by Ally Condie
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by Kate Simses and Jack Riccobono
genre: YA dystopian (book 2 after Matched)
Mildly interesting to see where this story goes . . . the Society has made life miserable for both Ky and Cassia as they strive to find one another. Set primarily in canyons remarkably like those of the Grand Canyon area, the action is fairly interesting. The interpersonal stuff just got irritating for me.
At one point, I wondered if it was the actual written text or the performers' vocal work that was irritating me so much. The agonizingly drawn-out conversations about nothing made me want a print copy so I could do some skim-reading.
That said, I loved how books, poetry, reading, writing, painting, etc. were so highly valued by those escaping the Society. I like the Farmers and these young people striving to break away from the control of their lives.
Monday, February 06, 2017
Sunday, February 05, 2017
The Phoenix Files (#4 Underground, #5 Fallout, and #6 Doomsday)
by Chris Morphew
loaned to me (last spring!) by a student
paperback, 323, 318, and 405 pages respectively
genre: YA SciFi, Adventure
Sigh. I'm glad I'm finally done with these. The narrator of #4 was Luke, which I liked. The narrator of #5 was Jordan, which bugged me. The narrator of #6 bounced between Luke, Jordan, Bill, and Peter. This worked pretty well, but I just wanted the story to be over. The Luke and Jordan romance was never romantic. The entire Phoenix / Shackleton / Co-operative / end of the world scenario was simply too far-fetched. Oh, and the time travel and superpowers really pushed it over the edge.
It was nice of my student to loan these to me. I'm glad he was enthusiastic about reading them. The pacing and action level kept the stories moving along. I should probably write him a nice thank you note or give him a Barnes and Noble gift card or something . . .
loaned to me (last spring!) by a student
paperback, 323, 318, and 405 pages respectively
genre: YA SciFi, Adventure
Sigh. I'm glad I'm finally done with these. The narrator of #4 was Luke, which I liked. The narrator of #5 was Jordan, which bugged me. The narrator of #6 bounced between Luke, Jordan, Bill, and Peter. This worked pretty well, but I just wanted the story to be over. The Luke and Jordan romance was never romantic. The entire Phoenix / Shackleton / Co-operative / end of the world scenario was simply too far-fetched. Oh, and the time travel and superpowers really pushed it over the edge.
It was nice of my student to loan these to me. I'm glad he was enthusiastic about reading them. The pacing and action level kept the stories moving along. I should probably write him a nice thank you note or give him a Barnes and Noble gift card or something . . .
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Ms. Marvel, volume 2
by Wilson Alphona and Miyazawa Bondoc
PRMS hardcover unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, superhero
Kamala is back as sixteen-year-old Ms. Marvel, trying to save Jersey City from evil.
Fave part: her realizing her brother is a three-dimensional person and appreciating him. (And Bruno being such an amazing friend to her.)
Least fave part: her falling head-over-heels for Kamran the first time they meet. (And her desire to save the kittens more than she wants to deal with the emergency situation of saving her brother's life.)
I know I read Ms. Marvel volume 1, but I'm not sure I blogged it. It surprised me with its perspective (American Pakastani Muslim girl becoming a superhero . . . ). I liked it.
PRMS hardcover unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, superhero
Kamala is back as sixteen-year-old Ms. Marvel, trying to save Jersey City from evil.
Fave part: her realizing her brother is a three-dimensional person and appreciating him. (And Bruno being such an amazing friend to her.)
Least fave part: her falling head-over-heels for Kamran the first time they meet. (And her desire to save the kittens more than she wants to deal with the emergency situation of saving her brother's life.)
I know I read Ms. Marvel volume 1, but I'm not sure I blogged it. It surprised me with its perspective (American Pakastani Muslim girl becoming a superhero . . . ). I liked it.
Sophie and Carter
by Chelsea Fine
on a shelf paperback 119 pages
genre: YA realistic, relationships
I had purchased this for school but reconsidered . . . the fonts used are super hard to read and it looked as though it might be a too-mature book for middle school. So it sat on my "consideration" shelf for a long time until I finally started reading it during lunch breaks.
Then I brought it home to finish it. The content is serious, indeed, but not in the way I expected. Sophie's mom is a prostitute who is almost never home, leaving the high school senior responsible for her three younger siblings. This includes feeding them, making sure they get to school, do their homework, etc. Next door neighbor Carter was horribly abused by his father until he was big enough to fight back. Now Carter cares for his mother, a broken woman who is mentally ill.
Through their years of friendship, the two have fallen in love but it takes a while for them to realize it. On some levels, this is a really beautiful book about what love really is. In other ways, it is so trite. The likelihood of these two seventeen-year-olds to overcome such traumatic childhoods to be balanced, caring, healthy individuals is unlikely. That said, I'm trying to think of which kiddo would *love* this book and want to own it!
on a shelf paperback 119 pages
genre: YA realistic, relationships
I had purchased this for school but reconsidered . . . the fonts used are super hard to read and it looked as though it might be a too-mature book for middle school. So it sat on my "consideration" shelf for a long time until I finally started reading it during lunch breaks.
Then I brought it home to finish it. The content is serious, indeed, but not in the way I expected. Sophie's mom is a prostitute who is almost never home, leaving the high school senior responsible for her three younger siblings. This includes feeding them, making sure they get to school, do their homework, etc. Next door neighbor Carter was horribly abused by his father until he was big enough to fight back. Now Carter cares for his mother, a broken woman who is mentally ill.
Through their years of friendship, the two have fallen in love but it takes a while for them to realize it. On some levels, this is a really beautiful book about what love really is. In other ways, it is so trite. The likelihood of these two seventeen-year-olds to overcome such traumatic childhoods to be balanced, caring, healthy individuals is unlikely. That said, I'm trying to think of which kiddo would *love* this book and want to own it!
Thursday, January 26, 2017
If I Grow Up
by Todd Strasser
Carver County Library hardcover 220 pages
genre: YA realistic, gangs
This was so sad! Strasser again mixes factual information within his fictional story. DeShawn is a good kid growing up in the projects. He sees the drug dealers, prostitutes, violence, and hopelessness. The story is told in short chapters that broke my heart. This is almost a "call to action" for its readers. Poverty and hopelessness are powerful and real. Some students helped me create an audiobook for students who struggle to read. I had to bring it home to finish reading the whole story. So incredibly sad!
Carver County Library hardcover 220 pages
genre: YA realistic, gangs
This was so sad! Strasser again mixes factual information within his fictional story. DeShawn is a good kid growing up in the projects. He sees the drug dealers, prostitutes, violence, and hopelessness. The story is told in short chapters that broke my heart. This is almost a "call to action" for its readers. Poverty and hopelessness are powerful and real. Some students helped me create an audiobook for students who struggle to read. I had to bring it home to finish reading the whole story. So incredibly sad!
Every Day
by David Levithan
Hennepin County library audiobook 7 discs
read by Alex McKenna
genre: YA SciFi gender fluidity
A - changes bodies every day, sometimes a male and sometimes a female. Has been this way since birth but didn't realize it was unusual until reaching the age of 4.
Rhiannon - changes A's life by being herself. A is in her boyfriend's body for a day and falls in love with her. A is determined to stay with her.
Nathan - is inhabited by A for a day and KNOWS something happened to him. He confides in a preacher who has a website looking for people's stories of "demon possession."
Overall, I disliked this story but found that it stuck with me. Though the premise was far-fetched (a person whose "self" lives in a different body each day of existence), Levithan made it worked. I cared about A and wanted "him" to have a happy ever after . . .
The author's stance that gender is superfluous and same-sex, trans, and every other permutation of sexuality is irrelevant in light of who the person is "on the inside" came through loud and clear. Rhiannon's hesitance to kiss A when A is in a female body is roundly denounced by A, who doesn't see why it should bother her.
Ultimately, the story had my attention and I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution . . . although it brought me back to the oddness of the premise. Levithan is a talented storyteller, no question. I just didn't enjoy this one.
Hennepin County library audiobook 7 discs
read by Alex McKenna
genre: YA SciFi gender fluidity
A - changes bodies every day, sometimes a male and sometimes a female. Has been this way since birth but didn't realize it was unusual until reaching the age of 4.
Rhiannon - changes A's life by being herself. A is in her boyfriend's body for a day and falls in love with her. A is determined to stay with her.
Nathan - is inhabited by A for a day and KNOWS something happened to him. He confides in a preacher who has a website looking for people's stories of "demon possession."
Overall, I disliked this story but found that it stuck with me. Though the premise was far-fetched (a person whose "self" lives in a different body each day of existence), Levithan made it worked. I cared about A and wanted "him" to have a happy ever after . . .
The author's stance that gender is superfluous and same-sex, trans, and every other permutation of sexuality is irrelevant in light of who the person is "on the inside" came through loud and clear. Rhiannon's hesitance to kiss A when A is in a female body is roundly denounced by A, who doesn't see why it should bother her.
Ultimately, the story had my attention and I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution . . . although it brought me back to the oddness of the premise. Levithan is a talented storyteller, no question. I just didn't enjoy this one.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
More: How to Move from Activity for God to Intimacy with God
by Greg Hawkins
Hennepin County Library hardcover 203 pages
genre: Christian living
This was recommended by a colleague. Overall, I wasn't as inspired as I was by Francis Chan's Crazy Love. I marked a lot of pages, though, so clearly I made some connections!
Page 45 - The study that his church commissioned found four groups of Christians. Group Four were the "more" group. "People in this group love God with their whole heart and love others as themselves. They have found a life of purpose, a life of loving others, a life of inner contentment and peace. We want these things. We crave that kind of life, especially when we learn that it's not about doing more things." So true! I want to BE one of "those" Christians . . .
Page 51 - "We were made for an intimacy we cannot even imagine, one in which we feel loved and safe and joyful in ways we've never experienced in this life."
Page 85 - "When we worry, we are telling God, 'I don't trust You. I don't think You can help. . . '" This theme has come up in my readings before, but it's always a good reminder! I have gotten better about trusting God, but I'm surprised I still struggle with this at all!
Page 99 - "Rather than thinking I've got to . . . begin to think, We're going to . . . you and God. Think of doing your day, moment by moment, with God." This is an interesting shift. I'm not sure I can do it! But I think it's an exercise I should try.
Page 127 - "I really prefer the idea of the Bible as 'food' or nutrition that is essential to having an intimate relationship with God. Eating isn't a habit; it's absolutely necessary to live. A habit is something you can break or give up. You simply cannot live without food, and that's how you should approach the Bible: I need this to survive. Without it I will die."
Page 140 - Sometimes, this author's words bugged me rather than inspired me. I don't feel like noting all of them, but this one jumped off the page at me! "At the end of the day, the only thing that will last is people. The only thing that is truly immortal is the human soul." What?! People *don't* last - that's why there's so much crying at funerals. And the "only thing" that is truly immortal is God Himself! If you're trying to make the point that people are important and we should pay attention to them, find a different way to express that!
Page 144 - I'm not sure why I marked this part on small groups . . . maybe I was thinking of the value of book club and the conversations we have about life and following Jesus.
Page 179 - "Push kills your life. I push so that things happen at the pace I want them to happen, not at the pace that God would like them to happen. And God has a pace in mind for things, which will bless me." This really resonates. I hate the go-go-go of modern life. I hate the push, and want God's MORE.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 203 pages
genre: Christian living
This was recommended by a colleague. Overall, I wasn't as inspired as I was by Francis Chan's Crazy Love. I marked a lot of pages, though, so clearly I made some connections!
Page 45 - The study that his church commissioned found four groups of Christians. Group Four were the "more" group. "People in this group love God with their whole heart and love others as themselves. They have found a life of purpose, a life of loving others, a life of inner contentment and peace. We want these things. We crave that kind of life, especially when we learn that it's not about doing more things." So true! I want to BE one of "those" Christians . . .
Page 51 - "We were made for an intimacy we cannot even imagine, one in which we feel loved and safe and joyful in ways we've never experienced in this life."
Page 85 - "When we worry, we are telling God, 'I don't trust You. I don't think You can help. . . '" This theme has come up in my readings before, but it's always a good reminder! I have gotten better about trusting God, but I'm surprised I still struggle with this at all!
Page 99 - "Rather than thinking I've got to . . . begin to think, We're going to . . . you and God. Think of doing your day, moment by moment, with God." This is an interesting shift. I'm not sure I can do it! But I think it's an exercise I should try.
Page 127 - "I really prefer the idea of the Bible as 'food' or nutrition that is essential to having an intimate relationship with God. Eating isn't a habit; it's absolutely necessary to live. A habit is something you can break or give up. You simply cannot live without food, and that's how you should approach the Bible: I need this to survive. Without it I will die."
Page 140 - Sometimes, this author's words bugged me rather than inspired me. I don't feel like noting all of them, but this one jumped off the page at me! "At the end of the day, the only thing that will last is people. The only thing that is truly immortal is the human soul." What?! People *don't* last - that's why there's so much crying at funerals. And the "only thing" that is truly immortal is God Himself! If you're trying to make the point that people are important and we should pay attention to them, find a different way to express that!
Page 144 - I'm not sure why I marked this part on small groups . . . maybe I was thinking of the value of book club and the conversations we have about life and following Jesus.
Page 179 - "Push kills your life. I push so that things happen at the pace I want them to happen, not at the pace that God would like them to happen. And God has a pace in mind for things, which will bless me." This really resonates. I hate the go-go-go of modern life. I hate the push, and want God's MORE.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
PRMS Book Club
I deleted this widget, but thought I might want to save the list. Each title should also be a blog entry somewhere . . .
