Wednesday, December 25, 2013
For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
This story is told in an interesting fashion as alternating chapters are letters written by Elliott and Kai in their childhood. It was fascinating to get the back story in this way. I highly recommend this good read.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
When she gets to the other side, she sees her parents--or at least that is what she thought. They actually refer to themselves as her "other parents". Coraline quickly realizes that this place is not the place she wants to stay, but when she goes back home she realizes that something is not right there either. She must go back to the strange place with her "other mother" to get things back to normal.
This book has been around for a long time, but for some reason I had never picked it up. Alas...the 7th grade book club wanted to read it together. It was pretty good, but Coraline was a bit annoying to me. I did like the storyline, and I felt like it had a good message. So...it is a good read-just not my personal first choice.
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
This was an amazing book that a wonderful friend of mine suggested for me to read. The author has done an amazing job of telling the story from the point of view of an 11-year-old child with Asperger's. It is a quick read that gives a new perspective on life in general. I realize that I did not give a long description, but I do not want to give away any information about the day. It is such an important part of the story that in my opinion you need to experience as a reader.
Definitely, pick up this great read.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
I am not going to lie--it took me a while to get into this story. But, once they started on their adventurous journey, I was hooked. I highly recommend reading this one. You will be hoping that Fisher is alive as well.
Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
This story was a great one about sibling relationships especially in adversity. I recommend reading this good read.
Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roarke Dowell
This is an excellent book about relationships, family, and the tragedy of war. I highly recommend this book, but I will tell you that the ending though realistic was very disappointing for this reader. What do I mean by that--well...read it and find out.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Now, I know that you will want more than that, but my rule is not to spoil the book. I want you to read it. If I tell you before and after what--I will spoil it. Please don't search this to find out--wait. It was not what I thought originally. Green does a good job of throwing you off to think it is something else.
One other item--I would categorize this as a high school level book. There are some mature themes that in my personal opinion are better placed at high school. However, some may disagree with my assessment.
Well developed characters, interesting story line. Makes for a great novel.
Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
This is the third book in the series, and I cannot wait for the next one. Hurry up, Ms. Carter. Seriously, this was a great, action-packed novel. If you have not read any from this series, you can start anywhere but you probably want to start at the beginning. Heist Society, Uncommon Criminals--then Perfect Scoundrels.
SR--Wonder by RJ Palacio
It is hard for me to put into words how I feel about this book. I just love the characters. I like the story, but the characters are what sells me on the book. I even felt sorry for Julian in the end. When you read the book, you will know why that is a big deal. Also, I loved Mr. Tushman's graduation speech. It was wonderful and inspiring.
"When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind."
This saying sums up a major theme in the book. I can honestly say that I have not lived by this, but I am really trying now. I am trying to choose kind, and I can see that others are as well. But, honestly, if I were the only one who was choosing kind--the world would still be better because of all of the people that I see and talk to on a daily basis. If I can choose kind, then maybe one of the people that I was kind to--can choose kind later, etc, etc.
Please read this book, and choose kind. It really could save someone--maybe even yourself.
SR--Ripper by Stefan Petrucha
That is the scenario that is facing the police in New York City and Carver Young, a young orphan boy. Carver dreams of becoming a detective, but he does not know how to go about it. Carver is in an orphanage, and he has little hope of being adopted. Until one day, Detective Hawking from the Pinkerton Detective Agency decides to take him under his wing. Carver begins working with Detective Hawking to figure out the case. Carver meets the police chief, Teddy Roosevelt, and they develop a working relationship as well. Hawking knows a lot about the criminal mind, and he encourages Carver to figure out who his father is and where he might be. This all weaves together to be quite a page turning mystery novel. Don't miss out on the action--see if you can figure out who Jack the Ripper truly is.
SR--The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
I listened to this book on a road trip with a couple of teenage boys. We all loved it, and if we had to make a pit stop--we had to agree not to turn on the book until everyone was in the car. It was action packed, and I loved it. Don't miss this first book--then of course you will want the second one, The Runaway King.
