by Susan Casey
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
read by: Kirsten Potter
genre: non-fiction, science (sort of)
Likes: lots of interesting stories and information, Potter's voice work is great
Dislikes: seemed to be 80% surfing . . . which got really, really old. Info on tsunamis was minimal (and I still question the accuracy of her wave height information in relation to tsunamis).
My dad wants to re-listen to it.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Zita the Spacegirl
by Ben Hatke
PRMS paperback 184 pages
genre: YA graphic novel fantasy adventure
Love it! Already know the kids I'll recommend it to, and looking forward to re-reading it. Hatke's storyline and artwork effectively tell an enchanting tale full of (clean) adventure, drama, and friendship. Wonderful book!
PRMS paperback 184 pages
genre: YA graphic novel fantasy adventure
Love it! Already know the kids I'll recommend it to, and looking forward to re-reading it. Hatke's storyline and artwork effectively tell an enchanting tale full of (clean) adventure, drama, and friendship. Wonderful book!
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
by Liz Kessler
CMSE hardcover 209 pages
genre: YA fantasy
Emily finds out she's a mermaid! She has adventures with her new mermaid friend Shona, rescues her mother from the evil Mr. Beeston who has been wiping mom's memory and spying on them for years, rescues her dad from the merpeople prison, and convinces Neptune to change his tune on human / mer love relationships. Perfect for dreamy sixth graders. I won't read the sequels, but at least now I "get" why some kids love them.
CMSE hardcover 209 pages
genre: YA fantasy
Emily finds out she's a mermaid! She has adventures with her new mermaid friend Shona, rescues her mother from the evil Mr. Beeston who has been wiping mom's memory and spying on them for years, rescues her dad from the merpeople prison, and convinces Neptune to change his tune on human / mer love relationships. Perfect for dreamy sixth graders. I won't read the sequels, but at least now I "get" why some kids love them.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Debt Cures "They" Don't Want You to Know About
by Kevin Trudeau
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
genre: non-fiction financial advice
What I liked:
He pointed out that if you pay your bill in full, any new charges do not accrue interest for thirty days. BUT if you have a balance from one month to the next, any new charges start accruing interest immediately. I hadn't really thought about that . . . all the more reason to pay credit cards off completely!
What I disliked:
- he's a blowhard whose vitriolic speech is NOT helpful
- he read his own book - fine. BUT he paces his reading ineffectively and unprofessionally. You can also hear the rustling of papers in the background. Not a high quality audiobook.
- in the intro, he implies that anyone who is listening to his book doesn't read or can't read . . . insulting. There are commuters who listen to audiobooks while they drive!
- he keeps saying what he's going to tell us about / teach us. It got to the point where I wanted to scream "just say it, then!" Very similar to the last audiobook I tried about financial advice.
- he is terribly unethical, advising people to unload old debts by lying. I cannot imagine trying to get out of paying for things that I charged.
- he doesn't seem to think that consumers need to have any kind of personal responsibility for their choices. It's all about the evil consumer credit industry and the evil government conspiring to screw us out of our money and keep us enslaved . . .
I couldn't even finish disc two. This guy was just too obnoxious. Any good points he might have to offer are lost in his inflammatory language and ineffective communication style.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
genre: non-fiction financial advice
What I liked:
He pointed out that if you pay your bill in full, any new charges do not accrue interest for thirty days. BUT if you have a balance from one month to the next, any new charges start accruing interest immediately. I hadn't really thought about that . . . all the more reason to pay credit cards off completely!
What I disliked:
- he's a blowhard whose vitriolic speech is NOT helpful
- he read his own book - fine. BUT he paces his reading ineffectively and unprofessionally. You can also hear the rustling of papers in the background. Not a high quality audiobook.
- in the intro, he implies that anyone who is listening to his book doesn't read or can't read . . . insulting. There are commuters who listen to audiobooks while they drive!
- he keeps saying what he's going to tell us about / teach us. It got to the point where I wanted to scream "just say it, then!" Very similar to the last audiobook I tried about financial advice.
- he is terribly unethical, advising people to unload old debts by lying. I cannot imagine trying to get out of paying for things that I charged.
- he doesn't seem to think that consumers need to have any kind of personal responsibility for their choices. It's all about the evil consumer credit industry and the evil government conspiring to screw us out of our money and keep us enslaved . . .
I couldn't even finish disc two. This guy was just too obnoxious. Any good points he might have to offer are lost in his inflammatory language and ineffective communication style.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Bad Island
By Doug Ten Napel
PRMS paperback ? pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
A family goes on a sailing trip but encounters a huge storm. They end up on a strange island with unusual flora and fauna. The teen son, Reese?, ends up being a pretty cool hero. The whiny daughter carries her dead snake around - nasty. It was a little jarring when the space fight story interrupted the family story, but it all worked out in the end. I really like Napel's work! I will re-read this one, but it's already checked out to an avid graphic novel reader.
PRMS paperback ? pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
A family goes on a sailing trip but encounters a huge storm. They end up on a strange island with unusual flora and fauna. The teen son, Reese?, ends up being a pretty cool hero. The whiny daughter carries her dead snake around - nasty. It was a little jarring when the space fight story interrupted the family story, but it all worked out in the end. I really like Napel's work! I will re-read this one, but it's already checked out to an avid graphic novel reader.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Broken for You
by Stephanie Kallos
Mary's paperback 372 pages
genre: realistic fiction
This was a get-under-your-skin book on so many levels! Margaret Hughes is elderly and has a tumor in her brain. Wanda Schulz is by turns an efficient stage manager and a sobbing basket case. Both women have past hurts hidden deeply. The day they break Margaret's wedding china (on purpose), their lives start to change in significant ways. Mosaics, Detective Lorenzini, Michael (aka MJ), Paris, Gus, Susan and Bruce, August (Augie), dreams, Irma, bowling, and of course Troy! What an amazing wonderful challenging book. I had to keep wiping my tears away at the end.
Mary's paperback 372 pages
genre: realistic fiction
This was a get-under-your-skin book on so many levels! Margaret Hughes is elderly and has a tumor in her brain. Wanda Schulz is by turns an efficient stage manager and a sobbing basket case. Both women have past hurts hidden deeply. The day they break Margaret's wedding china (on purpose), their lives start to change in significant ways. Mosaics, Detective Lorenzini, Michael (aka MJ), Paris, Gus, Susan and Bruce, August (Augie), dreams, Irma, bowling, and of course Troy! What an amazing wonderful challenging book. I had to keep wiping my tears away at the end.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
What a Difference a Dog Makes: big lessons on life, love and healing from a small pooch
by Dana Jennings
Hennepin County library audioCDs 3 discs
read by the author
genre: memoir, pets, cancer
Quick read. I mostly liked it. It was irritating when he practically deified dogs . . . they're just dogs, not mystic entities. I liked where he talked about dogs living in the "now" - that's definitely a wonderful trait!
Too distracted right now to write . . . too many people asking me questions and needing things. Tiring day. I appreciate the author's candidness about his prostate cancer and how it affected him. I was surprised that he included so little about his wife in this book.
Hennepin County library audioCDs 3 discs
read by the author
genre: memoir, pets, cancer
Quick read. I mostly liked it. It was irritating when he practically deified dogs . . . they're just dogs, not mystic entities. I liked where he talked about dogs living in the "now" - that's definitely a wonderful trait!
Too distracted right now to write . . . too many people asking me questions and needing things. Tiring day. I appreciate the author's candidness about his prostate cancer and how it affected him. I was surprised that he included so little about his wife in this book.
Canned
by Alex Shearer
PRMS paperback 237 pages
genre: YA mystery
What an odd book. Written by a Brit, I love the language differences - taking things to the "dip" rather than the dump, a grocery trolley rather than cart, . . . Fergal Bamfield is a strange boy. He doesn't really have friends, but he does have a reputation for being clever. When he starts collecting cans (unlabeled, sealed, bargain-bin cans), his parents tolerate it for a while. But when he finds some strange things in a few cans, he doesn't share it with his parents. Or the police. Enter Charlotte, another strange child with a can-collecting hobby.
It will be interesting to hear what my sixth grade book club thinks of this one. I enjoyed it but didn't love it.
PRMS paperback 237 pages
genre: YA mystery
What an odd book. Written by a Brit, I love the language differences - taking things to the "dip" rather than the dump, a grocery trolley rather than cart, . . . Fergal Bamfield is a strange boy. He doesn't really have friends, but he does have a reputation for being clever. When he starts collecting cans (unlabeled, sealed, bargain-bin cans), his parents tolerate it for a while. But when he finds some strange things in a few cans, he doesn't share it with his parents. Or the police. Enter Charlotte, another strange child with a can-collecting hobby.
It will be interesting to hear what my sixth grade book club thinks of this one. I enjoyed it but didn't love it.
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Eleventh Plague
by Jeff Hirsch
Hennepin County library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Dan Bittner
genre: dystopian adventure
Liked: characters and their growth, especially Stephen and Jenny. Loved Violet, Marcus, and Jackson & their family dynamics.
Disliked: more depressing futuristic nihilism (sp?) / lack of explanation of the actual plague and its immediate aftermath / Mr. Tuttle and his 1950s-style of "education" . . . seriously?
The story opens with Stephen and his father burying grandpa, whose strength and discipline have ruled their lives since the Collapse. When Stephen and his father encounter some nasty Slavers, things go from uncertain to downright scary. Entering Settlers Landing is like going into a whole new world.
Bittner's vocal work is quite good, but I think I might have enjoyed this story more if I were reading rather than listening, especially in the suspenseful parts.
Hennepin County library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Dan Bittner
genre: dystopian adventure
Liked: characters and their growth, especially Stephen and Jenny. Loved Violet, Marcus, and Jackson & their family dynamics.
Disliked: more depressing futuristic nihilism (sp?) / lack of explanation of the actual plague and its immediate aftermath / Mr. Tuttle and his 1950s-style of "education" . . . seriously?
The story opens with Stephen and his father burying grandpa, whose strength and discipline have ruled their lives since the Collapse. When Stephen and his father encounter some nasty Slavers, things go from uncertain to downright scary. Entering Settlers Landing is like going into a whole new world.
Bittner's vocal work is quite good, but I think I might have enjoyed this story more if I were reading rather than listening, especially in the suspenseful parts.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
The Horse Boy
by Rupert Isaacson
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
genre: memoir, autism, spiritualism
read by the author
Too tired to blog now. Son has severe autism. Wife is vegetarian Buddhist. Author has excellent accent (British). He seeks healing for his son via shamanism. They travel to Mongolia to visit different shamans. Interesting and thought-provoking.
Just read a review here: http://the-word-of-jeff.blogspot.com/2009/07/horse-boy-book-review.html
1/15/13 note:
One thing that bothered me with this book was how he would use the Lord's name in vain and then be praying to God in the next sentence. Isaacson's theology seems to be a hodge-podge of New Age spiritualism and a dash of anything that may work for him. It was disconcerting to hear him using the Lord's name as a swearword, and then praying to the Lord for his son's healing. Anyhow, this book made me appreciate more than ever how healthy my own children are! It also made me wonder (a lot) about the causes and treatments for autism.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
genre: memoir, autism, spiritualism
read by the author
Too tired to blog now. Son has severe autism. Wife is vegetarian Buddhist. Author has excellent accent (British). He seeks healing for his son via shamanism. They travel to Mongolia to visit different shamans. Interesting and thought-provoking.
Just read a review here: http://the-word-of-jeff.blogspot.com/2009/07/horse-boy-book-review.html
1/15/13 note:
One thing that bothered me with this book was how he would use the Lord's name in vain and then be praying to God in the next sentence. Isaacson's theology seems to be a hodge-podge of New Age spiritualism and a dash of anything that may work for him. It was disconcerting to hear him using the Lord's name as a swearword, and then praying to the Lord for his son's healing. Anyhow, this book made me appreciate more than ever how healthy my own children are! It also made me wonder (a lot) about the causes and treatments for autism.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thunder and Rain
by Charles Martin
Hennepin County Library hardcover 367 pages
genre: Christian fiction, adventure
Tyler Steele is a third generation Texas Ranger who pretty much sees life in black and white. The story of his life is engaging and I enjoyed it for the most part. There was a little too much gun-love, Texas-love, and Ranger-love for me . . . but it was balanced out with a great cast of characters (I love Georgia and Dumps!) and his love for Andie as well as for Samantha created a lot of tension. Brodie and Hope were great kid characters, but Hope's journal often sounded much, much, much too mature and reflective for a ten-year-old.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 367 pages
genre: Christian fiction, adventure
Tyler Steele is a third generation Texas Ranger who pretty much sees life in black and white. The story of his life is engaging and I enjoyed it for the most part. There was a little too much gun-love, Texas-love, and Ranger-love for me . . . but it was balanced out with a great cast of characters (I love Georgia and Dumps!) and his love for Andie as well as for Samantha created a lot of tension. Brodie and Hope were great kid characters, but Hope's journal often sounded much, much, much too mature and reflective for a ten-year-old.
Grace Kelly: American Princess
By Elizabeth Gillen Surcouf
PRMS withdrawn / hardcover 64 pages
genre: non-fiction biography
This is one of the books I weeded out of the collection at school this fall. It was interesting, but fairly superficial. I enjoyed reading it both out of curiosity and because the photographs are stunning (of Princess Grace and of Monaco). She was a gorgeous woman. I would have liked more details about her life and death. The author doesn't really even explain how her daughter survived the car accident that took Grace's life.
PRMS withdrawn / hardcover 64 pages
genre: non-fiction biography
This is one of the books I weeded out of the collection at school this fall. It was interesting, but fairly superficial. I enjoyed reading it both out of curiosity and because the photographs are stunning (of Princess Grace and of Monaco). She was a gorgeous woman. I would have liked more details about her life and death. The author doesn't really even explain how her daughter survived the car accident that took Grace's life.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
by Barry Deutsch
PRMS paperback 139 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, adventure & fantasy
Interesting title, but not destined to become one of my favorites. Tag on the top of the front cover: "Yet another troll-fighting 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl." Hmmm. Mirka is likable enough. It is instructive without being overbearing in regard to Jewish customs. The plot just seemed a bit too awkward to me, though.
PRMS paperback 139 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, adventure & fantasy
Interesting title, but not destined to become one of my favorites. Tag on the top of the front cover: "Yet another troll-fighting 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl." Hmmm. Mirka is likable enough. It is instructive without being overbearing in regard to Jewish customs. The plot just seemed a bit too awkward to me, though.
