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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Book Review: Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe

Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe
Publisher: Tribute Books
Publication date: November 2008
ISBN: 9780981461953

Source: Review copy provided by publisher

Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires - Mom’s Choice Awards® Silver Recipient 

Katie is growing up in the coal districts of Philadelphia, right at the beginning of the Civil War.  Her family, and most of her friends' families, depend almost exclusively on the coal mine owners for their entire sustenance, including where they live.  When her father suffers an accident that renders him unable to work, it falls to her and her mother to help pay the bills.  But, when Katie takes a job working for a rich mine owner, she finds herself getting caught up in much bigger affairs, especially when her friend becomes embroiled in a dangerous draft protest.  Will she be able to save him before he gets arrested or killed?

Things I Liked:
It was a very interesting and unique look at a familiar time period, a look at the Irish immigrant and coal mining experiences at the start of the Civil War.  I really liked Katie for her intelligence and determination to do what she could for her family and friends.  The setting is really the best part about the book.  It felt very complete and helped you feel like you were right there experiencing everything Katie did.  Times were hard, yet the people were resilient.  While the main character is somewhat older, I think it will appeal to tweens more.  An good story with some interesting history.


Things I Didn't Like:
The ending was a little too neat.  Though, I did like Katie's romantic choice, which was not what one expected.  It's great with its unique portrayal of time and culture, but doesn't have quite the spark and character to stand out from other narratives of the time period.


Read-alikes: 

the Dear America series by various authors

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some, but not a lot


Overall rating: ***

Any historical fiction from Civil War era that you particularly love?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Slumping NOT Over

It's official.  I'm in a rut.  I've been trying to plow through lots of books recently, both library and review copies and I'm just plain tired.  I'm feeling sad that I feel like I have to "plow" through books at all.  I need some kind of literary pick-me-up.  Something that reminds me of just how much I love reading.  I'm open to your suggestions, cause I've got nothing.

Not only is it a reading slump, I'm feeling very unmotivated to blog as well.  You may have noticed a proliferation of book reviews and not a lot of anything else.*  That is a symptom of my slumpage.  I've just been taking my huge back log of reviews (from July - yes, I'm almost four months behind on my reviews) and posting them once a day.  It's almost as tiresome for me as it is for you.

What I'm really hoping will pull me out of both slumps is a chance to mingle with some awesome local and one awesome non-local YA authors this Saturday.  My library is having a teen book festival of sorts, and I'm hoping I'll at least get some food for thought if not my excitement for reading back.  I've got an author-love post brewing on my back burner and this event might just move it out of the dark recesses of my mind and into the public view.  

But, until then, I've only got more reviews from way back when (and a few from not-so-way-back-when) to post.  Thanks for sticking with me, everyone!

*I'm even so slumpy right now that I can't even think of a nice picture to include to break up the dull text of this post. 

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Book Review: The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9780385736626

Source: Library 

The Cardturner 

Alton Richards was not intending to spend his summer turning cards for his old, rich, blind uncle.  But, when the opportunity arises, his mother can't wait to volunteer him.  Despite knowing nothing about bridge, Alton is willing to earn a little money driving him to his bridge club and telling him what cards he has.  Little does he expect to become fascinated with the game and with his Uncle Lester's interesting past. 

Things I Liked:
There is definitely nothing I've ever read quite like this story.  While telling us the story of what happens, Alton throws in short sections describing how the game of bridge works, rules, tactics, etc.  I loved how Alton felt like a real person - he would have been someone I would want to be friends with in high school.  His sometimes snarky and sarcastic style of narrating kept the laughs coming, even when you didn't really think you would be interested in more information about bridge.   I was a big fan of Trapp as well (Uncle Lester) simply because he was so stubbornly ornery about everything.  And he had an interesting history.  Sachar really has a way of making you like the book because you like the characters, even if you think it is a boring topic.  A fun, interesting, and very unique story.  Some favorite parts:

Have you ever been in a situation where you've been with someone for a while and you don't know that person's name? It's too late to ask, but you know the longer you go without asking, the more awkward it will become.  ...That's how I'm feeling right now, only in reverse.  By the way, my name is Alton Richards.  A talented author would have skillfully slipped that in earlier, probably on the very first page. p 7
I realize it's a cliche for a teenager to be embarrassed by his parents.  Cliff often complained about his paretns, but I always thought they were pretty cool.  Was it possible, I wondered, that there was somebody, somewhere, who thought my parents were cool? p 89
Things I Didn't Like:
I admit that about half-way through, when a certain event happens, I lost a bit of interest in the story.  I thought it went a little wacky from there, which was probably what it intended to do, but it made it less enjoyable for me.  Interesting, yes, but just not where I would have taken the story.

 
Read-alikes:
probably just because it is also by Sachar, but it felt a bit like Holes

Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt
Big Slick by Eric Luper

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
very few (impressively enough)


mrg-factor: X
a hint or two, nothing much


v-factor: ->
a little mention of domestic violence


Overall rating: **** 


Anything you've surprisingly enjoyed recently?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Book Review: It Started With a Dare by Lindsay Faith Rech

It Started with a Dare by Lindsay Faith Rech
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (Graphia)
Publication date: September 2010
ISBN: 9780547235585

Source: e-book provided by NetGalley

It Started with a Dare 

When CG Silverman moves to a new town and a new school, she's determined to be a new person.  When she manages to worm her way into the good graces of the most popular cliche at the school, she must maintain her new persona of rebel and dare devil.  But, she finds lying about her past, her present, and just about everything else is required to maintain all those intricate and complicated relationships she has.  Will she be able to keep all her secrets?

Things I Liked:
The book showed a complicated look at popularity and the kinds of things people will do to be popular.  It was also quite interesting in its depictions of the carelessness we feel toward other peoples' feelings.  CG was not a person I liked or related to at all, especially in the way she treated others, but I did see that I can become just as cavalier with the feelings of other people.  It played kind of a cautionary story for me.


Things I Didn't Like:
I actually really didn't like the characters or story much.  CG is a sarcastic, crass, potty-mouthed jerk, to pretty much everyone throughout.  She toys with people over and over and doesn't even seem to care, until she loses friends.  I really got tired of her.  The story was fairly interesting, but held nothing original or terribly entertaining to me.  When CG does "figure it out," the message is pounded into our heads so obviously that it lacks any kind of subtlety.  In short, I just wasn't impressed.  


Read-alikes:

The Real Real by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Snap by Carol Snow

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$
plenty throughout, some strong


mrg-factor: XX
lots of discussion of it, not much actual descriptions


v-factor: none

Overall rating: **

I really liked the cover of this one, but it seems a bit deceptive. It looks light-hearted and even sweet, but totally isn't on the inside. What covers have you seen that seem deceptive?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Monday, October 25, 2010

Name That Book, Episode 3

Name that Book is a biweekly game where you get to guess a book title from the photo clues.  Occasionally there will be prizes for the winner.

Hopefully these ones will at least give you some pause before you can rattle off the answer.  Feel free to make your guesses in the comments, I don't have a prize this week.


Book 1:


Book 2:

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Saturday, October 23, 2010

What Comes in Threes?

A Bit of Me(Me) is hosted by Danielle of There's a Book.

