Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Midnight Magic (2004)
This story takes place in medieval Italy and gives the reader a good idea of what life in a big castle was like. The cover and fly leaves of the book are decorated in medieval style illustrations which attracted me to the book. I enjoyed following Fabrizio around the castle, in and out of secret passages, eavesdropping on, and meeting the other residents of the castle. The ending was not a terrific surprise but I loved following the plot to the end.
A combination of historical fiction and mystery, this book would amuse someone looking for a quick read.
My rating for this book: +++
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A house Called Awful End
A Guide to the Birds of East Africa (2008)
I was not able to put this book down as I commiserated with and cheered for Mr. Malik's quest to be Rose's escort.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a break from books about mean and violent people. If you are a fan of birds, this makes the book even more of a treat.
My rating for this book: +++++
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (2007)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Redwall (2002)
"Cluny was a bilge rat; the biggest, most savage rodent that ever jumped from ship to shore. He was black, with grey and pink scars all over his huge sleek body, from the tip of his wet nose, up past his green and yellow slitted, eye, across both his mean tattered ears, down the length of his heavy vermin-ridden back to the enormouse whiplike tail which had earned him his title: Cluny the Scourge!"
The parallels to The Lord of the Rings are too numerous to mention but mice, shrews, and sparrows (men, dwarves, and elves) fight off invasion from rats (orcs). Frodo, oops, I mean Harry Potter, er, I mean Matthias, discovers his destiny to follow in the footsteps of Martin the Warrior. The resemblance between Matthias and an image of Martin in a tapestry had gone unnoticed until the abbey was threatened. He goes on a quest to recover Martin's sword to help defend Redwall Abbey from the rats. While leaving his friends behind to fend for themselves, he faces dangers and meets new allies along the way to recovering this valuable artifact.
I had been meaning to read Redwall for many years and I am glad I finally did. I doubt I will read the entire series (ah, the old problem of so many books and too little time) but it is not because I wouldn't enjoy them.
I recommend this book to fans of adventure books. It's an enjoyable good vs. evil story.
My rating for this book: +++
Monday, November 10, 2008
Revelations (2008)
This is the third book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz and I have to say I did not enjoy it as much as the first two. It seems that everyone has a second angel name and it was confusing as to which were the good angels and which were the bad angels.
I was disappointed, too, because I was left feeling that I have to wait for the next book (good for the author's bank account but frustrating for me). Since Rowling and Meyer have their readers comfortable with books reaching up to 600 pages, it seems that de la Cruz might have given us more with this book and not left us hanging in the wind.
I would recommend that readers wait until the series is finished and then read them all at once. Fans of vampire romance books will love this series.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty (2008)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Hunger Games (2008)
Comparisons to the TV reality shows that seem to have taken over television these days is easy. Competitors are mentored by previous winners from their district and they are fed, dressed, and prepped for the program. They receive a locator which is injected in their arm and are presented to the county in televised interviews. Cameras cover their every move.
The action is riveting. Some of the kids have been training for this competition since they were very young so they are larger, stronger, and more skilled with weapons than our heroes. Some of the competitors are even smaller and weaker than Katniss but all of them have a talent that helps them survive for a time. The biggest enemy of all of them is the Capitol, host of the games, who is not adverse to using tricky tactics to make the game more interesting for the viewing audience.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good action book with a little science fiction thrown in. Kids killing each other may be disturbing but happily enough, there are rules against cannibalism so we are spared there. ;-}
My rating for this book: ++++
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Generation Dead (2009)
Waters has created an interesting scenario for studying the dynamics of prejudice; overt and unintentional. How and where do they live? Do they have bodily functions and feelings? What does one do when you have a crush on one of them? He has chosen a perfect subject to study the different facets of integration by creating a totally new and inplausible subject that doesn't parallel any existing relationship.
A small complaint I have about this book is the cover. At first look, one might assume it is a book primarily aimed at young women but it is equally from boys' points of view and includes many detailed scenes on the football field. Unfortunately, I fear that most boys would be put off by the cover with a zombie cheerleader. They would be missing out on an excellent read.
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy books about difficult relationships.
My rating for this book: ++++
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
WikiHow
"The How-to Manual that You Can Edit" http://www.wikihow.com/
Have you ever caught yourself saying "I wonder how I could...." and then stopped because you don't know where you could look up something or who could answer your question? Here's where you can find the answer! I put a link to this site on my iGoogle page and read a new "How To" everyday. Today was a wonderful article on how to bake cookies. There are always pictures that help demonstrations and links at the bottom to related articles and resources.
