Beneath the Surface by Michael Phelps
Summary: The autobiography of swimmer Michael Phelps and his attempt to win 8 gold medals in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: I enjoyed this because I respect Michael Phelps and all he has accomplished. But there wasn't much to it. A nice travelogue, nothing life changing. And I want to know about Bejing.
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Lovely Bones
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Summary: Narrated by Susie Salmon, a 14 year old girl who is raped and brutally murdered, the story of her family and their attempts to move on without her.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Certainly not for everyone. Emotionally hard from the beginning. But I couldn't stop reading. I was so intrigued and I wanted Harvey to get what was coming to him. In that, I was more than a little disappointed. The ending didn't do it for me. I gave it four stars for readability and such an interesting premise, as well as the fact that this story will stay with me. But I must admit, I was a bit let down at the end.
Summary: Narrated by Susie Salmon, a 14 year old girl who is raped and brutally murdered, the story of her family and their attempts to move on without her.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Certainly not for everyone. Emotionally hard from the beginning. But I couldn't stop reading. I was so intrigued and I wanted Harvey to get what was coming to him. In that, I was more than a little disappointed. The ending didn't do it for me. I gave it four stars for readability and such an interesting premise, as well as the fact that this story will stay with me. But I must admit, I was a bit let down at the end.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Summary: Juliet, a popular newspaper writer, finds the story she has been looking for as she inadvertently connects with a literary society on the island of Guernsey.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: I just didn't love this book, and I had such high hopes going into reading it. I just didn't connect with it.
Summary: Juliet, a popular newspaper writer, finds the story she has been looking for as she inadvertently connects with a literary society on the island of Guernsey.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: I just didn't love this book, and I had such high hopes going into reading it. I just didn't connect with it.
When You Reach Me
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Summary: Miranda, a sixth grader, receives strange notes about her future and must conclude that someone who knows her also somehow knows what is going to happen in her life.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: Loved it more than I can say.
Summary: Miranda, a sixth grader, receives strange notes about her future and must conclude that someone who knows her also somehow knows what is going to happen in her life.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: Loved it more than I can say.
Catching Fire
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Summary: After wining the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta return home to find that nothing is as it was before, and their lives are more in danger than ever.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: Almost as good as the first book, loved every single page!
Summary: After wining the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta return home to find that nothing is as it was before, and their lives are more in danger than ever.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: Almost as good as the first book, loved every single page!
The Time Traveler's Wife
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Summary: The love story between a woman and a man who involuntarily travels through time.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Comments: I had put off reading this book after hearing about its numerous offensive content (sex and F-words). But I finally gave in, deciding I would try to see past it. Now, having read it, I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone. The sex and the F-words are both, in my opinion, way over the top and ruin what could have been an amazing book, one that is life changing. In other words, I couldn't see past it.
That being said, if you are not particularly sensitive to language and sex, it is an incredible story that sucked me in emotionally, even though I was determined not to get involved. Although the book jumps around in time, it is easy enough to follow and the ending, which ties everything together, is so fresh and new it is almost enough to salvage the rest of the book for me. Almost, but not quite.
Summary: The love story between a woman and a man who involuntarily travels through time.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Comments: I had put off reading this book after hearing about its numerous offensive content (sex and F-words). But I finally gave in, deciding I would try to see past it. Now, having read it, I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone. The sex and the F-words are both, in my opinion, way over the top and ruin what could have been an amazing book, one that is life changing. In other words, I couldn't see past it.
That being said, if you are not particularly sensitive to language and sex, it is an incredible story that sucked me in emotionally, even though I was determined not to get involved. Although the book jumps around in time, it is easy enough to follow and the ending, which ties everything together, is so fresh and new it is almost enough to salvage the rest of the book for me. Almost, but not quite.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Summary: Becky Bloomwood is a journalist at a financial magazine, but can't seem to get her own finances under control.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Much different from the movie. Fun read, nothing too spectacular.
Summary: Becky Bloomwood is a journalist at a financial magazine, but can't seem to get her own finances under control.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Much different from the movie. Fun read, nothing too spectacular.