Slumdog Millionaire
by Vikas Swarup
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
read by Christopher Simpson
genre: realistic fiction
This was a re-listen. What an incredible story! Mr. Simpson voices it very effectively. The tale of Ram Mohammed Thomas and his unlikely success winning a billion rupees amazes me in its intricacy and beauty amidst the horrors. In searching online to find out how to spell his unusual name (to satisfy the expectations of three different faith leaders), I'm horrified that his name is different in the movie version. Yet another reason NOT to watch the movie! The story of his name is one of my favorites in this wonderful book of storytelling.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
read by Christopher Simpson
genre: realistic fiction
This was a re-listen. What an incredible story! Mr. Simpson voices it very effectively. The tale of Ram Mohammed Thomas and his unlikely success winning a billion rupees amazes me in its intricacy and beauty amidst the horrors. In searching online to find out how to spell his unusual name (to satisfy the expectations of three different faith leaders), I'm horrified that his name is different in the movie version. Yet another reason NOT to watch the movie! The story of his name is one of my favorites in this wonderful book of storytelling.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Twisted
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by Mike Chamberlain
genre: YA coming-of-age
It always surprises me when an author's protagonist of the opposite gender hits the nail on the head. Tyler has transformed from a nobody nerd to a troublemaker with muscles. One dumb act of vandalism has changed his life; hormones and growth do the rest. I just don't feel like blogging now. Good book. Intense. Deals with a LOT of teen topics including suicide (thoughts and attempts), sex, drugs, bullying, family violence, etc. Chamberlain's vocal work was excellent.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by Mike Chamberlain
genre: YA coming-of-age
It always surprises me when an author's protagonist of the opposite gender hits the nail on the head. Tyler has transformed from a nobody nerd to a troublemaker with muscles. One dumb act of vandalism has changed his life; hormones and growth do the rest. I just don't feel like blogging now. Good book. Intense. Deals with a LOT of teen topics including suicide (thoughts and attempts), sex, drugs, bullying, family violence, etc. Chamberlain's vocal work was excellent.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Odd Apocalypse
by Dean R. Koontz
Hennepin County Library hardcover 355 pages
genre: paranormal mystery
I was on the waiting list for this for a looooong time so it was gratifying to get it and have time to read it (on the bus to TIES and waiting for a tire rotation). Odd and Annamaria have ended up at Roseland, an impressive estate with something very wrong. As Odd lets his psychic magnetism guide him, the dangers mount on all sides. I love the role Nikola Tesla played in this story. I find it amusing that Alfred Hitchcock is manifesting to Odd in this tale. Koontz has woven many current pop culture references in this story (including Justin Bieber). Delightful story, though I'll probably take a listen to it again when it comes out on audio. I simply adore the vocal work that David Aaron Baker does!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 355 pages
genre: paranormal mystery
I was on the waiting list for this for a looooong time so it was gratifying to get it and have time to read it (on the bus to TIES and waiting for a tire rotation). Odd and Annamaria have ended up at Roseland, an impressive estate with something very wrong. As Odd lets his psychic magnetism guide him, the dangers mount on all sides. I love the role Nikola Tesla played in this story. I find it amusing that Alfred Hitchcock is manifesting to Odd in this tale. Koontz has woven many current pop culture references in this story (including Justin Bieber). Delightful story, though I'll probably take a listen to it again when it comes out on audio. I simply adore the vocal work that David Aaron Baker does!
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Vampire Knight
by Matsuri Hino
Dakota County Library paperback less than 200 pages
genre: YA manga paranormal romance
Surprisingly, though this one had the creepiest cover, I liked it best of the four I read recently. The school in this story has day classes and night classes (for vampires only, though that's top secret). Two students are members of the disciplinary committee - making sure students don't go in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yuki Cross (who looks shockingly young for so much responsibility) and Zero Kiryu (hot & older, naturally) have a strange mix of attraction and frustration toward one another.
Dakota County Library paperback less than 200 pages
genre: YA manga paranormal romance
Surprisingly, though this one had the creepiest cover, I liked it best of the four I read recently. The school in this story has day classes and night classes (for vampires only, though that's top secret). Two students are members of the disciplinary committee - making sure students don't go in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yuki Cross (who looks shockingly young for so much responsibility) and Zero Kiryu (hot & older, naturally) have a strange mix of attraction and frustration toward one another.
Kitchen Princess
manga by Natsumi Ando & story by Miyuki Kobayashi
Dakota County Library paperback 200ish pages
genre: YA manga romance
I actually kind of liked this one - it's emphasis on food anyhow. Shocker - there are two boys interested in the same girl. The girl looks waaaay too young to be interested in older guys (she's middle school; they seem older teen / early 20s). I liked the drawings of the different desserts and the recipes at the end.
Story basics - Najika is in the Seika Academy and entered in a baking contest. The youngest contestant there, the academy's director points out that she's the daughter of two famous (but dead) pastry chefs. He basically wants to use her for marketing for his school. She's in love with one of the director's sons, but the other son is interested in her too.
Dakota County Library paperback 200ish pages
genre: YA manga romance
I actually kind of liked this one - it's emphasis on food anyhow. Shocker - there are two boys interested in the same girl. The girl looks waaaay too young to be interested in older guys (she's middle school; they seem older teen / early 20s). I liked the drawings of the different desserts and the recipes at the end.
Story basics - Najika is in the Seika Academy and entered in a baking contest. The youngest contestant there, the academy's director points out that she's the daughter of two famous (but dead) pastry chefs. He basically wants to use her for marketing for his school. She's in love with one of the director's sons, but the other son is interested in her too.
Gakuen Alice
by Tachibana Higuchi
Dakota County Library paperback 200ish pages
genre: YA manga, fantasy
Sigh. In this one, best friends Mikan (looks like Alice in Wonderland) and Hotaru are separated when Hotaru goes to a special "Alice" school. Heart-broken, Mikan decides to go find her. Lo and behold, the school is for students with special giftings (called "Alices" - even for the boys). Turns out whiny Mikan has a special talent, too, only she doesn't even know what it is.
At least this one had some suspense and adventure in it, but it still isn't my cup of tea! I'm trying to find something that will meet the needs of my girls who keep asking for The Black Butler (because he's hot, basically, in a graphic sense of the word).
Dakota County Library paperback 200ish pages
genre: YA manga, fantasy
Sigh. In this one, best friends Mikan (looks like Alice in Wonderland) and Hotaru are separated when Hotaru goes to a special "Alice" school. Heart-broken, Mikan decides to go find her. Lo and behold, the school is for students with special giftings (called "Alices" - even for the boys). Turns out whiny Mikan has a special talent, too, only she doesn't even know what it is.
At least this one had some suspense and adventure in it, but it still isn't my cup of tea! I'm trying to find something that will meet the needs of my girls who keep asking for The Black Butler (because he's hot, basically, in a graphic sense of the word).
Land of the Blindfolded
by Sakura Tsukuba
Dakota County Library paperback 202 pages
genre: YA manga paranormal romance
"Kanade can sometimes see the future and Arou can always see the past. Even with the chemistry they feel, it's impossible to forecast what will become of their relationship. Adding to the tension, Namiki (a new student who can also see the future) develops a crush on Kanade."
My reactions to this (and other manga of this style):
1. I don't really get it or like it.
2. Why is the female drawn like a little girl and the guys drawn like hot teenagers? That's just creepy.
3. What is it with the female crying like an idiot every two seconds?
Nuff said.
Dakota County Library paperback 202 pages
genre: YA manga paranormal romance
"Kanade can sometimes see the future and Arou can always see the past. Even with the chemistry they feel, it's impossible to forecast what will become of their relationship. Adding to the tension, Namiki (a new student who can also see the future) develops a crush on Kanade."
My reactions to this (and other manga of this style):
1. I don't really get it or like it.
2. Why is the female drawn like a little girl and the guys drawn like hot teenagers? That's just creepy.
3. What is it with the female crying like an idiot every two seconds?
Nuff said.
Why I Fight
by J. Adams Oaks
sort of PRMS (long story) paperback 228 pages
genre: realistic fiction (gritty)
Twelve-year-old Wyatt is a neglected kid. When he accidentally burns down his house after being left alone for several days in a row, his uncle takes him out of the shelter where he ended up with "Fever" (his father) and Ma. Uncle Spade is not exactly a wonderful role model or parent figure for Wyatt. This book is well-written but made me sad. Wyatt is uneducated, unloved, and used for his size and strength. Spade has Wyatt train as a bare-fist fighter and lies about his age. Wyatt navigates the confusion of cities, Spade's "lady friends," grandma's strange religious rants, and the neglect of his own parents by zoning out.
Since it has been drawn on and is no longer officially in the collection, I read it to decide whether or not I'd replace it. It's worth replacing, but I'm not sure I will. Not many kids will be able to relate to the kind of life Wyatt is leading.
sort of PRMS (long story) paperback 228 pages
genre: realistic fiction (gritty)
Twelve-year-old Wyatt is a neglected kid. When he accidentally burns down his house after being left alone for several days in a row, his uncle takes him out of the shelter where he ended up with "Fever" (his father) and Ma. Uncle Spade is not exactly a wonderful role model or parent figure for Wyatt. This book is well-written but made me sad. Wyatt is uneducated, unloved, and used for his size and strength. Spade has Wyatt train as a bare-fist fighter and lies about his age. Wyatt navigates the confusion of cities, Spade's "lady friends," grandma's strange religious rants, and the neglect of his own parents by zoning out.
Since it has been drawn on and is no longer officially in the collection, I read it to decide whether or not I'd replace it. It's worth replacing, but I'm not sure I will. Not many kids will be able to relate to the kind of life Wyatt is leading.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Cardboard
by Doug TenNapel
PRMS paperback 283 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy
Loved it! I need to buy the author's book that I don't yet own. Cam's unemployed carpenter dad gives him a cardboard box for his birthday. When the two of them make a cardboard boxer that comes to life, things quickly get out of hand. The evil neighbor Marcus adds much to the story!
PRMS paperback 283 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy
Loved it! I need to buy the author's book that I don't yet own. Cam's unemployed carpenter dad gives him a cardboard box for his birthday. When the two of them make a cardboard boxer that comes to life, things quickly get out of hand. The evil neighbor Marcus adds much to the story!
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Let Love Find You
by Johanna Lindsey
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 8 discs
read by Anne Flosnik
genre: historical romance
I might have enjoyed this story more, but the reader's voice was irritating and over-the-top on the romantic scenes. It ended up being more silly than romantic. I don't really know why I grab romance novels . . . with the exception of Lavyrle Spencer, I usually find the stories hopelessly lacking in good storytelling.
Amanda Locke is on her third season (almost an old maid at age 20!) and Devin Baldwin is the gorgeous, blunt bastard who makes her angry. Yeah, they end up together. No surprises in this genre. I wonder / think . . . would have I enjoyed it more if I had read the text instead of listening to Ms. Flosnik? Yes, but not much.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 8 discs
read by Anne Flosnik
genre: historical romance
I might have enjoyed this story more, but the reader's voice was irritating and over-the-top on the romantic scenes. It ended up being more silly than romantic. I don't really know why I grab romance novels . . . with the exception of Lavyrle Spencer, I usually find the stories hopelessly lacking in good storytelling.
Amanda Locke is on her third season (almost an old maid at age 20!) and Devin Baldwin is the gorgeous, blunt bastard who makes her angry. Yeah, they end up together. No surprises in this genre. I wonder / think . . . would have I enjoyed it more if I had read the text instead of listening to Ms. Flosnik? Yes, but not much.
Monday, December 03, 2012
The Fireman's Wife
by Susan Farren
PRMS hardcover 200 pages
genre: memoir
Caught my eye when I was weeding. Interesting look at the life of a fireman's wife - the challenges, fears, and frustrations as well as the joys and celebrations. A great inside look at the life of firefighters from a spouse's perspective!
PRMS hardcover 200 pages
genre: memoir
Caught my eye when I was weeding. Interesting look at the life of a fireman's wife - the challenges, fears, and frustrations as well as the joys and celebrations. A great inside look at the life of firefighters from a spouse's perspective!
Sunday, December 02, 2012
It's Not Summer WIthout You
by Jenny Han
PRMS hardcover 277 pages
genre: YA romance, coming-of-age
This story continues with Belly spending her first ever summer at home rather than at Cousins Beach until Jeremiah asks her to help find his brother Conrad. Details (such as what happened on that winter night at the very end of book one when Belly and Conrad take off in the middle of the night) are filled in as the story develops. Flashbacks, two pov (Belly & Jere), and other techniques tell us about Susannah's death, relationships, and grieving. Not great, but good. And now I'm curious to read book three . . .
PRMS hardcover 277 pages
genre: YA romance, coming-of-age
This story continues with Belly spending her first ever summer at home rather than at Cousins Beach until Jeremiah asks her to help find his brother Conrad. Details (such as what happened on that winter night at the very end of book one when Belly and Conrad take off in the middle of the night) are filled in as the story develops. Flashbacks, two pov (Belly & Jere), and other techniques tell us about Susannah's death, relationships, and grieving. Not great, but good. And now I'm curious to read book three . . .
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip
by Nevin Martell
PRMS hardcover 231 pages
genre: biography
How tough it must have been for the author to write about a living person who wanted to be left alone! The book is lacking in information, but it's not for Martell's lack of effort. He talked to anyone who had anything to say about the reclusive Watterson. At times, I almost felt bad about even reading this book . . . if Watterson wants to stay out of the limelight, why not let him? Like the author, though, I have a strong affinity for Calvin and Hobbes (owning all the books except the $150 complete edition set) and am curious about the man who created such an incredible phenomenon. Throughout the book, Martell injects himself and his struggles into the tale. The interview with Watterson's mother truly was a pinnacle moment - at last, something new and substantive. Overall, not a book I'd recommend to anyone except the most diehard C&H fans.
PRMS hardcover 231 pages
genre: biography
How tough it must have been for the author to write about a living person who wanted to be left alone! The book is lacking in information, but it's not for Martell's lack of effort. He talked to anyone who had anything to say about the reclusive Watterson. At times, I almost felt bad about even reading this book . . . if Watterson wants to stay out of the limelight, why not let him? Like the author, though, I have a strong affinity for Calvin and Hobbes (owning all the books except the $150 complete edition set) and am curious about the man who created such an incredible phenomenon. Throughout the book, Martell injects himself and his struggles into the tale. The interview with Watterson's mother truly was a pinnacle moment - at last, something new and substantive. Overall, not a book I'd recommend to anyone except the most diehard C&H fans.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Ostrich Boys
by Keith Gray
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by Bruce Mann
genre: YA coming-of-age, grief
What an interesting book! I loved the British and Scottish accents (great vocal work by Mann), the way Blake analyzed what was going on in the wake of his best friend Ross' death, and the journey (physical and emotional) that the boys take. I did not like how much swearing and especially the use of the Lord's name in vain that the dialogue included.
Not sure this title would appeal to my readers, but the humor lightens the sadness of the boys' anger and hurt at the loss of their friend. I liked this story quite a bit. I liked Sim's ability to name different collective nouns. This seems to me a good companion story to Thirteen Reasons Why . . .
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by Bruce Mann
genre: YA coming-of-age, grief
What an interesting book! I loved the British and Scottish accents (great vocal work by Mann), the way Blake analyzed what was going on in the wake of his best friend Ross' death, and the journey (physical and emotional) that the boys take. I did not like how much swearing and especially the use of the Lord's name in vain that the dialogue included.
Not sure this title would appeal to my readers, but the humor lightens the sadness of the boys' anger and hurt at the loss of their friend. I liked this story quite a bit. I liked Sim's ability to name different collective nouns. This seems to me a good companion story to Thirteen Reasons Why . . .
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Two Destinies
by Elizabeth Musser
Hennepin County Library paperback 450ish pages
genre: Christian fiction, relationships
The culmination of the trilogy jumps 20 or so years and picks us up with everyone's lives, adding another dozen or so characters. Just as with the first book, I had to force myself to read it for the first 100 pages or so. Then I enjoyed it thoroughly and was drawn into Ophelie's and Rislene's story. I love how El Amin's encounters with others (except Yassir) turned out. Not loving how Musser drops hints for many, many, many pages before finally telling the story of what she's alluding to . . . (e.g. the terrible tragedy that has saddened Remi & Eliane Cebrian, the back story about Bachir, etc.) It's kind of maddening, but overall this was a good story. I like #2 the best, then this one, then the first one. Glad I'm done with them, though.
Hennepin County Library paperback 450ish pages
genre: Christian fiction, relationships
The culmination of the trilogy jumps 20 or so years and picks us up with everyone's lives, adding another dozen or so characters. Just as with the first book, I had to force myself to read it for the first 100 pages or so. Then I enjoyed it thoroughly and was drawn into Ophelie's and Rislene's story. I love how El Amin's encounters with others (except Yassir) turned out. Not loving how Musser drops hints for many, many, many pages before finally telling the story of what she's alluding to . . . (e.g. the terrible tragedy that has saddened Remi & Eliane Cebrian, the back story about Bachir, etc.) It's kind of maddening, but overall this was a good story. I like #2 the best, then this one, then the first one. Glad I'm done with them, though.