SR--Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
As always, Jordan tells a great story. His characters are believable and real. And, he does not mind dealing with a tough subject. I have an uncle who I adore that is similar to the grandfather in this story. It was heartbreaking to read at times, but WOW! it helped me visualize exactly what my uncle may be going through. Don't miss this great book.
SR--Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
This book is written in verse and reads so easily. There is so much depth here that I can't say that it is a quick read, but it did not take me long to read it. My grandmother was the oldest girl in her family, and her mother became ill when she was a teenager. I imagine that my grandmother's experiences were much like Lupita's. I guess that is why I enjoyed it so much. I definitely recommend this first novel for Texas author--Guadalupe Garcia McCall.
SR--The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
Marlee is in middle school in 1958 Little Rock, Arkansas, and like many girls--she has not found a best friend. Until she meets Liz. Liz is awesome and helps Marlee stand up for herself. Marlee believes that this might not be so bad after all. But, outside of this middle school, many other things are going on. In 1957, there were 9 African American teens who attended Central High School in Little Rock, but the governor has refused to open the schools because he does not believe in integrating the schools. Marlee's sister is sent to live with her grandmother so that she can attend school; Marlee's mother is getting paid to teach, but she has no students. Many things are going on, but none of that matters because Marlee has a best friend.
Until one day, Liz does not show up for school. There are many rumors, and Marlee is hurt when Liz refuses to see her. What will Marlee do? What should they both do? No matter what they do--someone is going to be hurt.
This was a great historical fiction novel. I did not know about the year after the Little Rock Nine. It was appalling to me that they were able to do that for a year. I had the chance to go to Little Rock this summer and see the high school and the zoo. I even had my picture taken with the lions in the zoo--well, they were in a cage, but still...when Marlee talks about hearing the lions roar at night from her bedroom window, I now can tell you that is possible. They were very loud!
SR--Insignia by S. J. Kincaid
The Ugly One by Leanne Statland Ellis
SR-Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal
SR--How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous
Read about these gruesome deaths in this disgusting volume. Be prepared to be grossed out!
SR--Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Stohmeyer
The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Nobody's Secret by Michaela MacColl
Emily Dickinson is a precocious young woman who is trying to find her place in an archaic society. One day, she meets a mysterious young man who does not want her to know who his family is. In fact, she does not even know his name. She begins to call him Mr. "Nobody". After a couple of chance meetings, they make a plan to meet at another time. However, he does not show for this meeting. She is heartbroken, but she is distracted when a dead man's body is found in the family's pond. Emily sneaks in to see who the man is and realizes that it is the same man she has named Mr. "Nobody". Now, she sets off to see if she can figure out who he is and why he came to town in the first place.
I loved this book. It was a quick read that had a bit of history, a bit of romance, and a lot of mystery. Definitely a good choice for reading.
SR--Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Every. Other. Day. Kali is a demon hunter worried about killing all demons that are in her path and surviving.
On her demon killing day, Kali notices a strange mark on Bethany's back, and she realizes that a demon has possessed her body. Kali takes care of it--but that is only a symptom of the big demon battle going on. Now, Kali is back in her human form, and they are after her. Will she survive? Will she make it to the other day?
This was a great read. It was full of suspense and action. I highly recommend it.
Every Other Day Book Trailer
SR--Counting Backwards by Laura Lascarso
I have to be honest about this one. When I read the back, I thought this was going to be a thriller. It was not that at all. It is about a girl who has teenage angst. Once I got over my initial disappointment, then I was able to read it for what it was. It ended up being a good book, but "Sunny Meadows" for a psychiatric facility?? Anyway, if you are looking for a book that has a teenage girl who feels misunderstood and makes really poor decisions then sees the error of her ways--this is a good one for you. (Oh, I forgot to mention--there is a romance as well...)
SR--Zebra forest by Adina Gewirtz
This book was a quick read and I would recommend it. I was a little disappointed when there was no big reveal at the end. I kept thinking that there must be more to the story. Still, it was worth the time.