I learned how to make the most darling pop up cards for Christmas. I read about how to braid a horse's tail. Choose the Education and Communications category and get lots of articles on homework help (How to Do Your Homework on Time if You are a Procrastinator) and presentations (How to Create Less Annoying Powerpoints). Were you curious about how to make a crop circle? Here's the place to learn how.
Of particular interest is the category "Youth." In these pages are all sorts of things to try of special interest to young people. Young people are invited to help edit these pages so here's your chance to step up to the plate and show how much you know about a topic.
Fun and informative, this is a great site.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Death in the Air (2008)
Sherlock's drive to solve the near death of a trapeze artist is fueled by the desire to help Bell financially and to continue to hone his investigatory skills. With the help of an underground character, Malefactor, he ties in the acrobatic accident with a major theft. The police detective, LeStrade, who appears in the grownup Holmes stories, is the son of a detective from Scotland Yard and recognizes Holmes' talents even though his father does not.
This is a wonderful series and I look forward to reading more of them. Readers of mysteries and historical fiction will enjoy the physical action and tour of historical London.
My rating for this book: +++
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Tale of One Bad Rat (1995)
I think anyone who has suffered abuse might find hope in this book and I highly recommend it. The only warning about this book is the heavy use of unfamiliar cockney slang in the street scenes.
My rating for this book: ++++
The Quest of the Fair Unknown (2008)
This book reminded me of The Little Prince, a French book about a boy who leaves his home planet and meets a lot of interesting characters. I love the subtle humor in this book.
"Does everyone have a title?" Beaufils asked.
"No," Gawain replied. "It's a special privilege, and the people who have a title sometimes
think it makes them very special indeed."
Beaufils smiled at Gawain's witticism. He had to be joking, of course; Beaufils knew that
people would never really think they were special just because of extra words tacked onto
their name.
Readers who enjoy Round Table stories will love this book and others by this author.
My rating for this book: ++++
Monday, August 25, 2008
Breaking Dawn (2008)
This series was all about love between two very different people and the sacrifices we sometimes have to make for the success of the relationship. Of course, the sacrifices made for this relationship could be considered much greater than most of us would have to make but we are just ordinary humans after all, right?
It is a great pleasure to have a series of books that introduce new characters and situations. When you have finished one book you can look forward to the next. It's almost like reading one humongous book!
I am now looking forward to seeing Twilight, the movie.
My rating for this book: +++++
Monday, August 11, 2008
Momma Mia! (DVD, 2008)
This is a musical which incorporates songs originally performed by the 70s rock group, ABBA. I was a big fan of this group because their music was so sing-alongable and it was so hard to sit there during the movie and refrain from singing along.
I have to say that Pierce should stick with straight acting. But otherwise, this is a must see movie.
My rating for this movie: +++++
Saturday, August 2, 2008
World Without End (2008)
This is indeed a hefty book but it reads fast. Conversations and descriptions aren't very deep and you get caught up in the battle of good and evil and you are carried along in the currents that carry our characters through their lives.
I read this book in my car while my daughter was in meetings. It definitely helps having a place to read with little distraction.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction and aren't intimidated by large books.
My rating for this book: +++++
Monday, July 28, 2008
Battlestar Gallactica
This science fiction series produced by the SciFi Channel has got to be one of the most extraordinary series I have seen in a long while. I have to admit that I have not watched the series as it was originally shown, but I am catching up with the series by renting the DVDs through Netflix. The star of the show is Edward James Olmos, an actor who is able to portray strength and power with a very restrained manner. The series opens after a Cyborg rebellion on the plant of Caprica. Most of the human population is annihalated by nuclear weapons but there is still a large number of humans on various space ships, one of which is the Gallactica commanded by Commander Adama (Olmos). They manage to stay together through a series of "jumps" trying to evade the Cyborgs until they manage to shake them. The senior most government member, Colonial Secretary of Education, played by Mary McDonnell assumes the position of President and, together with Adama, begin the task of organizing the ships, inventoring supplies and personnel, and discuss finding a new home world. Complicating this is the fact that there are Cyborgs hidden among the crews. They have a number of models which look human.
I don't want to rehash the many twisting plot lines but I hope I can entice you to enjoy this series. I have been watching the episodes with my son and not one has gone by without an "OMG" or two. The twists and turns in this series make every episode exciting and leave me waiting for the next one to arrive.
I admit to being a big fan of all the Star Trek series and other scifi series such as Babylon 5 and Firefly but this show outshines other series like a nova. Rent the series at Blockbuster or another company, make up a bucket of popcorn, and strap yourself in for a ride!
My rating for this series: +++++
Friday, July 4, 2008
Charlie Bartlett (DVD, 2008)
This was a fun movie with lots of new faces (new to me). Created for teens, this movie adresses many of the problems faced by many high schoolers. It would please me to learn that a teen watching might take a new view of his or her problems and gain a new perspective to help the difficult and painful high school years.