The Glass Castle
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Summary: The author's memoir of growing up in a series of homes where indoor plumbing and consistent meals were optional.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Not since reading Faulker in high school have I wanted to throw a book at the wall. This book made me want to do just that. No one should have to grow up the way the author did, and my heart breaks just thinking about it.
Summary: The author's memoir of growing up in a series of homes where indoor plumbing and consistent meals were optional.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Not since reading Faulker in high school have I wanted to throw a book at the wall. This book made me want to do just that. No one should have to grow up the way the author did, and my heart breaks just thinking about it.
Extras
Extras by Scott Westerfield
Summary: Aya is obsessed with increasing her popularity and is certain that by tagging along with a group of daredevil girls, she will be able to break a story that will make her famous.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Once again, I appreciate the world Westerfeld created, but I wasn't nearly as impressed with this book as I was with the first couple in the series.
Summary: Aya is obsessed with increasing her popularity and is certain that by tagging along with a group of daredevil girls, she will be able to break a story that will make her famous.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Once again, I appreciate the world Westerfeld created, but I wasn't nearly as impressed with this book as I was with the first couple in the series.
Wings
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Summary: Laurel is appalled when she realizes that the bumps on her back are actually wings of some type, and that she is a faerie.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Sort of a Twilight type story involving faeries. I am typically not that into fantasy books, so this was just okay for me. Interesting story, without being too much of a copycat. Loved the love triangle.
Summary: Laurel is appalled when she realizes that the bumps on her back are actually wings of some type, and that she is a faerie.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Sort of a Twilight type story involving faeries. I am typically not that into fantasy books, so this was just okay for me. Interesting story, without being too much of a copycat. Loved the love triangle.
How to Take the Ex out of Ex-boyfriend
How to Take the Ex out of Ex-boyfriend by Janette Rallison
Summary: 16 year old Giavanna breaks up with her boyfriend when she thinks he is choosing his friends over her, yet regrets it as she realizes she is far from over him.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I love Rallison's clean, teen romances. She is a breath of fresh air, and I wish we had more authors like her. Another one I enjoyed that I would recommend to younger girls!
Summary: 16 year old Giavanna breaks up with her boyfriend when she thinks he is choosing his friends over her, yet regrets it as she realizes she is far from over him.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I love Rallison's clean, teen romances. She is a breath of fresh air, and I wish we had more authors like her. Another one I enjoyed that I would recommend to younger girls!
Gym Candy
Gym Candy by Carl Deuker
Summary: The story of a high school football player who is looking for a competitive edge and turns to steroids to make him stronger and faster.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Interesting perspective of an athlete and why he chooses to use steroids. Seems entirely too plausible. A lot of description of football, which I'm sure appeals more to fans of the sport, and may be a bit boring to the average female reader. Still, a good read.
Summary: The story of a high school football player who is looking for a competitive edge and turns to steroids to make him stronger and faster.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Interesting perspective of an athlete and why he chooses to use steroids. Seems entirely too plausible. A lot of description of football, which I'm sure appeals more to fans of the sport, and may be a bit boring to the average female reader. Still, a good read.
the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Summary: The story of Junior, a teenage boy living on an Indian reservation in Oregon and his attempts to break out of what is expected of him.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Read a lot about this book before I actually read it, so I was prepared for the stereotypical portrayal of Native American people (the way they are all drunk and have no future), so I wasn't offended by it. I appreciated it for what it was. Some language issues, and a lot of sexual content I could have done without.
Summary: The story of Junior, a teenage boy living on an Indian reservation in Oregon and his attempts to break out of what is expected of him.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Read a lot about this book before I actually read it, so I was prepared for the stereotypical portrayal of Native American people (the way they are all drunk and have no future), so I wasn't offended by it. I appreciated it for what it was. Some language issues, and a lot of sexual content I could have done without.
Alvin-Ho
Alvin-Ho by Lenore Look
Summary: Alvin-Ho is afraid of everything, including girls, school and anything else that may pose a threat to his comfortable life.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Quick read, for a younger audience. Funny, yet easy to relate to this scaredy-cat. I enjoyed it.
