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Friday, January 30, 2009

Book Review: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Chainstells the story of Isabel and her sister Ruth, two sisters who are about to be freed from slavery. But, by an unforeseen mischance, they are sold and sent to New York City, during the tumultuous year 1776. There, they live with their cruel new masters, the Locktons, who are quite loyal to the king. When a rebel slave enlists her help by spying on her masters, she at first refuses, but decides her and Ruth's freedom is worth any risk. However, her reward ends up not being what she hoped.



Wow. This book was heart-wrenching and extremely difficult to read. Not because of any obtuse language or lack of interest, but because the subject of the book pulls at the heartstrings. Isabel's life seems to be one cruel event after another, followed by more painful twists of fate. I felt like crying and yelling at different times. A book that evokes those kinds of emotions is not to be forgotten soon. Having read Octavian Nothing (reviews here and here) recently, I've been thinking more about slavery during the Revolutionary War. The founding fathers noble ideas of equality and freedom for all do start to sound a little false in light of some of their treatment and notions of slaves. A book definitely meant to inspire thought and discussion. And beautifully written. Go read it, as soon as you can!

RATINGS:
s-factor: none.


mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->->

Cruelty to slaves and prisoners.

Overall rating: *****

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Book Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book is the strange tale of Nobody Owens, Bod for short, who is raised by the ghosts in a graveyard. After his family is killed, he is taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Owens, his ghostly adopted parents, and raised by members of the spooky cemetery. But, eventually Bod's past catches up to him.

The Graveyard Book
As I mentioned earlier, The Graveyard Book is 2009's Newbery Medal winner (see the shiny gold sticker on the cover?) I must admit straight up, I had a hard time getting into the story. At first, it just seemed like random episodes from the strange childhood of Bod - doesn't get any weirder than growing up with the dead. However, as the story unraveled and came to its climax, I began to understand better where each episode fit in. The language is really beautiful and almost seemed like poetry in places. I love Bod, who really is the only character that was developed to any extent. I also really like how the themes resonate with me and with real people, despite its obviously fantastic background.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->

Murder is mentioned, but not described. Some parts are a bit scary.

Overall rating: ****

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Book Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bonesunravels the story of Clary, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers she can see beings that others can't. She is drawn into a world of half-humans when her mother is kidnapped by a demon and she must find a way to save her. She receives help from Jace, a shadowhunter or demon-killer, who seems to be able to hold his own against all kinds of frightening creatures - vampires, werewolves, faeries, and demons. She also unwittingly involves her mundane (human) friend Simon in this world of danger. Will she be able to discover what her mother's kidnapper seeks before it is too late? Will she be able to accept the truth about her own past?



This book, despite its bare-chested cover, was really interesting. I found the adventures satisfying, even if sometimes they seemed contrived to fill pages. The excitement and anticipation of events kept me turning pages all day. There were quite a few twists and turns, some of them more obvious than others. I was thrilled to know there are sequels, however, because I really want to know what happens to the characters!

RATINGS:
s-factor: !@

Scattered throughout, but not overwhelming.

mrg-factor: X
Just kissing (surprisingly clean for a YA novel).

v-factor: ->->->
There is killing and fighting.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The 39 Clues: One False Note by Gordon Korman

The 39 Clues: One False Notecontinues the exciting story of Amy and Dan Cahill as they race against their vicious family to get the next clue. They travel through Europe chasing and being chased as they seek hints and leads to the clue. Sometimes, they even have to do a little breaking and entering, not to mention flat-out stealing to get ahead. Will they manage to find the clue before the others?

The 39 Clues Book 2: One False Note

The series continues to please (first book reviewed here), delivering adventure, mystery, and cryptic messages. It is packed with non-stop excitement as the Cahill family goes from danger to danger. I was a little disappointed they stooped to stealing, but I still had to finish the book to know what happens. It was a quick read and grade school to middle school kids will love figuring out the clues and playing online.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->

Some mild fighting.

Overall rating: ***

Monday, January 26, 2009

Book Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Strawcontinues Greg's junior high adventures (see first two book reviews here and here). Dealing with your family is sometimes so stressful! Especially when you are a little too wimpy for your father's taste - he might just send you to military school!



I just love these books! I think they are so funny and also really true-to-life (at least to my life :) I read my way through this short, illustrated book in about an hour and spent that whole time laughing out loud. A perfect pick for a reluctant reader, particularly a boy.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: none.

