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
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
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.
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