Summary: Alvin-Ho is afraid of everything, including girls, school and anything else that may pose a threat to his comfortable life.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Quick read, for a younger audience. Funny, yet easy to relate to this scaredy-cat. I enjoyed it.
Speak
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Summary: After a horrific event at a party, Melinda withdraws into herself, unable to deal with her feelings.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Interesting story, I sympathized tremendously with the main character. Tough topic to write about, but felt it was handled well.
Summary: After a horrific event at a party, Melinda withdraws into herself, unable to deal with her feelings.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Interesting story, I sympathized tremendously with the main character. Tough topic to write about, but felt it was handled well.
The Book Thief
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
Summary: Narrated by Death, the story of a girl and her experience in World War II.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: Beautiful language, pure poetry. Amazing story. One of those books that has stayed with me for months. One I will definitely read again.
Summary: Narrated by Death, the story of a girl and her experience in World War II.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: Beautiful language, pure poetry. Amazing story. One of those books that has stayed with me for months. One I will definitely read again.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
1984
1984 by George Orwell
Summary: The classic story of a society in which all citizens are watched by Big Brother, and are only allowed to believe what The Party wants them to believe.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Interesting story, dragged on at times. A much better essay than a novel. Incredibly depressing with no hope at the end. Still, I'm glad I read it, and think everyone should read it before they die.
Summary: The classic story of a society in which all citizens are watched by Big Brother, and are only allowed to believe what The Party wants them to believe.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: Interesting story, dragged on at times. A much better essay than a novel. Incredibly depressing with no hope at the end. Still, I'm glad I read it, and think everyone should read it before they die.
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Summary: A re-telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I don't particularly care for fairy tales, but this was one of the best I have read. I loved the story, was drawn in by the writing, and would recommend it to anyone.
Summary: A re-telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I don't particularly care for fairy tales, but this was one of the best I have read. I loved the story, was drawn in by the writing, and would recommend it to anyone.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Summary: The son of a German soldier makes friends with a boy on the other side of the fence, never knowing that the fence separates a concentration camp from the rest of Poland.
Rating: 3.5 out 5
Comments: Quick read, good, interesting story, but definitely some criticisms. I enjoyed the fresh take on the Holocaust, and the way the tone of the story was heavy without being overly depressing. I didn't care for the complete naivety of the main character, but could accept it as important to the integrity of the story. I would recommend it, but don't expect it to be a life changing book.
Summary: The son of a German soldier makes friends with a boy on the other side of the fence, never knowing that the fence separates a concentration camp from the rest of Poland.
Rating: 3.5 out 5
Comments: Quick read, good, interesting story, but definitely some criticisms. I enjoyed the fresh take on the Holocaust, and the way the tone of the story was heavy without being overly depressing. I didn't care for the complete naivety of the main character, but could accept it as important to the integrity of the story. I would recommend it, but don't expect it to be a life changing book.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Chains
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, juvenile fiction
Summary: After the death of their owner, sisters Isabel and Ruth are sold to the Lockton family, where they are moved to New York City just as the Revolutionary War is getting underway.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: This was a great story, but for some reason, I read it really slowly. It is a well-researched piece of historical fiction, and I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the Revolutionary War from the perspective of someone who is completely neutral, only seeking her own freedom. I would recommend it to anyone, it is a fantastic read!
Summary: After the death of their owner, sisters Isabel and Ruth are sold to the Lockton family, where they are moved to New York City just as the Revolutionary War is getting underway.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: This was a great story, but for some reason, I read it really slowly. It is a well-researched piece of historical fiction, and I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the Revolutionary War from the perspective of someone who is completely neutral, only seeking her own freedom. I would recommend it to anyone, it is a fantastic read!
Monday, April 27, 2009
On the Wings of Heroes
On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
Summary: Davy, a young boy growing up as the country prepares to enter World War II, idolizes his brother who is training to become a pilot, and hopes his hero will make it back home alive.
Rating: 3.5 out 5
Comments: Not Richard Peck's best book (that would be A Long Way from Chicago, in my opinion), but a great story about growing up in the 1940's. Peck creates some of the quirkiest, most lovable characters ever and I always enjoy reading his books. This book was no exception, and this short novel is a pleasure to read.