Lots of things come in threes - I've heard it said of both good and bad.  But, this time, you get information about me in threes.  Today's A Bit of Me(Me) topic is to list three adjectives that describe me.  I was trying to be optimistic, but I kind of went for more honest. I am:

quiet
This one is obvious to many who have met me.  I was going to say shy, but I think in general, I am also a quiet person, even around those I know.  I don't like to speak up unless asked and I find that keeping my opinion to myself sometimes saves me a lot of grief later.  It also means I don't usually say too much about myself that can be embarrassing or spill others' secrets.

hardworking
A trait I definitely inherited from my parents.  Both are dedicated to working hard and accomplishing all that needs to be done.  I tend to want to get things that are necessary done first and completely before moving to something fun or relaxing.  Work, for me, is not always drudgery, but brings satisfaction and peace of mind.  I'm really hoping I can pass this one along to my kids.

non-confrontational
This has served me in both good and bad ways.  I definitely like to avoid arguments and fights with other people (though, perhaps my husband might say otherwise :).  Tension and anger always make me uncomfortable (at least when they come from other people) and I like to defuse situations as best I can.  But, this also means that I get walked all over.  I've been too embarrassed or afraid to speak up, particularly with overbearing friends or employers before.  Definitely, a two-edged sword.
 
What are your three?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Friday, October 22, 2010

Book Review: The Heir of Night by Helen Lowe

The Heir of Night by Helen Lowe
Publisher: HarperCollins (Eos)
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 9780061734045

Source: ARC provided by editor

The Heir of Night: The Wall of Night Book One

Malian has grown up in the Wall of Night, an impenetrable mountain range that protects the people on her side from the evil Darkswarm.  The Nine Houses of the Derai have been fighting against the Darkswarm since before they came to this world.  As the heir of the House of Night, Malian faces a future leading her people.  But, the bitter schism that is breaking up not only her house, but all of the Derai comes to a head when Darkswarm make their way deep into the heart of her home.  Will Malian have the strength to take up her destiny or will a traitor close to her heart defeat her before she has the chance? 

Things I Liked:
Reading this book was like delving into a complex, gorgeous history of a real people.  In the style of Lord of the Rings and reminiscent of Robin McKinley's fantasy works, this book contains so much depth and leaves you with a sense that even though it is over 400 pages long, the history of its people would fill volumes.  I love the epic fantasy feel of it, not to mention the beautiful way Lowe weaves her words together.  Even for some of the harder to picture fantasy creatures - the images were vivid and realistic.  I loved Malian, as a young girl just coming to understand how much responsibility she has and how hard it will be to bear up under it.  There were so many good things about this book that I can't even begin to name them all.  The many people who play a part in Malian's story are each so interesting, I want to know more about them as well.  I loved the tales of the Derai - Yorindesarinen and other warriors of the past.  It really kept reminding me of just how much I love complex, rich, high fantasy.  And this is that kind of fantasy at its best.  I highly recommend it.  I can't wait for the rest of the series!  Here are some favorite parts:

Most of the tapestry on the rear wall had decayed into shreds or been eaten by moths, but part of the central panel was still intact. The background was darkness, rimmed with fire, but the foreground was occupied by a figure in hacked and riven armour, confronting a creature that was as vast as the tapestry itself.  Its flat, serpentine head loomed out of the surrounding darkness, exuding menace, and its bulk was doom.  The figure of the hero, dwarfed beneath its shadow, looked overmatched and very much alone. p 5 of ARC
The bright figure of Yorindesarinen faded back into memory and Malian was no longer a hero of song and story, but a half-grown girl in grubby clothes.  Frowning, she smoothed her hands over her dark braid.  The hero Yorindesarinen, she thought, would not have been plagued with nurses when she was a girl; she would have been too busy learning hero craft and worm slaying. p 5 of ARC
"Well, I'm just an ordinary person," Malian protested.  "I'm not anyone special, a hero or an enchanter.  I'm just myself." 
"Just yourself," said Yorindesarinen musingly. "That can be a very large thing or a small one, depending on the person.  And what does it mean in your case?  Who are you, my dear? What is the sum of this ordinary self of yours?" p 144-145 of ARC
"Not all hero tales are the same, my Malian."
She paced restlessly, then paused to frown at the tapestry. "Are they not?" she said, speaking over her shoulder. "I thought they were, in their essential parts.  It's real life that twists and turns.  The hero tales are less...complicated." p312
Things I Didn't Like:
It really did take me a while to finish.  Sometimes I would get lost in the details and lose track of what was happening.  This is not a book to skip through lightly, but if you put in the time and effort, you will be rewarded.