Stupid Fast
by Geoff Herbach
PRMS paperback 311 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age
I first encountered this book while trying to help an eighth grader write a character sketch. (A tough task, given he'd only read about 27 pages of the book . . . ) I was intrigued enough by the book to put a copy in my online shopping cart. Then a few days later, I met the author at Bookology! Talking with him (and buying a copy on-site for him to sign), I knew I had to finish reading this book! It's got so many layers to it - grief, cliques, romance, talent, suicide, bullying, family dynamics, communication, . . . it's a wonderful book! The author uses the Lord's name in vain and swearing more than I'd like, but I don't think teenagers will have a problem with that. Felton Reinstein goes from "joke to jock" during the summer between his sophomore and junior years in high school. His best friend is in South America visiting an ailing grandparent. His second-best friend would rather hang out with the debate team. His little brother is a piano prodigy. And his mother is changing. Felton just wants to eat, sleep, and grow hair. Highly recommended book.
PRMS paperback 311 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age
I first encountered this book while trying to help an eighth grader write a character sketch. (A tough task, given he'd only read about 27 pages of the book . . . ) I was intrigued enough by the book to put a copy in my online shopping cart. Then a few days later, I met the author at Bookology! Talking with him (and buying a copy on-site for him to sign), I knew I had to finish reading this book! It's got so many layers to it - grief, cliques, romance, talent, suicide, bullying, family dynamics, communication, . . . it's a wonderful book! The author uses the Lord's name in vain and swearing more than I'd like, but I don't think teenagers will have a problem with that. Felton Reinstein goes from "joke to jock" during the summer between his sophomore and junior years in high school. His best friend is in South America visiting an ailing grandparent. His second-best friend would rather hang out with the debate team. His little brother is a piano prodigy. And his mother is changing. Felton just wants to eat, sleep, and grow hair. Highly recommended book.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie
by David Lubar
PRMS paperback 279 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age
This was a re-read because I remember loving this book, but not the kind of reader to booktalk it to . . . I loved it again and it is pretty funny. I didn't remember, however, that it is about a really smart kid who dislikes PE. Hmmm. I've been trying to "sell" it to the wrong type of reader. This book is smart, funny, wonderful! Scott is a normal kid who is a bit unsure about starting high school. Of his three best friends, one gets a girlfriend, one moves away, and one becomes an athlete. Scott is wondering where he fits. Great themes - touches on friendship, bullying, suicide, literacy, . . . an English teacher is pretty much the adult hero in the book. Sigh. Right up my alley!
PRMS paperback 279 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age
This was a re-read because I remember loving this book, but not the kind of reader to booktalk it to . . . I loved it again and it is pretty funny. I didn't remember, however, that it is about a really smart kid who dislikes PE. Hmmm. I've been trying to "sell" it to the wrong type of reader. This book is smart, funny, wonderful! Scott is a normal kid who is a bit unsure about starting high school. Of his three best friends, one gets a girlfriend, one moves away, and one becomes an athlete. Scott is wondering where he fits. Great themes - touches on friendship, bullying, suicide, literacy, . . . an English teacher is pretty much the adult hero in the book. Sigh. Right up my alley!
Two Testaments
by Elizabeth Musser
Hennepin County Library paperback 476 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Book two in the trilogy, I enjoyed this one much more than the first. Getting David out of Algeria, Hussein at the orphanage, Ophelie's sweet spirit, the future of the orphanage . . . good story! The funeral (I won't say whose!) was the most gripping part of the book. I could barely read for my tears. Loved it. I'm about 100 pages into book three and struggling to enjoy it (like with book one). Book club discusses #2 & #3 next Monday, so I'd better finish!
Hennepin County Library paperback 476 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Book two in the trilogy, I enjoyed this one much more than the first. Getting David out of Algeria, Hussein at the orphanage, Ophelie's sweet spirit, the future of the orphanage . . . good story! The funeral (I won't say whose!) was the most gripping part of the book. I could barely read for my tears. Loved it. I'm about 100 pages into book three and struggling to enjoy it (like with book one). Book club discusses #2 & #3 next Monday, so I'd better finish!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Feed
by M.T. Anderson
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by David Aaron Baker
genre: dystopian SciFi
I hated this book. It's a magnificent piece of writing. (And I adore David Aaron Baker's interp! He also does the Odd Thomas books. I think I'll see if I can find books read by him, no matter the topic or author.) One of my colleagues looked at me as though I was crazy when I shared my love-hate for this book. Another colleague nodded in understanding. It reminded me of when I was a teenager reading The Lord of the Flies for the first time. Completely sucked in to the story, talking to the characters, traumatized by the events. Feed is also a powerful story, but I didn't "like" it much.
Set in the not-so-very-distant future, Titus is a typical rich American kid. The moon "sucks" and he's pumped to get his own "up-car." Violet has had a very different upbringing, with parents who resisted getting their own feeds and didn't want her to have the implant, either. When her feed was installed, she was older than most children are and her parents bought a budget model. Not good. Intimately affecting people's brains, tracking their interests, controlling their body's systems, the Feed also floods their minds with advertising.
Awesome, horrible book. I took a look at the print version in my library, but I think the audio brings it to life (especially the sensory overload) so much more effectively. Worth a read!
Added 2/6/14:
I did a re-read (of the print version) to get ready for 8th grade book club. It was a little too coarse for my students - one didn't finish it. I had warned them about the swearing, but this wasn't the right book for the readers! I am still impressed by how thought-provoking this book is . . . how much is already true? Could this happen in the future? I marked a lot of pages!
page 8/9 - "You put the 'supper' back in 'suppuration.' . . . and the subsequent reactions by characters.
39 - "I missed the feed. I don't know when they first had feeds. Like maybe, fifty or a hundred years ago. Before that, they had to use their hands and their eyes. Computers were all outside the body. . . . . "
This entire page! I should just scan and post it! He goes on to talk about the educational advantages and how everyone is smart because they can look things up right away. ". . . like if you want to know which battles of the Civil War George Washington fought in and shit."
54 - "She asked me, 'Do you know how to read?' I nodded. 'I can read. A little. I kind of protested it in school TM (trademark). On the grounds that the silent 'E' is stupid.' 'This is the language called BASIC,' she said." Just the issue of literacy and what it means to humanity . . . this book really, really resonates with me!
58 - the way the author intersperses "the feed" with the storyline . . . it's amazing how invasive the feed's messages are in these characters' lives. And it's amazing how much like real life with kids and cell phones this really is.
I honestly haven't figured out the role / purpose of the news briefs on world events (which most of the characters are either unaware of or unconcerned about). Only Violet is paying attention. These are the pages I marked with those scenes: 70, 98, 126, 151, 191 (Titus and Violet talking about it), 214, and 223 (when Titus is finally starting to understand).
80 - Violet and Titus at the mall, trying to skew the statistical analysis of their shopping profiles. It absolutely creeps me out how realistic this is! I hate being "sold to" based on past purchases.
90/91 - commentary on education and no one being willing to pay for it!!! "Now that school TM is run by the corporations, it's pretty brag, because it teaches us how the world can be used, like mainly how to use our feeds."
103 - conversation between Violet and Titus' dad about the trees being cut down to build an oxygen factory . . .
116 - the filet mignon farm . . . I actually found this part kind of funny, but also sad if you look at how a lot of food is mass-produced.
133 - Titus deciding to act *exactly* like his father when he is angry. Kids really do learn from our behavior!
192 - Titus' mind is on other things when the news in his upcar includes ". . . the physical and biological integrity of the earth relies at this point upon the dismantling of American-based corporate entities, whatever the cost."
200 - to me, the most heartbreaking moment in the story. "I deleted everything she had sent me."
211 - on their vacation getaway, the romance doesn't happen because Titus says, "I keep picturing you dead already."
219 - Titus starting to realize that commercialism and materialism aren't getting him anywhere.
221 - Violet's dad sharing his struggle with getting the feed for his daughter.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by David Aaron Baker
genre: dystopian SciFi
I hated this book. It's a magnificent piece of writing. (And I adore David Aaron Baker's interp! He also does the Odd Thomas books. I think I'll see if I can find books read by him, no matter the topic or author.) One of my colleagues looked at me as though I was crazy when I shared my love-hate for this book. Another colleague nodded in understanding. It reminded me of when I was a teenager reading The Lord of the Flies for the first time. Completely sucked in to the story, talking to the characters, traumatized by the events. Feed is also a powerful story, but I didn't "like" it much.
Set in the not-so-very-distant future, Titus is a typical rich American kid. The moon "sucks" and he's pumped to get his own "up-car." Violet has had a very different upbringing, with parents who resisted getting their own feeds and didn't want her to have the implant, either. When her feed was installed, she was older than most children are and her parents bought a budget model. Not good. Intimately affecting people's brains, tracking their interests, controlling their body's systems, the Feed also floods their minds with advertising.
Awesome, horrible book. I took a look at the print version in my library, but I think the audio brings it to life (especially the sensory overload) so much more effectively. Worth a read!
Added 2/6/14:
I did a re-read (of the print version) to get ready for 8th grade book club. It was a little too coarse for my students - one didn't finish it. I had warned them about the swearing, but this wasn't the right book for the readers! I am still impressed by how thought-provoking this book is . . . how much is already true? Could this happen in the future? I marked a lot of pages!
page 8/9 - "You put the 'supper' back in 'suppuration.' . . . and the subsequent reactions by characters.
39 - "I missed the feed. I don't know when they first had feeds. Like maybe, fifty or a hundred years ago. Before that, they had to use their hands and their eyes. Computers were all outside the body. . . . . "
This entire page! I should just scan and post it! He goes on to talk about the educational advantages and how everyone is smart because they can look things up right away. ". . . like if you want to know which battles of the Civil War George Washington fought in and shit."
54 - "She asked me, 'Do you know how to read?' I nodded. 'I can read. A little. I kind of protested it in school TM (trademark). On the grounds that the silent 'E' is stupid.' 'This is the language called BASIC,' she said." Just the issue of literacy and what it means to humanity . . . this book really, really resonates with me!
58 - the way the author intersperses "the feed" with the storyline . . . it's amazing how invasive the feed's messages are in these characters' lives. And it's amazing how much like real life with kids and cell phones this really is.
I honestly haven't figured out the role / purpose of the news briefs on world events (which most of the characters are either unaware of or unconcerned about). Only Violet is paying attention. These are the pages I marked with those scenes: 70, 98, 126, 151, 191 (Titus and Violet talking about it), 214, and 223 (when Titus is finally starting to understand).
80 - Violet and Titus at the mall, trying to skew the statistical analysis of their shopping profiles. It absolutely creeps me out how realistic this is! I hate being "sold to" based on past purchases.
90/91 - commentary on education and no one being willing to pay for it!!! "Now that school TM is run by the corporations, it's pretty brag, because it teaches us how the world can be used, like mainly how to use our feeds."
103 - conversation between Violet and Titus' dad about the trees being cut down to build an oxygen factory . . .
116 - the filet mignon farm . . . I actually found this part kind of funny, but also sad if you look at how a lot of food is mass-produced.
133 - Titus deciding to act *exactly* like his father when he is angry. Kids really do learn from our behavior!
192 - Titus' mind is on other things when the news in his upcar includes ". . . the physical and biological integrity of the earth relies at this point upon the dismantling of American-based corporate entities, whatever the cost."
200 - to me, the most heartbreaking moment in the story. "I deleted everything she had sent me."
211 - on their vacation getaway, the romance doesn't happen because Titus says, "I keep picturing you dead already."
219 - Titus starting to realize that commercialism and materialism aren't getting him anywhere.
221 - Violet's dad sharing his struggle with getting the feed for his daughter.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Paranormalcy
by Kiersten White
PRMS paperback 335 pages
genre: paranormal romance
My 8th grade book club is reading this and our discussion should be lively. So far, I've heard, "This is the worst book ever written!" and "I LOVE this book! It's the best!" Personally, I liked it more than I expected. It's different, quirky. Evelyn (Evie) can see through paranormal creatures' glamours to what is really inside (vampire, werewolf, hag, etc.). She works for the IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agreement). Lend is a new creature she's never encountered before. A teenager like her, she is continually drawn to visit him in detainment. Funny, odd, interesting . . . I'm almost curious to read book two. And I'm definitely looking forward to discussing this with my students. BTW, the romance isn't very romantic, but it's still a fun book.
PRMS paperback 335 pages
genre: paranormal romance
My 8th grade book club is reading this and our discussion should be lively. So far, I've heard, "This is the worst book ever written!" and "I LOVE this book! It's the best!" Personally, I liked it more than I expected. It's different, quirky. Evelyn (Evie) can see through paranormal creatures' glamours to what is really inside (vampire, werewolf, hag, etc.). She works for the IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agreement). Lend is a new creature she's never encountered before. A teenager like her, she is continually drawn to visit him in detainment. Funny, odd, interesting . . . I'm almost curious to read book two. And I'm definitely looking forward to discussing this with my students. BTW, the romance isn't very romantic, but it's still a fun book.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Jessica Almasy
genre: realistic fiction, romance, coming-of-age
"Belly" (short for Isabel) is almost 16, has been in love with family friend Conrad (2 years older) for all her life, and is heading to the summer house at Cousins Beach with her mom and brother Steven. Rounding out the summer crowd are Conrad's brother Jeremiah (Belly's best friend) and their mother Susannah. Relationships are key in this story - friendships, siblings, parent-child, and of course, romance!
Almasy's vocal work was perfect for this. Belly was a bit too immature for me, but realistic and believable for a 15-year-old. I'm sort of curious to read the next book to see how the characters develop. The author also left this story with a cliffhanger - Conrad showing up at Belly's house in the winter and the two of them taking off.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Jessica Almasy
genre: realistic fiction, romance, coming-of-age
"Belly" (short for Isabel) is almost 16, has been in love with family friend Conrad (2 years older) for all her life, and is heading to the summer house at Cousins Beach with her mom and brother Steven. Rounding out the summer crowd are Conrad's brother Jeremiah (Belly's best friend) and their mother Susannah. Relationships are key in this story - friendships, siblings, parent-child, and of course, romance!
Almasy's vocal work was perfect for this. Belly was a bit too immature for me, but realistic and believable for a 15-year-old. I'm sort of curious to read the next book to see how the characters develop. The author also left this story with a cliffhanger - Conrad showing up at Belly's house in the winter and the two of them taking off.
Thursday, November 08, 2012
My Descent Into Death: a Second Chance at Life
by Howard Storm
error copy, hardcover, 146 pages
genre: memoir, Christian testimony
This book was wrapped in a jacket for Gary Paulsen's Notes from the Dog. The spine on the hardcover under that jacket even had Paulsen's name and title on it! Imagine the confusion of the student who checked it out, then brought it back with a confused, "I don't get this." Mackin quickly replaced it with the correct book.
I, however, have a hard time chucking books into the garbage. So this sat in my home for a few years until I started reading it while I brushed my teeth. Over the past few months, I've read the whole thing with a mix of joy and disbelief. I'm not sure why I have such a strong bias about people's return-from-death stories. . . who am I to doubt another person's experience? And I should just stick with the joy that this former atheist now believes in Jesus. Still, his time hanging out in heaven with Jesus sounds pretty involved, lengthy, and detailed . . . and not as authentic as the rest of his testimony. I'd be curious to have other believers read this and give me their opinion.
error copy, hardcover, 146 pages
genre: memoir, Christian testimony
This book was wrapped in a jacket for Gary Paulsen's Notes from the Dog. The spine on the hardcover under that jacket even had Paulsen's name and title on it! Imagine the confusion of the student who checked it out, then brought it back with a confused, "I don't get this." Mackin quickly replaced it with the correct book.
I, however, have a hard time chucking books into the garbage. So this sat in my home for a few years until I started reading it while I brushed my teeth. Over the past few months, I've read the whole thing with a mix of joy and disbelief. I'm not sure why I have such a strong bias about people's return-from-death stories. . . who am I to doubt another person's experience? And I should just stick with the joy that this former atheist now believes in Jesus. Still, his time hanging out in heaven with Jesus sounds pretty involved, lengthy, and detailed . . . and not as authentic as the rest of his testimony. I'd be curious to have other believers read this and give me their opinion.