Summary: Davy, a young boy growing up as the country prepares to enter World War II, idolizes his brother who is training to become a pilot, and hopes his hero will make it back home alive.
Rating: 3.5 out 5
Comments: Not Richard Peck's best book (that would be A Long Way from Chicago, in my opinion), but a great story about growing up in the 1940's. Peck creates some of the quirkiest, most lovable characters ever and I always enjoy reading his books. This book was no exception, and this short novel is a pleasure to read.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Summary: In a futuristic society, communities are required to send one boy and one girl, picked by lottery, to the capital to compete in "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death where only one will ultimately survive, bringing honor to their community.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Comments: I had heard a lot about this book, and it didn't disappoint. The story was fast paced and original, and I found myself wanting to find out more and more about Katniss and Peeta and how they were going to win the Hunger Games (which you knew they would). There is a lot of violence, but it wasn't too disturbing (not emotionally, at least) and I was absolutely not ready for the book to end when it did. A sequel is coming out in September, and it can't come soon enough! The best book I've read in a while.
Summary: In a futuristic society, communities are required to send one boy and one girl, picked by lottery, to the capital to compete in "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death where only one will ultimately survive, bringing honor to their community.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Comments: I had heard a lot about this book, and it didn't disappoint. The story was fast paced and original, and I found myself wanting to find out more and more about Katniss and Peeta and how they were going to win the Hunger Games (which you knew they would). There is a lot of violence, but it wasn't too disturbing (not emotionally, at least) and I was absolutely not ready for the book to end when it did. A sequel is coming out in September, and it can't come soon enough! The best book I've read in a while.
The Underneath
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
Summary: Two stories, one of an old dog, a cat and three kittens who live in the "underneath," keeping out of the way of Gar Face, a mean old man who has no sympathy for animals, and the other of a shape shifter who resides as a snake in a jar buried deep within the earth.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: This was a book club book of ours, also a Newberry Honor book for this year, and I read it after we discussed it, so was prepared for the animal cruelty that is at times hard to read. The story was compelling, and I wanted to find out how the the characters would collide, as they were separated by 1,000 years. Definitely not a book for young kids, as many sad things happen to characters you truly love.
Summary: Two stories, one of an old dog, a cat and three kittens who live in the "underneath," keeping out of the way of Gar Face, a mean old man who has no sympathy for animals, and the other of a shape shifter who resides as a snake in a jar buried deep within the earth.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: This was a book club book of ours, also a Newberry Honor book for this year, and I read it after we discussed it, so was prepared for the animal cruelty that is at times hard to read. The story was compelling, and I wanted to find out how the the characters would collide, as they were separated by 1,000 years. Definitely not a book for young kids, as many sad things happen to characters you truly love.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Magic of Ordinary Days
The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel
Summary: At the height of World War II in Colorado, Livvy Dunne finds herself pregnant and single, and agrees to an arranged marriage with a lonely farmer she has never before met to avoid familial humiliation.
Rating: 3 out 5
Comments: For a short novel, it took me a long time to read. The story was interesting, and I enjoyed reading about the Japanese-American interment camps during the 1940's, but much of the story dragged on for me. I expected there to be a little more magic found in Livvy's new ordinary life. I did enjoy the subtle love story, and the way she let herself fall in love with her new husband. I love the thought that sometimes we need to look a little closer to home to find what has been there all along. A good read, but not one I'll read again.
Summary: At the height of World War II in Colorado, Livvy Dunne finds herself pregnant and single, and agrees to an arranged marriage with a lonely farmer she has never before met to avoid familial humiliation.
Rating: 3 out 5
Comments: For a short novel, it took me a long time to read. The story was interesting, and I enjoyed reading about the Japanese-American interment camps during the 1940's, but much of the story dragged on for me. I expected there to be a little more magic found in Livvy's new ordinary life. I did enjoy the subtle love story, and the way she let herself fall in love with her new husband. I love the thought that sometimes we need to look a little closer to home to find what has been there all along. A good read, but not one I'll read again.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Edgar Sawtelle
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Summary: The story of Edgar Sawtelle, a boy born without the ability to speak, as he comes of age while learning to breed and train dogs on the family farm and uncover the mystery behind his father's death.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: I just finished reading this book and still can't decide whether or not I liked it. At some points during my reading, I was thinking it was a 4 star, bordering on a 5 star, novel and loved it. At other times, I felt bored, and found myself counting pages until the chapter ended, certain I would give the book a solid 2.