Enjoy this good book.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
This book is so raw and gritty because Hazel does not hold back. She tells like it is--the anger, the frustration, everything that you can only imagine someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal disease must feel. What I loved most about the book was how she saw how her disease and ultimate death would affect those around her. While I don't always like to contemplate my own mortality, I believe it made me look at life a little more closely. Be grateful--just one of the many lessons in this book that I learned. Okay--another GREAT READ!
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Sixteen-year-old America Singer is being pressured by her mother to enter into the "random" drawing to be part of The Selection. In the Selection, thirty-five girls are randomly selected to be a part of the process to find a new wife for the prince. Of course, every young girl would want to be a part of this, right? Oh, no! America is not excited at all because she has already fallen in love with a special boy. America's family is poor, and all of the chosen girls receive a stipend. So, she feels like she has to enter.
When she gets there, it is not quite as she thought it would be, but she strikes a bargain with the prince. She tells him that she will be his friend that will be honest with him to find a good wife. He agrees to keep her around--but...that is right. He has feelings for her. As the story unfolds, America's feelings are shifting, and she is happy. Until the boy that she loves is now in the picture...and the love triangle is drawn.
Wow! What a book! It is a cross between The Bachelorette and Downton Abbey. I absolutely loved it. Put it on the GREAT READ list. I can't wait to read the second book, The Elite.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
SR--The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and ducks created a dynasty by Willie Robertson
This book gives a close-up of the Robertson family who star in A&E's show, Duck Dynasty. It is told from the perspective of Willie and Korie Robertson. There are even some recipes found within the pages. Just FYI, the macaroni and cheese recipe was okay, but there needs to be some cheese added to the white sauce. Just IMHO, of course.
This summer I finally began reading this biographical story of the Robertson family. My daughter has been telling me to read it for some time.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at the candor on the pages. It was very interesting to hear how Willie's and Korie's families were different but shared a common faith. The most interesting thing that I noted was that I also read a biography about Steve Jobs. Both Phil Robertson and Steve Jobs are geniuses in their own fields and misunderstood by many people. However, each man chose a different path in their personal lives, and that is the difference between their life satisfaction. Just IMHO, of course.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Towering by Alex Flinn
Now, onto this book...Towering by Alex Flinn.
Rachel lives in a remote tower and cannot see anyone except her "Mama". She has long flowing, fast growing hair and healing tears. One day a boy, Wyatt, comes to her tower and is able to reach the top by climbing her hair. Sound familiar--yes, this is a modern retelling of Rapunzel. Rachel and Wyatt have a strong bond so much that they can send messages to each other even when they are far apart. Rachel must stay in the tower because there are people who want to kill her, but Wyatt does not know why. Through a fast-paced story, Flinn leads us to discover the dark secrets of a town and how Rachel can help to save them all.
I really liked this book, and I whipped right through it. Flinn is a great story teller, and this one does not disappoint. I highly recommend this good read.
Monday, August 5, 2013
SR--Planet Tad by Tim Carvell
I have to admit; I put this book off for a long time. Based on the cover and the title, I just WAS NOT INTERESTED.
Write it down, folks. I was SO wrong. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is put to shame with this one.
This book was so very funny. I read most of it in one sitting, and I was literally laughing out loud!
I strongly recommend this one.
SR--Break My Heart 1,000 Times by Daniel Waters
This was a creepy, page-turner. It did take me a few pages to get into this book while the author set up the premise, but once I got past that...I could not put it down.
GREAT READ!!!!!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
SR--Almost Home by Joan Bauer
Sugar's mom decides to go to Chicago to find a job, but when they get there--the job is gone. Sugar is put into foster care while her mother tries to pull herself together.
Now, this sounds like it would be a depressing story, but Sugar is such a fantastic heroine. I mean--she has this great life spirit that keeps her going through some very difficult situations. I have been reading Bauer's books for a decade now, and I have met her a couple of times. This is by far my favorite of hers--and there are 2 others that I truly love. I can't say enough about how precious this story was to read. I am not much of a dog lover, but I fell in love with Shush. Bauer captured the healing effects of what a pet can do for people.