The Silent Boy
by Lois Lowry
Hennepin County Library audiobook 4 CDs
read by Karen Allen
genre: YA
I don't remember a lot about this story, but recall that it was touching. I read this four years ago; the title was on the sheet with the info for The Time Machine . . .
Hennepin County Library audiobook 4 CDs
read by Karen Allen
genre: YA
I don't remember a lot about this story, but recall that it was touching. I read this four years ago; the title was on the sheet with the info for The Time Machine . . .
The Time Machine
by H. G. Wells
Hennepin County library, paperback 115 pages
genre: SciFi
I read this with my 8th grade book club three (?) years ago . . . or four. Wow! If those kids are seniors now . . . I'm losing some excellent helpers for my book fairs. Here are notes I found that I want to save.
Ch. 1 - gentlemen discuss four dimensions / time travel
2 - dinner guests / time traveler shows up
3 - travel into the future
4 - 802, 701 A.D. exploration / his theories on human development
5 - time machine missing! Panic, exploration, saving Weena, finding Morlocks
6 - time traveler goes down into the Morlocks' tunnels
7 - flowers in pocket / green building / overnight outdoors
8 - the museum (green palace)
9 - the fire / exhaustion & night in the open
10 - the Sphinx and the time machine
11 - 30,000,000 years into the future
12 - finishing his story / disbelief / he goes
Narrator / "I"
Time Traveler
Filby (red hair)
Psychologist
Very Young Man
Provincial Mayor
Medical Man / Doctor
Editor / Blank
Journalist / Dash
Silent Man / Choose
Weena / Eloi
Morlocks / underground
pg. 29 - para 2 last sentence
pg. 35 - para 1 families
pg. 46 - "Occidental" - define
pg. 54 - sun / planets / future
pg. 58-59 - Haves & Have-nots
pg. 70 - Carlovingian (def.)
pg. 74-75 - constellations different
pg. 76 - "Carlyle-like scorn of . . . "
pg. 80- deliquesced
I remember these kids watching the movie. I think they said something like, "H.G. Wells would turn in his grave if he saw that." Nice that they appreciate the literature and see how Hollywood can ruin a story.
Hennepin County library, paperback 115 pages
genre: SciFi
I read this with my 8th grade book club three (?) years ago . . . or four. Wow! If those kids are seniors now . . . I'm losing some excellent helpers for my book fairs. Here are notes I found that I want to save.
Ch. 1 - gentlemen discuss four dimensions / time travel
2 - dinner guests / time traveler shows up
3 - travel into the future
4 - 802, 701 A.D. exploration / his theories on human development
5 - time machine missing! Panic, exploration, saving Weena, finding Morlocks
6 - time traveler goes down into the Morlocks' tunnels
7 - flowers in pocket / green building / overnight outdoors
8 - the museum (green palace)
9 - the fire / exhaustion & night in the open
10 - the Sphinx and the time machine
11 - 30,000,000 years into the future
12 - finishing his story / disbelief / he goes
Narrator / "I"
Time Traveler
Filby (red hair)
Psychologist
Very Young Man
Provincial Mayor
Medical Man / Doctor
Editor / Blank
Journalist / Dash
Silent Man / Choose
Weena / Eloi
Morlocks / underground
pg. 29 - para 2 last sentence
pg. 35 - para 1 families
pg. 46 - "Occidental" - define
pg. 54 - sun / planets / future
pg. 58-59 - Haves & Have-nots
pg. 70 - Carlovingian (def.)
pg. 74-75 - constellations different
pg. 76 - "Carlyle-like scorn of . . . "
pg. 80- deliquesced
I remember these kids watching the movie. I think they said something like, "H.G. Wells would turn in his grave if he saw that." Nice that they appreciate the literature and see how Hollywood can ruin a story.
Sweet Sanctuary
by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
Hennepin County Library paperback 302 pages
genre: Christian fiction / relationships
This one took a while to get going for me. The main character, Wren, is delightful (librarian, literary fan) but she is so conflicted about her own life that I want to yell at her (the way I'm always tempted to yell at Hamlet in his indecisiveness). It also frustrates me when the author(s) immediately make it clear that some horrible thing happened . . . but you have to wait to find out what it was. Since it so clearly impacted Wren and her entire life, it's a bit frustrating to wait for it to unfold. Paul was my favorite character. Bradley added a bit of intrigue - liked him.
Families can be maddening.
Hennepin County Library paperback 302 pages
genre: Christian fiction / relationships
This one took a while to get going for me. The main character, Wren, is delightful (librarian, literary fan) but she is so conflicted about her own life that I want to yell at her (the way I'm always tempted to yell at Hamlet in his indecisiveness). It also frustrates me when the author(s) immediately make it clear that some horrible thing happened . . . but you have to wait to find out what it was. Since it so clearly impacted Wren and her entire life, it's a bit frustrating to wait for it to unfold. Paul was my favorite character. Bradley added a bit of intrigue - liked him.
Families can be maddening.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Matched
by Ally Condie
PRMS paperback ? pages
genre: dystopian romance
My 8th grade book club discussed this today. Since I read it last year, I didn't re-read it. I did okay discussing it with the kids, but was curious to see what my initial response was. Checked my blog for the last year and a half (after searching for the author's name and the title) and came up empty. I never wrote about it! Grrr. How often do I do that? I really, really like having this record of books and impressions so I don't get so darn confused.
Memories:
Liking Ky better than Xander, but feeling kind of bad for the "safe" best friend.
Not liking it as much as Hunger Games.
Comparing grandpa's death in this society to a Logan's Run scenario - the old are killed before they get to be too much of a health expense.
The beauty and power of poetry and literature.
The fearfulness of a tyrannical government (very Big Brother-ish)
PRMS paperback ? pages
genre: dystopian romance
My 8th grade book club discussed this today. Since I read it last year, I didn't re-read it. I did okay discussing it with the kids, but was curious to see what my initial response was. Checked my blog for the last year and a half (after searching for the author's name and the title) and came up empty. I never wrote about it! Grrr. How often do I do that? I really, really like having this record of books and impressions so I don't get so darn confused.
Memories:
Liking Ky better than Xander, but feeling kind of bad for the "safe" best friend.
Not liking it as much as Hunger Games.
Comparing grandpa's death in this society to a Logan's Run scenario - the old are killed before they get to be too much of a health expense.
The beauty and power of poetry and literature.
The fearfulness of a tyrannical government (very Big Brother-ish)
The Story of Beautiful Girl
by Rachel Simon
Dakota County Library, hardcover, 340 pages
genre: historical fiction
What an amazing, beautiful story! I can hardly wait until we discus it at book club! Simon follows Beautiful Girl (Lynnie), Number 42 (Homan), the old lady (Martha / Mathilda), and sundry other characters as their lives interact and are ripped apart. Lynnie and Homan are residents of The School (or as he calls it, The Snare), placed there because of their developmental disabilities. Set in the early 1960s, the warehousing of handicapped people was fairly common.
Tonette's death, Clarence's & Smokes' cruelty, Doreen's situation . . . . so many realistic, painful scenarios. But the story never gets confusing; Simon does an amazing job of weaving the different lives together. I love Hannah's role in her sister's life! I love the significance of the lighthouse. I indentified most closely with Kate. This is such an amazing book! Beautifully written!
Dakota County Library, hardcover, 340 pages
genre: historical fiction
What an amazing, beautiful story! I can hardly wait until we discus it at book club! Simon follows Beautiful Girl (Lynnie), Number 42 (Homan), the old lady (Martha / Mathilda), and sundry other characters as their lives interact and are ripped apart. Lynnie and Homan are residents of The School (or as he calls it, The Snare), placed there because of their developmental disabilities. Set in the early 1960s, the warehousing of handicapped people was fairly common.
Tonette's death, Clarence's & Smokes' cruelty, Doreen's situation . . . . so many realistic, painful scenarios. But the story never gets confusing; Simon does an amazing job of weaving the different lives together. I love Hannah's role in her sister's life! I love the significance of the lighthouse. I indentified most closely with Kate. This is such an amazing book! Beautifully written!
Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
by Trenton Lee Stewart
Carver County Library audiobook 11 CDs
read by Del Roy
genre: YA mystery / adventure
I would have enjoyed reading this much more than I did listening. The narrator did a fine job, I suppose, but it just didn't work for me. The children seemed too childish and silly. In book one, they were clever and resourceful. In this story, they are headed to visit with Mr. Benedict after six months apart from one another. But they don't get the message warning them not to come. Mr. Benedict and Number Two have been kidnapped! They decide to embark on an adventure to try to save him anyway. Some of the clues and mysteries were engaging; others just irritated me and I know I would have read those sections much more quickly. Will I go on to book three? TBD. Not right now, for sure.
Carver County Library audiobook 11 CDs
read by Del Roy
genre: YA mystery / adventure
I would have enjoyed reading this much more than I did listening. The narrator did a fine job, I suppose, but it just didn't work for me. The children seemed too childish and silly. In book one, they were clever and resourceful. In this story, they are headed to visit with Mr. Benedict after six months apart from one another. But they don't get the message warning them not to come. Mr. Benedict and Number Two have been kidnapped! They decide to embark on an adventure to try to save him anyway. Some of the clues and mysteries were engaging; others just irritated me and I know I would have read those sections much more quickly. Will I go on to book three? TBD. Not right now, for sure.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Two Crosses
by Elizabeth Musser
Hennepin County Library paperback 445 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction and romance
Gabriella is an American from Senegal (missionary parents) who is going to school in Castelnau, France in 1963(?). David Hoffman is an American teacher at the school - gorgeous, charming, mysterious, and only 23 years old. Sister Griolet is the elderly nun who runs the orphanage and the small school for American college students. Each of these people has an extensive back story. And there are dozens and dozens of other characters. The Algerian war for independence drives this story and Ali is the murderous man bent on revenge. The first 350 pages - I had to force myself to read. The last 100ish were phenomenal! Enough for me to pick up book two in the trilogy? Probably not.
And I'll bring my French/English dictionary to book club with me tonight because she used a LOT of french expressions. It didn't bother me because I know enough French to muddle by, but if someone really wants to know what something meant, I'd like a reference tool.
Hennepin County Library paperback 445 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction and romance
Gabriella is an American from Senegal (missionary parents) who is going to school in Castelnau, France in 1963(?). David Hoffman is an American teacher at the school - gorgeous, charming, mysterious, and only 23 years old. Sister Griolet is the elderly nun who runs the orphanage and the small school for American college students. Each of these people has an extensive back story. And there are dozens and dozens of other characters. The Algerian war for independence drives this story and Ali is the murderous man bent on revenge. The first 350 pages - I had to force myself to read. The last 100ish were phenomenal! Enough for me to pick up book two in the trilogy? Probably not.
And I'll bring my French/English dictionary to book club with me tonight because she used a LOT of french expressions. It didn't bother me because I know enough French to muddle by, but if someone really wants to know what something meant, I'd like a reference tool.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Black Butler
written & drawn by Yana Toboso
Hennepin County Library
genre: YA manga
I asked a die-hard manga fan what new series I should buy and she suggested this one. When I got it from the library, it looked okay. I probably shouldn't have read it . . . it's not that "bad" except that I really dislike manga-style comics. The butler is absolutely amazing; efficient, composed, never-stopping. Ciel Phantomhive, though a child, is the head of the Phantomhive company and fortune. Other than the butler, his household help are incredibly inept and always needing the butler Sebastian's help. Sebastian is incredibly handsome as well as efficient and at the end of this story, we learn of the mysterious bond between butler and child. I *so* don't like this book. Will I buy it for PRMS anyway? Or keep looking?
Hennepin County Library
genre: YA manga
I asked a die-hard manga fan what new series I should buy and she suggested this one. When I got it from the library, it looked okay. I probably shouldn't have read it . . . it's not that "bad" except that I really dislike manga-style comics. The butler is absolutely amazing; efficient, composed, never-stopping. Ciel Phantomhive, though a child, is the head of the Phantomhive company and fortune. Other than the butler, his household help are incredibly inept and always needing the butler Sebastian's help. Sebastian is incredibly handsome as well as efficient and at the end of this story, we learn of the mysterious bond between butler and child. I *so* don't like this book. Will I buy it for PRMS anyway? Or keep looking?
The Squire's Tale
by Gerald Morris
PRMS paperback 209 pages
genre:fantasy
Terrence doesn't know his parents, serves a hermit, and is an excellent cook. The hermit can't remember the past, but he sees the future as "memories." Thus when Gawain shows up, the hermit knows that Terrence will go with him to be his squire. And off they go to King Arthur's court, and off on a series of adventures. Morris' style was not my cup of tea - very episodic and jumpy. But it works well for sixth grade book club, and will help some of the kids to better understand the legendary tales.
PRMS paperback 209 pages
genre:fantasy
Terrence doesn't know his parents, serves a hermit, and is an excellent cook. The hermit can't remember the past, but he sees the future as "memories." Thus when Gawain shows up, the hermit knows that Terrence will go with him to be his squire. And off they go to King Arthur's court, and off on a series of adventures. Morris' style was not my cup of tea - very episodic and jumpy. But it works well for sixth grade book club, and will help some of the kids to better understand the legendary tales.
Earth (the audiobook): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race
by Jon Stewart and a lot of other people
read by Jon Stewart, Sigourney Weaver, and a bunch of other people
Hennepin County Library audiobook 3 CDs
genre: humor
Written as a guide for aliens after humans have annihilated ourselves, the guide covers earth's geography, history, culture, etc. Some of it is really funny, some of it is bizarre, some of it is just mundane. Stewart is much funnier onscreen. Many of his vocal asides are lost on this audiobook. There were some funny bits, though.
read by Jon Stewart, Sigourney Weaver, and a bunch of other people
Hennepin County Library audiobook 3 CDs
genre: humor
Written as a guide for aliens after humans have annihilated ourselves, the guide covers earth's geography, history, culture, etc. Some of it is really funny, some of it is bizarre, some of it is just mundane. Stewart is much funnier onscreen. Many of his vocal asides are lost on this audiobook. There were some funny bits, though.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
I Am Number Four The Lost Files: The Legacies
by Pittacus Lore
personal paperback 351 pages
genre: fantasy adventure
Much of this is part of the first three books, but this one fleshes out the experiences of six, nine, and numbers one through three a bit more. The third section is told from the point of view of a Mogadorian - Adamus, son of a powerful general. It will be interesting to see where this goes, since he's not quite dead at the end of this book. Good, but I'm ready for the sequel to The Rise of Nine (which has only been out for a month . . . ).
personal paperback 351 pages
genre: fantasy adventure
Much of this is part of the first three books, but this one fleshes out the experiences of six, nine, and numbers one through three a bit more. The third section is told from the point of view of a Mogadorian - Adamus, son of a powerful general. It will be interesting to see where this goes, since he's not quite dead at the end of this book. Good, but I'm ready for the sequel to The Rise of Nine (which has only been out for a month . . . ).
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Old Testament - Minor Prophets
Hennepin County audioCDs
many readers
Holy Scripture
One of these days, I'm going to own audio versions of the entire Bible! This one started to get hard to listen to, though, without balancing New Testament, Psalms, etc. The prophets didn't have the cheeriest messages to share . . .
many readers
Holy Scripture
One of these days, I'm going to own audio versions of the entire Bible! This one started to get hard to listen to, though, without balancing New Testament, Psalms, etc. The prophets didn't have the cheeriest messages to share . . .
Amulet #5
graphic novel, fantasy adventure
I'm too lazy to go upstairs and get the details off the book. I wasn't going to blog about it at all, but I'm a bit compulsive. I recently re-read books 1-4 and saw this at Barnes & Noble. Great way to be money-wise, huh? I bought it, read it, shelved it. Not as good as the first four - the storytelling felt very jerky - and it just seems to be a bridge for book six. That said, I don't regret buying & having it.
I'm too lazy to go upstairs and get the details off the book. I wasn't going to blog about it at all, but I'm a bit compulsive. I recently re-read books 1-4 and saw this at Barnes & Noble. Great way to be money-wise, huh? I bought it, read it, shelved it. Not as good as the first four - the storytelling felt very jerky - and it just seems to be a bridge for book six. That said, I don't regret buying & having it.