My rating for this movie: +++
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Summertime
Love in the Time of Cholera is my first book by this author and is very different from other books I have read. I am presently half way through the book and I feel that I am still waiting for the story to begin, like I am still reading the introduction. One of the reasons, I think, that I have this feeling is because he still calls all of the characters by their whole names.
Now that it is summer, I plan on making my minted ice tea, take a tall glass filled with ice and my book out to the backyard, put my feet up, and read, read, read.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Book Thief (2007)
If you enjoy (?!) reading books about the Holocaust, don't miss this one. If you don't enjoy reading books that take place during the Holocaust, don't miss this one. It's a great story of keeping one's humanity when everyone else is losing theirs.
My rating for this book: +++++
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The Golden Compass (DVD, 2008)
Based on a book by Philip Pullman, this is a wonderful, fantasy, gutsy girl story full of amazing creatures and chilly locations.
Fantasy fans should not miss this!
My rating for this movie: +++++
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Juno (DVD, 2008)
With all of the "drama" of high school, this movie shows how pregnancy takes the reality of life to a whole new level and launches Juno into adulthood just that much sooner. Her pregnancy is not glamorized and the decisions she has to make are not trivialized. With all of her wisecracking, she takes care of herself, continues to attend school, and takes the steps necessary to ensure a good place for her child.
I loved this movie but I have grown very tired of the song they sang at the end.
My rating for this movie: ++++
The Miracle at Speedy Motors (2008)
My rating for this book (and the whole series) - +++++
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Looking for JJ (2007)
The story jumps back and forth from Jennifer's present life-in-hiding to her past. She spent a few years in prison and was released to live with her parole officer with a new identity. It wasn't easy to hide a secret like this especially with the press clamoring for a good story. When it looked like her cover was blown, what would happen to her? Would her new boyfriend understand? Would she be able to attend the university.
The language and pacing of this story feel a little awkward like many British novels do but it is well worth the time. My rating for this book: +++
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Story of a Girl (2007)
Sara Zarr has given us a story of how hard it is to overcome one event in our lives. Deanna was 13 years old when she started having sex with a 17-year old friend of her brother. Her father caught them in the act and pulled her out of Tommy's car. Tommy displayed his maturity by telling everyone about the event and she was labeled a slut, a reputation that was impossible to live down.
Three years later Deanna has not even had a single date, her father still won't look at her, and everyone still considers her a slut and whispers behind her back. She feels that there is nothing she can do to get past this.
"This is the thing: Pacifica is a stupid small town with only one real high school, where everyone knows everyone else's business and the rumors never stop until some other kid is dumb enough to do something that makes a better story. But my story had the honor of holding the top spot for over two years running. I mean, a senior getting caught with his pants down on top of an eighth-grade girl, by the girl's father ("No way! Her father? I'd just kill myself!") was pretty hard to beat."
Deanna is a strong girl who refuses to be beaten down. Even when she takes a job where she comes in daily contact with the source of her problem, she pushes on, determined to show everyone she is better than they realize.
I highly recommend this to girls in school who feel they are marked for life by one event. Deanna's solution will give them hope and maybe an idea on how to change others' views.
My rating for this book: ++++
Masquerade: A Blue Bloods Novel (2007)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Agnes Quill - An Anthology of Mystery (2006)
Agnes is a teenaged detective who has inherited the ability to see and communicate with spirits. "Did grandfather feel these spirits as strongly as I do now? I never considered how spirits have a physical presence, but I guess they really do."
She takes most of her cases for pay but some she takes to help spirits who can't pay her. In one case, she tracks down the legs of a man who was the victim of a magic show gone bad. He knew they were still around somewhere and needed Agnes' help to find them. With assistance of a spirit named Beatrix she tracks them down to a maniacal robot who is controlling a boy to collect body parts for him. This could be a very dark storyline but Agnes truely cares for the spirits and is generous with her help.
I highly recommend this book to graphic novel fans and to readers who haven't enjoyed one yet.
My rating for this book: +++++
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunrise over Fallujah (2008)
This latest book by Walter Dean Myers takes place in Iraq. Robin, nicknamed Birdy, is attached to a Civil Affairs unit. They don't see as much action as the infantry but are responsible for trying to communicate with locals. They have medical personnel and a translator. Birdy sends letters home to his uncle who served in Viet Nam (Fallen Angels) because he knows that only someone who has been in war can understand his experiences and feelings.
This is an outstanding book that gives the reader a taste of what the war in Iraq must be like. I recommend this book to everyone.
My rating for this book: +++++
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Murder Mysteries (2002)
I found this novel a bit disturbing since it involved touchy topics of religion and sex but I had to read it to the end to find out how it ended.
