One Librarian's Book Reviews: Recommended Gifts

So, because I am a librarian, I guess it goes without saying that I will encourage everyone and anyone to purchase BOOKS this year for all your gifting needs. Yeah for books and literacy and all that goes with it! And, because I am so kind, here is a list for all your book-giving needs:

fantasy-lovers:
The Lord of the Rings- THE fantasy trilogy

Eragon Eldest and Brisingr- for dragon-lovers (young adult)

Chronicles of Prydain - a children's (grade school) five book series: The Book of Three The Black Cauldron The Castle of Llyr Taran Wanderer The High King

The Chronicles of Narnia- another children's classic

Fablehaven series: firstthreebooks- a newer children's series

futuristic:
The City of Ember andsequels(children's)

Life As We Knew Itand the dead and the gone(young adult)

Fahrenheit 451a classic!

The Hunger Games(young adult)

laugh-out-loud:
Little Heathens(non-fiction)

A Long Way From Chicago(children's)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid and sequels(children's/jr. high)

The Wednesday Wars(children's/jr. high)

fairy tale:
Princess Academy(children's)

Book of a Thousand Days(young adult)

Wildwood Dancing(young adult)

The Princess and the Hound(young adult)

Fairest(children's/jr. high)

Once Upon a Marigold(children's/jr. high)

The Princess Bride (there's a book?)

picture books:
A Bad Case of Stripes

Pancakes, Pancakes!or anything by Eric Carle

Where the Wild Things Are

The Sneetches and Other Storiesor anything by Dr. Seuss

history buff:
Amazing Grace(non-fiction)

1776(non-fiction)

Uprising(historical fiction)

Longitude(non-fiction)

See also School Library Journal's Holiday Gift Guide.

Book Review: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Skulduggery Pleasantis a quirky, but fun magic and mystery story. A young girl is drawn into a magical world she never knew existed after the death of her uncle. She chooses to go with the strange Skulduggery Pleasant on a dangerous and very important mission.

This was kind of a strange book. I liked some of the humorous dialog between Stephenie and Skulduggery, but parts of it seemed a little too weird. I never bought into the story the way I have with other books, but it was pretty fun, nonetheless. I figured out many of the surprises and twists before they happened, but not all of them!

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Maybe one or two.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
Some fighting and stuff - nothing too heavy, it is a kid's book.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish

Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression is a riot of a memoir about the author's childhood. She recounts a series of anecdotes from her life growing up on a farm during the depression and gives a glimpse of a time nearly forgotten for us young 'uns. Also replete with interesting recipes and humorous phrases from the time.

This book was so much fun to read! Kalish writes as if she was your own grandmother, recounting her childhood experiences. The quirky and endearing phrases she uses and first person narrative gives it a story-telling aspect. I laughed out loud during many parts and really learned a lot about what it was like growing up when and where she did.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
One section where she recounts how she learned about swear words. Easily skipped over for those likely to be offended.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thiefintroduces us to Eugenides, the Queen's Thief. He is cocky and sure in his thefting abilities, but ends in prison anyway. He only finds a way out when they need his particular skills to accomplish a seemingly impossible task.

I really enjoyed this book. The story became more interesting the farther I read and I loved the ending! This is a clever and fun adventure book and had me dying for the sequels (which, fortunately, were already published when I found this one). It is kind of a mix of mythology, magic, and adventure.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
I think a few.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: Precious Bane by Mary Webb

Precious Bane is the story of Prudence Sarn, a high-spirited young woman born with a hare lip. She faces the cruel prejudice of the people around her and the assumptions they make about her because of this precious bane. She falls hopelessly in love with a man, knowing he will never love her back because of her lip.

I think this is a seriously overlooked classic! An absolutely beautiful and heart-breaking view of a girl who feels held back because of a physical defect. I loved the story, the language, everything about this book. Thank you a million times to the sister-in-law who planted this in my hands. For any girl who has felt she isn't beautiful.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Little, if any.

mrg-factor: X
one incident of nudity, not described in detail
 
v-factor: none

Overall rating: *****

Book Review: The Schwa was Here by Neal Shusterman

The Schwa was Hereis the story of a young man who is "functionally invisible" - no one ever seems to notice him. Antsy is one of a very few people who can see the Schwa - and they decide to make use of this invisibility to earn cash. It also chronicles the Schwa's heartbreaking attempts to be noticed.