This was a great read!
Seriously...
I have read so many books, and I hope that I can catch up with them over the next few days.
Stay tuned!
Just saw a movie trailer for an oldie but a goodie--Sea of Monsters. I think I may have to go see it.
Here is the clip.
Monday, July 8, 2013
SR--Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
This book began slowly for me; however, once I got about 30 pages into it--the action took over. There are many nuances that took some time to cover, but this is part of a trilogy. So, alas...I must get Siege and Storm now. <sigh> Great adventurous read.
SR--An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo
This was not a fast moving story, but it was very interesting to think about how average German citizens might have felt when the Allied forces invaded. No matter what the story--it is important to understand the sides and that there is a human element that needs to be considered. A good read.
SR--Outlaw by Stephen Davies
Davies lives in this country, and he has written a fast-moving page-turning adventure with underlying ideals to ponder. This is most definitely a good read. Now, I want to read his other book, Hacking Timbuktu.
SR--Prodigy by Marie Lu
Generally, I read the first book in a series/trilogy, etc., and I am done. However, Marie Lu has written a wonderful story that I wanted to continue after Legend (see previous post). And, after reading Prodigy, I am ready for the third book. Doggone it! Champion is not available until November 2013. Oh, well, I will just have to read other books in the mean time.
Back to Prodigy, so...June and Day are still attracted to each other, but they have to figure out whether or not they are attracted to other people as well. Day has to trust June who has been entitled all of her life. June has to figure out what is most important to her. June's memories of her brother still haunt her, and she is not sure what he would want her to do. Ultimately, this great story not only shows the development of a revolution but of these great characters. Told in alternating chapters--you really get the opportunity to see what each of them is thinking. Great Read!!!!
And it is time to catch up...
So...without further adieu...I will start writing about books--that is what you want to read about anyway. ;-)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
SR--Bewitching by Alex Flinn
This story begins with Kendra finding out that she is a witch when everyone in her family except for her little brother dies from the plague and she is untouched. She knows something is odd when she prays particularly hard for her brother one night, and the next day he is miraculously cured. Kendra realizes that she and her brother must run, so they do into the forest where they meet another witch who has a gingerbread house. Hmmm...does that story sound familiar? Hansel and Gretel, maybe??
Anyway, it would seem as though these stories are not related, but Flinn actually weaves them together well. She combines facets of fairy tales with bits of history from the Plague to the Titanic where Kendra was not successful with her magical attempts. Kendra was the witch in Flinn's retelling of Beauty and the Beast in Beastly. I loved it when I read it years ago--I'll post about it in a day or so. She alludes to that story throughout the book as well.
This book took some time for me to get into. I loved the story with Lisette and Emma, but some of the other parts dragged a bit for me. Still, I enjoyed it. And, it was a GOOD Read!
Check out the book trailer here.
SR--Rebel Spirits by Lois Ruby
I love this type of book. It has history--Civil War, no less. It has a mystery with bad guys. And, it does have romance as well. Did I mention that Nathaniel is gorgeous? Oh, and there is also a cute guy who works for her parents. Which guy will she choose? I know that sounds crazy because one is a ghost and one is living, but it works somehow.
This is definitely a GOOD read.
Away too long and an announcement
So...I have enlisted some help to get more titles out there. There will be a guest blogger who will share some titles that he has read. The good thing about having him post is that he will read some titles that I have little interest in reading and writing about. Therefore, we get more titles in front of the public--which I am always in favor of doing. That being said...we should have titles enough to have caught up for the days that I was delayed in writing and then some...Stay Tuned.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
SR--Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl
This short novel is reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice with simpler language. It is my favorite kind of fiction--historical romance. I saw how the story was going to end in the second chapter, but I still liked reading it. If you like a sweet romantic book--give this one a try.