My rating for this book: +++
Monday, April 21, 2008
Pedro and Me (2000)
"I'm open-minded. I got that way because of my parents. They weren't hippies, just decent and reasonable loving people. You didn't have to be a weenie liberal like me to accept someone like Pedro."
It's amazing how wrapped up you can get in a story, even if it is in graphic novel format. You read the words and then pause to study the characters faces and the emotions there. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
My rating for this book: +++++
Touching Spirit Bear (2001)
Cole is angry. His father is angry, drinks, and beats him. His mother drinks and doesn't stop the beatings. Cole is so angry that he beats another boy, Peter, badly enough he suffers brain damage. Some people believe that prison is too good for Cole but some don't. They feel that a system known as Justice Circle might come up with an alternative that could have better results. Peter's parents and lawyer, Cole's parents and their lawyers, two Tlingit Indians, several other people from the community, and the judge meet to discuss Cole and his problems. Their solution is banishment to an island in Alaska to live by himself for one year.
"Everyone thought he felt sorry for what he had done, and going to this island was his way of making things right. Nothing could be further from the truth. To Cole, this was just another big game."
Of course, the first thing Cole does when left on the island is burn down his shelter and supplies. That'll show them! An unusual species of bear, known as the Spirit Bear, shows up on the island, and darn if it doesn't show Cole any fear. How dare it! Cole fashions a spear from a sapling and the next time that bear shows his face, Cole attacks him with the spear and a knife. Cole is rescued two days later after laying on the beach with broken ribs, pelvis, leg, and arm. Not being able to move and suffering unimagineable pain might make some do serious reflection.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy survival stories and satisfying endings.
My rating for this book: +++++
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Blue Bloods (2007)
If you've read the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer and are eager for more young vampire action, here you go. Melissa De La Cruz's book takes place in New York City and the characters are members of the oldest and richest families of that city. Schuyler is not rich but her family is an old one (they came over on the Mayflower) which gives her standing in the ultra-exclusive school, Duchesne. Strange things are happening to her including blue lines appearing on her skin. She invited to a meeting of The Committee with many of her schoolmates and her suspicions are confirmed. They are all vampires.
"What about the sun? Doesn't it like, kill us?" [Bliss] asked, between bites. The steak melted on her tongue, cold and tart.
"Are you shriveling up and dying right now?" Mimi snickered. "All of us go to Palm Beach every Christmas. Hello!"
Schuyler and her friends become aware of a threat to the Blue Bloods that originates from the beginning of mankind. De La Cruz links vampire mythology to Bible tales to explain the difference between the good vampires (Blue Bloods) and bad (Silver Bloods) originates from Satan and the archangels. This book does not have an ending but leads you directly to its sequel, Masquerade, which I am going to read next.
My rating for this book: ++++
Monday, April 7, 2008
Twisted (2007)
Saturday, April 5, 2008
A Step from Heaven (2003)
My rating for this book: +++
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (2008) & Eye of the Crow (2007)
It really was accidental that I chose two books that had connections with the Sherlock Holmes character by Arthur Conan Doyle but when I finally noticed it, I went ahead and read both anyway. The Curse of the Bizarre Bouquets (by Nancy Springer) features Sherlock's siter, Enola, who is avoiding her brothers and being put in a boarding school. She helps solve the disappearance of Dr. Watson with the clever (of course) observation of a bouquet of flowers delivered to his wife. Eye of the Crow (by Shane Peacock) features Sherlock as a young man and gives the reader a great feeling of London in that era. Sherlock is portrayed as a very bright young man, living in poverty because his mother married a Jewish man. He empathizes with a young Arab man who is accused of murder and endeavors to find the true murderer.
Both of these books are wonderful mysteries. Springer's book is a faster read and might attract more girls but Peacock's book paints a more complete picture of what London was like.
My rating for both books: ++++
Friday, March 7, 2008
Author Blogs
John Green - http://www.sparksflyup.com/weblog.php
Neil Gaiman - http://journal.neilgaiman.com/
Tamora Pierce - http://tammypierce.livejournal.com/
Scott Westerfield - http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/?p=211
Linda Sue Park - http://lsparkreader.livejournal.com/
Try and Google your favorite author to see if they have a blog. There might be a link on their official website.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
x_xHOLiC
That said, there is nothing risque about this series written by 4 women who call themselves CLAMP. Each story has a kind of moral in it. For instance, one deals with the way words bind a person and one deals with the age old problem of getting what you wish for. There are spirits and gates to alternate worlds and lots of fun to be had in this series. My only wish is that drinking wasn't glamorized and that the witch, Yuko, didn't smoke what looked like an opium pipe.
My rating: +++