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie
by Jordan Sonnenblick
PRMS paperback 273 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, humorous, cancer
I love this book! This is a re-read, but I was so glad that my eighth grade book club enjoyed it that I had to read it again. Sonnenblick has such a great gift. He really gets middle school kids. I was crying through much of the last half, but there was plenty of humor as Steven navigates the challenges of middle school and having a little brother with leukemia. Beautiful story.
PRMS paperback 273 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, humorous, cancer
I love this book! This is a re-read, but I was so glad that my eighth grade book club enjoyed it that I had to read it again. Sonnenblick has such a great gift. He really gets middle school kids. I was crying through much of the last half, but there was plenty of humor as Steven navigates the challenges of middle school and having a little brother with leukemia. Beautiful story.
Friday, October 12, 2012
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Kate Rudd
genre: Teen realistic fiction, coming-of-age, cancer
Amazing. Painful. Beautiful.
I'm too tired to write coherently (conferences last night), but this is due back at the library. The voice work was fantastic - Kate Rudd brought the story to life extremely well. The story itself is very well-crafted. It was hard for me, though, as a Christian, to think about this resonating with kids when the protagonists (and their parents) lack any understanding of God and His love for us. The bleak perspective that Hazel has for her own mortality and Gus' ponderings on the Something that he believes in . . . just made me really sad. Green's writing is profound without being pedantic. I can see why he is so popular with my more capable readers. I actually finished this on Sunday, but haven't blogged lately.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Kate Rudd
genre: Teen realistic fiction, coming-of-age, cancer
Amazing. Painful. Beautiful.
I'm too tired to write coherently (conferences last night), but this is due back at the library. The voice work was fantastic - Kate Rudd brought the story to life extremely well. The story itself is very well-crafted. It was hard for me, though, as a Christian, to think about this resonating with kids when the protagonists (and their parents) lack any understanding of God and His love for us. The bleak perspective that Hazel has for her own mortality and Gus' ponderings on the Something that he believes in . . . just made me really sad. Green's writing is profound without being pedantic. I can see why he is so popular with my more capable readers. I actually finished this on Sunday, but haven't blogged lately.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
The Hunger Pains: a Parody
by the Harvard Lampoon
Hennepin County Library paperback 157 pages
genre: humor, parody
The funniest part was the naming of characters:
Kantkiss Neverclean (Katniss Everdeen)
Archie Nemesis (Cato)
Jaesar Lenoman (Caesar Flickerman)
etc.
The story - not so funny. Kind of lame, actually. I thought about buying a copy for PRMS, but I don't think it's clever enough.
Hennepin County Library paperback 157 pages
genre: humor, parody
The funniest part was the naming of characters:
Kantkiss Neverclean (Katniss Everdeen)
Archie Nemesis (Cato)
Jaesar Lenoman (Caesar Flickerman)
etc.
The story - not so funny. Kind of lame, actually. I thought about buying a copy for PRMS, but I don't think it's clever enough.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd
edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci
PRMS hardcover 403 pages
genre: short stories, geekyness, coming-of-age
Dobbs recommended this to me a year and a half ago! I finally picked it up just over a month ago and have been working my way through the stories. Some of them are fantastic; others didn't appeal to me. I think the beauty of a short story collection is that there are many different types of stories. I am too tired to skim through and list my favorites. Reading this made me realize that I'm really not very geeky at all! But at least I know what Daleks are and have been to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Interesting collection!
PRMS hardcover 403 pages
genre: short stories, geekyness, coming-of-age
Dobbs recommended this to me a year and a half ago! I finally picked it up just over a month ago and have been working my way through the stories. Some of them are fantastic; others didn't appeal to me. I think the beauty of a short story collection is that there are many different types of stories. I am too tired to skim through and list my favorites. Reading this made me realize that I'm really not very geeky at all! But at least I know what Daleks are and have been to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Interesting collection!
Monday, September 24, 2012
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto
by Michael Pollan
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by Scott Brick
genre: non-fiction, nutrition
Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.
That's the essence of Pollan's latest book. Fascinating but sometimes a little overwhelming, he debunks the last few decades of "nutritionism" and talks about how our country's obsession with eating healthier has actually made us more unhealthy. Amazing look at our culture and what brought us here.
Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants. There were a LOT of points under these three topics, but I couldn't write them down while driving (safely), so I guess I'll have to get a print copy of the book. Amazing book. This guy is good!
Some other notes I made on the book:
- eat food your (great) grandmother would recognize
- don't eat food that cannot rot (e.g. Twinkies)
- avoid foods with ingredients you cannot pronounce, more than five ingredients, and/or high fructose corn syrup
- avoid food products that make health claims
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 5 discs
read by Scott Brick
genre: non-fiction, nutrition
Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.
That's the essence of Pollan's latest book. Fascinating but sometimes a little overwhelming, he debunks the last few decades of "nutritionism" and talks about how our country's obsession with eating healthier has actually made us more unhealthy. Amazing look at our culture and what brought us here.
Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants. There were a LOT of points under these three topics, but I couldn't write them down while driving (safely), so I guess I'll have to get a print copy of the book. Amazing book. This guy is good!
Some other notes I made on the book:
- eat food your (great) grandmother would recognize
- don't eat food that cannot rot (e.g. Twinkies)
- avoid foods with ingredients you cannot pronounce, more than five ingredients, and/or high fructose corn syrup
- avoid food products that make health claims
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin
by Joe McGinniss
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
read by Arthur Morey
genre: Non-fiction biography
This was an interesting experience. I didn't agree with the author when he criticized Palin's "extreme" religious views, because I wholeheartedly agree that followers of Jesus Christ should pray about decisions and listen to God's leading. What I have a huge problem with is how very different her actions were from what she supposedly believes. There were simply too many people who shared stories of manipulation, intimidation, and outsized egotism on both the parts of Sarah and Todd Palin that I have a hard time understanding how so many people still like and support her. Even before reading this book, she seemed to be an egomaniac, and that is extremely different from what Christ taught.
Very interesting book. McGinniss seems to be a very reputable author who truly loves Alaska and has spent a lot of time there. His research was exhaustive (other than not actually talking with the Palins, who absolutely freaked out about his proximity).
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 9 discs
read by Arthur Morey
genre: Non-fiction biography
This was an interesting experience. I didn't agree with the author when he criticized Palin's "extreme" religious views, because I wholeheartedly agree that followers of Jesus Christ should pray about decisions and listen to God's leading. What I have a huge problem with is how very different her actions were from what she supposedly believes. There were simply too many people who shared stories of manipulation, intimidation, and outsized egotism on both the parts of Sarah and Todd Palin that I have a hard time understanding how so many people still like and support her. Even before reading this book, she seemed to be an egomaniac, and that is extremely different from what Christ taught.
Very interesting book. McGinniss seems to be a very reputable author who truly loves Alaska and has spent a lot of time there. His research was exhaustive (other than not actually talking with the Palins, who absolutely freaked out about his proximity).
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Wedding Dress
by Rachel Hauck
Hennepin County Library paperback 337 pages
genre: Christian romance
Interesting story and we had a great discussion about it! There are multiple stories interwoven, but primarily Charlotte's and Emily's. Each is a young woman wanting to marry. Charlotte's story takes place in 1912 as she becomes engaged to Phillip but has Daniel still in love with her. Charlotte is a modern owner of a wedding gown store. In between their lives, Mary Grace (1949) and Hillary (1968) also experience the amazing wedding gown sewn by Taffy Hayes.
Saltonstalls, Mrs. Caruthers, Tim, Katherine, . . . so many people and events but a great story of faith and life. Jodi had us each bring photos of our wedding gowns, so it was fun to share and talk about those, too. I love book club!
I hadn't read anything by this author before . . . but I'll gladly get more of her titles to read!
Hennepin County Library paperback 337 pages
genre: Christian romance
Interesting story and we had a great discussion about it! There are multiple stories interwoven, but primarily Charlotte's and Emily's. Each is a young woman wanting to marry. Charlotte's story takes place in 1912 as she becomes engaged to Phillip but has Daniel still in love with her. Charlotte is a modern owner of a wedding gown store. In between their lives, Mary Grace (1949) and Hillary (1968) also experience the amazing wedding gown sewn by Taffy Hayes.
Saltonstalls, Mrs. Caruthers, Tim, Katherine, . . . so many people and events but a great story of faith and life. Jodi had us each bring photos of our wedding gowns, so it was fun to share and talk about those, too. I love book club!
I hadn't read anything by this author before . . . but I'll gladly get more of her titles to read!
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Rise of Nine
by Pittacus Lore (pseudonym)
PRMS hardcover 360 pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
Completely enjoyed this escapist fiction, but wish the author had put the character names at the start of each chapter rather than just changing the font. Can't wait for the next book to come out!!!! Want to know what happened to Sam, meet Number Five, and see what happens to Setrakus Ra. Fun YA lit. No surprise that the U.S. government forms ties with the evil Mogadorians just to get access to technology and weapons . . .
PRMS hardcover 360 pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
Completely enjoyed this escapist fiction, but wish the author had put the character names at the start of each chapter rather than just changing the font. Can't wait for the next book to come out!!!! Want to know what happened to Sam, meet Number Five, and see what happens to Setrakus Ra. Fun YA lit. No surprise that the U.S. government forms ties with the evil Mogadorians just to get access to technology and weapons . . .
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Bedpan Commando: The Story of a Combat Nurse during World War II
by June Wandrey
Mayo Clinic Libraries via ILL, paperback 234 pages
genre: memoir
The author signed the title page, "You honor me when you read my book." I don't suppose she's still alive (22 in 1942), but what an amazing story she has shared. Put together from letters and other documentation (written in 1989), this reads almost like a diary from the war. The story could have used some stronger editing for flow, but it's visceral reality comes through powerfully. She seems to have been a dynamo who didn't necessarily like following the rules.
I'd like to write more, but I'll have to get back to it later. One impressive thing about Minnesota libraries - I asked my librarian at the Eden Prairie branch to get this for me. I had looked in Minitex and knew there were copies in the state, but it was so very nice to have her request it for me.
Mayo Clinic Libraries via ILL, paperback 234 pages
genre: memoir
The author signed the title page, "You honor me when you read my book." I don't suppose she's still alive (22 in 1942), but what an amazing story she has shared. Put together from letters and other documentation (written in 1989), this reads almost like a diary from the war. The story could have used some stronger editing for flow, but it's visceral reality comes through powerfully. She seems to have been a dynamo who didn't necessarily like following the rules.
I'd like to write more, but I'll have to get back to it later. One impressive thing about Minnesota libraries - I asked my librarian at the Eden Prairie branch to get this for me. I had looked in Minitex and knew there were copies in the state, but it was so very nice to have her request it for me.
Monday, September 03, 2012
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Cina's, paperback, 550 pages
genre: Holocaust fiction
Told from death's point of view, this story is about Liesl, a little girl in the outskirts of Munich, Germany, during WWII. People recommended this to me for ages and I finally decided to get-r-done this summer. (Labor Day weekend still counts as summer, right?) It was powerful and painful. Liesl sees her little brother die right in front of her eyes as her mother is bringing them to be raised by foster parents. Rosa and Hans Hubermann have an odd mixture of love and abuse for the frightened little girl (mostly abuse from Rosa and gentle love from Hans). I didn't like when death's narration gave away key parts of the story (like Rudy's kiss). I will almost certainly re-read this book. It is quite good and has a lot to think about contained in it. But WWII books always make me so sad.
Cina's, paperback, 550 pages
genre: Holocaust fiction
Told from death's point of view, this story is about Liesl, a little girl in the outskirts of Munich, Germany, during WWII. People recommended this to me for ages and I finally decided to get-r-done this summer. (Labor Day weekend still counts as summer, right?) It was powerful and painful. Liesl sees her little brother die right in front of her eyes as her mother is bringing them to be raised by foster parents. Rosa and Hans Hubermann have an odd mixture of love and abuse for the frightened little girl (mostly abuse from Rosa and gentle love from Hans). I didn't like when death's narration gave away key parts of the story (like Rudy's kiss). I will almost certainly re-read this book. It is quite good and has a lot to think about contained in it. But WWII books always make me so sad.
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Moonlight on the Millpond
by Lori Wick
personal collection paperback 285 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Not so much. I'll hang on to The Princess for a light re-read, but this one just got on my nerves. Maddie gets forget-100%-of-what-happens after a few ounces of alcohol, though those around her see a woman who carries on conversations, flirts, walks, etc. in a normal manner. She forgets that she got married and slept with her crush? Right. Doesn't work for me. Plus, the hopping between multiple storylines to set things in place is disconcerting. Jace. Maddie. Woody. Eden. Cathy & Doyle. The Muldoons. The Nunleys. This book is heading for the donation bag.
personal collection paperback 285 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Not so much. I'll hang on to The Princess for a light re-read, but this one just got on my nerves. Maddie gets forget-100%-of-what-happens after a few ounces of alcohol, though those around her see a woman who carries on conversations, flirts, walks, etc. in a normal manner. She forgets that she got married and slept with her crush? Right. Doesn't work for me. Plus, the hopping between multiple storylines to set things in place is disconcerting. Jace. Maddie. Woody. Eden. Cathy & Doyle. The Muldoons. The Nunleys. This book is heading for the donation bag.
Friday, August 31, 2012
I Suck at Girls
by Justin Halpern
Hennepin County Library hardcover 180 pages
genre: memoir, humor
Not as funny as his first book, this one has more heart. As he contemplates proposing to Amanda, his dad tells him to take a day to reflect. Justin spends the bulk of the book reminiscing about all his experiences with the opposite sex. Sometimes his recollections are funny, but more often they are poignant. He was not the man he hoped to be during his adolescence. An enjoyable read (and interesting for me to think about what my sons' stories might be if they wrote them down). Halpern is a talented author. How fun that his big break came through his Twitter feed!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 180 pages
genre: memoir, humor
Not as funny as his first book, this one has more heart. As he contemplates proposing to Amanda, his dad tells him to take a day to reflect. Justin spends the bulk of the book reminiscing about all his experiences with the opposite sex. Sometimes his recollections are funny, but more often they are poignant. He was not the man he hoped to be during his adolescence. An enjoyable read (and interesting for me to think about what my sons' stories might be if they wrote them down). Halpern is a talented author. How fun that his big break came through his Twitter feed!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sh*t My Dad Says
by Justin Halpern
Hennepin County Library hardcover 158 pages
genre: NF memoir
Oh my. Though extremely profane, this made me laugh! Patty S first told me about Mr. Halpern. I checked it out online and laughed out loud. I don't really remember why I decided to request the book from the library, but it was a quick and enjoyable read. I read some of it out loud to Louise and Ann and was a bit shocked at the profanity coming out of my mouth . . . this will definitely not appeal to everyone.
But there's also a story of a father-son relationship that makes me curious for more. How did Justin become such a seemingly pleasant and creative individual with his dad being so rough all the time? (Though love shines through, too, and some of my favorite parts were when his dad just said "I love you.") It's also fascinating to read about how this book came to be. Halpern started using his dad's unusual sayings as his IM status, then as his Twitter feed. In a very short time, he went from a few followers to hundreds of thousands of followers and the media contacting him for interviews. Crazy!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 158 pages
genre: NF memoir
Oh my. Though extremely profane, this made me laugh! Patty S first told me about Mr. Halpern. I checked it out online and laughed out loud. I don't really remember why I decided to request the book from the library, but it was a quick and enjoyable read. I read some of it out loud to Louise and Ann and was a bit shocked at the profanity coming out of my mouth . . . this will definitely not appeal to everyone.
But there's also a story of a father-son relationship that makes me curious for more. How did Justin become such a seemingly pleasant and creative individual with his dad being so rough all the time? (Though love shines through, too, and some of my favorite parts were when his dad just said "I love you.") It's also fascinating to read about how this book came to be. Halpern started using his dad's unusual sayings as his IM status, then as his Twitter feed. In a very short time, he went from a few followers to hundreds of thousands of followers and the media contacting him for interviews. Crazy!