Overall rating: ****

Distinguished Lit

"Distinguished" is a very subjective word, I think. However, there are still some awards I think are pretty great. I've been following some of the Newbery news and speculating on what will win. Well, speculation is over now!

2009 Newbery Winner:

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Honor Books:

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle
Savvy by Ingrid Law
After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

I am super excited about the choices, mostly because I have Graveyard at the very top of my stack (stay tuned for a review soon)! I also have several of the others on hold at the library. Guess I should have gotten more of a head start.

2009 Printz Award Winner (a YA distinguished lit award):

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Honor Books:

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (reviewed here)
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves by M.T. Anderson (reviewed here)
Nation by Terry Pratchett
Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

I did a little better on this one...having already read two of the honors (though, I haven't even heard of the winner).

Any thoughts on the winners or who you think should have won? (Personally, I thought The Hunger Games (review) would be chosen...)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Book Review: The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Warrior Heiris the story of Jack Swift, a seemingly ordinary teenager, except for his heart surgery at birth. When he turns 16, however, and accidentally misses taking his heart medicine, he discovers he has a strange new power. He learns that he is not an ordinary teenager, but a warrior heir, one of the weirlind, a person with special powers derived from a stone in his chest. As he tries to comprehend this, his Aunt Linda pulls him and his friends into a dangerous search for a powerful weapon. But, that is only the beginning of the danger.



I thought this was a very well done adventure fantasy, complete with interesting characters and a compelling story. I found I couldn't put it down and had to finish it in one sitting. I did guess some of the twists along the way, but not the most obvious one (can't believe I missed it!) The ending seemed to tie up a little too nicely, but was still satisfactory. I was excited to learn it is part of a trilogy, because I am interested in knowing more about this fantasy world.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !@

Not a lot, but they were there.

mrg-factor: X
Not much of anything, except kissing.

v-factor: ->->
He is a warrior and thus, some fighting.

Overall rating: ****

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Book Review: Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch

Ashes of Rosesis the story of Rose Nolan, an immigrant from Ireland who becomes the sole provider for her younger sister in America. She finds work with a Jewish friend at the Triangle Waist Factory. And then the fire happens.



I've been really interested in the Triangle Waist Factory fire of 1911. This book didn't quite have the appeal and interest that I found in Uprising (reviewed here). But, I love the stories of immigrants, their perceptions of America, and how hard they fought to survive when they got here. Most of the book doesn't relate at all to events going on at the time, it is more a personal story of the two girls surviving in America. I thought a few of the things Rose said and did seemed out of character - she changed too quickly. But, I liked the discussion of what happened after the fire.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none.

mrg-factor: X

One situation Rose gets into, but she is fortuitously saved.

v-factor: ->->
The events at the factory during the fire are pretty horrifying.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: Beyond the Chestnut Trees by Maria Bauer

Beyond the Chestnut Treesis a beautiful story about the author's return visit to her hometown of Prague after a forty year absence. As she walks the streets and sees familiar and unfamiliar sites, she remembers her own experiences growing up and escaping from the Nazi occupation. Her story, both past and present, is interesting and beautifully recounted.



I really enjoyed reading this book. I am not much for non-fiction, but since my parents are in the Czech Republic right now, I was interested in this somewhat obscure memoir. I thought it was really well written, and her story is fascinating and exciting, if somewhat charmed. I loved her descriptions of childhood and the places she knew and loved as she saw them again in their changed states.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !

A few scattered.

mrg-factor: X
Situations, but not details.

v-factor: ->
A few intense events.

Overall rating: ****

Friday, January 16, 2009

Book Review: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snowis a beautiful retelling of the myth East of the Sun, West of the Moon. The Lass lives a quiet life with her family until a mysterious polar bear comes for her, promising wealth to her family if she comes to live in his castle. She goes with him and thus becomes a part of an ancient curse that she must try to break. When she makes a mistake, she must find a way to an impossible place to fulfill an impossible task.



This book was full of beautiful language and descriptions. I really loved the story, which I was not familiar with before. I also love the not-quite-perfect way the fairy tale goes. This story reminds me very much of 'Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis which is a retelling of the Psyche and Eros myth. I found I loved it so much, I had to buy it.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: none.