Past Titles:
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh - March 2014
The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout - February 2014
Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters' First One Hundred Years - by Sadie Delaney and Bessie Delany, with Amy Hill Hearth - January 2014
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi - December 2013
The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen - November 2013
Wonder by R.J. Palacio - October 2013
Personal favorites - May 2013
Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly - April 2013
No Easy Day by Mark Owen and Kevin Maurer - March 2013
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus - February 2013
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore - January 2013
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - December 2012
The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon - November 2012
Defending Jacob by William Landay - October 2012
Any Classic book (re-reads ok) - May 2012
Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer - Apr. 2012
Same Kind of Different as Me (Hall, Moore, Vincent) - Mar. 2012
Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Ford) - Feb. 2012
Grisham titles - any - Jan. 2012
Home of the Brave (Applegate) - Dec. 2011
Little Bee (Cleave) - Nov. 2011
Bossypants (Fey) - October 2011
The Art of Racing in the Rain (Stein) - May 2011
Freedom (Franzen) - April 2011
American Assassin (Flynn) - Feb. 2011
Cutting for Stone - (Verghese) - Nov 2010 & Jan 2011!
The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud - (Sherwood) - Oct. 2010
Shanghai Girls (See) - May 2010
The Hunger Games (Collins) - April 2010
The Greatest Generation (Brokaw) - March 2010
The Lost Symbol (Brown) - February 2010
The Dive From Clausen's Pier (Packer) - January 2010
The Glass Castle (Walls) - December 2009
Who Killed My Daughter - November 2009
Newton & Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace
by Jody Hedlund
HC lib paperback 389 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
John Newton and Polly Catlett
love at first sight / slave trade & abolition / music and passion
Loved the author's note at the end! Most of this story actually was true. (John Newton wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace.")
page
92 - "She didn't know why she bothered to argue with Susanna. She never
won the word sparring." I can relate to this! There are times I want to
argue, but know I may as well just keep quiet.
page
153 - "But even as her prayers formulated, her soul echoed with
emptiness. Would God really hear her? Why would he listen to her when
she was riddled with faults? Would she ever be free of her sin and good
enough to truly connect with God and feel his presence? If only she
could earn his favor. Maybe then he'd finally hear her prayers." I understand why people can feel this way, but trying to earn God's favor is foolish! His grace and mercy are what connects us to Him. We simply can't do enough to be good enough. That's the point!
page 233 - Ugh! How maddening that John continues to make stupid choices! What an idiot! It was hard to like him as a protagonist at times.
page
352 - Finally! "Newton dropped his face into his hands and wept for the
man who'd never given up on him. The man who'd loved him though all the
difficulties and disappointments and failures. The man who'd never
stopped loving him. 'Thank you.' His voice cracked. 'I love you too,
Father.'" And I love how he comes to the realization that his heavenly Father loves him, just as his earthly father does.
page 369 - Polly's mom: "No one can
expect a perfect marriage. Both partners are sinful human beings, and we
bring those sins with us to marriage. However, when two people are
committed to growing in holiness there is hope for any problems that
arise." So true!
page 385 - from the author's note, a
message from John Newton to his wife - "My love has been growing from
the day of marriage, and still it is in a growing state. It was once as
an acorn, but it has now a deep root and spreading branches like an old
oak. It would not have proved so if the Lord had not watered it with his
blessing." Love this actual quote from his writings!
Book club discussion - slave trade.
Friday, January 06, 2017
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
by Wendy Mass
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by Andy Paris
genre: YA realistic fiction
I enjoyed this story, and there's a lot to it (great discussion book!) but I kind of understand why it hasn't been a hit at my school. It's kind of an odd story. Jeremy and Lizzy are unusual kids, best friends but almost more like siblings. Jeremy's dad is dead and Lizzy's mom is gone.
"A mysterious box with the words "THE MEANING OF LIFE: For Jeremy Fink TO Open On His 13th Birthday" arrives in the mail from Jeremy's long-departed father. The four keys needed to open the box are lost, setting Jeremy and Lizzy off on a quest to find them somewhere in the vastness of New York City."
I liked a lot of the quirkiness (junk dealers, collections, unique people) but was confused by Jeremy's weird phobias and how they developed. Paris' vocal work was wonderful!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by Andy Paris
genre: YA realistic fiction
I enjoyed this story, and there's a lot to it (great discussion book!) but I kind of understand why it hasn't been a hit at my school. It's kind of an odd story. Jeremy and Lizzy are unusual kids, best friends but almost more like siblings. Jeremy's dad is dead and Lizzy's mom is gone.
"A mysterious box with the words "THE MEANING OF LIFE: For Jeremy Fink TO Open On His 13th Birthday" arrives in the mail from Jeremy's long-departed father. The four keys needed to open the box are lost, setting Jeremy and Lizzy off on a quest to find them somewhere in the vastness of New York City."
I liked a lot of the quirkiness (junk dealers, collections, unique people) but was confused by Jeremy's weird phobias and how they developed. Paris' vocal work was wonderful!
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
The 5th Wave
by Rick Yancey
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Brandon Espinoza and Phoebe Strole
genre: YA dystopian SciFi
This book was so depressing! In addition to the usual darkness of dystopia, there were kids turning into killers. Lots of death and destruction. The "Others" don't show up as ET-type aliens; they have inserted their intelligence into humans. Who is "infested" and who is not? How do you tell, or do you shoot first and try to figure it out later?
Cassie (short for Casseopia) and her brother Sammy, Ben, the mysterious Evan Walker, . . . and lots of other young people take center stage in this gripping story.
Some of my notes:
- part two is Ben!
- Vosch is evil! Or is he?
- Evan IS the silencer, right?
- part five is Sammy! Nugget / Sammy
- Who will get there first? Ben/Zombie or Cassie & Evan?
When the book ended, I was frustrated. What happened to Evan? Where will these kids go next? How long until Vosch is after them? I need to read the Infinite Sea!
I found another scrap of paper with notes:
- dystopian = depressing
- theology . . . don't go there! "God hasn't kept His promises" / ugh! I hate when YA authors use their fiction as a platform for theology. It's one thing for a character to explore these issues, but another when proclamations are made.
- hope - yes! So true! If this is lost, then all is over.
- Some beautiful descriptive passages!
- for more mature readers / lots of swearing / challenging, even bleak outlook
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Brandon Espinoza and Phoebe Strole
genre: YA dystopian SciFi
This book was so depressing! In addition to the usual darkness of dystopia, there were kids turning into killers. Lots of death and destruction. The "Others" don't show up as ET-type aliens; they have inserted their intelligence into humans. Who is "infested" and who is not? How do you tell, or do you shoot first and try to figure it out later?
Cassie (short for Casseopia) and her brother Sammy, Ben, the mysterious Evan Walker, . . . and lots of other young people take center stage in this gripping story.
Some of my notes:
- part two is Ben!
- Vosch is evil! Or is he?
- Evan IS the silencer, right?
- part five is Sammy! Nugget / Sammy
- Who will get there first? Ben/Zombie or Cassie & Evan?
When the book ended, I was frustrated. What happened to Evan? Where will these kids go next? How long until Vosch is after them? I need to read the Infinite Sea!
I found another scrap of paper with notes:
- dystopian = depressing
- theology . . . don't go there! "God hasn't kept His promises" / ugh! I hate when YA authors use their fiction as a platform for theology. It's one thing for a character to explore these issues, but another when proclamations are made.
- hope - yes! So true! If this is lost, then all is over.
- Some beautiful descriptive passages!
- for more mature readers / lots of swearing / challenging, even bleak outlook
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Empire of Storms
Throne of Glass book 5
by Sarah J. Maas
Hennepin County Library hardcover 689 pages
genre: YA fantasy
Arg! Once again, I read a book in this series even though I do NOT love her writing style. And once again, I want to read the next book in the series to find out what happens!
Don't like:
Obviously, the characters have some resonance with me as a reader, since I want to find out what happens to them. Elide, Aelin, Rowan, Manon, Dorian, Chaol . . . and so many others.
I like how the battles turned out. And I like Aelin's sauciness.
by Sarah J. Maas
Hennepin County Library hardcover 689 pages
genre: YA fantasy
Arg! Once again, I read a book in this series even though I do NOT love her writing style. And once again, I want to read the next book in the series to find out what happens!
Don't like:
- how the characters don't seem consistent in their own storylines from one book to another
- assumptions / jumps being made . . . or perhaps I'm not reading carefully enough to follow nuances
- choppy plot development
- references to long-dead rulers, various gods, etc. Who ARE these people?!
- overdone sex scenes . . . but if I were a sixteen-year-old, these probably would have been my favorite parts
Obviously, the characters have some resonance with me as a reader, since I want to find out what happens to them. Elide, Aelin, Rowan, Manon, Dorian, Chaol . . . and so many others.
I like how the battles turned out. And I like Aelin's sauciness.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
by Caitlin Alifirenka & Martin Ganda, with Liz Welch
Hennepin County Library hardcover 392 pages
genre: non-fiction, memoir(ish)
Caitlin wrote a pen pal letter in 1997 as a seventh grader. She chose Zimbabwe. Martin Ganda received her letter and responded. Over the years, the two young people growing up a world apart. Caitlin slowly realized that her world was wealthy and shallow; Martin struggled to stay in school and have enough food to eat. A top student, he had many people encouraging him, but was so incredibly poor that survival was a priority. The gifts that Caitlin and later, her parents, sent truly made a significant difference for Martin and his family.
What an amazing book! I don't know where I saw the recommendation, but I'm so incredibly glad I read this book. I would love for my students to learn what Caitlin learned . . . and I love the photographs and the happy ending!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 392 pages
genre: non-fiction, memoir(ish)
Caitlin wrote a pen pal letter in 1997 as a seventh grader. She chose Zimbabwe. Martin Ganda received her letter and responded. Over the years, the two young people growing up a world apart. Caitlin slowly realized that her world was wealthy and shallow; Martin struggled to stay in school and have enough food to eat. A top student, he had many people encouraging him, but was so incredibly poor that survival was a priority. The gifts that Caitlin and later, her parents, sent truly made a significant difference for Martin and his family.
What an amazing book! I don't know where I saw the recommendation, but I'm so incredibly glad I read this book. I would love for my students to learn what Caitlin learned . . . and I love the photographs and the happy ending!
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Seedfolks
by Paul Fleischman
PRMS paperback 102 pages (including the author's notes)
genre: YA realistic fiction
I don't remember why we picked this for book club . . . but I'm glad. It was a re-read for me and I really enjoyed it and the many positive messages in it. The kids mostly responded well to it, but they disliked the lack of resolution. I didn't realize / forgot that the author is Sid Fleischman's son. I get the two of them mixed up. This is a lovely book about people and a neighborhood garden that brings them together. The author purposely picked Cleveland for the setting and included lots of immigrants. Wonderful, short book (unless examining plot is your main goal . . . ).
PRMS paperback 102 pages (including the author's notes)
genre: YA realistic fiction
I don't remember why we picked this for book club . . . but I'm glad. It was a re-read for me and I really enjoyed it and the many positive messages in it. The kids mostly responded well to it, but they disliked the lack of resolution. I didn't realize / forgot that the author is Sid Fleischman's son. I get the two of them mixed up. This is a lovely book about people and a neighborhood garden that brings them together. The author purposely picked Cleveland for the setting and included lots of immigrants. Wonderful, short book (unless examining plot is your main goal . . . ).
Scythe
by Neal Shusterman
Hennepin County Library hardcover 435 pages
genre: YA SciFi
Oh my word. I don't remember where I heard about this book, but I think it is Shusterman's best ever. I'm not sure I can give a fair summary, so look for that on Amazon. This book was both horrible (I had to put it down, because it is very dark in places) and wonderful (offering insights on morals, philosophy, history, culture) in the guise of a new book for teens. Amazing!!!
Page 53 describes the Thunderhead. "The greatest achievement of the human race was not conquering death. It was ending government." That made me laugh. I would quote more of that passage here, but I'll just tell you to read the book. (The Thunderhead is what today's "cloud" becomes with AI.)
Page 82 ". . . he could tell it was in fine penmanship. It figures she would take penmanship in school. It was one of those classes people took just to be superior. Like Latin." Interesting observation. Taking classes to be superior to others who lack that knowledge or ability.
Page 85 I need to include this entire page. No commentary, except that I'm glad I have faith in God and His plan for eternity.
Page 118 Another journal entry from Honorable Scythe Curie. A passage on religion and the tone cults. I really would love to discuss this book with another reader! Also, I appreciate the scythes taking a name of a Patron Historic. The names were a really interesting part of the story.
Page 235 (Citra) "She resolved not to feel guilty about that. She'd had more than her share of guilt. 'Guilt is the idiot cousin of remorse,' Scythe Faraday had been fond of saying." Yes! Guilt is an idiot cousin and a waste of time.
page 262 From the gleaning journal of H.S. Prometheus - "Human nature is both predictable and mysterious; prone to great and sudden advances, yet still mired in despicable self-interest." Truly, this book has some amazing gems.
page 339 "The idea of truly wishing to end one's own life is a concept completely foreign to most post-mortals, because we can't experience the level of pain and despair that so seasoned the Age of Mortality. Our emo-nanites prevent us from plunging so deep." The nanites in the bloodstream that dull pain, heal, and do other health maintenance are an intriguing concept. Immortality is not something that I think human beings will ever attain on this planet, but as a future innovation in biomedical technology, some of this stuff might be prophetic (like some of the predictions in 1984).
Page 388 Another page contemplating religion and prayer, this time from Faraday's journal.
Page 433 I don't want to include a spoiler, so I'll just say I smiled like crazy when I read this page. If this book doesn't sound that fascinating, I'll just say that Citra and Rowan are two young people who could overpower Katniss Everdeen in a heartbeat. (And I *love* the Hunger Games series.) I MUST buy this book for PRMS and my avid readers. The violence is intense, but the story is amazing.
One irritating thing that I find more and more when I read new books . . . typos! Seriously?! What ever happened to proofreaders? I didn't mark the pages, but it really irked me. How do these get through the publishing process? Here's a new one for me:
(How do you spell "you" with a comma???)