Let's start with what I liked: 1. Edgar. I connected with him and grew to love him very much.
2. Almondine. Without doubt my favorite character. She was the perfect dog--loyal, perceptive and loving. Her death was the most emotional part of the book for me, as I was really looking forward to her reunion with Edgar. Why did she have to die (and how did she die)?
3. The description of Trudy grieving over her lost baby (and later, her husband) and how she was able to force the darkness back to a tiny seed, never gone, but no longer consuming. It made me understand a little more how she could let Claude into her life.
4. I think it would make an amazing discussion, and I wish I had read this with a book club. I know there are things I missed, and I am sure I could appreciate it much more if I had a group to help me make sense of it all.
5. I was emotionally involved, and have thought about the book often as I have read. That is always a good thing.
6. The dogs were wonderful. I am wishing I could have a Sawtelle dog myself.
Things I didn't like: 1. The length. This was my biggest gripe with the book. It was too LONG. It started slow, picked up momentum, then stalled time and again before finally reaching the climax. I thought the middle section, with Edgar on the run, was very long and I wanted him to turn around much sooner.
2. So many details were unnecessary, yet I often wished for more. It was quite confusing. I never really got a sense for what was important to know
3. The ending. I never picked up on the fact that this was a retelling of Hamlet (I guess I need to brush up on my Shakespeare), and I was not prepared for the tragedy that was the conclusion. I felt cheated, as if the ending wasn't worthy of all the build-up.
4. It was plain weird. A crazy woman at the grocery store is some sort of seer/fortune teller, yet we know nothing about her. Edgar communicated frequently with ghosts (what was the deal with the old farmer anyway? I didn't understand that).
I am still unsettled. A good book. I am glad that I read it. Definitely not my favorite and I think it could have been a whole lot better.
Summary: The story of Edgar Sawtelle, a boy born without the ability to speak, as he comes of age while learning to breed and train dogs on the family farm and uncover the mystery behind his father's death.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: I just finished reading this book and still can't decide whether or not I liked it. At some points during my reading, I was thinking it was a 4 star, bordering on a 5 star, novel and loved it. At other times, I felt bored, and found myself counting pages until the chapter ended, certain I would give the book a solid 2.
Let's start with what I liked: 1. Edgar. I connected with him and grew to love him very much.
2. Almondine. Without doubt my favorite character. She was the perfect dog--loyal, perceptive and loving. Her death was the most emotional part of the book for me, as I was really looking forward to her reunion with Edgar. Why did she have to die (and how did she die)?
3. The description of Trudy grieving over her lost baby (and later, her husband) and how she was able to force the darkness back to a tiny seed, never gone, but no longer consuming. It made me understand a little more how she could let Claude into her life.
4. I think it would make an amazing discussion, and I wish I had read this with a book club. I know there are things I missed, and I am sure I could appreciate it much more if I had a group to help me make sense of it all.
5. I was emotionally involved, and have thought about the book often as I have read. That is always a good thing.
6. The dogs were wonderful. I am wishing I could have a Sawtelle dog myself.
Things I didn't like: 1. The length. This was my biggest gripe with the book. It was too LONG. It started slow, picked up momentum, then stalled time and again before finally reaching the climax. I thought the middle section, with Edgar on the run, was very long and I wanted him to turn around much sooner.
2. So many details were unnecessary, yet I often wished for more. It was quite confusing. I never really got a sense for what was important to know
3. The ending. I never picked up on the fact that this was a retelling of Hamlet (I guess I need to brush up on my Shakespeare), and I was not prepared for the tragedy that was the conclusion. I felt cheated, as if the ending wasn't worthy of all the build-up.
4. It was plain weird. A crazy woman at the grocery store is some sort of seer/fortune teller, yet we know nothing about her. Edgar communicated frequently with ghosts (what was the deal with the old farmer anyway? I didn't understand that).