Monday, August 27, 2012
House of Odd
written by Landry Q Walker and Dean Koontz
illustrated by Queenie Chan
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: graphic novel paranormal mystery
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. Ozzie's friend from Hollywood, Nedra, has bought a mansion near Pico Mundo. It seems to be haunted, so Ozzie sends Odd (and Stormy) to check it out. Nedra has called in a group of "ghostbusters" who do a tv show on hauntings. The three-person team (plus a cat) have interesting personality dynamics. Odd doesn't get his usual psychic magnetism "vibes" and Elvis can't seem to approach the house. Turns out there's a portal to hell and the demons are playing. Weird, but not one I'll re-read. (I usually kind of like weird stories.)
illustrated by Queenie Chan
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: graphic novel paranormal mystery
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. Ozzie's friend from Hollywood, Nedra, has bought a mansion near Pico Mundo. It seems to be haunted, so Ozzie sends Odd (and Stormy) to check it out. Nedra has called in a group of "ghostbusters" who do a tv show on hauntings. The three-person team (plus a cat) have interesting personality dynamics. Odd doesn't get his usual psychic magnetism "vibes" and Elvis can't seem to approach the house. Turns out there's a portal to hell and the demons are playing. Weird, but not one I'll re-read. (I usually kind of like weird stories.)
Sparks: an Urban Fairytale
by Lawrence Marvit
Rochester Public Library (ILL Hennepin County)
paperback 410 pages
genre: teen graphic novel, fantasy
Jo (Josephine) is a 20-year-old mechanic with an alcoholic, abusive, police officer father and a continually stupored mother. Jo longs to belong, connect with people, but doesn't fit in well with her peers. She creates a pretend friend with scraps from old cars at the garage where she works. Lightning brings her creation to life. She teaches him language and gets a See and Speak so he has a voice.
Ultimately, I found this to be a very sad - almost tragic - story. Jo's alienation is definitely rooted in her parents' dysfunction. Her attempts to "go out" and do the things other young adults do doesn't turn out very well. The story is brilliantly written and drawn, but too mature in content and language for my middle school.
Rochester Public Library (ILL Hennepin County)
paperback 410 pages
genre: teen graphic novel, fantasy
Jo (Josephine) is a 20-year-old mechanic with an alcoholic, abusive, police officer father and a continually stupored mother. Jo longs to belong, connect with people, but doesn't fit in well with her peers. She creates a pretend friend with scraps from old cars at the garage where she works. Lightning brings her creation to life. She teaches him language and gets a See and Speak so he has a voice.
Ultimately, I found this to be a very sad - almost tragic - story. Jo's alienation is definitely rooted in her parents' dysfunction. Her attempts to "go out" and do the things other young adults do doesn't turn out very well. The story is brilliantly written and drawn, but too mature in content and language for my middle school.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: and other clinical tales
by Oliver Sacks
Hennepin County Library hardcover 223 pages
genre: clinical psychology
- initially recommended to me about a decade ago by Jody West
- mentioned in Born on a Blue Day
- clinical case studies on many unusual neurological disorders
- lack of face recognition, synesthesia, autism, savants, etc.
- written in 1970s through early 80s, the writing often struck me as archaic (not that I've read LOTS of brain research info)
- interesting how he referenced others' research from the late 1800s through "modern" (early 80s) works
- remarkably NOT politically correct when he refers to morons, idiots, and defectives . . . kind of amusing in a way. One simply does not refer to people with disorders in this manner any more
- interesting to make connections between this book, the audiobook I'm listening to now (The Shallows), Born on a Blue Day, and You Don't Look Like Anyone I Know (10/11).
- many things I wanted to note while I was reading, but I can't think of any now
Hennepin County Library hardcover 223 pages
genre: clinical psychology
- initially recommended to me about a decade ago by Jody West
- mentioned in Born on a Blue Day
- clinical case studies on many unusual neurological disorders
- lack of face recognition, synesthesia, autism, savants, etc.
- written in 1970s through early 80s, the writing often struck me as archaic (not that I've read LOTS of brain research info)
- interesting how he referenced others' research from the late 1800s through "modern" (early 80s) works
- remarkably NOT politically correct when he refers to morons, idiots, and defectives . . . kind of amusing in a way. One simply does not refer to people with disorders in this manner any more
- interesting to make connections between this book, the audiobook I'm listening to now (The Shallows), Born on a Blue Day, and You Don't Look Like Anyone I Know (10/11).
- many things I wanted to note while I was reading, but I can't think of any now
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
by Laurie Viera Rigler
Hennepin County audioCDs 6 discs
read by Orlagh Cassidy
genre: romance
Again, the legion of Austen fans and their tributes to her work leave me feeling disappointed and only wanting to read Austen's work. In this story, Courtney Stone time-travels to become Jane Mansfield. The out-of-time (a la Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court) fails to connect for me. One of her biggest hangups is not getting to wear makeup. Really? The conclusion was as odd and disappointing as the bulk of the story. Stick with the originals!
Hennepin County audioCDs 6 discs
read by Orlagh Cassidy
genre: romance
Again, the legion of Austen fans and their tributes to her work leave me feeling disappointed and only wanting to read Austen's work. In this story, Courtney Stone time-travels to become Jane Mansfield. The out-of-time (a la Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court) fails to connect for me. One of her biggest hangups is not getting to wear makeup. Really? The conclusion was as odd and disappointing as the bulk of the story. Stick with the originals!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Born on a Blue Day
by Daniel Tammet
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Simon Vance
genre: memoir
Daniel is a savant - functioning very high on the autism spectrum. This story of his life is both fascinating and disturbing. His loving parents and his partner Neil seem to be extraordinary people. Not many children so severely affected by a disorder can manage so well. This book also reminded me of a title recommended many years ago - The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. That's on my reading shelf now. Daniel shares his personal story very effectively. Vance narrated wonderfully.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Simon Vance
genre: memoir
Daniel is a savant - functioning very high on the autism spectrum. This story of his life is both fascinating and disturbing. His loving parents and his partner Neil seem to be extraordinary people. Not many children so severely affected by a disorder can manage so well. This book also reminded me of a title recommended many years ago - The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. That's on my reading shelf now. Daniel shares his personal story very effectively. Vance narrated wonderfully.
Odd Is On Our Side
by Dean Koontz
Hennepin County Library paperback 186 pages
genre: graphic novel, supernatural mystery
Odd Thomas is such a wonderful character! I love how the graphic novels are prequels to the first Odd book. In this one, the ghost of a small trick-or-treater is trying to get Odd's help during the annual Halloween celebration. Little Ozzie's editor is in town and along with Stormy, Elvis, and the rest of the Pico Mundo crew, they solve a mystery and save the town. Great stuff!
Hennepin County Library paperback 186 pages
genre: graphic novel, supernatural mystery
Odd Thomas is such a wonderful character! I love how the graphic novels are prequels to the first Odd book. In this one, the ghost of a small trick-or-treater is trying to get Odd's help during the annual Halloween celebration. Little Ozzie's editor is in town and along with Stormy, Elvis, and the rest of the Pico Mundo crew, they solve a mystery and save the town. Great stuff!
Friday, August 03, 2012
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
PRMS hardcover 273 pages
genre: autobiography, invention
For the first few chapters, I was taken aback by the superstitions and tall tales of William Kamkwamba's childhood in Wimbe, Malawi. But it really helped set the story and the culture as he grew up and confronted challenges. The hardest part of the story for me was during the nationwide famine, especially since the president and the greedy people didn't seem to care that their countrymen were suffering so badly.
This is an amazing story of determination and hope. Kamkwamba read books on physics, wondered how things worked (made me think of Alex!), took apart radios, and experimented. Once he built a windmill to generate electricity for his family, his personal story just got bigger and bigger! Great read!
PRMS hardcover 273 pages
genre: autobiography, invention
For the first few chapters, I was taken aback by the superstitions and tall tales of William Kamkwamba's childhood in Wimbe, Malawi. But it really helped set the story and the culture as he grew up and confronted challenges. The hardest part of the story for me was during the nationwide famine, especially since the president and the greedy people didn't seem to care that their countrymen were suffering so badly.
This is an amazing story of determination and hope. Kamkwamba read books on physics, wondered how things worked (made me think of Alex!), took apart radios, and experimented. Once he built a windmill to generate electricity for his family, his personal story just got bigger and bigger! Great read!
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls
by Mary Downing Hahn
Hennepin County Library hardcover 330 pages
genre: historical fiction, murder mystery
What an interesting book. I wanted to see justice done. I wanted to see the killer caught. (It reminded me of Lovely Bones in that regard.) I don't want to do any spoilers, but I will say that the author's afterword affected my perception of the story I'd just read. Most of my students seem put off by historical fiction (this is set in the 1950s) and yet it was a more innocent time. Some of Nora's and Ellie's dilemmas fit with what kids today deal with. I'd love to hear other people's perceptions of this story.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 330 pages
genre: historical fiction, murder mystery
What an interesting book. I wanted to see justice done. I wanted to see the killer caught. (It reminded me of Lovely Bones in that regard.) I don't want to do any spoilers, but I will say that the author's afterword affected my perception of the story I'd just read. Most of my students seem put off by historical fiction (this is set in the 1950s) and yet it was a more innocent time. Some of Nora's and Ellie's dilemmas fit with what kids today deal with. I'd love to hear other people's perceptions of this story.
Monday, July 30, 2012
The Knife of Never Letting Go
by Patrick Ness
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 10 disks
read by Nick Podehl
genre: teen dystopian fiction
Oh. My. Word. This was so intense and different from other books I've read! I went onto Wikipedia to find out how the rest of the series goes. The suspense is too much! It was both horrifying and fascinating. When I first started listening to it (Podehl does an excellent job narrating), I wasn't sure of the setting - Earth or somewhere else? When? What the heck?
Settlers on New World have developed their own communities. Todd Hewitt has grown up as the youngest boy in Prentisstown, believing what he's been told. As he approaches his birthday (thirteen years of thirteen months each), he looks forward to becoming a man. On a random day in the swamp, though, he and his dog Manchee hear something unusual, and his life unravels into a crazy run from the evil men who want to take him.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 10 disks
read by Nick Podehl
genre: teen dystopian fiction
Oh. My. Word. This was so intense and different from other books I've read! I went onto Wikipedia to find out how the rest of the series goes. The suspense is too much! It was both horrifying and fascinating. When I first started listening to it (Podehl does an excellent job narrating), I wasn't sure of the setting - Earth or somewhere else? When? What the heck?
Settlers on New World have developed their own communities. Todd Hewitt has grown up as the youngest boy in Prentisstown, believing what he's been told. As he approaches his birthday (thirteen years of thirteen months each), he looks forward to becoming a man. On a random day in the swamp, though, he and his dog Manchee hear something unusual, and his life unravels into a crazy run from the evil men who want to take him.
Deadly
by Julie Chibbaro
Hennepin County Library paperback 293 pages
genre: historical fiction
Prudence Galewski is sixteen and interested in science. Her father left for the Spanish-American war in 1898 after her brother Benny died. She and her mother have been waiting for him to come back for eight years.
Interesting story (especially in connection with reading Yellow Death and Zeitoun the same weekend - the study of disease and an unjust imprisonment) but ultimately a bit too slow for me. I liked the journaling-style storytelling, but Prudence was too cautious a heroine for me. I can't picture my readers connecting with her. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end. An interesting task - to make Typhoid Mary seem more human and understandable. Again, I'm incredibly glad to live in an era of more advanced scientific understanding than the turn of that century!
Hennepin County Library paperback 293 pages
genre: historical fiction
Prudence Galewski is sixteen and interested in science. Her father left for the Spanish-American war in 1898 after her brother Benny died. She and her mother have been waiting for him to come back for eight years.
Interesting story (especially in connection with reading Yellow Death and Zeitoun the same weekend - the study of disease and an unjust imprisonment) but ultimately a bit too slow for me. I liked the journaling-style storytelling, but Prudence was too cautious a heroine for me. I can't picture my readers connecting with her. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end. An interesting task - to make Typhoid Mary seem more human and understandable. Again, I'm incredibly glad to live in an era of more advanced scientific understanding than the turn of that century!
Zeitoun
by Dave Eggers
Hennepin County Library paperback 325 pages
genre: NF, Hurricane Katrina, Muslim American
What a fascinating and awful story. I like how the author wove Abdulrahman Zeitoun's childhood and life story into this chronological tale of Hurricane Katrina. This honest, hardworking businessman stayed in New Orleans to protect his home and business. His wife Kathy took the children and left for safety. As he paddled around in his canoe helping people and feeding abandoned dogs, he began to realize the gravity of the situation and considered leaving. He waited a day too long, though, when National Guardsmen and police arrested him (without notifying him of his rights) and three other men in one of the properties Zeitoun owned. Never given a phone call, his wife assumed him dead. What an incredible story! And so very sad. It's hard to believe things like this actually happened here.
Hennepin County Library paperback 325 pages
genre: NF, Hurricane Katrina, Muslim American
What a fascinating and awful story. I like how the author wove Abdulrahman Zeitoun's childhood and life story into this chronological tale of Hurricane Katrina. This honest, hardworking businessman stayed in New Orleans to protect his home and business. His wife Kathy took the children and left for safety. As he paddled around in his canoe helping people and feeding abandoned dogs, he began to realize the gravity of the situation and considered leaving. He waited a day too long, though, when National Guardsmen and police arrested him (without notifying him of his rights) and three other men in one of the properties Zeitoun owned. Never given a phone call, his wife assumed him dead. What an incredible story! And so very sad. It's hard to believe things like this actually happened here.
The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing
by Suzanne Jurmain
Hennepin County Library hardcover 90 pages
genre: NF children's
Interesting, very quick read. The author makes it as story-like as possible as she tracks the work of Dr. Walter Reed and other doctors in Cuba as they try to figure out how yellow fever is transmitted. One big breakthrough in medical history seems to be that Reed wanted to have the men's permission to use them as subjects in his study. It seems bizarre nowadays that people doubted mosquitoes' role in this disease!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 90 pages
genre: NF children's
Interesting, very quick read. The author makes it as story-like as possible as she tracks the work of Dr. Walter Reed and other doctors in Cuba as they try to figure out how yellow fever is transmitted. One big breakthrough in medical history seems to be that Reed wanted to have the men's permission to use them as subjects in his study. It seems bizarre nowadays that people doubted mosquitoes' role in this disease!
Water's Edge
by Robert Whitlow
Hennepin County Library paperback 401 pages
genre: Christian fiction / legal thriller
This was a fun read! Legal thrillers aren't my favorite genre, but this had enough human drama and question-mark moments to keep me reading. I had never heard of this author before; I'll definitely look for more of his books.
Tom Crane is a young lawyer in Atlanta, hoping for a promotion. When he's fired instead, his girlfriend dumps him. From bad to worse, he heads back to his small hometown to close down his father's small legal office. His father died in a boating accident. But as he reads and closes files, a mystery comes to light.
Some of the pieces of the story seemed terribly unrealistic (especially the police work . . . ), but it was a good story.
Hennepin County Library paperback 401 pages
genre: Christian fiction / legal thriller
This was a fun read! Legal thrillers aren't my favorite genre, but this had enough human drama and question-mark moments to keep me reading. I had never heard of this author before; I'll definitely look for more of his books.
Tom Crane is a young lawyer in Atlanta, hoping for a promotion. When he's fired instead, his girlfriend dumps him. From bad to worse, he heads back to his small hometown to close down his father's small legal office. His father died in a boating accident. But as he reads and closes files, a mystery comes to light.
