This fictionalized story of the Shackleton south pole attempt centers on 18-year old Perce Blackborow who has stowed away on the expedition. Very cool. Of course, now I want to read a non-fiction book to find out what the author changed. I loved the maps and other information at the end of the story, too.

Game

by Walter Dean Myers
audiobook on CD, Carver County, 4.25 hours
read by JD Jackson

Drew Lawson is a Harlem basketball player with dreams of the big time. But when two white students move in and join the team, the attention they garner frustrates him and clouds his chances of winning a college scholarship that will get him out of his crime-ridden neighborhood.

I really enjoyed this story (except when there was a lot of basketball talk - just not my thing). I especially liked the relationship between Drew and his sister Jocelyn (?). Very fun! It was interesting for me to think about recommending this book to my students. Bball fans would probably like it, but the average Chaska kid most likely hasn't experienced inner-city black neighborhood issues. It's a very different world - one Myers brings to life extremely well.

I also loved that Drew's family was intact - mom, dad, sister, brother. Drew's friend had a brother facing prison time, and that impacted Drew positively (in that he saw the futility of going the route of so many other "brothers" in the area.

Man in the Middle

by Brian Haig
CD, 17.5 hours, Dakota County library
read by L.J. Ganser

I was on disc 8 of 15 when I decided not to finish this story. Not finishing is really hard for me. The things I liked about the story - mystery element, insight on how Washington really works (the author is the son of Alexander Haig) weren't enough to outweigh what I disliked: the swearing, crudity, violence, and unlikable major characters. Sean Drummond and Major Tran were not a very appealing couple. I found the "insider" stuff interesting, though. It's a bit appalling to think of the money that goes into FBI, CIA, and other government organizations to do things that most Americans would probably disapprove of. . .

Astro City

by Kurt Busiek
graphic novel from Louise's friend Suzanne, 192 pages

Though they're labeled as chapters, each section tells a different story about the superheroes of Astro City. I'm surprised that I had never heard of this title before. The artwork is excellent and the characters very interesting. When I got it from Louise, I considered it for the middle school, but I might just keep this one in my own collection.

I know I ought to list all the other people who created this, but my pile of books to be blogged about is getting too huge!

David Gospel

by David Athey

Lake Agassiz Regional Library, 269 pages, paperback



Very strange book. Still not sure if I like it. From the back flap:

"As a boy he performed concerts singing old-time hymns with his family and got so famous he's still known around Iowa as Danny Gospel. But since then, things haven't worked out quite teh way he planned. And now Danny prays for just one thing: a normal, happy life."



Most of the book felt like a study of dysfunction! This was so unusual, but it drew me in and drew me forward. I wanted so much to see things get "normal" for Danny, and I wanted to understand how his family fell apart. For the most part, the story seemed to be progressing and leading somewhere, but the ending left me feeling gypped. There were so many unanswered questions! It was frustrating, and I wished I could have talked about it with another reader.

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

by David Lubar
Dakota County library, paperback, 279 pages

I loved this book! David Lubar is one of my favorite YA authors. This is one of the Division 2 Maud Hart Lovelace nominees for this year. Scott is starting senior high and is a bit concerned about his survival. Meanwhile, his older brother who dropped out of high school decides to move back home, and his mother announces that she's pregnant.

Scott decides to keep a notebook of advice for the new baby (insisting it is NOT a diary) and his thoughts are recorded for posterity. Funny, touching, realistic. This is a delightful book!

From a Distance

by Tamera Alexander
paperback, Carver County, 379 pages

Elizabeth Westbrook, daughter of a Union officer and senator, travels west to take photographs and try to win a job on the Washington newspaper. She encounters Daniel Ranslett, who fought with the South in the Civil War.

Started out as totally typical historical romance. I ended up enjoying the character of Josiah, a former slave, very much. There was enough mystery and character development to make it a worthwhile read. I've already heard one person describe it as "fluff," but our discussion is next week.