Note added 2019.01.13: I re-read this blog entry when I saw that it had over 100 views. I laughed at myself when I saw an error (now fixed) in the place where I wrote about page 339. (I had "out" instead of "our.") Then I got to this last note on proofreading and laughed at my own arrogance and carelessness! Sigh. I am only mortal, after all.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 435 pages
genre: YA SciFi
Oh my word. I don't remember where I heard about this book, but I think it is Shusterman's best ever. I'm not sure I can give a fair summary, so look for that on Amazon. This book was both horrible (I had to put it down, because it is very dark in places) and wonderful (offering insights on morals, philosophy, history, culture) in the guise of a new book for teens. Amazing!!!
Page 53 describes the Thunderhead. "The greatest achievement of the human race was not conquering death. It was ending government." That made me laugh. I would quote more of that passage here, but I'll just tell you to read the book. (The Thunderhead is what today's "cloud" becomes with AI.)
Page 82 ". . . he could tell it was in fine penmanship. It figures she would take penmanship in school. It was one of those classes people took just to be superior. Like Latin." Interesting observation. Taking classes to be superior to others who lack that knowledge or ability.
Page 85 I need to include this entire page. No commentary, except that I'm glad I have faith in God and His plan for eternity.
Page 118 Another journal entry from Honorable Scythe Curie. A passage on religion and the tone cults. I really would love to discuss this book with another reader! Also, I appreciate the scythes taking a name of a Patron Historic. The names were a really interesting part of the story.
Page 235 (Citra) "She resolved not to feel guilty about that. She'd had more than her share of guilt. 'Guilt is the idiot cousin of remorse,' Scythe Faraday had been fond of saying." Yes! Guilt is an idiot cousin and a waste of time.
page 262 From the gleaning journal of H.S. Prometheus - "Human nature is both predictable and mysterious; prone to great and sudden advances, yet still mired in despicable self-interest." Truly, this book has some amazing gems.
page 339 "The idea of truly wishing to end one's own life is a concept completely foreign to most post-mortals, because we can't experience the level of pain and despair that so seasoned the Age of Mortality. Our emo-nanites prevent us from plunging so deep." The nanites in the bloodstream that dull pain, heal, and do other health maintenance are an intriguing concept. Immortality is not something that I think human beings will ever attain on this planet, but as a future innovation in biomedical technology, some of this stuff might be prophetic (like some of the predictions in 1984).
Page 388 Another page contemplating religion and prayer, this time from Faraday's journal.
Page 433 I don't want to include a spoiler, so I'll just say I smiled like crazy when I read this page. If this book doesn't sound that fascinating, I'll just say that Citra and Rowan are two young people who could overpower Katniss Everdeen in a heartbeat. (And I *love* the Hunger Games series.) I MUST buy this book for PRMS and my avid readers. The violence is intense, but the story is amazing.
One irritating thing that I find more and more when I read new books . . . typos! Seriously?! What ever happened to proofreaders? I didn't mark the pages, but it really irked me. How do these get through the publishing process? Here's a new one for me:
(How do you spell "you" with a comma???)
Note added 2019.01.13: I re-read this blog entry when I saw that it had over 100 views. I laughed at myself when I saw an error (now fixed) in the place where I wrote about page 339. (I had "out" instead of "our.") Then I got to this last note on proofreading and laughed at my own arrogance and carelessness! Sigh. I am only mortal, after all.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Uncommon Learning: Creating Schools That Work for Kids
by Eric C. Sheninger
Colleague's copy, paperback 194 pages plus appendices
genre: non-fiction education
I am not ready to review this book, but it confirms for me that I need to not be teaching at PRMS any more. The goals are lofty and some of the paradigm shifts are overdue. But children are still children and I'm not convinced that the majority of our students are mature enough to be "in charge" of their own learning. Student-centered education has not looked like the ideals put forth in this book, in my experience. I scanned the chapter on MakerSpaces (which is why the book was loaned to me) and it broke my heart. Clearly, I am the crusty old professional they wish to be rid of and I hope they can replace me with the dynamic young thing they're looking for.
Colleague's copy, paperback 194 pages plus appendices
genre: non-fiction education
I am not ready to review this book, but it confirms for me that I need to not be teaching at PRMS any more. The goals are lofty and some of the paradigm shifts are overdue. But children are still children and I'm not convinced that the majority of our students are mature enough to be "in charge" of their own learning. Student-centered education has not looked like the ideals put forth in this book, in my experience. I scanned the chapter on MakerSpaces (which is why the book was loaned to me) and it broke my heart. Clearly, I am the crusty old professional they wish to be rid of and I hope they can replace me with the dynamic young thing they're looking for.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Ten Days a Madwoman
by Deborah Noyes
Hennepin County Library hardcover 122 pages
genre: YA non-fiction, history
This story about Nellie Bly was fascinating! From helping students with this as a History Day topic, I was aware of her going "undercover" at an insane asylum. I did not realize, though, that she had a drive and perseverance that was unusual for her time. She had a tough life and was determined to take care of her mother and siblings.
I liked best her trip around the world - a "stunt" to increase readership - and her meeting with Jules Verne and Mrs. Verne in France. From page 92: "In Chicago, a cable that had missed her in San Francisco caught up with her: 'M. and Mme. Jules Verne address their sincere felicitations to Miss Nellie Bly at the moment when that intrepid young lady sets foot on the soil of America.' (The great writer was probably doubly pleased with Nellie in that she brought fresh publicity to his novel: Around the World in Eighty Days was reissued in more than ten new editions in France before Nellie even completed her journey.)"
I liked least the double-blue pages that focused on a story from Nellie's life. They seemed out-of-place in the middle of chapters where they didn't make chronological sense. Overall, though, this was a wonderful non-fiction book about an extraordinary young woman. I learned a lot!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 122 pages
genre: YA non-fiction, history
This story about Nellie Bly was fascinating! From helping students with this as a History Day topic, I was aware of her going "undercover" at an insane asylum. I did not realize, though, that she had a drive and perseverance that was unusual for her time. She had a tough life and was determined to take care of her mother and siblings.
I liked best her trip around the world - a "stunt" to increase readership - and her meeting with Jules Verne and Mrs. Verne in France. From page 92: "In Chicago, a cable that had missed her in San Francisco caught up with her: 'M. and Mme. Jules Verne address their sincere felicitations to Miss Nellie Bly at the moment when that intrepid young lady sets foot on the soil of America.' (The great writer was probably doubly pleased with Nellie in that she brought fresh publicity to his novel: Around the World in Eighty Days was reissued in more than ten new editions in France before Nellie even completed her journey.)"
I liked least the double-blue pages that focused on a story from Nellie's life. They seemed out-of-place in the middle of chapters where they didn't make chronological sense. Overall, though, this was a wonderful non-fiction book about an extraordinary young woman. I learned a lot!
Snow White
by Matt Phelan
Hennepin County Library hard cover unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel fairy tale
This is Snow White retold as a tale of the Great Depression. It is beautiful and has very little text. The "seven little men" are street urchin boys. The story is effective and worth owning (for my personal collection) but I won't buy it for school. I simply don't have enough budget and the story is told almost exclusively through images.
Hennepin County Library hard cover unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel fairy tale
This is Snow White retold as a tale of the Great Depression. It is beautiful and has very little text. The "seven little men" are street urchin boys. The story is effective and worth owning (for my personal collection) but I won't buy it for school. I simply don't have enough budget and the story is told almost exclusively through images.
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
by Jeanne Birdsall
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Susan Denaker
genre: children's realistic fiction
When this won a National Book Award for Children's Literature, I heard lots of comments about the cover art being off-putting to readers. "The story is much better than the cover art leads you to believe." I've long been meaning to read this to find out for myself, so the audiobook was a perfect chance to do just that. (I clearly spend too many hours in my car!)
Denaker did a great job with the vocal work! The story is about four sisters - Rosalind (12), Skye (11), Jane (10) and Batty (4). Their mother did of cancer two weeks after Batty (Elizabeth, like her mother) was born. The thing that made me crazy throughout this book was that dad was off in his own world for the most part. Rosalind was the parent for her siblings! I know that the freedom the kids had was part of the plot, but it bugged me so much that she was setting limits, giving permission (or denying it), and generally acting as a parent. A twelve-year-old shouldn't have to do this!
The Penderwick family has rented a cottage for the summer. The cottage is at the back of the Arundel property, owned by Mrs. Tiften, a serious piece of work. Her son Jeffery becomes friends with the Penderwick girls (against his mother's wishes) and the five kids have adventures and fun.
Cagney is the handsome teen "garden boy" who works on Arundel's extensive gardens. He had learned from his uncle, who held the job before him until he died. Churchie (Mrs. Churchill) is the housekeeper and Harry the Tomato Man are the other main characters. Oh, and Dexter Dupree is Mrs. Tiften's nasty boyfriend / fiance.
There are four more books in the series. I won't read them. But I can enthusiastically recommend this title to my more innocent, capable readers. It's hard when they're excellent readers, but not ready for more mature content. This book has plenty to interest them.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Susan Denaker
genre: children's realistic fiction
When this won a National Book Award for Children's Literature, I heard lots of comments about the cover art being off-putting to readers. "The story is much better than the cover art leads you to believe." I've long been meaning to read this to find out for myself, so the audiobook was a perfect chance to do just that. (I clearly spend too many hours in my car!)
Denaker did a great job with the vocal work! The story is about four sisters - Rosalind (12), Skye (11), Jane (10) and Batty (4). Their mother did of cancer two weeks after Batty (Elizabeth, like her mother) was born. The thing that made me crazy throughout this book was that dad was off in his own world for the most part. Rosalind was the parent for her siblings! I know that the freedom the kids had was part of the plot, but it bugged me so much that she was setting limits, giving permission (or denying it), and generally acting as a parent. A twelve-year-old shouldn't have to do this!
The Penderwick family has rented a cottage for the summer. The cottage is at the back of the Arundel property, owned by Mrs. Tiften, a serious piece of work. Her son Jeffery becomes friends with the Penderwick girls (against his mother's wishes) and the five kids have adventures and fun.
Cagney is the handsome teen "garden boy" who works on Arundel's extensive gardens. He had learned from his uncle, who held the job before him until he died. Churchie (Mrs. Churchill) is the housekeeper and Harry the Tomato Man are the other main characters. Oh, and Dexter Dupree is Mrs. Tiften's nasty boyfriend / fiance.
There are four more books in the series. I won't read them. But I can enthusiastically recommend this title to my more innocent, capable readers. It's hard when they're excellent readers, but not ready for more mature content. This book has plenty to interest them.
How to Say Goodbye in Robot
by Natalie Standiford
PRMS hardcover 276 pages
genre: YA realistic
This book came to my attention when a sixth grader returned it and my paraprofessional left me a note. "She was upset by the swear words and sex talk in the book." Since I was unfamiliar with this author or this story, I checked it out and added it to my ginormous reading pile.
It was pretty mild in terms of content (and in relation to some of the other titles in my collection), but it's definitely not a sixth grade book. The blurb on the inside cover doesn't really get at the heart of the story, either, which is probably part of the problem.
Bea is new in town, living with mom (and her increasingly bizarre behaviors) and dad, a college professor who has moved them many times over Bea's life. Bea meets Anne Sweeney on her first day at Canton High School. Anne is one of the popular people, but she welcomes Bea and is kind . . . until she mentions Jonah Tate aka "Ghost Boy" and the funeral they had for him as a joke a few years back. Some joke. Jonah's twin brother perished in the same car accident that killed his mom, back when the twins were little kids.
To me, this is a story about kids who don't fit into the "norm" for whatever the reason. They see the world and themselves differently. Call them freaks, misfits, oddballs . . . or teens who are just trying to figure out their place in the world differently from their peers. It was beautiful and sad, but mostly unfulfilling to me (because of how the story ends). Now that I've read it, I know better which kind of reader to recommend it to!
The AM night radio program (and the people on it) were the neatest part of this story!
PRMS hardcover 276 pages
genre: YA realistic
This book came to my attention when a sixth grader returned it and my paraprofessional left me a note. "She was upset by the swear words and sex talk in the book." Since I was unfamiliar with this author or this story, I checked it out and added it to my ginormous reading pile.
It was pretty mild in terms of content (and in relation to some of the other titles in my collection), but it's definitely not a sixth grade book. The blurb on the inside cover doesn't really get at the heart of the story, either, which is probably part of the problem.
Bea is new in town, living with mom (and her increasingly bizarre behaviors) and dad, a college professor who has moved them many times over Bea's life. Bea meets Anne Sweeney on her first day at Canton High School. Anne is one of the popular people, but she welcomes Bea and is kind . . . until she mentions Jonah Tate aka "Ghost Boy" and the funeral they had for him as a joke a few years back. Some joke. Jonah's twin brother perished in the same car accident that killed his mom, back when the twins were little kids.
To me, this is a story about kids who don't fit into the "norm" for whatever the reason. They see the world and themselves differently. Call them freaks, misfits, oddballs . . . or teens who are just trying to figure out their place in the world differently from their peers. It was beautiful and sad, but mostly unfulfilling to me (because of how the story ends). Now that I've read it, I know better which kind of reader to recommend it to!
The AM night radio program (and the people on it) were the neatest part of this story!
Tuesday, December 06, 2016
Ghosts
by Raina Telgemeier
PRMS paperback 240 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, supernatural layered on realistic
Wow! Another fabulous book by Telgemeier! In this story, the family is moving because Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from a different climate. Older sister Catrina loves Maya and understands the move, but she isn't happy about leaving her home and her friends.