Some of the pieces of the story seemed terribly unrealistic (especially the police work . . . ), but it was a good story.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Shine Coconut Moon
by Neesha Meminger
Hennepin County Library, hardcover 253 pages
genre: YA relationships, 9/11 fears
Samar (Sammy) is a normal teenager . . . except that it's just her and her mom. She spends a lot of time with her best friend Molly and Molly's huge extended family. Since I'm double-blogging the LitWits books this summer, here's a repeat of that post:
I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. Sammy is a fairly realistic character struggling with her identity, but the post 9/11 arrival of her uncle Sandeep opens her eyes to her Indian and Sikh heritage. I like how she and Molly have their fascination with lingerie and the "Real Deal" moment in their futures. Sammy's relationship with Mike was something teens would probably latch onto. The bullying and racism (and even Sammy's rejection of Bobbi) would make for some good discussion.
Hennepin County Library, hardcover 253 pages
genre: YA relationships, 9/11 fears
Samar (Sammy) is a normal teenager . . . except that it's just her and her mom. She spends a lot of time with her best friend Molly and Molly's huge extended family. Since I'm double-blogging the LitWits books this summer, here's a repeat of that post:
I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. Sammy is a fairly realistic character struggling with her identity, but the post 9/11 arrival of her uncle Sandeep opens her eyes to her Indian and Sikh heritage. I like how she and Molly have their fascination with lingerie and the "Real Deal" moment in their futures. Sammy's relationship with Mike was something teens would probably latch onto. The bullying and racism (and even Sammy's rejection of Bobbi) would make for some good discussion.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The Adoration of Jenna Fox
by Mary E. Pearson
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Jenna Lamia
genre: YA SciFi, relationships
Also set in the future (southern California has been devastated by massive earthquakes and medical technology has advanced dramatically), this story has a teen girl waking from a coma with no memory of her former life. As bits and pieces come to her, Jenna is faced with a moral dilemma of gigantic proportions.
This is a well-told story. The reader did a splendid job bringing the story to life. I thought there was a follow-up to this story, but perhaps I'm thinking of a different book with a girl's name in the title . . . this book kept me guessing up until the end. I enjoyed it and thought it had some very interesting points to make about life. The author interview at the end was also enlightening.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 discs
read by Jenna Lamia
genre: YA SciFi, relationships
Also set in the future (southern California has been devastated by massive earthquakes and medical technology has advanced dramatically), this story has a teen girl waking from a coma with no memory of her former life. As bits and pieces come to her, Jenna is faced with a moral dilemma of gigantic proportions.
This is a well-told story. The reader did a splendid job bringing the story to life. I thought there was a follow-up to this story, but perhaps I'm thinking of a different book with a girl's name in the title . . . this book kept me guessing up until the end. I enjoyed it and thought it had some very interesting points to make about life. The author interview at the end was also enlightening.
Birthmarked
by Caragh M. O'Brien
PRMS paperback 359 pages
genre: YA dystopian mystery/adventure/relationships
Set in the future (2390 and on), water is a scarce commodity and "unlake" Superior is a dry bed with boulders and some plant growth. The Enclave is full of the privileged people while Gaia and her family live outside the wall. She has learned the art of midwifery from her mother. Then things get crazy. Her parents are arrested, she is interrogated, and she decides to sneak inside to save her parents.
I didn't exactly enjoy reading this, but I found it fascinating. The author's questions at the end are amazing - I really want to do this as a book club with 8th graders! I am curious to read the next book in the trilogy, but simply have too many books on my reading list right now. I want to see Leon safe and back with Gaia.
PRMS paperback 359 pages
genre: YA dystopian mystery/adventure/relationships
Set in the future (2390 and on), water is a scarce commodity and "unlake" Superior is a dry bed with boulders and some plant growth. The Enclave is full of the privileged people while Gaia and her family live outside the wall. She has learned the art of midwifery from her mother. Then things get crazy. Her parents are arrested, she is interrogated, and she decides to sneak inside to save her parents.
I didn't exactly enjoy reading this, but I found it fascinating. The author's questions at the end are amazing - I really want to do this as a book club with 8th graders! I am curious to read the next book in the trilogy, but simply have too many books on my reading list right now. I want to see Leon safe and back with Gaia.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Defending Jacob
by William Landay
Hennepin County Library hardcover 421 pages
genre: suspense, courtroom murder
I'm not generally a big fan of courtroom dramas, but this will be a fun one to discuss this fall (PRMS book club). I've been on hold for it quite a long time and need to get it back to the library for the next person waiting. Andy Barber is an assistant DA and handles most of the murder cases. But when one of his son's classmates is murdered, he sees the case through a father's eyes. As the case proceeds, we learn more and more about Andy and his son Jacob (as well as Andy's ancestors). Is there such a thing as a "murder gene"? This will be an interesting book to talk about with other educators!
Laurie - liking to talk about things
Ben Rifkin - bullying
power of social networks
Jacob's psychology
Duffy - detective friend
Father O'Leary - Barber ex-con "friend"
Leonard Patz - sex offender
Hennepin County Library hardcover 421 pages
genre: suspense, courtroom murder
I'm not generally a big fan of courtroom dramas, but this will be a fun one to discuss this fall (PRMS book club). I've been on hold for it quite a long time and need to get it back to the library for the next person waiting. Andy Barber is an assistant DA and handles most of the murder cases. But when one of his son's classmates is murdered, he sees the case through a father's eyes. As the case proceeds, we learn more and more about Andy and his son Jacob (as well as Andy's ancestors). Is there such a thing as a "murder gene"? This will be an interesting book to talk about with other educators!
Laurie - liking to talk about things
Ben Rifkin - bullying
power of social networks
Jacob's psychology
Duffy - detective friend
Father O'Leary - Barber ex-con "friend"
Leonard Patz - sex offender
Battle Royale
by 2 Japanese guys
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: Teen graphic novel, dystopian, violent
Definitely not my cup of tea! This is a lot like The Hunger Games, only much nastier, illustrated, and I dislike reading from right to left. A group of ninth graders (who look much older) have lost / won the "lottery" putting them into the "Program." The man who tells them that they must kill or be killed is a sadistic pervert.
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: Teen graphic novel, dystopian, violent
Definitely not my cup of tea! This is a lot like The Hunger Games, only much nastier, illustrated, and I dislike reading from right to left. A group of ninth graders (who look much older) have lost / won the "lottery" putting them into the "Program." The man who tells them that they must kill or be killed is a sadistic pervert.
Friday, July 13, 2012
The Three Questions
written & illustrated by Jon J Muth, based on a story by Leo Tolstoy
Hennepin County Library, hardcover ~32 page picture book
genre: children's book, philosophy
I enjoyed this more than I anticipated. The main character, Nikolai, has three questions:
When is the best time to do things?
Who is the most important one?
What is the right thing to do?
His friends have different advice, so he goes to see wise old Leo. He already knows the answers to the questions, but needs Leo's guidance to figure it all out.
A wonderful story! I can definitely see this being used in 8th grade world history during the world religions unit. I should buy a copy for PRMS.
Hennepin County Library, hardcover ~32 page picture book
genre: children's book, philosophy
I enjoyed this more than I anticipated. The main character, Nikolai, has three questions:
When is the best time to do things?
Who is the most important one?
What is the right thing to do?
His friends have different advice, so he goes to see wise old Leo. He already knows the answers to the questions, but needs Leo's guidance to figure it all out.
A wonderful story! I can definitely see this being used in 8th grade world history during the world religions unit. I should buy a copy for PRMS.
The Outside of a Horse
by Ginny Rorby
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 7 discs
read by Emily Bauer
genre: YA coming-of-age, horses, war
This story was almost ruined for me by the reader. Her voice was too girlish and peppy (to fit the 13-year-old protagonist) for me, but she also varied her volume so much that I missed parts or had my ears blasted. I was constantly changing the volume as I listened in my car.
The title comes from an old English proverb (which I listened to three or four times before I heard it): ‘There's nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.’ Hannah's mother died from cancer when she was nine, her dad is fighting in Iraq, and her stepmother wants her to help with baby Jeffy. Hannah escapes to the nearby ranch to watch the horses and ends up being an unpaid worker there.
Once I got into the story and got over the narrator's voice bugging me, I really enjoyed this story. The horses, her dad's recovery, her growth as an adolescent, . . . Very nice. I would have liked it better when I was young and in my own "horse" phase. Her dad's transformation was the best part of the story.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 7 discs
read by Emily Bauer
genre: YA coming-of-age, horses, war
This story was almost ruined for me by the reader. Her voice was too girlish and peppy (to fit the 13-year-old protagonist) for me, but she also varied her volume so much that I missed parts or had my ears blasted. I was constantly changing the volume as I listened in my car.
The title comes from an old English proverb (which I listened to three or four times before I heard it): ‘There's nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.’ Hannah's mother died from cancer when she was nine, her dad is fighting in Iraq, and her stepmother wants her to help with baby Jeffy. Hannah escapes to the nearby ranch to watch the horses and ends up being an unpaid worker there.
Once I got into the story and got over the narrator's voice bugging me, I really enjoyed this story. The horses, her dad's recovery, her growth as an adolescent, . . . Very nice. I would have liked it better when I was young and in my own "horse" phase. Her dad's transformation was the best part of the story.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Princess
by Lori Wick
personal paperback 294 pages
genre: Christian romance
I'm not sure who gave this to me, but I was trying to de-clutter and contemplating just getting rid of it. Then I decided to give it a look-see. Then I went from "contrived" to "I need to finish reading this." It's a very odd mix of romance and witnessing the power of Jesus Christ in people's lives. I think I'll bring it up to the lake for when I want to re-read it.
Shelby decides to marry the widowed prince Nicolai (because the county's law declares the heir to the throne must be married by his 26th birthday) based on her parents' encouragement and the king's and queen's kindness. Never having seen him face-to-face (and wearing a blushing veil on her Big Day), they are virtual strangers. Like I said, contrived. But somewhere along the way, I grew to care about the characters and the story. I'm glad I read it (and have a tiny bit less clutter in my bedroom).
personal paperback 294 pages
genre: Christian romance
I'm not sure who gave this to me, but I was trying to de-clutter and contemplating just getting rid of it. Then I decided to give it a look-see. Then I went from "contrived" to "I need to finish reading this." It's a very odd mix of romance and witnessing the power of Jesus Christ in people's lives. I think I'll bring it up to the lake for when I want to re-read it.
Shelby decides to marry the widowed prince Nicolai (because the county's law declares the heir to the throne must be married by his 26th birthday) based on her parents' encouragement and the king's and queen's kindness. Never having seen him face-to-face (and wearing a blushing veil on her Big Day), they are virtual strangers. Like I said, contrived. But somewhere along the way, I grew to care about the characters and the story. I'm glad I read it (and have a tiny bit less clutter in my bedroom).
"Doing School" How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students
by Denise Clark Pope
Hennepin County Library hardcover 205 pages
genre: non-fiction, educational reform
What an interesting book. She followed five students for a school year and conducted numerous interviews with them. They were all success-oriented students in a fairly success-oriented school. However, virtually all of them excelled more for the end goals of a good college and a good career rather than for the joy of learning. (Shocking, right?)
I enjoyed reading this book and thinking about my students, my children, myself. She is effective at identifying the problem (to a certain degree), but does not really suggest how to effect reform the system. It reminded me of watching a Michael Moore movie . . . after I saw Bowling at Columbine, I was SO frustrated that he did not really have any solutions or suggestions at all. He never even adequately explained WHY the U.S. has so much more of a gun culture than European countries or Canada. This book felt the same way. The author railed about the situation, but didn't suggest a way out of it.
I enjoyed the students' personal stories, especially Roberto's. What an incredible young man!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 205 pages
genre: non-fiction, educational reform
What an interesting book. She followed five students for a school year and conducted numerous interviews with them. They were all success-oriented students in a fairly success-oriented school. However, virtually all of them excelled more for the end goals of a good college and a good career rather than for the joy of learning. (Shocking, right?)
I enjoyed reading this book and thinking about my students, my children, myself. She is effective at identifying the problem (to a certain degree), but does not really suggest how to effect reform the system. It reminded me of watching a Michael Moore movie . . . after I saw Bowling at Columbine, I was SO frustrated that he did not really have any solutions or suggestions at all. He never even adequately explained WHY the U.S. has so much more of a gun culture than European countries or Canada. This book felt the same way. The author railed about the situation, but didn't suggest a way out of it.
I enjoyed the students' personal stories, especially Roberto's. What an incredible young man!
Friday, July 06, 2012
A Weekend with Mr. Darcy
by Victoria Connelly
Hennepin County Library paperback 343 pages
genre: romance
Enjoyable romance novel about an English professor (Dr. Katherine Roberts) and a shy young woman (Robyn Love) who attend a Jane Austen conference. Each woman connects with a dashing young man (Warwick Lawton, aka Lorna Warwick for Katherine and Dan Harcourt for Robyn).
I saw book two in this series at Kathy Giesen's house and it made me curious. But it's not the best romance I've ever read and I'm not enough of a Jane Austen nut to feel as drawn as these characters are to "Jane" stories. I must admit, though, I'm curious to re-read Persuasion based on what some of the characters in this book said.
Hennepin County Library paperback 343 pages
genre: romance
Enjoyable romance novel about an English professor (Dr. Katherine Roberts) and a shy young woman (Robyn Love) who attend a Jane Austen conference. Each woman connects with a dashing young man (Warwick Lawton, aka Lorna Warwick for Katherine and Dan Harcourt for Robyn).
I saw book two in this series at Kathy Giesen's house and it made me curious. But it's not the best romance I've ever read and I'm not enough of a Jane Austen nut to feel as drawn as these characters are to "Jane" stories. I must admit, though, I'm curious to re-read Persuasion based on what some of the characters in this book said.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Eldest
by Christopher Paolini
personal copy, hardcover, 668 pages
genre: fantasy
I've been working on re-reading this for quite a while . . . my goal is to have the storyline fresh in my mind when I finally read Inheritance. This was a lot slower and less interesting than I remembered. Roran's story is my favorite part. Eragon's time with the dwarves and the elves should have been edited a LOT more. I'm glad to finally move on. The fight and Murtagh revelation at the end were too quick of a climax to a long, drawn-out story.
personal copy, hardcover, 668 pages
genre: fantasy
I've been working on re-reading this for quite a while . . . my goal is to have the storyline fresh in my mind when I finally read Inheritance. This was a lot slower and less interesting than I remembered. Roran's story is my favorite part. Eragon's time with the dwarves and the elves should have been edited a LOT more. I'm glad to finally move on. The fight and Murtagh revelation at the end were too quick of a climax to a long, drawn-out story.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Feathers
by Jacqueline Woodson
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 3 discs
narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson
genre: realistic fiction, relationships
Woodson is one of my favorite authors, but I may need to re-read this short book. Frannie is a sixth grader during the 1970s. Her older brother Shawn is deaf. Her mother is pregnant again after suffering multiple miscarriages. Hope is the thread running throughout the story. Feathers are an analogy for hope. Samantha, the Jesus Boy, Trevor, Ray-Ray . . . all the children's lives have themes that bring them together. Lyrically beautiful . . . not sure how I would "sell" it to middle schoolers.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 3 discs
narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson
genre: realistic fiction, relationships
Woodson is one of my favorite authors, but I may need to re-read this short book. Frannie is a sixth grader during the 1970s. Her older brother Shawn is deaf. Her mother is pregnant again after suffering multiple miscarriages. Hope is the thread running throughout the story. Feathers are an analogy for hope. Samantha, the Jesus Boy, Trevor, Ray-Ray . . . all the children's lives have themes that bring them together. Lyrically beautiful . . . not sure how I would "sell" it to middle schoolers.
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Death Cure
by James Dashner
PRMS hardcover 324 pages
book three in The Maze Runner series
genre: dystopian adventure
So glad to have it over with . . . violent, pointless, nasty series. Thomas refuses to get his memories back. Denver turns into Crank Central (non-dead zombie-like humans who have gone crazy and kill to eat other humans). Whatever. I just read this so I could find out how it ended. Newt wasn't immune. Thomas finally decided to trust his gut instincts. Chancellor Page ended up saving the day. The Gladers were reunited with Gally. Humanity radically changed forever.