Sticks & Stones

by Susan Meissner
Lake Agassiz Regional Library, paperback, 248 pages

In this one, Rachael, Trace, and McKenna have moved back to the Twin Cities. Rachael is now working for Ramsey County when she receives a note that a body will be found. She shares the note with her friend Will Pendleton, and they again embark on an investigation.

I enjoyed this story a little less than the previous one. Maybe I'm just too hard to please with books - kind of like Louie with restaurants. Rachael and Trace have an almost cloyingly perfect relationship. It seems that the things Rachael agonizes over are a bit over-done.

I think I prefer Meissner's Why the Sky Is Blue over these Flynn mysteries, but maybe I shouldn't have read them sequentially . . . I think my favorite is still Figaro and his approach to life and creativity. Fun!

Widows & Orphans

by Susan Meissner
Lake Agassiz Regional Library, paperback, 267 pages

Rachael Flynn's brother has confessed to murder, but Rachael is sure he's lying to help someone else. Josh had dedicated his life at age 12 to helping widows and orphans, in obedience to James 1:27. As attorney Rachael and her artist husband, Trace, return to Minnesota from NYC, they also have their baby McKenna to take care of.

The uncovering of the truth was well-done, with pieces coming bit by bit. I love the character of Figaro! What a great description of a quirky friend! Detective Will Pendleton was pretty cool, but perhaps a bit unrealistically portrayed in allowing Rachael full access to the investigation. . . Overall, a nice little mystery.

The Shadow Thieves

by Anne Ursu
Carver County, hardcover, 424 pages

I finally read this book after two years of students recommending it! Charlotte and her cousin Zee get involved with the Underworld after the demigod(?) Philonecron decides to overthrow Hades with an army of shadows. The two young people are wonderful characters, with both strengths and flaws. The adventure drew me in, even though I don't particularly like the premise that mythology is the "real" truth as far as what happens when people die.

There were fun language choices and it was a very fun story overall with good descriptions and wonderful pacing. This will be easy to recommend (along with the Percy Jackson books) for kids interested in mythology or just a good read.

I'm still not sure how Mr. Metos recombined the shadows though . . . maybe the sequel tells.

Things We Once Held Dear

Ann Tatlock
Carver County Library, paperback, 391 pages

My least favorite Tatlock book so far, this chronicles the emotional journey of Neil Sadler's return to his small-town home from NYC after his wife's meningitis death. The back flap made the events of the past sound so compelling, but the book seemed to be more of a genealogy of the entire town than a cohesive narrative.

I did enjoy characters like good old Uncle Bernie and his way of communicating. I also liked some of the descriptive passages - especially of the kids getting lost playing hide and seek in the corn fields. But I was frustrated by the numerous characters (almost literally - every person in the town was listed, referred to, or described), the repetition of certain explanations or phrases (like the smell of "unwashed flesh"), and the number of people who died unusually young (for literary convenience? Caroline at 40, Cal at 44, and Madlyn in her 60s).

Basically, all three Tatlock books that I've read have dealt with the same theme of estrangement and dealing with the past. This one was the least satisfying that I've read. When true resolution of the problem comes decades late . . . it just seems to miss the point.

Every Secret Thing

by Ann Tatlock
paperback, Carver County, 364 pages

Beth Gunnar returns to her old high school to teach English, but is haunted by something that happened her senior year. All of her old friends seem to have moved on, but she can't let go of what happened to Mr. Dutton. A seemingly rebellious student, Satchel Queen, ends up being one of her best students. Beth develops a maternal concern for Satchel, then re-connects with others from her past in surprising ways.

I liked this one a lot, and cried at the end. Wonderful story! I like how things come full circle at the end.

Charlie Bone and the Beast

by Jenny Nimmo
hardcover, Carver County library, 389 pages

In this story, Charlie tries to find out the source of a mysterious, mournful howling. He also wants to know who the creatures are who have been following him around. As in all the CB stories, his friends rally around him and everything works out fine in the end.

I'm really not sure why I enjoy these books . . . they're not very well-developed. The font is large with lots of white space on the page. They're clearly written for younger readers . . . whatever.