I just decided that I don't feel like blogging any more of this. It's a wonderful story, though I'm not typically a "day of the dead" / ghosts / celebrating with skeletons kind of gal. Telgemeier makes it work. I can think of many of my readers who will love this book and want to visit the town in Northern California to visit with ghosts themselves! (Though I'm pretty sure that Bahia de la Luna is a fictional town.)
PRMS paperback 240 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, supernatural layered on realistic
Wow! Another fabulous book by Telgemeier! In this story, the family is moving because Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from a different climate. Older sister Catrina loves Maya and understands the move, but she isn't happy about leaving her home and her friends.
I just decided that I don't feel like blogging any more of this. It's a wonderful story, though I'm not typically a "day of the dead" / ghosts / celebrating with skeletons kind of gal. Telgemeier makes it work. I can think of many of my readers who will love this book and want to visit the town in Northern California to visit with ghosts themselves! (Though I'm pretty sure that Bahia de la Luna is a fictional town.)
Camp Midnight
by Steven T. Seagle and Jason Adam Katzenstein
PRMS paperback 244 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, supernatural
I don't love their artwork style, but I definitely enjoyed the storyline. Skye is supposed to be spending the summer with her dad and stepmom, but they send her off to camp. Camp Midnight is bizarre and the campers . . . all have their secrets. Skye is a dramatic but realistic character and her choices over the course of the summer show her maturing but still a kid. Delightful!
Linda Dierks gifted this to me from her Scholastic Book Fair.
PRMS paperback 244 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, supernatural
I don't love their artwork style, but I definitely enjoyed the storyline. Skye is supposed to be spending the summer with her dad and stepmom, but they send her off to camp. Camp Midnight is bizarre and the campers . . . all have their secrets. Skye is a dramatic but realistic character and her choices over the course of the summer show her maturing but still a kid. Delightful!
Linda Dierks gifted this to me from her Scholastic Book Fair.
The Fourteenth Goldfish
by Jennifer L. Holm
Hennepin County Library audiobook 3 CDs
read by Georgette Perna
genre: children's fiction, mostly realistic with a dab of SciFi
The "dab" of SciFi is that the protagonist's grandpa has developed a way to reverse aging. His thirteen-year-old self with his seventy-six year old brain, experiences, and attitude make eleven-year-old Ellie do some growing up of her own.
From notes I jotted at stoplights:
The narrator did a great job, but her voice sounded soooo young! It was a bit disconcerting at first.
Why would Ellie's mom keep replacing her goldfish? The teacher emphasized the point of the project / lesson was to learn about death.
Short chapters / fifth grader - fits the upper elementary reader this is intended for.
Science and scientists - I love the way the grandpa piques Ellie's curiosity and gets her researching just for the sake of knowing more.
I had to laugh when grandpa got detention. His comments were funny, even though I can't remember them.
A lot of discussion material on aging, teens, families, communication . . .
Grandpa is a cranky old man, always complaining. Gee - where have I experienced this scenario?
Hennepin County Library audiobook 3 CDs
read by Georgette Perna
genre: children's fiction, mostly realistic with a dab of SciFi
The "dab" of SciFi is that the protagonist's grandpa has developed a way to reverse aging. His thirteen-year-old self with his seventy-six year old brain, experiences, and attitude make eleven-year-old Ellie do some growing up of her own.
From notes I jotted at stoplights:
The narrator did a great job, but her voice sounded soooo young! It was a bit disconcerting at first.
Why would Ellie's mom keep replacing her goldfish? The teacher emphasized the point of the project / lesson was to learn about death.
Short chapters / fifth grader - fits the upper elementary reader this is intended for.
Science and scientists - I love the way the grandpa piques Ellie's curiosity and gets her researching just for the sake of knowing more.
I had to laugh when grandpa got detention. His comments were funny, even though I can't remember them.
A lot of discussion material on aging, teens, families, communication . . .
Grandpa is a cranky old man, always complaining. Gee - where have I experienced this scenario?
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Great Feuds in History: Ten of the Liveliest Disputes Ever
by Colin Evans
PRMS hardcover 213 pages
genre: non-fiction history
I picked this up while helping kids research Alexander Hamilton (it didn't help for their topic, but did cover the Burr/Hamilton issue). I was intrigued and checked it out for myself. I read about the Hatfields and McCoys (one of those feuds that's legendary, but I didn't actually know anything about it). Then I read the Trotsky/Stalin chapter (especially interesting after reading Stalin's Daughter this summer). Anyhow, I have too many books to read and other things to do . . . so I'm going to return it. But it's books like this that make me want to learn more about history!
The ten chapters are:
Elizabeth I versus Mary
Parliament versus Charles I
Burr versus Hamilton
Hatfields versus McCoys
Stalin versus Trotsky
Amundsen versus Scott
Duchess of Windsor versus Queen Mother
Montgomery versus Patton
Johnson versus Kennedy
Hoover versus King
PRMS hardcover 213 pages
genre: non-fiction history
I picked this up while helping kids research Alexander Hamilton (it didn't help for their topic, but did cover the Burr/Hamilton issue). I was intrigued and checked it out for myself. I read about the Hatfields and McCoys (one of those feuds that's legendary, but I didn't actually know anything about it). Then I read the Trotsky/Stalin chapter (especially interesting after reading Stalin's Daughter this summer). Anyhow, I have too many books to read and other things to do . . . so I'm going to return it. But it's books like this that make me want to learn more about history!
The ten chapters are:
Elizabeth I versus Mary
Parliament versus Charles I
Burr versus Hamilton
Hatfields versus McCoys
Stalin versus Trotsky
Amundsen versus Scott
Duchess of Windsor versus Queen Mother
Montgomery versus Patton
Johnson versus Kennedy
Hoover versus King
This Road We Traveled
by Jane Kirkpatrick
Hennepin County Library paperback 322 pages plus author notes
genre: Christian historical fiction, Oregon Trail
This was a "like, not love" book for me. I enjoyed discussing it with Katie and Jodi. I always love to hear other people's perspectives! Yeah for book club!
Early on, the book frustrated me with the "men tell the women what to do." I know it's historically accurate, but it bugs me. I liked that Tabby was feisty and spoke her mind, but it took me a while (almost half the book) to begin enjoying the story.
page 102 - conversation between Virgilia and Tabitha - "Ultimately we really only have the choice of trusting that God's with us, willing ourselves to walk with him as we walk this earth, learning from the roads we take." (I hope to someday have this kind of faith and wisdom.)
page 145 - Tabby talking with Judson - "'We gather facts, then listen to our hearts and live with the results.' Wasn't that the way of life? Nobody knows what lies ahead. And if they did, truth be known, they might never have started out."
page 152 - John talking to Tabby about her role in her family - "But there's an aura of wisdom in your efforts, in the way you've lived your life that acts as a beacon for them, for us all. You have a hopeful spirit." (I love that phrase - "hopeful spirit" - I would like to be seen that way.)
page 177 - Pherne talking to Tabby - "Mother, you have the ability to turn sour into sweet. I wish I had half of that imaginative stew."
page 187 - Tabby's observation while they're traveling rough ground on the alternate trail - "Her granddaughters were no longer interested in spelling bees or discovering new words or facts. Being tired and hungry sure affected a child's learning spirit." (Yep. That is so very true! Hence the biggest issue for children of poverty is getting enough food to be ABLE to learn!)
page 198 - the turning point for me. I was finally invested in the story and what happened to these characters. This is the scene where John and Tabby leave on the horses to try to catch up to the front groups who have the cattle and get help, food, something for the families and wagons that are struggling.
page 241 - the conversation between Orus and Tabby. The difficulty of mother-son relationships at times . . .
page 251 - Pherne and Virgil talking - "'Promise me you'll try to see your mother today. I know she can be a trial, but you always seem cheered after you've been with her.' Cheered? Maybe so. 'Right after I feel terrible that I'm so woeful while she who has less than anyone can be so stalwart.' She whispered then, 'I actually sometimes resent her.' He laughed. 'Envy takes its toll. But think of it this way: some of her undaunted courage rubbed off on you, Pherne Pringle.'" (I can relate to Pherne's feelings of inadequacy and frustration! I wish I could relate more to Tabby's stalwart, positive attitude!)
page 269 - Virgilia contemplating her future and her relationship with Fabritus - "Until this journey west, she hadn't thought much about what it took to support another, to keep alive, find ways to sustain a family, and perhaps one day prosper beyond what her own family had done. She couldn't help but remember their comfortable life back in Missouri where they wanted for nothing, where books could be loaned out, read and returned, and necessities and luxuries purchased off supply ships sent down the Missouri from the East." (Why on earth would anyone leave this to travel the Oregon Trail and start from scratch?!)
page 322 - the end of Tabby's note to her granddaughter Sarelia - "We must keep both our feet and wings in good repair to face the uncertain road that is our life." (Love this! The author had a lot of primary source material to write this novel based on the real-life Tabitha Moffat Brown.)
Hennepin County Library paperback 322 pages plus author notes
genre: Christian historical fiction, Oregon Trail
This was a "like, not love" book for me. I enjoyed discussing it with Katie and Jodi. I always love to hear other people's perspectives! Yeah for book club!
Early on, the book frustrated me with the "men tell the women what to do." I know it's historically accurate, but it bugs me. I liked that Tabby was feisty and spoke her mind, but it took me a while (almost half the book) to begin enjoying the story.
page 102 - conversation between Virgilia and Tabitha - "Ultimately we really only have the choice of trusting that God's with us, willing ourselves to walk with him as we walk this earth, learning from the roads we take." (I hope to someday have this kind of faith and wisdom.)
page 145 - Tabby talking with Judson - "'We gather facts, then listen to our hearts and live with the results.' Wasn't that the way of life? Nobody knows what lies ahead. And if they did, truth be known, they might never have started out."
page 152 - John talking to Tabby about her role in her family - "But there's an aura of wisdom in your efforts, in the way you've lived your life that acts as a beacon for them, for us all. You have a hopeful spirit." (I love that phrase - "hopeful spirit" - I would like to be seen that way.)
page 177 - Pherne talking to Tabby - "Mother, you have the ability to turn sour into sweet. I wish I had half of that imaginative stew."
page 187 - Tabby's observation while they're traveling rough ground on the alternate trail - "Her granddaughters were no longer interested in spelling bees or discovering new words or facts. Being tired and hungry sure affected a child's learning spirit." (Yep. That is so very true! Hence the biggest issue for children of poverty is getting enough food to be ABLE to learn!)
page 198 - the turning point for me. I was finally invested in the story and what happened to these characters. This is the scene where John and Tabby leave on the horses to try to catch up to the front groups who have the cattle and get help, food, something for the families and wagons that are struggling.
page 241 - the conversation between Orus and Tabby. The difficulty of mother-son relationships at times . . .
page 251 - Pherne and Virgil talking - "'Promise me you'll try to see your mother today. I know she can be a trial, but you always seem cheered after you've been with her.' Cheered? Maybe so. 'Right after I feel terrible that I'm so woeful while she who has less than anyone can be so stalwart.' She whispered then, 'I actually sometimes resent her.' He laughed. 'Envy takes its toll. But think of it this way: some of her undaunted courage rubbed off on you, Pherne Pringle.'" (I can relate to Pherne's feelings of inadequacy and frustration! I wish I could relate more to Tabby's stalwart, positive attitude!)
page 269 - Virgilia contemplating her future and her relationship with Fabritus - "Until this journey west, she hadn't thought much about what it took to support another, to keep alive, find ways to sustain a family, and perhaps one day prosper beyond what her own family had done. She couldn't help but remember their comfortable life back in Missouri where they wanted for nothing, where books could be loaned out, read and returned, and necessities and luxuries purchased off supply ships sent down the Missouri from the East." (Why on earth would anyone leave this to travel the Oregon Trail and start from scratch?!)
page 322 - the end of Tabby's note to her granddaughter Sarelia - "We must keep both our feet and wings in good repair to face the uncertain road that is our life." (Love this! The author had a lot of primary source material to write this novel based on the real-life Tabitha Moffat Brown.)
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Bury Your Dead
by Louise Penny
Scott County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Ralph Cosham
genre: detective fiction
I read about this author in the Costco Connection and decided to try one of her books. It made me think "Dad would have loved this!" many, many times.
Chief Inspector Gamache is the head of the Surete in Quebec. He is recovering from an investigation that almost took his life, and killed several of his officers. There are three story lines - what happened in the investigation that went wrong (with flashbacks of conversations with Agent Moran), the murder of Augustin Renault at the Literary and Historical Society, and Agent Beauvoir is looking back into the murder of the hermit in Three Pines.
My dad would have loved these because they are set in Quebec and highlight some of the Francophone / Anglophone tension. There are so many cultural details that would resonate for him. And he liked the old-fashioned detective mysteries. Inspector Gamache is a fantastic character - strong, but flawed and with questions. This story made me miss my dad! (not an easy feat, but time tends to dull some of the frustrations of the past)
Cosham did a wonderful job with the narration - distinguishing the many characters extremely well. Moran was particularly poignant.
Additional notes from my car (added 11.30.16 to the above from 11.27.16):
Champlain - I'm curious! Samuel Champlain - founder of Quebec - burial / body lost / HISTORY! (I am inspired to research this . . . )
Henri, the German Shepherd - love this dog!
Renault "bordered on madness" / "He was the Capitol of the state of madness!"
I also have notes marked 11.10.16 . . .
Missing my dad!?!
Crying a lot lately
midlife? premenopausal? work stress?
This was early on in listening to the book (also pre-Thanksgiving). The story was a welcome diversion during my commute!
Scott County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Ralph Cosham
genre: detective fiction
I read about this author in the Costco Connection and decided to try one of her books. It made me think "Dad would have loved this!" many, many times.
Chief Inspector Gamache is the head of the Surete in Quebec. He is recovering from an investigation that almost took his life, and killed several of his officers. There are three story lines - what happened in the investigation that went wrong (with flashbacks of conversations with Agent Moran), the murder of Augustin Renault at the Literary and Historical Society, and Agent Beauvoir is looking back into the murder of the hermit in Three Pines.