PRMS hardcover 324 pages
book three in The Maze Runner series
genre: dystopian adventure
So glad to have it over with . . . violent, pointless, nasty series. Thomas refuses to get his memories back. Denver turns into Crank Central (non-dead zombie-like humans who have gone crazy and kill to eat other humans). Whatever. I just read this so I could find out how it ended. Newt wasn't immune. Thomas finally decided to trust his gut instincts. Chancellor Page ended up saving the day. The Gladers were reunited with Gally. Humanity radically changed forever.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Scorch Trials
by James Dashner
PRMS hardcover 360 pages
genre: dystopian adventure
book two in The Maze Runner series
How can I keep reading books I don't like? Because I really, really want to understand what's going on in this series. Who is Thomas really? What is the point of what he's going through?
Violent, nasty, brutal. WICKED does more icky stuff to these kids. They are sent across a searing hot wasteland (The Scorch) and have to walk 100 miles north in two weeks to get to The Safe Haven. Cranks will try to kill and eat them, violent lightning storms fry some of them, etc. etc.
Aris, Brenda, and Jorge are introduced. I suspect everyone's motives.
<Above published 6.28.2012. Below added 12.13.2025.>
WICKED is an acronym for World In Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment Department
We learn that in book one: Maze Runner.
When Teresa comes into the Glade, she has written "WICKED is good" on her arm.
Are they?
The Serpent's Shadow
by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 401 pages
genre: fantasy adventure, Egyptian mythology
The final part of the trilogy. Wonderful conclusion, though I really wanted them to find an actual cure for Walt (Akhenaton's curse). Enjoyed the story and the two wonderful young narrators.
PRMS hardcover 401 pages
genre: fantasy adventure, Egyptian mythology
The final part of the trilogy. Wonderful conclusion, though I really wanted them to find an actual cure for Walt (Akhenaton's curse). Enjoyed the story and the two wonderful young narrators.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Throne of Fire
by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 447 pages
book two in the Kane Chronicles
genre: fantasy, Egyptian mythology
Sadie and Carter are at it again - saving the world while having bizarre experiences as Egyptian magicians. I LOVE the voices of these two young people - Riordan can embody the voice and attitude of a 13-year-old British girl - simply amazing. They need to find three pieces of a scroll so they can awaken Ra and prevent Apophis from rising. They have been busy training initiates, but Carter is obsessing about finding Zia and Sadie is trying to figure out her personal love triangle with Anubis and Walt.
Reading these makes me curious about Egyptian mythology, something I know little about. I'm not sure why students don't seem to like this series as well as the Percy Jackson books . . . are they more challenging to read? Do the two narrators throw them off? Is Egyptian mythology less accessible than Greek? I'm appreciative of Riordan's talent. I like that there is humor in with the action and adventure.
PRMS hardcover 447 pages
book two in the Kane Chronicles
genre: fantasy, Egyptian mythology
Sadie and Carter are at it again - saving the world while having bizarre experiences as Egyptian magicians. I LOVE the voices of these two young people - Riordan can embody the voice and attitude of a 13-year-old British girl - simply amazing. They need to find three pieces of a scroll so they can awaken Ra and prevent Apophis from rising. They have been busy training initiates, but Carter is obsessing about finding Zia and Sadie is trying to figure out her personal love triangle with Anubis and Walt.
Reading these makes me curious about Egyptian mythology, something I know little about. I'm not sure why students don't seem to like this series as well as the Percy Jackson books . . . are they more challenging to read? Do the two narrators throw them off? Is Egyptian mythology less accessible than Greek? I'm appreciative of Riordan's talent. I like that there is humor in with the action and adventure.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Slathbog's Gold
by M.L. Forman
book one of Adventurer's Wanted series
Hennepin County Library hardcover 382 pages
Alex enters a book shop to ask about the strange sign in the front window, but finds himself signed on to be an adventurer. He travels to a place whose name I forgot and embarks upon a trip to vanquish a dragon. Everything about this book sounded perfect for our grade 6 LAX, which is why I requested it. I found it had positive values and a good tone, lots of traditional elements (dwarves, elves, trolls, etc.), and a somewhat reluctant hero. Ultimately, I thought it was slow, with too many descriptions of meals and travels. The fight with the dragon was extremely short and anticlimactic. I honestly don't know if middle school boys would like it, but I found it to be a disappointing fantasy title. The only innovative piece was the geebs - odd little messenger creatures who can only make yes and no sounds. I have no idea why 15-year-old Alex would be so reluctant to learn and use magic. I'm not planning to read book two to find out.
book one of Adventurer's Wanted series
Hennepin County Library hardcover 382 pages
Alex enters a book shop to ask about the strange sign in the front window, but finds himself signed on to be an adventurer. He travels to a place whose name I forgot and embarks upon a trip to vanquish a dragon. Everything about this book sounded perfect for our grade 6 LAX, which is why I requested it. I found it had positive values and a good tone, lots of traditional elements (dwarves, elves, trolls, etc.), and a somewhat reluctant hero. Ultimately, I thought it was slow, with too many descriptions of meals and travels. The fight with the dragon was extremely short and anticlimactic. I honestly don't know if middle school boys would like it, but I found it to be a disappointing fantasy title. The only innovative piece was the geebs - odd little messenger creatures who can only make yes and no sounds. I have no idea why 15-year-old Alex would be so reluctant to learn and use magic. I'm not planning to read book two to find out.
Friday, June 22, 2012
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X
by James Patterson
Hennepin County Library, audioCDs, 4 discs
Glad I finally read it. Odd story of an alien boy whose parents are murdered when he is three years old. At 15, he is on his own as an alien hunter. Lots of violence and improbable scenarios, but an entertaining story in some ways. I dislike the super-short chapters (but that's perhaps what some reluctant readers like) but enjoyed the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Not a very well-developed story, but an appealing fantasy / action tale for some middle school readers.
Hennepin County Library, audioCDs, 4 discs
Glad I finally read it. Odd story of an alien boy whose parents are murdered when he is three years old. At 15, he is on his own as an alien hunter. Lots of violence and improbable scenarios, but an entertaining story in some ways. I dislike the super-short chapters (but that's perhaps what some reluctant readers like) but enjoyed the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Not a very well-developed story, but an appealing fantasy / action tale for some middle school readers.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Traveler's Rest
by Ann Tatlock
Hennepin County Library paperback 342 pages
genre: Christian fiction
Nice story. I like this author. Jane is engaged to Seth, but when he returns from Iraq a paraplegic, everything changes for the young couple. He tells her to go away and find someone else. She still loves him and is committed to marrying him and caring for him. Truman is a wonderful older man who lives at the VA home and befriends both Jane and Seth. Wonderful characters, engaging story, somewhat predictable ending. My favorite scene is when Eugene shows Truman the video interview he did with Maggie before she died.
Hennepin County Library paperback 342 pages
genre: Christian fiction
Nice story. I like this author. Jane is engaged to Seth, but when he returns from Iraq a paraplegic, everything changes for the young couple. He tells her to go away and find someone else. She still loves him and is committed to marrying him and caring for him. Truman is a wonderful older man who lives at the VA home and befriends both Jane and Seth. Wonderful characters, engaging story, somewhat predictable ending. My favorite scene is when Eugene shows Truman the video interview he did with Maggie before she died.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Brush Up Your Shakespeare
by Michael Macrone
Hennepin County Library, hard cover, 225 pages
genre: Literary non-fiction
I want to OWN this! Subtitled "A delightfully entertaining guide to the most famous and quotable expressions from the Bard," the author did an amazing job researching Shakespeare quotations. Interestingly enough, some that we consider his were published elsewhere first (like "it's Greek to me") and the author carefully explains that some others attributed to Shakespeare may have originated elsewhere. If he couldn't find earlier documentation, he gave credit to the play or sonnet in which WS used it first.
I stumbled upon this title when I was trying to find the source of the readers' theatre piece we use during the Medieval banquet at school. Fun for word nuts like me!
Hennepin County Library, hard cover, 225 pages
genre: Literary non-fiction
I want to OWN this! Subtitled "A delightfully entertaining guide to the most famous and quotable expressions from the Bard," the author did an amazing job researching Shakespeare quotations. Interestingly enough, some that we consider his were published elsewhere first (like "it's Greek to me") and the author carefully explains that some others attributed to Shakespeare may have originated elsewhere. If he couldn't find earlier documentation, he gave credit to the play or sonnet in which WS used it first.
I stumbled upon this title when I was trying to find the source of the readers' theatre piece we use during the Medieval banquet at school. Fun for word nuts like me!
Monday, June 11, 2012
The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls
by Julie Schumacher
Hennepin County Library, hardcover, 230 pages
genre: teen fiction
I had read a review of this book somewhere (connected with an author event) and I knew I wouldn't be able to go to the event, but was curious about the book. I put my name on the reserve list and by the time I got the book, I thought it was non-fiction. Since it was due at the library, I thought I'd skim it and return it (still a waiting list on it). Wow! I'm so glad I had time on a long car ride to read the whole thing. What a wonderful story!
CeeCee, Adrienne, Jill, and Wallis are very unlikely friends. When two of the moms come up with the idea of a mother-daughter book club, CeeCee and Adrienne are appalled. They are going into their junior (or senior) year of high school and do NOT want to have to do a book club. Jill takes her SAT-prep very seriously and thinks discussing the summer reading titles before AP English is a good idea. Wallis is the wild card . . . we never really learn her story, but the bits and pieces are intriguing. Adrienne's identity crisis is well developed and resolved throughout the story. (And I LOVE the "essay" and chapter headings!)
Schumacher is the director (?) of the creative writing program at the U of M. She can definitely walk the talk! This book is wonderful and one I'll add to the collection at PRMS.
Hennepin County Library, hardcover, 230 pages
genre: teen fiction
I had read a review of this book somewhere (connected with an author event) and I knew I wouldn't be able to go to the event, but was curious about the book. I put my name on the reserve list and by the time I got the book, I thought it was non-fiction. Since it was due at the library, I thought I'd skim it and return it (still a waiting list on it). Wow! I'm so glad I had time on a long car ride to read the whole thing. What a wonderful story!
CeeCee, Adrienne, Jill, and Wallis are very unlikely friends. When two of the moms come up with the idea of a mother-daughter book club, CeeCee and Adrienne are appalled. They are going into their junior (or senior) year of high school and do NOT want to have to do a book club. Jill takes her SAT-prep very seriously and thinks discussing the summer reading titles before AP English is a good idea. Wallis is the wild card . . . we never really learn her story, but the bits and pieces are intriguing. Adrienne's identity crisis is well developed and resolved throughout the story. (And I LOVE the "essay" and chapter headings!)
Schumacher is the director (?) of the creative writing program at the U of M. She can definitely walk the talk! This book is wonderful and one I'll add to the collection at PRMS.
Raising Dragons
by Bryan Davis
Hennepin County LIbrary hardcover ? pages
genre: Christian YA fantasy
I initially requested this as a possibility for a 6th grade LAX fantasy title, then wanted to read it just because I love to read, but finally decided to just peruse it and return it because I just don't have enough time! I only read the first two chapters before we got to the library, but I was really enjoying it. The protagonist doesn't realize that he has dragon blood, but he knows that his breath has been getting hotter and stronger. He also has strange dreams in which he's a dragon. Then a weird guy in a Cadillac is following him. The writing is very clean (not surprising from a Christian author) and appealing. This would work with upper elementary / young middle school kids. I wish I had time to finish reading it, because it's a delightful book from the outset.
Hennepin County LIbrary hardcover ? pages
genre: Christian YA fantasy
I initially requested this as a possibility for a 6th grade LAX fantasy title, then wanted to read it just because I love to read, but finally decided to just peruse it and return it because I just don't have enough time! I only read the first two chapters before we got to the library, but I was really enjoying it. The protagonist doesn't realize that he has dragon blood, but he knows that his breath has been getting hotter and stronger. He also has strange dreams in which he's a dragon. Then a weird guy in a Cadillac is following him. The writing is very clean (not surprising from a Christian author) and appealing. This would work with upper elementary / young middle school kids. I wish I had time to finish reading it, because it's a delightful book from the outset.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Battle Dress
by Amy Efaw
loaned to me by a student, paperback, 290 pages
genre: YA fiction
Andi (Andrea) Davis is going to West Point. Her family is more doubtful than supportive that she can make it there. The toughness of Beast (basic training) and the challenges - both physical and mental - make her question herself over and over again.
Interesting book. Now that I've read it, I'm curious to hear why the student who loaned it to me liked it so much. The military part? Her personal struggle to succeed? There wasn't really any romance and not much in the way of subplots, but it was a worthwhile read.
loaned to me by a student, paperback, 290 pages
genre: YA fiction
Andi (Andrea) Davis is going to West Point. Her family is more doubtful than supportive that she can make it there. The toughness of Beast (basic training) and the challenges - both physical and mental - make her question herself over and over again.
Interesting book. Now that I've read it, I'm curious to hear why the student who loaned it to me liked it so much. The military part? Her personal struggle to succeed? There wasn't really any romance and not much in the way of subplots, but it was a worthwhile read.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Sarah's Key
by Tatiana DeRosnay
Hennepin County Library audioCDs (8 discs)
read by Polly Stone
genre: WWII fiction / modern day relationships
What I loved about this story: the balance between the events of 1942 and Julia learning about it sixty years later, the children (historical & modern), the unfolding of characters' lives.
What I disliked: the relationship between Julia and Bertrand, Julia's insecurities and dramas, Julia in general . . .
I learned a lot. I had no idea that the French police had complied so willingly with the Nazis during the occupation. I'm surprised and saddened that more people didn't try to help.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs (8 discs)
read by Polly Stone
genre: WWII fiction / modern day relationships
What I loved about this story: the balance between the events of 1942 and Julia learning about it sixty years later, the children (historical & modern), the unfolding of characters' lives.
What I disliked: the relationship between Julia and Bertrand, Julia's insecurities and dramas, Julia in general . . .
I learned a lot. I had no idea that the French police had complied so willingly with the Nazis during the occupation. I'm surprised and saddened that more people didn't try to help.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs
PRMS hardcover 348 pages
genre: supernatural
What an unusual story! Jacob and his grandfather are close, but Jacob isn't quite sure what to believe about the stories he hears. When his grandfather is killed, no one believes Jacob's tale about the creature he saw. When Jacob and his father go to Cairnholm Island (the location of some of his grandfather's stories), strange things happen. Peculiar children, a time loop, hollowgasts, wights, . . . a very strange and captivating story! I love that the photographs in the book are actual vintage photos. Odd, scary, fascinating.
PRMS hardcover 348 pages
genre: supernatural
What an unusual story! Jacob and his grandfather are close, but Jacob isn't quite sure what to believe about the stories he hears. When his grandfather is killed, no one believes Jacob's tale about the creature he saw. When Jacob and his father go to Cairnholm Island (the location of some of his grandfather's stories), strange things happen. Peculiar children, a time loop, hollowgasts, wights, . . . a very strange and captivating story! I love that the photographs in the book are actual vintage photos. Odd, scary, fascinating.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 11 discs
narrated by Jim Dale
genre: historical fantasy
What an unusual, but very captivating story! Two young people, Celia and Marco, are bound by two older magicians when they are mere children. They don't fully understand what the "challenge" even is as they are training to undertake it. The Night Circus is created to be the venue for the challenge and it is filled with unusual people and attractions.
Amanda Wermerskirchen recommended this to me. I'll have to let her know how much I enjoyed it. Absolutely captivating and extraordinary! (It was also interesting to be listening to this intermixed with my reading of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.)
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 11 discs
narrated by Jim Dale
genre: historical fantasy
What an unusual, but very captivating story! Two young people, Celia and Marco, are bound by two older magicians when they are mere children. They don't fully understand what the "challenge" even is as they are training to undertake it. The Night Circus is created to be the venue for the challenge and it is filled with unusual people and attractions.
Amanda Wermerskirchen recommended this to me. I'll have to let her know how much I enjoyed it. Absolutely captivating and extraordinary! (It was also interesting to be listening to this intermixed with my reading of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.)
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