Dagbert Endless was an interesting new character.

The Shack

by William P. Young
paperback, personal copy, 248 pages

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but it's not one of my top tens. I enjoyed our book club discussion even more than reading the book itself! Most of us felt that it was primarily a story about God's love and desire for relationship with us. Some felt that it was purposefully trying to "rock" people's preconceived notions. It was interesting to hear about some Christians' objections to the book. It almost seems like some folks are going out of their way to find something to object to.

Mack's beloved youngest daughter has been abducted and brutally murdered, the body never found. "The Great Sadness" descends on him until he finds a note in his mailbox from "Papa," his wife's name for God. Not sure what he'll find, Mack returns to the site of the crime to get some answers. There, he encounters three beings who change his life.

I almost didn't finish the book before the book club got to my house! I was glad I did, though, because there was a surprise twist at the end. This is definitely a worthwhile read. Many of us would love to hear a non-believer's perspective on it.

 

<Above posted  8.02.2008. Below added 7.10.2026.>

 

In my ongoing project to read Christian books as part of my morning devotions and decide about keeping or donating them, I decided to re-read this one. It has been eighteen years since I first read it! It was published in 2007 and I own this copy. I will be donating it after this entry. (I again put waaaay too many post-its in this! I may not blog them all . . . )

 

Page 15: One can almost hear a unified sigh rise from the nearby city and surrounding countryside where Nature has intervened to give respite to the weary humans slogging it out within her purview. All those affected this way are united by a mutual excuse, and the heart is suddenly and unexpectedly a little giddy. There will be no apologies needed for not showing up to some commitment or other. Everyone understands and shares in this singular justification, and the sudden alleviation of the pressure to produce makes the heart merry.

 

I love how the author captures the amazing quality of a snow day. I love having the "excuse" to stay home and do nothing. His words capture the feeling so beautifully.

 

Page  18: With not a little effort he was finally able to stand and gingerly inch his way toward the house, humbled by the powers of ice and gravity.

 

Yes, wiping out on the ice can be very humbling . . . and painful. Again, the author captures this experience so effectively with his words.

 

Page 25:  Shortly after the summer that Missy vanished, The Great Sadness had draped itself around Mack's shoulders like some invisible but almost tangibly heavy quilt. . . . At times he could feel The Great Sadness slowly tightening around his chest and heart like the crushing coils of a constrictor, squeezing liquid from his eyes until he thought there no longer remained a reservoir. . . . 

There are several paragraphs that describe Mack's grief (though I'm glad that the author gave it another name). I think a lot of people can identify with that feeling. At this point in the book, we don't really know what has happened to cause his sadness. 

 

Page 46: He knew in his heart that promising things to God was rather dumb and irrational, but he couldn't help it. He was desperate to get Missy back, and surely God knew where she was.

 

Oh, this is so sad. God isn't a genie in a lamp, but sometimes we try to make a deal with him. I'm glad He knows our pain, fear, desperation, and still loves us.

 

Page 54: In one day he had spent a year's worth of emotions, and now he felt numb, adrift in a suddenly meaningless world that felt like it would be forever gray.

 

When one goes through a trauma, it definitely creates a "before" and "after" in life. The day that Mack is describing was one such day.

 

Page 64: At some point in the process, Mack attempted to emerge from his own pain and grief, at least with his family. They had lost a sister and daughter, but it would be wrong for them to lose a father and husband as well.

 

So many people who go through trauma lose their family connections as they deal with their grief. It is hard to work through hard times together. It is hard (but important) to nurture one another while in pain. Mack recognizes that he needs to "hold it together" for Nan and his other kids.

 

Page  64: Nan had made it clear from the start, and repeatedly, that she did not blame Mack in any way for what happened. Understandably, it took Mack much longer to let himself off the hook, even a little bit.

 

We are so often harder on ourselves! It was a huge barrier for me to come to faith . . . letting go of my own guilt, shame, control . . . 

 

Page 65: The tragedy had also increased the rift in Mack's own relationship with God, but he ignored this growing sense of separation.