My dad would have loved these because they are set in Quebec and highlight some of the Francophone / Anglophone tension. There are so many cultural details that would resonate for him. And he liked the old-fashioned detective mysteries. Inspector Gamache is a fantastic character - strong, but flawed and with questions. This story made me miss my dad! (not an easy feat, but time tends to dull some of the frustrations of the past)
Cosham did a wonderful job with the narration - distinguishing the many characters extremely well. Moran was particularly poignant.
Additional notes from my car (added 11.30.16 to the above from 11.27.16):
Champlain - I'm curious! Samuel Champlain - founder of Quebec - burial / body lost / HISTORY! (I am inspired to research this . . . )
Henri, the German Shepherd - love this dog!
Renault "bordered on madness" / "He was the Capitol of the state of madness!"
I also have notes marked 11.10.16 . . .
Missing my dad!?!
Crying a lot lately
midlife? premenopausal? work stress?
This was early on in listening to the book (also pre-Thanksgiving). The story was a welcome diversion during my commute!
Friday, November 25, 2016
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories
by R.J. Palacio
Hennepin County Library hardcover 303 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
Written as a companion book to Wonder (*not* a sequel), this book explores three young people whose lives intersected with Auggie's in some way.
Julian - the "bully" of Wonder - has an interesting back story. My favorite part was the scene with his grandma and his realization of a bigger picture. Great stuff! I also marked the page when Mr. Tushman talks to the three youngsters who are going to be Auggie's welcome buddies. As he leaves the room, Jack says, "I don't know what the heck karma is and I don't know what the heck mitzvah is!" Kids are so great at agreeing even when they don't comprehend!
The second story - Pluto - is about Auggie's childhood friend Christopher. There are some really poignant moments in the midst of Christopher's carelessness, selfishness, and cluelessness. His parents are divorcing. He wants to be in the jazz band with some older boys, but doesn't want to be cruel to the irritating younger kid. My favorite moment is when he wants to go back to the hospital to give his stuffed toy to the boy with the cleft palate who's all alone.
Shingaling is the third story, told from Charlotte's perspective. There's too much girl drama and friendship stuff, but it's definitely realistic. I tagged the part that says, "Funny how all our stories kind of intertwine. Every person's story weaves in and out of someone else's story." I love that! Human experience is full of individuals' stories, but they intertwine. Palacio is a gifted storyteller.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 303 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
Written as a companion book to Wonder (*not* a sequel), this book explores three young people whose lives intersected with Auggie's in some way.
Julian - the "bully" of Wonder - has an interesting back story. My favorite part was the scene with his grandma and his realization of a bigger picture. Great stuff! I also marked the page when Mr. Tushman talks to the three youngsters who are going to be Auggie's welcome buddies. As he leaves the room, Jack says, "I don't know what the heck karma is and I don't know what the heck mitzvah is!" Kids are so great at agreeing even when they don't comprehend!
The second story - Pluto - is about Auggie's childhood friend Christopher. There are some really poignant moments in the midst of Christopher's carelessness, selfishness, and cluelessness. His parents are divorcing. He wants to be in the jazz band with some older boys, but doesn't want to be cruel to the irritating younger kid. My favorite moment is when he wants to go back to the hospital to give his stuffed toy to the boy with the cleft palate who's all alone.
Shingaling is the third story, told from Charlotte's perspective. There's too much girl drama and friendship stuff, but it's definitely realistic. I tagged the part that says, "Funny how all our stories kind of intertwine. Every person's story weaves in and out of someone else's story." I love that! Human experience is full of individuals' stories, but they intertwine. Palacio is a gifted storyteller.
Monday, November 14, 2016
The Fog Mound
Travels of Thelonious (book 1)
by Susan Schade & Jon Buller
PRMS hardcover 214 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, adventure
Billed as "part graphic novel, part heroic fantasy," this book is about the adventures of Thelonious (Chip)Munk . . . a clever play on words that most middle schoolers would miss. (In fact, though I've heard of Thelonius Monk and knew he was a jazz musician, I'm not sure I can think of any of his music . . . )
Thelonious gets washed away from his tree stump home in the Untamed Forest during a big storm. He ends up in the Ruined City and meets up with a sneaky lizard (Brown), a kind bookstore porcupine (Fitzgerald), and a bear who works with motors and builds a flying machine (Olive). As the four unlikely friends band together to get Olive back to her home - The Fog Mound - they barely escape the clutches of the Dragon Lady and her minions.
On their way through the secret passageway, they encounter Bill - a miniature human scientist who doesn't talk. Based on the map of the land (page 99) and the map of the Secret Underground Passage (page 100), and the fact that Olive laments accidentally leaving the maps behind, I'm guessing book two involves the Dragon Lady and her minions finding their way into the Fog Mound.
Fun, easy mix of graphic novel panels and prose. I have it shelved in graphic novels. Now that I've read it, I'll be better able to recommend it to the right readers.
by Susan Schade & Jon Buller
PRMS hardcover 214 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, adventure
Billed as "part graphic novel, part heroic fantasy," this book is about the adventures of Thelonious (Chip)Munk . . . a clever play on words that most middle schoolers would miss. (In fact, though I've heard of Thelonius Monk and knew he was a jazz musician, I'm not sure I can think of any of his music . . . )
Thelonious gets washed away from his tree stump home in the Untamed Forest during a big storm. He ends up in the Ruined City and meets up with a sneaky lizard (Brown), a kind bookstore porcupine (Fitzgerald), and a bear who works with motors and builds a flying machine (Olive). As the four unlikely friends band together to get Olive back to her home - The Fog Mound - they barely escape the clutches of the Dragon Lady and her minions.
On their way through the secret passageway, they encounter Bill - a miniature human scientist who doesn't talk. Based on the map of the land (page 99) and the map of the Secret Underground Passage (page 100), and the fact that Olive laments accidentally leaving the maps behind, I'm guessing book two involves the Dragon Lady and her minions finding their way into the Fog Mound.
Fun, easy mix of graphic novel panels and prose. I have it shelved in graphic novels. Now that I've read it, I'll be better able to recommend it to the right readers.
Tuesday, November 08, 2016
The Husband's Secret
by Liane Moriarty
Hennepin County Library
Hardcover, 394 pages
AudioCD 12 discs
read by Caroline Lee
genre: realistic fiction, relationships
Cecilia Fitzpatrick
The epilogue tells so much more of the story! The author uses this technique at other places in the book. "If Janie had lived . . . " Intriguing. The language was often so beautiful in this story. Had I read all of it in print, I would have used lots of post-it notes! As it is, I thought often of how different the characters' lives could have been if they'd had faith in Jesus and turned to him in their times of trouble.
Random car notes:
Overall, an amazing book. I loved the reader's Australian accent. It made the book come alive! I'm interested in finding what else Moriarty has written.
Hennepin County Library
Hardcover, 394 pages
AudioCD 12 discs
read by Caroline Lee
genre: realistic fiction, relationships
Cecilia Fitzpatrick
- 3 daughters - Isabel / Esther (odd, serious, loves learning) / Polly (loves secrets)
- Berlin Wall (repeated in other storylines) - Esther's book, piece from the 80s in the attic
- "the sex thing" - don't talk about it
- husband John-Paul / letter he wrote long ago
- The Biggest Loser (another repeated element in other storylines)
- SuperMom - busy, organized, efficient
- husband Will
- cousin Felicity
- son Liam
- mom has a broken ankle
- hurt, their betrayal
- St. Angela's school . . . (another repeated element)
- Rob (son) and Lauren (D-I-L)
- Jacob (grandson)
- moving to NYC
- emptiness, loss
- daughter Janie died as a teen
The epilogue tells so much more of the story! The author uses this technique at other places in the book. "If Janie had lived . . . " Intriguing. The language was often so beautiful in this story. Had I read all of it in print, I would have used lots of post-it notes! As it is, I thought often of how different the characters' lives could have been if they'd had faith in Jesus and turned to him in their times of trouble.
Random car notes:
- People who've lost someone like to hear stories / memories because there won't be any new memories . . . I love when Cecilia shares her red marching story and Janie's encouragement with Rachel.
- "There's something sinister about PE teachers." Made me laugh! I'd love to share it with my PE teacher colleagues, but it's too strange out of context.
- Rachel and grief group - tragedy bringing out the best OR WORST in people! So true!
- Missing dead people at odd times . . . I can relate. There are times I just miss my mom and feel the tears well up.
- John Paul's mom Virginia - nasty piece of work. "A mother would do *anything* for her child."
- Faith makes such a difference! These people need Jesus. Grief, relationships, marriage, forgiveness, . . . God's got answers!
- F-bombs and taking the Lord's name in vain . . . it's a lot harder to hear these on an audiobook than to read them in text. They used Jesus' name as a swearword, sexual release expression, etc. Gave me more opportunities to pray!
Overall, an amazing book. I loved the reader's Australian accent. It made the book come alive! I'm interested in finding what else Moriarty has written.
Desert Gift
by Sally John
Hennepin County Library paperback 378 pages
genre: Christian fiction, relationships
sad
marriage expert Jillian Galloway
doctor husband
page 186 - first time I sobbed. Jill's sister Viv talking to husband Marty. "It hurts so bad." "I know, babe, I know."
page 230 - Jill's mom Daisy telling story about having Viv ten months later . . . Martian. *Agnes* makes comment and Jill's observation that her mom really loved her.
page 246-7 - Bus accident . . . Agnes dead . . . so very sad. "Jack was . . . far away."
page 324 - Letting go of garbage.
I'm blogging this on 11.8.16 from notes I wrote a few weeks ago!
Main take-aways:
This book really made me sad. It also made me want to become a woman like Agnes - firm in faith, caring about others, not shy about reaching out and speaking truth. Beautiful in her faithfulness to God.
Hennepin County Library paperback 378 pages
genre: Christian fiction, relationships
sad
marriage expert Jillian Galloway
doctor husband
page 186 - first time I sobbed. Jill's sister Viv talking to husband Marty. "It hurts so bad." "I know, babe, I know."
page 230 - Jill's mom Daisy telling story about having Viv ten months later . . . Martian. *Agnes* makes comment and Jill's observation that her mom really loved her.
page 246-7 - Bus accident . . . Agnes dead . . . so very sad. "Jack was . . . far away."
I'm blogging this on 11.8.16 from notes I wrote a few weeks ago!
Main take-aways:
This book really made me sad. It also made me want to become a woman like Agnes - firm in faith, caring about others, not shy about reaching out and speaking truth. Beautiful in her faithfulness to God.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Anna and the French Kiss
by Stephanie Perkins
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by Kim Mai Guest
genre: YA romance
This one is much more tame than the author's Lola and the Boy Next Door. Now I know which readers to booktalk which title to . . .
Anna's author dad sends her to school in Paris for her senior year. She loves neatness, film, and her best friend Bridget (back in Atlanta, GA). She doesn't speak any French and doesn't know anyone at her new school. She quickly makes friends with Meredith, Josh, Rashmi, and Etienne St. Clair.
At first, I was struck by how very young Anna seems - more like a fourteen-year-old than a seventeen-year-old. But then I thought of how often I've been uncomfortable reading about younger teens acting like much older ones . . . and it's nice to have this more innocent character.
Likes:
- details (old films, bananas and elephants, etc.)
- Paris!
- Etienne
- friendship and romance
- narrator's vocal work - superb!
Dislikes:
- repetitive whining
- pointless "pain" at imagined slights
- generally juvenile approach to relationships
More scraps of paper found in car (added 11.8.16):
Anna is painfully young and immature for a high school senior (but a nice change from an unnaturally worldly 15 y.o.) The first two chapters are vapid and irritating. The author actually uses the term "the female race" - wow. This was slow to get going. Almost boring at first.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by Kim Mai Guest
genre: YA romance
This one is much more tame than the author's Lola and the Boy Next Door. Now I know which readers to booktalk which title to . . .
Anna's author dad sends her to school in Paris for her senior year. She loves neatness, film, and her best friend Bridget (back in Atlanta, GA). She doesn't speak any French and doesn't know anyone at her new school. She quickly makes friends with Meredith, Josh, Rashmi, and Etienne St. Clair.
At first, I was struck by how very young Anna seems - more like a fourteen-year-old than a seventeen-year-old. But then I thought of how often I've been uncomfortable reading about younger teens acting like much older ones . . . and it's nice to have this more innocent character.
Likes:
- details (old films, bananas and elephants, etc.)
- Paris!
- Etienne
- friendship and romance
- narrator's vocal work - superb!
Dislikes:
- repetitive whining
- pointless "pain" at imagined slights
- generally juvenile approach to relationships
More scraps of paper found in car (added 11.8.16):
Anna is painfully young and immature for a high school senior (but a nice change from an unnaturally worldly 15 y.o.) The first two chapters are vapid and irritating. The author actually uses the term "the female race" - wow. This was slow to get going. Almost boring at first.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
The Boys in the Boat: The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics
by Daniel James Brown
CHS hardcover 236 pages
genre: non-fiction history
I'm glad I borrowed this from Chaska High School . . . I had tentatively thought about buying it for my collection, but with my budget in decline and not many students reading non-fiction . . . it wouldn't be a wise purchase for me.
It was, however, a wonderful book to read! This is the "young readers" edition. The story of the young men who rowed for Washington in the early 1930s (and especially the story of Joe Rantz) was captivating. The author alternated between the rowing story and Rantz' life story. Rantz' mom died when he was only three or four, he went to live with an aunt but got scarlet fever and was deathly ill, his stepmom convinced his dad to leave him to fend for himself when he was only ten, and on and on it went. His fortitude and perseverance amazed me. I loved his personal story the most. The "boys" and their strength, talent, and hard work took them to the Olympics in 1936 (Jesse Owens, Louie Zamperini, . . . ) What a great story!