Overall rating: ****

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Book Review: Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier

Cybele's Secrettakes place a few years after Wildwood Dancing (reviewed here). It is a unique story told from the viewpoint of Jena's scholarly sister, Paula. She and her father head to Istanbul in order to bid for an ancient and mysterious artifact called Cybele's Gift. Paula finds herself caught up in the intrigues of the bidding, as well as the culture of Istanbul that is so different from her own. She tries to understand her feelings for her hired bodyguard, Stoyan, and the not-as-he-seems pirate Duarte. When she begins to receive messages from the Other World, specifically her sister Tati who she hasn't seen in a long time, she is certain that she must solve the puzzle of Cybele's Gift. Paula finds herself unwittingly taking a dangerous journey to return Cybele's Gift to its original location. She must face enemies unknown as well as seemingly impossible tasks, but what is it she is supposed to learn?



I found this story not quite as intriguing and beautiful as Wildwood, but I loved the characters and the descriptions. Marillier has brought to life this time and place for us, mixing it with elements of the fantastical and also romance. While I did figure out some of the surprises before hand, I loved how she ended it - not everything is wrapped up neatly. It is a beautifully written mystery/romance/adventure/fantasy!

RATINGS:
s-factor: none

(at least I don't remember any :)

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
Some fighting, not much.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan

The Sorcerer of the Northis the fifth book in the Ranger's Apprentice Series (first four reviewed here) Will is now a fully fledged ranger and has his first assignment in a quiet northern fief. However, things aren't quiet for long when a remote Lord falls mysteriously ill and Will must travel there, in disguise, to discover if the rumors of a sorcerer are true. He and his old friend Alyss must navigate the intrigues of the castle and discover who is the source of all the trouble.

The Sorcerer of the North: Book Five (Ranger's Apprentice)

Another impressive addition to this series. This series does not get dull or run out of stories quickly! Flanagan managed to create another unique and interesting plot with twists and surprises, not to mention adventure and danger. The only draw-back comes from the delayed publication in the US. This book leaves you hanging and begging for the sequel!

RATINGS:
s-factor: !

Perhaps a few.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->
It isn't described in gory detail, but there is fighting.

Overall rating: ****

Monday, January 12, 2009

Book Review: Antsy Does Time by Neal Shusterman

Antsy Does Timeis more about the adventures of Antsy Bonano (see first book review here). Antsy becomes involved in selling and trading time in an attempt to help a student with six months to live. His "business" begins to get wildly out of hand, though, and Antsy finds himself in over his head.



I just loved the first book about Antsy, and this one was almost as good. It has the same Shusterman awesome humor and the same quirky characters and story. I like how Antsy changes over the course of the book and learns from what he is doing. Very funny and thoughtful at the same time.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !

Maybe one or two.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: none.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bonesis the first book in a new exciting kids series. It sets the stage for an enormous scavenger-hunt-type mystery. Amy and Dan Cahill, along with other members of the vast Cahill family, are chosen to solve the 39 clues to become the most powerful of the Cahill family history. But, are they prepared to face the danger involved in this task?

The 39 Clues Book 1: The Maze Of Bones - Library Edition (39 Clues. Special Library Edition)

This series is a unique attempt at combining online information with a print book. I like the story and the mysterious/adventurous clues. I personally was not interested in doing all of the online stuff, so the accompanying cards were useless to me. I think kids will probably really get into the story and the online adventures. It was pretty fun, even if I had most of the surprises already figured out.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->

Mild scary stuff.

Overall rating: ***

Friday, January 9, 2009

Book Review: Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

Inkdeathis the thrilling conclusion of the Inkheart trilogy (first two books are Inkheart and Inkspell). As Mo becomes more and more the part of the Bluejay, Meggie and Resa struggle with their fears for his life. The stakes are raised higher when the evil king Adderhead demands the Bluejay in exchange for hundreds of kidnapped children. Mo gives himself up to save them, but will he be able to save himself? And will Mo, Meggie, and Resa ever decide to return to their own world?

Inkdeath (Inkheart Trilogy)


I liked the final volume a lot more than the second one. The story was interesting again and kept me turning pages, wanting to know what happened. I think it could have been shortened a lot and still been a fantastic story - really, the length almost detracted from the excitement. I found it exhausting at times trying to keep up with all the complex story lines, but I still loved it.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !@

Too many for a children's book.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->->
Some of the violence was pretty scary for young kids.

Overall rating: ****
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