Read-alikes:
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
Thornspell by Helen Lowe

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I recall


mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->->
lots of battles and some terrifying creatures, but it didn't seem graphic


Overall rating: *****

Are you an epic fantasy fan?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Back in the Library Again

(hosted by Marg of Adventures of an Intrepid Reader and Claire of The Captive Reader)

I'm not entirely sure why it seems like I have erratic bursts interspersed with long dry spells when it comes to the library, but I guess I've just entered a burst.  Here are the delights waiting on my shelf:

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
Jane by April Lindner
Scumble by Ingrid Law
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (for book group)
Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder
The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Halt's Peril by John Flanagan
The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

And, I got some books for my birthday too:
Leviathan and Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld (signing coming up!)
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (cause I love it so much)

And two books for review:
Destiny's Path and The Emerald Flame by Frewin Jones

What did you get this week?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Book Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 9781416989431

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Crescendo (Hush, Hush) 

Nora and Patch's relationship has never been exactly smooth.  But, when Nora notices Patch pulling away even more, she wonders if it has something to do with all the time he's spent with Marcie Millar.  She has other things on her mind as well, though, especially when she begins to see her father around, her father who was murdered over a year ago.  Determined not to be distracted by Patch's erratic behavior or his negligence in his guardian angel duties, she decides to find out what happened to her father and if she was part of the reason he died.

Things I Liked:
Once again, it was action-packed.  What I liked about this one more than Hush, Hush, was that the action didn't all get stuffed into the end.  More of the book was fast-paced and I felt like I couldn't put it down.  The story took a lot of interesting turns, some of which I definitely didn't see coming, and I was impressed with how many plot points she planted in the first book to develop in this one.  I admit I started liking Nora more in this book, but not a lot more.  She does have a backbone and some toughness to her, even if she acts like an idiot often.  I also still find the creepy Gothic feel of the book very well created.  I'd say it's even better than the first book.


Things I Didn't Like:
As I mentioned, I still didn't much like Nora, though she grew on me.  She was one of those characters in a scary movie where you say "don't go into that spooky dark alley alone" and yet she does.  Patch was still on my hate list, and I will never see the appeal he has to Nora.  Most of the time, he's a jerk, whether or not he's hot. 
The book even felt a little New Moon-ish to me - sorry to keep up with the comparison - but, at least she doesn't spend months in bed because her man left.

Read-alikes:
Read Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick first

Fallen and Torment by Kate Lauren 
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some scattered throughout


mrg-factor: XXX
again, it's very sensual


v-factor: ->->->
there are some violent and scary parts


Overall rating: ****

I don't usually like a second book better than a first. Any like that you can think of?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Book Review: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9781423113386

Source: Library

The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, Book 1) 
Carter Kane does not lead a normal life by any standard.  Traveling with his archeologist father around the world, living from a suitcase, he hasn't stayed in one place long enough to call home since his mother died.  His sister Sadie, however, lives with their grandparents in England, leading as normal a life as he could imagine.  But, when their father manages to release a deadly enemy and become captured in the process, Sadie and Carter must work together to prevent the enemy from destroying them...and the world.

Things I Liked:
I think this will be a new hit series for tweens and younger teens.  The alternating narrations of both Carter and Sadie provide perspective that should appeal to both boys and girls.  It has a good combination of humor, action, adventure, and information.  The story will keep you on your toes, reading to the end to know what happens, while you unintentionally learn about ancient Egyptian gods and customs.  It's something to give your Percy Jackson fans while they wait for The Lost Hero.  I personally enjoyed the hilarious chapter headings, in particular this one: "Men Ask for Directions (and Other Signs of the Apocalypse)."  Other good parts:

"Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same," Dad said.  "Fairness means everyone gets what they need." p67
Papyrus.  I remember Dad explaining how the Egyptians made it from a river plant because they never invented paper.  The stuff was so thick and rough, it made me wonder if the poor Egyptians had had to use toilet papyrus.  If so, no wonder they walked sideways. p 91
Things I Didn't Like:
Some of the plot seemed a little flimsy or maybe just confusing.  I wasn't entirely sure what the villain was attempting, nor what they did to stop him.  I don't think it was quite as clear as it could have been.  It probably won't be as popular as Percy Jackson, maybe because people are generally more familiar with Greek gods than with Egyptian.  And this is entirely personal, but I got so tired of Sadie saying "oh my G-d" or just "G-d" over and over and over.  I know it's quite a common phrase, but it just kept bugging me how often she would say it.


Read-alikes:
Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
one or two (and the above-mentioned religious exclamations)


mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
there is some fighting and some attempts to kill


Overall rating: ****

What do you think of the modernizing of ancient mythology?

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Monday, October 18, 2010

Listless Monday, Spooky & Creepy Edition

Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!

Chasing BrooklynDirty Little SecretsTorment (Fallen)JaneRuined: A NovelBad Girls Don't Die 
I love these creepy covers!

I'll be the first to admit, I am not a fan of scary books.  I don't usually read books that I know will freak me out.  (Obviously, I don't watch scary movies for the same reason - they freak me out more.)  But, I do enjoy, now and then, a spooky or creepy book that gives me just the right amount of chill factor, but won't give me nightmares.  So, in that vein, here is my list of the spooky and creepy, but definitely not the horrifying.

Spooky & Creepy Edition


The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (suggested by Suey)
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong

The Door in the Dragon's Throat (Cooper Kids Series #1) by Frank Peretti (suggested by BookMaid)
Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The Gemma Doyle trilogy by Libba Bray
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
House by Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti (suggested by BookMaid)
Hush, Hush and Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier
Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist (suggested by amandawk)
Manifest by Artist Arthur

Nieve by Terry Griggs
Once a Witch by Carolyn Mackler

The Passage by Justin Cronin  (suggested by amandawk)
Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff (suggested by Suey)
The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
Ruined by Paula Morris
Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Spellbinder by Helen Stringer
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (suggested by Suey)  
Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins  (suggested by Suey)  

Any additions?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Publication date: June 2010
ISBN: 9780545088183

Source: ARC provided by publisher

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else 

Bronwen Oliver is certain she was switched at birth.  She can't possibly be related to her blonde and gorgeous mother or her practically perfect brother.  They none of them have a meaningful relationship either.  After her father died, they all retreated into themselves.  Which is why when she starts dating Jared Sondervan, she falls completely in love with him and his normal family.  When she agrees to marry him, she is ready to finally have the family she's always wanted.  But when the date moves closer, she begins to wonder if that's what she wants, or who she is. 

Things I Liked:
This was a interesting look at a girl trying to figure out who she is.  I liked the way we slowly discover her past and why she is so anxious to be with Jared and his family.  Some very heartbreaking things happened to her and still seem to happen.  It was a rather natural development of her relationship with Jared and where it goes.  I also liked how it had a pretty solid romance - they didn't fall in love at first sight, but slowly and with small steps.  It was a fairly unique take on a girl discovering herself.


Things I Didn't Like:
I definitely thought this would relate more to college aged young adults than teens.  While Bronwen is seventeen at the beginning of the book, I still think she it is more appealing to slightly older populations.  Not very many juniors/seniors in high school are wanting to get married.  The way Jared acts early on and the way he acts later seem a little inconsistent, like it was contrived so she had to make certain choices later on.  I was rather surprised by one part of the ending: *spoiler warning* how very completely she severed her relationship with Jared seemed unrealistic, considering how much they both cared for each other and considering what happened later.  *end spoiler* 


Read-alikes:
Maybe a little like The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson


BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
not very many


mrg-factor: X
just some passionate kissing


v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Anybody know how this book is being received by teens? I'm wondering if it really does appeal more to young adults.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Friday, October 15, 2010

Book Review: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication date: 1971
ISBN: 9780385739863

Source: Library


Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Margaret is adjusting to a new home and new school.  Her new friends wonder right along with her, will she ever be able to fill her training bra?  When will she get her period?  While also documenting the prejudices and cruelty of elementary and middle school life, it also reminds us of just how hard it is to fit in.  The other part of this book shows us a young girl trying to understand what her relationship with God really is?  Should she be a Jew or a Christian?  Her parents' different choices contribute to this dilemma, but she wants to be her own person.  Will she ever figure it out?

Things I Liked:
This really is a great book. I wish I'd read it while I was a tween.  While I never wished I would get my period, I did wonder when my body would start changing.  I love that her family is close and that they have a relationship (so many books today don't have any kind of parental involvement at all).  I was also quite surprised at the depth of religious feeling that went with this iconic book.  I definitely wasn't expecting it - but I certainly enjoyed it.  This book captures the emotions and drama that epitomize that time in life.  And I really just like Margaret - she's fun.


Things I Didn't Like:
The cultural references can be distracting in their dated-ness.  However, I think most kids today won't be bothered by it.  I wonder if they'll ever "update" them to include modern issues or technology (you know, records are rather antique).


Read-alikes:
Blubber and many other Judy Blume

The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few


mrg-factor: X
frank discussions of growing chests and periods


v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Did you read this as a kid? Do you feel differently about it now?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Book Review: Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Publication date: September 2010
ISBN: 9780547370170

Source: e-book provided by NetGalley

Wildthorn 

Louisa is a headstrong seventeen-year-old, growing up in the Victorian era.  A girl who doesn't fit into the normal mold of women at that time.  She longs to be a doctor like her father.  Instead, she is taken to Wildthorn Hall, an institution for the insane.  While she tries to maintain her sanity amid the deplorable conditions, she also tries to figure out how she ended up there and who is responsible.  To escape this prison, she must find out who she really is and what she really wants.

Things I Liked:
I liked Louisa.  She was a woman who knew what she wanted (before Wildthorn anyway) and she tried to get it.  The creepy and historical setting of the story was my favorite thing about the book.  The parts about Wildthorn were really psychologically horrible and disturbing.  It felt very much like a Gothic horror novel and the atmosphere was just perfect for that.  I began to feel and see what it would be like to be put there and slowly wonder if you are going insane.  Interesting historical fiction with a spunky heroine.


Things I Didn't Like:
I thought the romantic interest (at least in the first part of the book) was kind of like an afterthought.  It didn't really relate to the central point of the book or even her incarceration at Wildthorn.  The romance in the second part was more integrated, but still felt a little extraneous.  I definitely could have done without the epilogue, which seemed very out of character with the straight-laced feeling of the rest of the book.  I'm not sure I'd recommend the book as one I liked, however it does fill a unique niche in historical fiction with a LGBT character.


Read-alikes:
The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

A Golden Web by Barbara Quick

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I recall


mrg-factor: XXX
only kissing (between girls), until the epilogue (which adds the extra X's)


v-factor: ->-> 
some violence, but mostly just horrific deprivations depicted


Overall rating: ***


What's your favorite "girl stuck in a time when women couldn't learn, but she really wants to" book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Book Review: The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan

The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 9780547194912

Source: e-book provided by NetGalley

The Mermaid's Mirror

Lena has always been fascinated with the sea.  Growing up living right by it, she tends to end up there, walking along the beaches and dipping her toes in the waves.  But she's never been surfing, because her father has forbidden it.  Like an obedient daughter, she's followed his wishes.  Until her sixteenth birthday, when she can't hold back any longer.  And especially after she sees a mysterious woman out in the ocean - one who is definitely not an ordinary woman.