I love the part on page 168 when he is looking out over Lower Manhattan and sees the Statue of Liberty. "For the first time, Joe realized that he and the boys would not just be rowing for gold. They would be rowing for a way of life, a shared set of values. Liberty was perhaps the most important of those values. But to the boys from Washington, America also stood for trust in one another, for mutual respect, for humility, and for fair play. These ideals were part of what had drawn them together as a crew."
This is a very worthwhile title and I'm so glad that the author got to meet and interview Rantz prior to his death in 2007.
CHS hardcover 236 pages
genre: non-fiction history
I'm glad I borrowed this from Chaska High School . . . I had tentatively thought about buying it for my collection, but with my budget in decline and not many students reading non-fiction . . . it wouldn't be a wise purchase for me.
It was, however, a wonderful book to read! This is the "young readers" edition. The story of the young men who rowed for Washington in the early 1930s (and especially the story of Joe Rantz) was captivating. The author alternated between the rowing story and Rantz' life story. Rantz' mom died when he was only three or four, he went to live with an aunt but got scarlet fever and was deathly ill, his stepmom convinced his dad to leave him to fend for himself when he was only ten, and on and on it went. His fortitude and perseverance amazed me. I loved his personal story the most. The "boys" and their strength, talent, and hard work took them to the Olympics in 1936 (Jesse Owens, Louie Zamperini, . . . ) What a great story!
I love the part on page 168 when he is looking out over Lower Manhattan and sees the Statue of Liberty. "For the first time, Joe realized that he and the boys would not just be rowing for gold. They would be rowing for a way of life, a shared set of values. Liberty was perhaps the most important of those values. But to the boys from Washington, America also stood for trust in one another, for mutual respect, for humility, and for fair play. These ideals were part of what had drawn them together as a crew."
This is a very worthwhile title and I'm so glad that the author got to meet and interview Rantz prior to his death in 2007.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Broken Soup
by Jenny Valentine
PRMS hardcover 216 pages
genre: YA realistic
Rowan (15?) / brother Jack died on holiday / little sister Stroma / mom is grief-stricken / dad is absent / Bee becomes friend / Harper drives an ambulance
I booktalked this then thought - wait a minute! The mystery starts with a negative . . . do my students even know what a photo negative is? How old is this book? Published in 2008, I guess it isn't that unusual. But I read it to see if it would still "work" with my students who are almost all Smart-phone users and social media fanatics.
Character-driven story, but I didn’t connect with
characters or their struggles much. Rowan is parenting her mom and
Stroma, but her attraction to Harper and new relationship with Bee don’t
ring very true. Ending a non-emotional event (Harper
moving on; Rowan showing her fortitude.)
Pg 81 is where title comes from – Stroma drops a
breakfast tray she has made for Rowan, making a mess of food and broken
glass. “I tried to make things all nice and now look at this broken
soup!” I like to “find” the title in the text,
but this metaphor felt forced. Rowan and Stroma are living in the mess
of their mother’s grief and inability to parent them.
This was an easy "delete and donate" title. It has never been checked out by my students and is in beautiful shape.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Saffire
by Sigmund Brouwer
Hennepin County Library paperback 316 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Although I didn't like this quite as well as Brouwer's Thief of Glory, the story of the Panama Canal and political intrigue kept my attention. James Holt is an interesting character who was in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show and has Teddy Roosevelt as a friend.
Page 34 - this was funny to read as the Clinton / Trump election mess is in the news constantly. "After all, if one takes delight in observing vitriol, blatant lies, character assassination, cronyism, and corruption, then American presidential elections provide first-class entertainment - happily repeated by newspapers of all stripes." (In reference to the early 1900s, of course!)
I put a marker in page 78/79, but I'm not sure why. I really *must* get the post-it note bookmarks! It might have been the racial differences - very Jim Crow-like. Or it may have been people's response to the music in the plaza. Or . . . I really do like his writing style.
page 95 - I love when James Holt leaves his parting shot about feminism purposely to yank Amador's chain. "Waldschmidt made a sound like he was coughing on a hairball. Amador turned a stony expression toward the far wall. And Raquel gave me a warm smile with those perfectly curving lips. All told, three perfect reactions."
page 152/153 - when he shares how his dad taught him to stand up to his fears (the dogs attacking), it made me sad. Louie and I did some "tough love" parenting, but nothing like that!
page 207 - When he is talking about the technological wonders of the turn of the century - telephones, ten story buildings, Kitty Hawk, Model T, etc. . . . "And in this time of wonder, nothing was more wondrous than what was unfolding around me - the connecting of the oceans, proof that there was not much left for humans to achieve." I love that historical perspective!
page 258 - With the dying Gerald Dawson's confession, Holt is closing in on the truth! I liked the mystery element of the story a lot, even though I didn't connect all the dots very well.
Again, liked but didn't love this one. Would have enjoyed the discussion at book club, but we were in Maui!
Hennepin County Library paperback 316 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Although I didn't like this quite as well as Brouwer's Thief of Glory, the story of the Panama Canal and political intrigue kept my attention. James Holt is an interesting character who was in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show and has Teddy Roosevelt as a friend.
Page 34 - this was funny to read as the Clinton / Trump election mess is in the news constantly. "After all, if one takes delight in observing vitriol, blatant lies, character assassination, cronyism, and corruption, then American presidential elections provide first-class entertainment - happily repeated by newspapers of all stripes." (In reference to the early 1900s, of course!)
I put a marker in page 78/79, but I'm not sure why. I really *must* get the post-it note bookmarks! It might have been the racial differences - very Jim Crow-like. Or it may have been people's response to the music in the plaza. Or . . . I really do like his writing style.
page 95 - I love when James Holt leaves his parting shot about feminism purposely to yank Amador's chain. "Waldschmidt made a sound like he was coughing on a hairball. Amador turned a stony expression toward the far wall. And Raquel gave me a warm smile with those perfectly curving lips. All told, three perfect reactions."
page 152/153 - when he shares how his dad taught him to stand up to his fears (the dogs attacking), it made me sad. Louie and I did some "tough love" parenting, but nothing like that!
page 207 - When he is talking about the technological wonders of the turn of the century - telephones, ten story buildings, Kitty Hawk, Model T, etc. . . . "And in this time of wonder, nothing was more wondrous than what was unfolding around me - the connecting of the oceans, proof that there was not much left for humans to achieve." I love that historical perspective!
page 258 - With the dying Gerald Dawson's confession, Holt is closing in on the truth! I liked the mystery element of the story a lot, even though I didn't connect all the dots very well.
Again, liked but didn't love this one. Would have enjoyed the discussion at book club, but we were in Maui!
Monday, October 10, 2016
Queen of Shadows (book 4 of Throne of Glass)
by Sarah Maas
Hennepin County Library hardcover 645 pages
genre: YA fantasy
I retain my love/hate relationship with this series. (I have book five on hold . . . ) I feel as though the author *changes* the characters from one book to another. Their motivations, feelings toward themselves and others, etc.
But I am still fascinated by the story line and am looking forward to seeing how it all ends. At one point in this story, I thought, "the evil characters and their power are too great. There's no way this can end well." Hmmm.
My favorite moments - Manon and Elide, Lysandra and Evangeline, . . . some of the unexpected parts would be spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 645 pages
genre: YA fantasy
I retain my love/hate relationship with this series. (I have book five on hold . . . ) I feel as though the author *changes* the characters from one book to another. Their motivations, feelings toward themselves and others, etc.
But I am still fascinated by the story line and am looking forward to seeing how it all ends. At one point in this story, I thought, "the evil characters and their power are too great. There's no way this can end well." Hmmm.
My favorite moments - Manon and Elide, Lysandra and Evangeline, . . . some of the unexpected parts would be spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that.
Friday, October 07, 2016
Loving Frank
by Nancy Horan
Hennepin County Library audiobook 12 discs
read by Joyce Bean
genre: adult fiction, realistic
I only listened to two discs. This wasn't working for me. The main character has an affair with Frank Lloyd Wright and is pretty obsessed with him. The rest of her life (husband, children) suffer because of it. I just didn't want to read the whole thing.
"In this groundbreaking historical novel, fact and fiction blend together brilliantly." Okay. I'm just not that interested. I think I was initially looking for more information about Frank Lloyd Wright after reading the book about Svetlana (Stalin's Daughter) . . . but I'll just check Wikipedia. I don't want to invest this much time in this book, no matter how fantastic it is.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 12 discs
read by Joyce Bean
genre: adult fiction, realistic
I only listened to two discs. This wasn't working for me. The main character has an affair with Frank Lloyd Wright and is pretty obsessed with him. The rest of her life (husband, children) suffer because of it. I just didn't want to read the whole thing.
"In this groundbreaking historical novel, fact and fiction blend together brilliantly." Okay. I'm just not that interested. I think I was initially looking for more information about Frank Lloyd Wright after reading the book about Svetlana (Stalin's Daughter) . . . but I'll just check Wikipedia. I don't want to invest this much time in this book, no matter how fantastic it is.
Wisdom's Kiss: A Thrilling and Romantic Adventure Incorporating Magic, Villainy, and a Cat
by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Hennepin County Library audiobook 5 discs
narrated by Anne Flosnik and Michael Page
genre: YA fantasy fiction
Quirky little story, but it kept my interest. The narrators did a good job with the different voices for the different characters, but I liked the female much, much more. Page's "Feliss el Gato" was so obnoxious I almost stopped listening. (I "get" that the character is a self-absorbed egomaniac, but it was hard to listen to him.)
From Goodreads:
"Magic, cunning, and one very special cat join forces in this hilarious, extraordinary tale by the author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben. An incredibly creative tale told with diaries, memoirs, encyclopedia entries, letters, biographies, even a stage play, all woven together into a grand adventure."
Fortitude / Trudy - the barmaid who can "see" things (danger, hope, the future of a sort)
Thomas / Tips - the ne'er do well kid who becomes an acrobat in the Emperor's Circus
Wisdom / Dizzy - she bugged the heck out of me. What a flighty, selfish girl.
Benevolence / Ben - my favorite character, a queen with class and smarts
Temperance / Teddy - Wisdom's sister, we don't get to know her much
Enjoyed listening to it (mostly) but wouldn't buy it for my collection. The cat / dog piece was enjoyable.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 5 discs
narrated by Anne Flosnik and Michael Page
genre: YA fantasy fiction
Quirky little story, but it kept my interest. The narrators did a good job with the different voices for the different characters, but I liked the female much, much more. Page's "Feliss el Gato" was so obnoxious I almost stopped listening. (I "get" that the character is a self-absorbed egomaniac, but it was hard to listen to him.)
From Goodreads:
"Magic, cunning, and one very special cat join forces in this hilarious, extraordinary tale by the author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben. An incredibly creative tale told with diaries, memoirs, encyclopedia entries, letters, biographies, even a stage play, all woven together into a grand adventure."
Fortitude / Trudy - the barmaid who can "see" things (danger, hope, the future of a sort)
Thomas / Tips - the ne'er do well kid who becomes an acrobat in the Emperor's Circus
Wisdom / Dizzy - she bugged the heck out of me. What a flighty, selfish girl.
Benevolence / Ben - my favorite character, a queen with class and smarts
Temperance / Teddy - Wisdom's sister, we don't get to know her much
Enjoyed listening to it (mostly) but wouldn't buy it for my collection. The cat / dog piece was enjoyable.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Hot Scots, Castles, and Kilts
by Tammy Swoish
PRMS (book club) paperback 201 pages
genre: YA realistic / paranormal (there's a ghost)
Sami (Samantha) Ames and mom (an author of romance novels) to to Scotland to help cousins save MacKensie Manor. Molly (like a twin to mom) and daughter Fiona (odd duck) are at odds with neighbors the McClintoggs (at least, Fiona is).
Adan McClintogg is a hottie and he takes a shine to Sami. Meanwhile, clans, feuds, ghosts, history, and Medieval living all swirl around young Sami.
Fluffy, not engaging. I'm going to try to keep my mouth shut and let the kids talk about it.
PRMS (book club) paperback 201 pages
genre: YA realistic / paranormal (there's a ghost)
Sami (Samantha) Ames and mom (an author of romance novels) to to Scotland to help cousins save MacKensie Manor. Molly (like a twin to mom) and daughter Fiona (odd duck) are at odds with neighbors the McClintoggs (at least, Fiona is).
Adan McClintogg is a hottie and he takes a shine to Sami. Meanwhile, clans, feuds, ghosts, history, and Medieval living all swirl around young Sami.
Fluffy, not engaging. I'm going to try to keep my mouth shut and let the kids talk about it.
Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape
by Peggy Orenstein
Hennepin County Library hardcover 236 pages plus endnotes, index, etc.
genre: non-fiction, sexuality
Wow. This was a hard read for me. It made me glad I don't have daughters and wonder how I can make a positive difference in the face of our current culture and "norms" . . . Sigh. It also makes me reflect on my own experiences, attitudes, etc.
This was on our summer reading list, and I would recommend it to parents, counselors, and others who care about teenage girls (and boys!) and their attitudes toward their own bodies. I'm more in the "prude" camp on the issue of girls and sex.
The first part I marked was page 28 - the section on Miley Cyrus and her "twerk" at the 2013 MTV music awards. For girls to see her as a "liberated" hero-type figure makes me sad. Her hypersexualized performances seem more like bondage than liberation to me. For girls to admire her and want to emulate her . . . just makes me sad.