Definitely--a good read here.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
SR--Revenge of a Not So Pretty Girl by Carolita Blythe
Meanwhile, Faye's father reveals that he is moving to Florida with his new love, and this news sends her mother into a rage. Faye then feels as though home is not a great place, so she invents an excuse to spend time with Evelyn. At first, Evelyn is resistant--imagine that, but over time these two develop a relationship that Faye has been missing. As it turns out, Evelyn had been missing that relationship as well.
At first, I did not like this book AT ALL. I did not like Faye at first because I just could not figure out why she thought that robbing an old woman was a good idea. What really bugged me was that she rationalized her behavior. Then, she grew on me. The more time she spent with Evelyn--the more I grew to like her character. Blythe did a great job of developing this relationship. I had a great relationship with my grandmother, and in so many ways it has shaped me into the person that I am today. I have to admit that I have a real soft spot for books that promote inter-generational relationships--especially when they are not blood related. In so many ways, I believe that our society would be so much better if these two generations spent more time together listening to each other. Both could learn from the other--just my two cents on the subject.
So...this is definitely a good read. The book trailer above dramatizes the scene where Faye and her "friends" steal from Evelyn.
Friday, May 31, 2013
SR--Timekeeper by Alexander Monir
Okay, I better back up...Rebecca Windsor lived in the late 19th to early 20th century, but she is haunting her descendants in an attempt to get even with Irving Henry. Irving Henry is the father of Michele, and Rebecca has vowed to get even with Irving Henry by erasing all traces of him including Michele. Michele must figure out what happened between Irving and Rebecca in just 7 days because that is the amount of time that Rebecca must be in the current time period for 7 days before she can fully materialize.
As if that is not enough for Michele to deal with, the love of her life shows up at her high school--but they fell in love in 1904. She knows that it cannot possibly be the same person, but she cannot focus on anything until she figures that out either.
So...Michele must figure out why Rebecca wants to kill her, how her father got his gift, what her gift is, and who this boy is that just appeared one day at her high school bearing a striking resemblance to her love from the early 20th century.
It is a quick read and definitely a page turner. Now, I must warn you that I usually love a good romance, but this one is a bit sappy even for me. That being said...it is still what I would consider a good read.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinder is a teenage mechanic who is well known for being the best mechanic in town. As you can probably guess from the name, she is similar to another famous literary character who has an evil stepmother and stepsisters. Cinder is a bit different in that she has synthetic parts including, you guessed it, one of her legs that later on will be significant at a ball. Hmmm...are you with me?
Of course, Cinder is working hard one day when an attractive young man walks in with something for her to fix. He is the prince who will one day be taking over the throne. There are some sparks between them, but Cinder does not want him to find out about her true identity. Will she go to the ball and fall in love with the prince and live happily ever after? You will have to read to find out the interesting twists and turns in this new take on an old story. Oh, about the ending that I mentioned before...it just ends with me dying to read the next in the series. Which is titled Scarlet.
SR--Legend by Marie Lu
There are 2 main characters--June and Day. They are from different social classes but both of them are looking to survive amidst war and grief in their personal lives. June is the prodigy who made a perfect score on her qualifying test while Day supposedly failed his. June has been sent to the best school and even after she has a personal tragedy is expected to find the Republic's worst criminal. Day is a renegade because he failed his test and bad things happen to the ten year olds who do not pass the test. You guessed it--Day is the renegade that June must find and bring to justice. She does indeed bring him to justice, but it is not exactly what she envisioned.
The book has many nuances that I appreciated including allusions to present United States as well as the weaving of the different characters' stories.
Friday, May 24, 2013
SR--The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
Finally, up to the second book--the one I actually read...the last little blue envelope. Ginny receives an email telling her that someone accidentally got possession of her letters. He offers to meet her to give them to her. Ginny is excited and makes plans to go to Europe for Christmas and spend it with her aunt's husband. She also hopes to meet up with her love interest. She can hardly wait to see what is in store for her. However, when she meets the boy who has the letters, she gets more than she bargains for and she is in for another adventure. Interesting read about life not always being what you expect.
I do recommend this one as a GOOD read.