Things I Liked:
I liked the ending the most of the whole book.  I thought it was the most interesting part.  Instead of going with something like a happily ever after, Madigan takes the harder road and has her characters make difficult decisions.  It was a good choice for the book and made it much more enjoyable as a whole.  Lena was an interesting character, though sometimes I wasn't entirely sure what she was really like.  Sometimes I thought she was a little too much like every other "regular" teen with a secret that fantasy/paranormal books flaunt.  Other times, she was unique.  Here are some favorite parts:

Lena was used to women ogling her dad.  Her mom called him a computer nerd trapped in the body of a hot guy. p 11 of ARC
"Man.  They're such, like, good parents.  Why can't they be all wrapped up in their own problems?"
"I know, right?" laughed Lena.  "I'm practically grown.  They should just leave me to my own devices." p 22 of ARC
Things I Didn't Like:
I thought it was very slow reading.  The action didn't pick up until quite far into the book (at least half way).  And while there were clues to what would happen, they didn't make the details of Lena's daily life more enjoyable to read about.  I didn't particularly care for any of the characters until things got more interesting.  It was fairly predictable in many ways, though in others (like the ending) it was not.  *slightly spoilery* The main problem I had was the development of the romance for Lena with Nix.  It seemed very fast, very rushed, and very incomprehensible.  Why exactly did they fall in love?  And when?  It made her choices somewhat less believable in the end.  There should have been more time spent on that and less time spent in the first part of the book.*end slight spoiler* 


Read-alikes:
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few


mrg-factor: X
not detailed, mostly mentioned in passing


v-factor: none
some possibly frightening stuff involving surfing


Overall rating: ***


Are you a mermaid story fan?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Book Review: Blubber by Judy Blume

Blubber by Judy Blume
Publisher: Yearling
Publication date: 1974
ISBN: 9780440407072

Source: Library

Blubber 

When Jill joins with some of the other girls in class in teasing another student, Linda, she doesn't expect things to get out of hand.  Calling Linda "Blubber" was one thing - after all, she did her report on whale blubber - but the jokes get more and more cruel.  Little does Jill expect the teasing to backfire in the way it does.

Things I Liked:
It really felt like how elementary/middle school was!  While reading this, I remembered how mean the other kids in my class were to another girl.  Fortunately, I recall that I was not one of those.  At least for this individual.  I think I probably did at one point engage in making fun of at least one other person during that time (probably more).  It was really quite horrifying to see the things that other girls would do to one another at that age.  Very excellent at capturing the time and also at reminding us how quickly others can turn against us at that age (or really at any age).  It definitely made me think.  I read this for the Banned Books Challenge, and the only thing I can think people would object to is the fact that the teasing is so cruel.  But it isn't like they don't see that at school (unless they're homeschooled, I guess).


Things I Didn't Like:
I really wanted to believe kids would not be that cruel in fifth grade.  I almost starting crying a few times. There did seem to be some tangents that didn't quite relate to the main story - like their Halloween antics - but still I think it will have great appeal to kids today.  Even in spite of the quite aged cultural references.


Read-alikes:
Numerous other Judy Blume titles 

How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few


mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some rather disturbing teasing, but nothing truly violent


Overall rating: ****


I'm feeling pretty sad because there are so many Blume titles I didn't discover as a kid - were you a Blume fan during your tween years?

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Monday, October 11, 2010

Name That Book: Episode 2


Name that Book is a biweekly game where you get to guess a book title from the photo clues.  Occasionally there will be prizes for the winner.

I hope you all took the opportunity to do your own book puzzle for the read-a-thon last Saturday.  It was lots of fun to see others' creations (and they were so good)!  It's been two weeks since my first episode, so here we are with another two titles.  I don't have any prizes to offer this time, except bragging rights, so you can leave your guesses in the comments.  If you don't want to spoil it for yourself, don't read others' comments :)

Book 1:

Book 2:

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
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