I am still unsettled. A good book. I am glad that I read it. Definitely not my favorite and I think it could have been a whole lot better.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Savvy
Savvy by Ingrid Law (juvenile fiction, Newberry Honor book for 2009)
Summary: Just before Mibs turns 13, the long awaited birthday when her "savvy," or special ability will be revealed, her father is in a terrible car accident and is lying in a hospital bed in a coma, causing Mibs to wish with all her might that her savvy will somehow be able to wake her father up.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I really, really enjoyed this book. It is a tall tale, and is so different from other books I have read. Mibs (short for Mississippi) belongs to an unusual family, who each have to learn to "scumble their savvy" after they turn 13. Her older brother, Rocket, can manipulate electricity, while another brother, Fish, can create storms from water. Highly inventive, and I loved the language in the book, full of made up words that roll easily off the tongue. I loved the idea that we all have a savvy, even if we are unaware what it may be. I loved the ending, it brought tears to my eyes. I would recommend this book to any young girl, as well as their mothers. Great story.
Summary: Just before Mibs turns 13, the long awaited birthday when her "savvy," or special ability will be revealed, her father is in a terrible car accident and is lying in a hospital bed in a coma, causing Mibs to wish with all her might that her savvy will somehow be able to wake her father up.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I really, really enjoyed this book. It is a tall tale, and is so different from other books I have read. Mibs (short for Mississippi) belongs to an unusual family, who each have to learn to "scumble their savvy" after they turn 13. Her older brother, Rocket, can manipulate electricity, while another brother, Fish, can create storms from water. Highly inventive, and I loved the language in the book, full of made up words that roll easily off the tongue. I loved the idea that we all have a savvy, even if we are unaware what it may be. I loved the ending, it brought tears to my eyes. I would recommend this book to any young girl, as well as their mothers. Great story.
The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (juvenile fiction, Newberry Award winner for 2009).
Summary: A toddler escapes the home where his family has been murdered and finds protection in a nearby graveyard, where the spirits who live there vow to raise him and protect him from the murderer who still wants him dead.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: I am not disappointed that this was the Newberry winner this year. I found the book very original and entertaining, just not something I fell in love with. I would hand this to any boy who loves ghosts and ghouls and doesn't mind a little darkness. I had a few minor issues with the book, and wanted a bit more explanation for a few things (the Jack of all Trades association for one), but a good book.
Summary: A toddler escapes the home where his family has been murdered and finds protection in a nearby graveyard, where the spirits who live there vow to raise him and protect him from the murderer who still wants him dead.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: I am not disappointed that this was the Newberry winner this year. I found the book very original and entertaining, just not something I fell in love with. I would hand this to any boy who loves ghosts and ghouls and doesn't mind a little darkness. I had a few minor issues with the book, and wanted a bit more explanation for a few things (the Jack of all Trades association for one), but a good book.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It's a Mall World
It's a Mall World After All by Janette Rallison
Summary: Fun, witty story of Charlotte, a girl who works at Bloomingdale's in the mall, where she is constantly adding to her "internal memoir" of all she learns from observing other shoppers.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I absolutely loved the author's writing style, which was full of humor in a very understated way. The story was fast paced, with just enough romance, to keep my full attention. Good, clean fun that I would recommend to anyone. I am anxious to read other books Rallison has written as well. The cutesy title really doesn't do the book justice at all. My only complaint!
Summary: Fun, witty story of Charlotte, a girl who works at Bloomingdale's in the mall, where she is constantly adding to her "internal memoir" of all she learns from observing other shoppers.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I absolutely loved the author's writing style, which was full of humor in a very understated way. The story was fast paced, with just enough romance, to keep my full attention. Good, clean fun that I would recommend to anyone. I am anxious to read other books Rallison has written as well. The cutesy title really doesn't do the book justice at all. My only complaint!
Peaches
Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson (Young adult fiction)
Summary: An unlikely trio of girls become friends as they spend time working on a peach farm in Georgia, teaching one another about loyalty, friendship and love.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Similar to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series in a lot of ways, which I also loved. I can't think of many books that show the evolution of friendship as well as this book portrays it. The girls are not instantly friends, but instead it takes a series of events over an extended period of time for them to realize how much they need one another. It made me long to reconnect with old friends, tapping memories of my own childhood/young adulthood that I hadn't thought about in a long time. A little bit of sexual content that I didn't love, but understood why it was included.