Page 62 - Talking about sex ed . . . she makes some interesting points here. The male anatomy seems more "accessible" somehow. "Even the more comprehensive sex education classes stick with a woman's internal parts - uteri, tubes, ovaries. Those classic diagrams of a woman's reproductive system, the ones shaped like the head of a steer, blur into a gray Y between the legs, as if the vulva and the labia, let alone the clitoris, don't exist. Imagine not clueing a twelve-year-old boy into the existence of his penis! And whereas males' puberty is characterized by ejaculation, masturbation, and the emergence of a near-unstoppable sex drive, females' is defined by . . . periods." I am curious to talk to our personal wellness teacher about this. Girls should have solid information about their own bodies.
Page 77 - "Cashing in the V Card" - wow. Do girls really see virginity as something to get rid of before they go to college? This also makes me sad.
Page 112 - Not sure why I marked this. It's been a busy week.
Page 115 - Ugh. The part on frat houses and degradation of women (and women going along with it!) made me feel physically ill.
Page 181 - More puke-worthy info on sexual assault on college campuses. The Steubenville rape (and the guys' horrid comments, shooting video of it, etc.) are truly horrifying. And people who DEFEND the rapists as "good boys who made a mistake" make me so angry! It's horrible that young women get drunk and cannot stand up for themselves, but it's even more horrible that young men take advantage of them in such hurtful ways. I cannot imagine any of my sons doing this type of thing.
Also, guys commenting that this is "hilarious" scares me. That is so beyond immoral as to seem evil.
Notes I found in my car (added 10/30/16):
pg 185 "Don't tell girls not to drink; tell rapists not to rape."
pg 196 ". . . only perpetrators are responsible for assault, but assertiveness and self-advocacy are crucial defensive skills."
I need to finish pages 201-236 . . . but I'm not going to request the book from the library yet. I'm still trying to play catchup!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 236 pages plus endnotes, index, etc.
genre: non-fiction, sexuality
Wow. This was a hard read for me. It made me glad I don't have daughters and wonder how I can make a positive difference in the face of our current culture and "norms" . . . Sigh. It also makes me reflect on my own experiences, attitudes, etc.
This was on our summer reading list, and I would recommend it to parents, counselors, and others who care about teenage girls (and boys!) and their attitudes toward their own bodies. I'm more in the "prude" camp on the issue of girls and sex.
The first part I marked was page 28 - the section on Miley Cyrus and her "twerk" at the 2013 MTV music awards. For girls to see her as a "liberated" hero-type figure makes me sad. Her hypersexualized performances seem more like bondage than liberation to me. For girls to admire her and want to emulate her . . . just makes me sad.
Page 62 - Talking about sex ed . . . she makes some interesting points here. The male anatomy seems more "accessible" somehow. "Even the more comprehensive sex education classes stick with a woman's internal parts - uteri, tubes, ovaries. Those classic diagrams of a woman's reproductive system, the ones shaped like the head of a steer, blur into a gray Y between the legs, as if the vulva and the labia, let alone the clitoris, don't exist. Imagine not clueing a twelve-year-old boy into the existence of his penis! And whereas males' puberty is characterized by ejaculation, masturbation, and the emergence of a near-unstoppable sex drive, females' is defined by . . . periods." I am curious to talk to our personal wellness teacher about this. Girls should have solid information about their own bodies.
Page 77 - "Cashing in the V Card" - wow. Do girls really see virginity as something to get rid of before they go to college? This also makes me sad.
Page 112 - Not sure why I marked this. It's been a busy week.
Page 115 - Ugh. The part on frat houses and degradation of women (and women going along with it!) made me feel physically ill.
Page 181 - More puke-worthy info on sexual assault on college campuses. The Steubenville rape (and the guys' horrid comments, shooting video of it, etc.) are truly horrifying. And people who DEFEND the rapists as "good boys who made a mistake" make me so angry! It's horrible that young women get drunk and cannot stand up for themselves, but it's even more horrible that young men take advantage of them in such hurtful ways. I cannot imagine any of my sons doing this type of thing.
Also, guys commenting that this is "hilarious" scares me. That is so beyond immoral as to seem evil.
Notes I found in my car (added 10/30/16):
pg 185 "Don't tell girls not to drink; tell rapists not to rape."
pg 196 ". . . only perpetrators are responsible for assault, but assertiveness and self-advocacy are crucial defensive skills."
I need to finish pages 201-236 . . . but I'm not going to request the book from the library yet. I'm still trying to play catchup!
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Choices
by Deborah Lynn Jacobs
PRMS hardcover 189 pages
genre: YA SciFi, alternate universes
Wondered if I should put this in realistic, SciFi, paranormal . . . ? So I brought it home to read it. It was a quick read, but not especially compelling. Kathleen is a straight-laced high school senior. When her brother is killed in a car accident while coming to get her from a New Year's Eve party, she is distraught and finds herself experiencing events from different perspectives. Since it hasn't been checked out by a single student in the nine years it's been in my collection, I think I'll just remove it. Not sure if it was fun or odd that she had so many Wisconsin-specific details . . . pierogies, etc.
PRMS hardcover 189 pages
genre: YA SciFi, alternate universes
Wondered if I should put this in realistic, SciFi, paranormal . . . ? So I brought it home to read it. It was a quick read, but not especially compelling. Kathleen is a straight-laced high school senior. When her brother is killed in a car accident while coming to get her from a New Year's Eve party, she is distraught and finds herself experiencing events from different perspectives. Since it hasn't been checked out by a single student in the nine years it's been in my collection, I think I'll just remove it. Not sure if it was fun or odd that she had so many Wisconsin-specific details . . . pierogies, etc.
Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Meet Your Needs
by Lexie Barnes
Hennepin County Library hardcover 151 pages (incl index)
genre: non-fiction sewing
I didn't read this cover to cover, but I love her writing style, attitude, and designs. I should put this in my Amazon cart and buy it, but I have too much going on right now. I love this book and am eager to make some Christmas gift bags using her designs. Wonderful illustrations, photos, directions!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 151 pages (incl index)
genre: non-fiction sewing
I didn't read this cover to cover, but I love her writing style, attitude, and designs. I should put this in my Amazon cart and buy it, but I have too much going on right now. I love this book and am eager to make some Christmas gift bags using her designs. Wonderful illustrations, photos, directions!
Friday, September 23, 2016
Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential within us all
by Tom Kelley and David Kelley
Hennepin County Library hardcover 256 pages plus endnotes and index
genre: non-fiction motivational
This book was so powerful, I ordered a copy off Amazon. Some of what I read in here resonates with what we're doing at PRMS. Some of it really challenges me to get out of my comfort zone and off my duff!
Stanford d school . . . K-12 education . . . could I do this?
Growth mindset is crucial. It's "a passport to new adventures."
page 54 - losing confidence in creativity as a child. This immediately made me think of a "creativity" "test" given to me in school - elementary or middle school, I don't remember - with a series of circles to draw things. Being told that I wasn't very creative (because I stayed within the circles) . . . very discouraging. Almost a turning point in my life, certainly in how I viewed myself and my abilities.
page 218 - the importance of writing ideas down right away! They can be elusive, like dreams. Jot notes and capture them.
page 220-221 My comment from earlier comes full circle! I wish I knew which teacher in Bloomington convinced me I had just failed a creativity test . . . I'd like to chew them out.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 256 pages plus endnotes and index
genre: non-fiction motivational
This book was so powerful, I ordered a copy off Amazon. Some of what I read in here resonates with what we're doing at PRMS. Some of it really challenges me to get out of my comfort zone and off my duff!
Stanford d school . . . K-12 education . . . could I do this?
Growth mindset is crucial. It's "a passport to new adventures."
page 54 - losing confidence in creativity as a child. This immediately made me think of a "creativity" "test" given to me in school - elementary or middle school, I don't remember - with a series of circles to draw things. Being told that I wasn't very creative (because I stayed within the circles) . . . very discouraging. Almost a turning point in my life, certainly in how I viewed myself and my abilities.
page 218 - the importance of writing ideas down right away! They can be elusive, like dreams. Jot notes and capture them.
page 220-221 My comment from earlier comes full circle! I wish I knew which teacher in Bloomington convinced me I had just failed a creativity test . . . I'd like to chew them out.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
I Hunt Killers
by Barry Lyga
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by Charlie Thurston
genre: YA murder mystery
This book creeped me out more than I anticipated. Jasper Dent is the main character. He was raised by notorious serial killer Billy Dent, who was finally caught and sent to prison after 124(?) victims. Billy's "voice" lives in Jasper's head, as do all the grisly things the boy saw his dad do. So how does a seventeen-year-old with that kind of heritage have a normal life? He doesn't.
Early in the story, I tried to guess the identity of the new killer on the loose in Lobo's Nod(?). I thought The Impressionist was the new deputy, Erickson, or perhaps the odd doctor IDing Billy Dent's MO on television, or the creepy reporter (I almost wanted it to be him), or perhaps Fulton . . . see spoiler alert at the end of this post if you want.
Note - "constant self-recrimination gets old" / As Jasper kept questioning his own motives and potential to do evil as his father did, I got irritated. I was glad when Connie blew up at him. "Stop the pity party!" Amen, sister.
Grandma's evil words were so hard to hear, too. She was a nasty piece of work. I wish Melissa had been able to get Jasper into a different situation.
The scene about Rusty and Jasper's crying . . . that was truly horrifying. I can't believe a boy could grow up into someone as nice and normal as Jasper with that sociopath raising him. The part where Billy is talking about being precise vs accurate was downright eerie. "Dear old dad" was effective in his role!
The narrator did a fantastic job with the voices, making each person distinctive. G William was a good guy. Howie and the tattoos . . . great details, wonderful writing. (Even the self-recriminations that bugged me so much - "Her death was all my fault . . . " that added tension when Jaz was with the dying Ginny (?) Davis. I actually thought he might strangle her to bring an end to her suffering.
I probably won't read book two or three, but this one is intense and now I know what kind of reader to "talk" it to.
In my notes that I jotted, I put "Fulton? Dad grief. (red herring?) . . . yup. Not actually Fulton, whose daughter had been one of Billy's victims, but a serial killer pretending to be Fulton.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by Charlie Thurston
genre: YA murder mystery
This book creeped me out more than I anticipated. Jasper Dent is the main character. He was raised by notorious serial killer Billy Dent, who was finally caught and sent to prison after 124(?) victims. Billy's "voice" lives in Jasper's head, as do all the grisly things the boy saw his dad do. So how does a seventeen-year-old with that kind of heritage have a normal life? He doesn't.
Early in the story, I tried to guess the identity of the new killer on the loose in Lobo's Nod(?). I thought The Impressionist was the new deputy, Erickson, or perhaps the odd doctor IDing Billy Dent's MO on television, or the creepy reporter (I almost wanted it to be him), or perhaps Fulton . . . see spoiler alert at the end of this post if you want.
Note - "constant self-recrimination gets old" / As Jasper kept questioning his own motives and potential to do evil as his father did, I got irritated. I was glad when Connie blew up at him. "Stop the pity party!" Amen, sister.
Grandma's evil words were so hard to hear, too. She was a nasty piece of work. I wish Melissa had been able to get Jasper into a different situation.
The scene about Rusty and Jasper's crying . . . that was truly horrifying. I can't believe a boy could grow up into someone as nice and normal as Jasper with that sociopath raising him. The part where Billy is talking about being precise vs accurate was downright eerie. "Dear old dad" was effective in his role!
The narrator did a fantastic job with the voices, making each person distinctive. G William was a good guy. Howie and the tattoos . . . great details, wonderful writing. (Even the self-recriminations that bugged me so much - "Her death was all my fault . . . " that added tension when Jaz was with the dying Ginny (?) Davis. I actually thought he might strangle her to bring an end to her suffering.
I probably won't read book two or three, but this one is intense and now I know what kind of reader to "talk" it to.
In my notes that I jotted, I put "Fulton? Dad grief. (red herring?) . . . yup. Not actually Fulton, whose daughter had been one of Billy's victims, but a serial killer pretending to be Fulton.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Twenty Letters to a Friend
by Svetlana Alliluyeva
Hennepin County Library hardcover 246 pages
genre: memoir
I was so curious about this book after I read Stalin's Daughter, but now it doesn't interest me. I only read the first letter about her father's death. Perhaps it's the busy-ness of the start of the school year, but I just don't feel as though I have the time to dedicate to reading this right now. I do like the fact that she was able to publish a book and express herself. I cannot imagine having lived such a strange life, with the repressiveness of the Soviet regime (that her own dad created!) and yet the privileges that came with being Stalin's daughter. Perhaps another day I will delve.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 246 pages
genre: memoir
I was so curious about this book after I read Stalin's Daughter, but now it doesn't interest me. I only read the first letter about her father's death. Perhaps it's the busy-ness of the start of the school year, but I just don't feel as though I have the time to dedicate to reading this right now. I do like the fact that she was able to publish a book and express herself. I cannot imagine having lived such a strange life, with the repressiveness of the Soviet regime (that her own dad created!) and yet the privileges that came with being Stalin's daughter. Perhaps another day I will delve.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Sunny Side Up
by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
PRMS hardcover 216 pages
genre: YA graphic novel realistic fiction
I keep forgetting that the author/illustrator team are siblings and not husband and wife! I love that they took a painful part of their own past (a relative with an addiction) and turned it into an accessible story. Sunny (Sunshine) is ten years old and looking forward to a fun summer. But when her parents send her to Florida to spend the summer with her grandfather, she has an entirely different experience than she expected. Through flashbacks, we learn about events leading up to her trip, with her older brother Dale making bad choices about alcohol, friends, and drugs. This is a very well-told story with believable events and emotions shown all too clearly on Sunny's face.
PRMS hardcover 216 pages
genre: YA graphic novel realistic fiction
I keep forgetting that the author/illustrator team are siblings and not husband and wife! I love that they took a painful part of their own past (a relative with an addiction) and turned it into an accessible story. Sunny (Sunshine) is ten years old and looking forward to a fun summer. But when her parents send her to Florida to spend the summer with her grandfather, she has an entirely different experience than she expected. Through flashbacks, we learn about events leading up to her trip, with her older brother Dale making bad choices about alcohol, friends, and drugs. This is a very well-told story with believable events and emotions shown all too clearly on Sunny's face.