 

This makes me think of someone I love who had a moment like this which caused a rift in his relationship with God. Heart-breaking.

 

Page  92: "Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship."

 

God, Papa, in female form is having a conversation with Mack. This one line is so very, very true. Pages 92 and 93 have a lot that is focused on Mack's perception of God, his relationship with his own biological dad, etc. I just don't want to record all the things that sparked thoughts for me in reading this.

 

Page 123: "You rarely see or experience relationship apart from power. Hierarchy imposes laws and rules and you end up missing the wonder of relationship what we intended for you." 

 

Mack is talking with the Trinity (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit - Sarayu) about "who's in charge?" and he struggles with understanding the relationship between the three.

 

Page 123: "When you chose independence over relationship, you became a danger to each other. Others became objects to be manipulated or managed for your own happiness. Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what they want."

 

Sarayu is giving Mack further explanation on how humans are not living the ideal that the Trinity does.

 

Page  126: "Mackenzie, you cannot produce trust just like you cannot 'do' humility. It either is or is not. Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know you are loved. Because you do not know that I love you, you cannot trust me."

 

Sarayu is continuing to educate Mack. I love her comment about not being able to 'do' humility or produce trust.

 

Page  135: "Then it is you who determines good and evil. You become the judge. And to make things more confusing, that which you determine to be good will change over time and circumstance. And then beyond that even worse, there are billions of you each determining what is good and what is evil. So when your good and evil clashes with your neighbor's, fights and arguments ensue and even wars break out."

 

Sarayu is poking holes in Mack's perspective about moral relativism (though they don't call it that).

 

Page 149:"Seriously, my life was not meant to be an example to copy. Being my follower is not trying to 'be like Jesus,' it means for your independence to be killed.

 

This caught my attention because I do think Jesus is an example for us - we are to serve as He served. 

 

Page  170: For the past years it had defined for him what was normal, but now unexpectedly it had vanished. "Normal is a myth," he thought to himself.

 

I've used the phrase "new normal" without really meaning it. I strongly dislike the phrase "paradigm shift," but that's another story. Sometimes I think it's good to remember that "normal" is relative to what one is used to . . . and for Mack, healing and letting go of The Great Sadness is a significant change (and a good one!).

 

Page 178: "What I see are people and their lives, a living breathing community of all those who love me, not buildings and programs."

 

Even though this is the author speaking through the character Jesus, it's quite believable as something Jesus Himself would say about "the church." I think we're often off the mark nowadays . . . (This idea will connect a LOT more in the next book I blog about.)

 

Page  185: "Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies."

 

This is a key concept for many of us - believers and non-believers alike! How can a good and loving God allow innocents to suffer and die (like Missy in this story)? Free will and the existence of evil is a tough one to struggle with. I'm glad God can work good out of awful circumstances, but I often wish He had prevented the circumstance to begin with!

 

Page 187: "Guilt'll never help you find freedom in me. The best it can do is make you try harder to conform to some ethic on the outside. I'm about the inside."

 

Lines like this make me wonder if the author grew up Catholic . . . guilt was a driving force in my early life. Here, God is responding to Mack's comment about feeling guilty.

 

Page  192: "All I am telling you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I have done my part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way."

 

It's so important to remember that things like reconciliation take more than just one's own efforts! God has done the work with Jesus on the cross; it's up to us to accept.

 

Page 223: "I don't do humiliation, or guilt, or condemnation. They don't produce one speck of wholeness or righteousness, and that is why they were nailed into Jesus on the cross."

 

Again, I'm not sure God would state things quite like this, but for many people this is a really important point.

 

There were other parts I didn't blog here: the scene with Sophia (wisdom) in the cave, the waterfall, Missy's body, Sarayu's garden, the importance of forgiveness, Mack's car accident and coma, telling Nan, talking with his daughter Kate . . . I'm glad I re-read this book. I'm ready to donate it. I'm mostly glad that the overwhelming takeaway for me is that God is love and that He wants a close relationship with His children.