Summary: An unlikely trio of girls become friends as they spend time working on a peach farm in Georgia, teaching one another about loyalty, friendship and love.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: Similar to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series in a lot of ways, which I also loved. I can't think of many books that show the evolution of friendship as well as this book portrays it. The girls are not instantly friends, but instead it takes a series of events over an extended period of time for them to realize how much they need one another. It made me long to reconnect with old friends, tapping memories of my own childhood/young adulthood that I hadn't thought about in a long time. A little bit of sexual content that I didn't love, but understood why it was included.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Evil Genius
Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
Summary: Cadel Piggott, who has spent his whole life in foster care, learns the truth about his imprisoned father, who has developed an institute of evil, with the purpose of educating promising individuals in the art of world domination.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: I have been meaning to read this book for quite some time, and finally got around to it. I was a bit disappointed, as I expected the story to be better than it actually was. It is billed as being a "page turner," yet I seemed to go days without even thinking of picking it up to read. Parts of it were wonderfully written and really drew me in, but there were far too many things that didn't add up for me. I felt that some parts of the story were worth developing, but Jinks breezed over them to include more action scenes. Also, most of the secondary characters are introduced at the same time and I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. It's just alright, and actually a bit of a disappointment.
Summary: Cadel Piggott, who has spent his whole life in foster care, learns the truth about his imprisoned father, who has developed an institute of evil, with the purpose of educating promising individuals in the art of world domination.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: I have been meaning to read this book for quite some time, and finally got around to it. I was a bit disappointed, as I expected the story to be better than it actually was. It is billed as being a "page turner," yet I seemed to go days without even thinking of picking it up to read. Parts of it were wonderfully written and really drew me in, but there were far too many things that didn't add up for me. I felt that some parts of the story were worth developing, but Jinks breezed over them to include more action scenes. Also, most of the secondary characters are introduced at the same time and I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. It's just alright, and actually a bit of a disappointment.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Boyfriend League
The Boyfriend League by Rachel Hawthorne
Summary: Dani, a teenage girl and baseball enthusiast, and her best friend, Bird, convince their parents to host a college baseball play for the summer, hoping to get in good with the team and find a boyfriend.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I found this book on the list of most popular books checked out by teens at the Springville library and went in with no knowledge of what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a good, clean summer romance, and I can definitely see why teenage girls enjoy Hawthorne's books. I loved that it was centered around a baseball team, which I could really relate to, and read the whole thing in a day. Definitely something fun to give me a break from some of the depressing things I have read lately. It's the kind of story I write.
Summary: Dani, a teenage girl and baseball enthusiast, and her best friend, Bird, convince their parents to host a college baseball play for the summer, hoping to get in good with the team and find a boyfriend.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I found this book on the list of most popular books checked out by teens at the Springville library and went in with no knowledge of what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a good, clean summer romance, and I can definitely see why teenage girls enjoy Hawthorne's books. I loved that it was centered around a baseball team, which I could really relate to, and read the whole thing in a day. Definitely something fun to give me a break from some of the depressing things I have read lately. It's the kind of story I write.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Summary: The Nolan family is struggling to get by in the early 1900's in Brooklyn, New York, and are go to great lengths to make ends meet, making sure the children stay in school to receive their education.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: One of the best books I have read in a very long time, and I imagine this one will stay with me for many years to come. The story is of an amazing (and timeless) family who I instantly connected with, especially Francie, the main character. It was sad and heart wrenching without being depressing. I know now that although I may have felt differently as a child, I truly don't know what it is like to have to go without. I will never know poverty the way it is described in the book and I will always have opportunities that most characters in the book would never dream possible. I feel so blessed for the life I have and grateful for those who have risen above their difficult circumstances to become successful.