The Books of Magic
by Neil Gaiman (writer)
Illustrated by John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess, Paul Johnson
Lettered by Todd Klein
Hennepin County Library hardcover 198 pages
genre: graphic novel
I was curious to read Sandman (a classic, yet I've never read it!) but it wasn't in when I checked out books so I got this. Neil Gaiman is legendary and this work has so much in it - the universe, time, magic and science . . . Yet it didn't resonate for me. I think I would have really enjoyed it as a teenager. At this point in my life, I could appreciate all that went into creating this story of a teen boy - Timothy Hunter - who is approached by four mysterious men (an unnamed man shows him the past, John Constantine introduces him to other magicians, Doctor Occult / Rose shows him the far lands (fairyland), and Mister E shows him the future).
Illustrated by John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess, Paul Johnson
Lettered by Todd Klein
Hennepin County Library hardcover 198 pages
genre: graphic novel
I was curious to read Sandman (a classic, yet I've never read it!) but it wasn't in when I checked out books so I got this. Neil Gaiman is legendary and this work has so much in it - the universe, time, magic and science . . . Yet it didn't resonate for me. I think I would have really enjoyed it as a teenager. At this point in my life, I could appreciate all that went into creating this story of a teen boy - Timothy Hunter - who is approached by four mysterious men (an unnamed man shows him the past, John Constantine introduces him to other magicians, Doctor Occult / Rose shows him the far lands (fairyland), and Mister E shows him the future).
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Kill the Boy Band
by Goldy Moldavsky
Hennepin County Library hardcover 312 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
I read this in July, just found my notes yesterday (9/6/16).
Apple, Isabel, Erin, Narrator (name? not sure. She likes 80s movies, is a good girl, a writer, her dad died, and she has struggled with mental health issues)
Plus:
relevant - I know girls like this mystery / whodunit style
The narrator's use of the word "Bless" in place of swearing . . . at times.
Minus:
LOTS of F-bombs and other ugly language
girls' friendships are so fake / nasty
page 60-1: "Why Did I love the Ruperts?" . . . "Did I love them because . . . " "Did I love them because they were the only boys in my life who consistently told me I was beautiful? Probably." How many girls fall in love with singers because of this experience of feeling valued?
page 63: "The joy you find as a teen, however frivolous and dumb, is pure, and meaningful. It doesn't matter that it might ferment and taste different when you're older. That's the whole point of being a teenager - not worrying about the future."
page 152: Narrator: "You're the one who always said boy bands have a shelf life of two to four years." Erin: "That's my entire teenage life!" I think it can be hard for teens to put things in perspective when they feel so passionately but don't have enough life experience.
page 157 "Those girls outside the hotel could overthrow governments with their passion! They have the potential to do so much more." Erin says this (as she's tearing down her "best" friend.)
What is "stan" and "stanning"? I'll have to look this up. stan
is an avid fan and supporter of a celebrity, franchise, film, or group, often a rock/pop musician.>
page 194 "It made me long for grown-ups in a way I thought I'd grown out of. I wanted an adult to swoop in and help us, take care of everything, clean up our mess and tell us it would be okay."
This book had too breezy a tone for me when it was dealing with obsessions, murder, and back-stabbing friends. It just did not work for this reader.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 312 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
I read this in July, just found my notes yesterday (9/6/16).
Apple, Isabel, Erin, Narrator (name? not sure. She likes 80s movies, is a good girl, a writer, her dad died, and she has struggled with mental health issues)
Plus:
relevant - I know girls like this mystery / whodunit style
The narrator's use of the word "Bless" in place of swearing . . . at times.
Minus:
LOTS of F-bombs and other ugly language
girls' friendships are so fake / nasty
page 60-1: "Why Did I love the Ruperts?" . . . "Did I love them because . . . " "Did I love them because they were the only boys in my life who consistently told me I was beautiful? Probably." How many girls fall in love with singers because of this experience of feeling valued?
page 63: "The joy you find as a teen, however frivolous and dumb, is pure, and meaningful. It doesn't matter that it might ferment and taste different when you're older. That's the whole point of being a teenager - not worrying about the future."
page 152: Narrator: "You're the one who always said boy bands have a shelf life of two to four years." Erin: "That's my entire teenage life!" I think it can be hard for teens to put things in perspective when they feel so passionately but don't have enough life experience.
page 157 "Those girls outside the hotel could overthrow governments with their passion! They have the potential to do so much more." Erin says this (as she's tearing down her "best" friend.)
What is "stan" and "stanning"? I'll have to look this up. stan
is an avid fan and supporter of a celebrity, franchise, film, or group, often a rock/pop musician.>
page 194 "It made me long for grown-ups in a way I thought I'd grown out of. I wanted an adult to swoop in and help us, take care of everything, clean up our mess and tell us it would be okay."
This book had too breezy a tone for me when it was dealing with obsessions, murder, and back-stabbing friends. It just did not work for this reader.
Carry On
by Rainbow Rowell
Hennepin County Library hardcover 517 pages
genre: YA fantasy, relationships
I read this in July, just found my notes yesterday (9/6/16).
Makes me curious to read her Fangirl book. Not what I expected. Very similar to Harry Potter at the start, but I don't think it would appeal to my typical fantasy readers.
The mystery and relationships (Simon Snow, Baz, Penelope, Agatha, the Mage, Ebb, etc.) were engaging. The magic and words / spells connections were interesting.
I liked it a lot, but am worried about my slim budget! I definitely got drawn in to the story.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 517 pages
genre: YA fantasy, relationships
I read this in July, just found my notes yesterday (9/6/16).
Makes me curious to read her Fangirl book. Not what I expected. Very similar to Harry Potter at the start, but I don't think it would appeal to my typical fantasy readers.
The mystery and relationships (Simon Snow, Baz, Penelope, Agatha, the Mage, Ebb, etc.) were engaging. The magic and words / spells connections were interesting.
I liked it a lot, but am worried about my slim budget! I definitely got drawn in to the story.
Dumplin': Go Big or Go Home
by Julie Murphy
Hennepin County Library hardcover 371 pages
genre: YA realistic
Read this in July and made notes. Just found notes yesterday . . .
Plus:
interesting characters (Mitch - sweet, Millie, Bo, Hannah (angry girl) . . . )
Willowdean's connection to Aunt Lucy
Texas stuff - football, pageants . . .
drag queen show / humor
W & E re-friending page 338-9 and *talking* to one another again
Minus:
Willowdean's confidence vs. fear, her treatment of El (Best Friend!), Mitch, mom . . .
page 124 - she has a hot guy totally into her and THAT makes her body-conscious?!
Too much teen angst / I don't really "get" her message about self-esteem and empowerment
Dolly Parton stuff - fun
This just didn't really work for me, but it was okay. I'm trying to think of readers who would enjoy it . . . not sure it would get read much.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 371 pages
genre: YA realistic
Read this in July and made notes. Just found notes yesterday . . .
Plus:
interesting characters (Mitch - sweet, Millie, Bo, Hannah (angry girl) . . . )
Willowdean's connection to Aunt Lucy
Texas stuff - football, pageants . . .
drag queen show / humor
W & E re-friending page 338-9 and *talking* to one another again
Minus:
Willowdean's confidence vs. fear, her treatment of El (Best Friend!), Mitch, mom . . .
page 124 - she has a hot guy totally into her and THAT makes her body-conscious?!
Too much teen angst / I don't really "get" her message about self-esteem and empowerment
Dolly Parton stuff - fun
This just didn't really work for me, but it was okay. I'm trying to think of readers who would enjoy it . . . not sure it would get read much.
Tuesday, September 06, 2016
The Nameless City
by Faith Erin Hicks
PRMS paperback 232 pages
genre: YA fiction graphic novel
I love this!
Wonderful story of Kaidu (Dao boy warrior) and street girl Rat. It's a Nameless City because each conqueror gives it a new name and none of the names are meaningful to the people who live there. Joah, the monk, cares for Rat. There action, friendship, dilemmas, and the wonderful artwork Hicks continues to produce. I can hardly wait for the next book!
PRMS paperback 232 pages
genre: YA fiction graphic novel
I love this!
Wonderful story of Kaidu (Dao boy warrior) and street girl Rat. It's a Nameless City because each conqueror gives it a new name and none of the names are meaningful to the people who live there. Joah, the monk, cares for Rat. There action, friendship, dilemmas, and the wonderful artwork Hicks continues to produce. I can hardly wait for the next book!
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
by Sarah Maas
Hennepin County Library paperback 418 pages
genre: YA fantasy
I don't like reading series books out of order! When I read book one in this series, I wasn't super impressed. Then last summer, book three was on a reading list . . . or part of the YAC program . . . or something. So I read book three. Again, I didn't love it, but definitely got drawn into the story. I will have to read book four to find out what happens! (With my luck, it's going to be a ten book series . . . )
I'm not sure why I *still* don't totally love the protagonist, a kick-butt heroine who happens to be an assassin. It is because I'm not sure how to pronounce her name? ("Celaena" . . . "Selena"?) I definitely get drawn into the stories. I put on the car light so I could keep reading on our way up to the lake!
I'm glad that it filled in my gap of what happened with Nehemia, Chaol, Dorian, Asher, and even Sam (I barely remember book one at all.). I have book four on hold at the library!
Hennepin County Library paperback 418 pages
genre: YA fantasy
I don't like reading series books out of order! When I read book one in this series, I wasn't super impressed. Then last summer, book three was on a reading list . . . or part of the YAC program . . . or something. So I read book three. Again, I didn't love it, but definitely got drawn into the story. I will have to read book four to find out what happens! (With my luck, it's going to be a ten book series . . . )
I'm not sure why I *still* don't totally love the protagonist, a kick-butt heroine who happens to be an assassin. It is because I'm not sure how to pronounce her name? ("Celaena" . . . "Selena"?) I definitely get drawn into the stories. I put on the car light so I could keep reading on our way up to the lake!
I'm glad that it filled in my gap of what happened with Nehemia, Chaol, Dorian, Asher, and even Sam (I barely remember book one at all.). I have book four on hold at the library!
There Is a Tribe of Kids
by Lane Smith
Hennepin County Library hardcover picturebook
genre: children's fiction
I think I got this because I saw a mention of collective nouns. There is so much more going on here than that! The text and artwork are beautifully woven into the story of a boy who travels through different groups until he joins the tribe of kids. Lane Smith is so gifted!
Hennepin County Library hardcover picturebook
genre: children's fiction
I think I got this because I saw a mention of collective nouns. There is so much more going on here than that! The text and artwork are beautifully woven into the story of a boy who travels through different groups until he joins the tribe of kids. Lane Smith is so gifted!
A Unicorn Named Sparkle
by Amy Young
Hennepin County Library hardcover picturebook
genre: children's fiction
Lucy sends for a unicorn for only 25 cents, but when Sparkle is delivered, he's not at all what she envisioned.
Fanciful, adorable, also recommended in the Wild Rumpus newsletter.
Hennepin County Library hardcover picturebook
genre: children's fiction
Lucy sends for a unicorn for only 25 cents, but when Sparkle is delivered, he's not at all what she envisioned.
Fanciful, adorable, also recommended in the Wild Rumpus newsletter.
Wolf Camp
by Andrea Zuill
Hennepin County Library picture book hardcover
genre: children's book
This was so cute! Three dogs go to Wolf Camp and learn about being wolves. I want to buy this for my school . . . It was listed in a Wild Rumpus book list of recommended titles. Glad I picked it up!
Hennepin County Library picture book hardcover
genre: children's book
This was so cute! Three dogs go to Wolf Camp and learn about being wolves. I want to buy this for my school . . . It was listed in a Wild Rumpus book list of recommended titles. Glad I picked it up!
The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius
by Kristine Barnett
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Kathe Mazur
genre: non-fiction, parenting, autism
I loved this and wish I had the time and energy to blog it well. Comments I made while listening:
- focus on gifts and strengths rather than on weak areas to be improved
- "I'm so far out of my comfort zone, I can't even see it from here."
- The reader, Mazur, was fabulous! At the end of the audiobook, there was an interview with Kristine Barnett. Holy cow! She has a really irritating voice.
His amazing brilliance (taking college classes as a nine-year-old, having an IQ over 170, etc.) was fascinating to read about. But more powerful were his mom's observations of her beautiful son becoming withdrawn and uncommunicative, then having therapies constantly until she pulled him from the system and began homeschooling him. With her unorthodox approach and lots of love, Jacob transformed into a wunderkind.
His autism and what she experienced with him led her to begin "Little Lights" and a Youth Sports for Autism. Actually, it was somewhat overwhelming to read about all the things this woman did while raising three sons . . . she's like superwoman!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Kathe Mazur
genre: non-fiction, parenting, autism
I loved this and wish I had the time and energy to blog it well. Comments I made while listening:
- focus on gifts and strengths rather than on weak areas to be improved
- "I'm so far out of my comfort zone, I can't even see it from here."
- The reader, Mazur, was fabulous! At the end of the audiobook, there was an interview with Kristine Barnett. Holy cow! She has a really irritating voice.
His amazing brilliance (taking college classes as a nine-year-old, having an IQ over 170, etc.) was fascinating to read about. But more powerful were his mom's observations of her beautiful son becoming withdrawn and uncommunicative, then having therapies constantly until she pulled him from the system and began homeschooling him. With her unorthodox approach and lots of love, Jacob transformed into a wunderkind.
His autism and what she experienced with him led her to begin "Little Lights" and a Youth Sports for Autism. Actually, it was somewhat overwhelming to read about all the things this woman did while raising three sons . . . she's like superwoman!
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