Summary: The Nolan family is struggling to get by in the early 1900's in Brooklyn, New York, and are go to great lengths to make ends meet, making sure the children stay in school to receive their education.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: One of the best books I have read in a very long time, and I imagine this one will stay with me for many years to come. The story is of an amazing (and timeless) family who I instantly connected with, especially Francie, the main character. It was sad and heart wrenching without being depressing. I know now that although I may have felt differently as a child, I truly don't know what it is like to have to go without. I will never know poverty the way it is described in the book and I will always have opportunities that most characters in the book would never dream possible. I feel so blessed for the life I have and grateful for those who have risen above their difficult circumstances to become successful.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Prize Winner of Defiance
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How my Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan.
Summary: The true story of Evelyn Ryan, mother of ten, wife of one alcoholic husband, who was forced to use her wit and talents as a writer to win hundreds of contests just to make ends meet.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Comments: What an amazing story this is! It is so unbelievable, you will find yourself doubting whether or not it could possibly be true. The fact that it was written by her daughter, though, is enough evidence that all these events truly happened. I loved this book. I loved this woman who is a marvel to anyone who has ever raised children and worried about money at all. How did she do it? Read it. You will undoubtedly feel like your life is easy in comparison.
Summary: The true story of Evelyn Ryan, mother of ten, wife of one alcoholic husband, who was forced to use her wit and talents as a writer to win hundreds of contests just to make ends meet.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Comments: What an amazing story this is! It is so unbelievable, you will find yourself doubting whether or not it could possibly be true. The fact that it was written by her daughter, though, is enough evidence that all these events truly happened. I loved this book. I loved this woman who is a marvel to anyone who has ever raised children and worried about money at all. How did she do it? Read it. You will undoubtedly feel like your life is easy in comparison.
Fight Game
Fight Game by Kate Wild
Summary: After another run in with the law for fighting yet again, Freedom Smith is given the opportunity to vindicate himself if he will work undercover to bring down an illegal fight that has been going on for hundreds of years.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: I picked this book up because it was a young adult nominee for a Beehive award. I enjoyed it, but found that I had to force myself to finish it, as I kept getting distracted by other things. The author is British and I didn't always understand all the lingo, which may have added to my indifference. It probably appeals more to teenage boys, who are more into fighting than I am, but for me it was just okay.
Summary: After another run in with the law for fighting yet again, Freedom Smith is given the opportunity to vindicate himself if he will work undercover to bring down an illegal fight that has been going on for hundreds of years.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Comments: I picked this book up because it was a young adult nominee for a Beehive award. I enjoyed it, but found that I had to force myself to finish it, as I kept getting distracted by other things. The author is British and I didn't always understand all the lingo, which may have added to my indifference. It probably appeals more to teenage boys, who are more into fighting than I am, but for me it was just okay.
The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Summary: The story of a Despereaux, an extraordinary mouse, Roscuro, a rat who craves the light, and Miggory Sow, a dim-witted girl who wants nothing more than to be princess.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: This is one of my very favorite books. I read it a few years ago, and recently reread it for book club. The story is so simple--taking place in a castle where mice and rats usually stay hidden. Despereaux is banished to the dungeon because he is not like other mice. He loves to read and has fallen in love with the princess. Roscuro is plotting against the princess, broken hearted after being blamed for the queen's death. And Miggory Sow just wants to be loved, and thinks being a princess will make her happy. The stories of these three unusual characters collide, creating a story full of meaning. The themes of forgiveness, choosing light over darkness, and love are all present, meaning the book can be read, and loved, on many levels. I love this book! Read it!
Summary: The story of a Despereaux, an extraordinary mouse, Roscuro, a rat who craves the light, and Miggory Sow, a dim-witted girl who wants nothing more than to be princess.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: This is one of my very favorite books. I read it a few years ago, and recently reread it for book club. The story is so simple--taking place in a castle where mice and rats usually stay hidden. Despereaux is banished to the dungeon because he is not like other mice. He loves to read and has fallen in love with the princess. Roscuro is plotting against the princess, broken hearted after being blamed for the queen's death. And Miggory Sow just wants to be loved, and thinks being a princess will make her happy. The stories of these three unusual characters collide, creating a story full of meaning. The themes of forgiveness, choosing light over darkness, and love are all present, meaning the book can be read, and loved, on many levels. I love this book! Read it!
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