I absolutely adored this book! I was laughing throughout - snort-milk-out-your-nose kind of laughter. I also felt poignantly about the Schwa and what it felt like to be forgotton in middle school. A wonderful book!

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Maybe one or two, I forget...

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: *****

Book Review: Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card

Characters & Viewpointdescribes elements of good character development, as well as viewpoint techniques. Beginning and seasoned writers will find advice for making their characters believable and how to best create and polish their stories.

I found this book to be both helpful and fun. Card's humor comes through even in this how-to manual. It will be useful for writers looking to improve what they have or to figure out how to write what they have in their heads. I will definitely read it a few more times.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Some of his examples include swear words.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Gracelingtells the fantastical tale of Katsa, a girl with an unusual grace, or ability. She itches to be free of the power of her uncle the king, who uses her for her grace. After a daring renegade rescue of a neighboring kingdom's prince, she meets a graced boy who just might be a match for her.

I really loved the story and world created in this book, the graces and gracelings and the characters. The story was interesting and fun. The biggest problem for me was Katsa's insistent desire never to marry or have children. While this wouldn't have normally ruined a story, I found her decisions in regards to the boy she falls in love with were just plain stupid. It rankled so much with what I personally believe that I found my enjoyment of the story was marred. I didn't like the morals it was expressing in that situation. I think it would have been a favorite of mine, story-wise, if this one thing was done differently.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none
(favorite expletive: "great seas!")

mrg-factor: XX
Not a lot page-wise, but a few scenes in particular.

v-factor: ->->
There is a lot of fighting in the book, but not a lot of description.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrellis the story of two magicians destined to bring magic back to England. Norrell and Strange, however have very different personalities and views on magic. The two at first try to work together, but discover they are too much at odds with the other. However, when a fairy meddles with the lives of those they love, the two must find a way to work together and overcome the fairy.

The book was WAY too long. She would have been better served to split it into several books. I found that I lost interest along the way and would become bored with the story. While parts of it were very interesting and I enjoyed almost all of the smaller stories, I think the overall picture dragged and was burdened by the overwhelming length. I suppose many adult fantasy novels are enormous, but this one was too much for me. I also loved the footnotes and funny stories about magic that Clarke threw in, even if they weren't necessary to the story.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
Some swearing.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
Some magical violence, but nothing gory.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks- the title says it all! Frankie starts her sophomore year at a prestigious prep school with a new boyfriend. She dreamed of dating this boy all last year and now it's come true. She becomes more and more bothered, however, by his membership in an exclusive all-male secret club and her perceived inferiority as a girl. She finds an interesting way to feel included and assert her own power.

While I enjoyed the prep/boarding school prank elements, I thought the story really didn't feel complete. Frankie's changes, while interesting, were not entirely developed. The conclusion wasn't satisfying and I didn't really know what the point of it was. The third person telling really threw me off, especially since the title almost implies a journal/diary format (which is misleading as well). I also loved some of the funny parts (particularly the grammar jokes) but found some of the teen issues to be superfluous. Maybe I just need to start reading more books for adults. :)

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Surprisingly few for a contemporary teen novel.

mrg-factor: XX
Some annoying references.

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: The Book Nobody Read: Chasing the Revolutions of Nicolaus Copernicus by Owen Gingerich

The Book Nobody Read: Chasing the Revolutions of Nicolaus Copernicustells the story of the author's quest to see all the copies of the first and second editions of Copernicus' De revolutionibus. He also recounts the impact this publication made on the world over the centuries since its initial publication.

I'm a sucker for the astronomy-related histories, but this one I found doubly interesting since it discussed the impact of a book on the world. I thought it was pretty accessible (not a lot of jargon) and had an interesting plot line.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Probably a few.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none
(that I recall)

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Gamesis an adventurous tale of a future society rebuilt in North America. Katniss has been obliged to take care of her family and their ever-present hunger since her father died. When her younger sister Prim's name is drawn as a "contestant" for the government-required hunger games, Katniss volunteers to take her place. All she has to do to return to her family is be the sole survivor of these horrifying games.

I can't remember the last time I read a book (at least one this long) in one day, but I just COULDN'T put this down! It is not a "classic" or a totally literary book, but it was intense and well-written and very interesting. While I did see some parts coming, it didn't detract at all. I would highly recommend this book for someone looking for a thoughtful and page-turning good read.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Actually, surprisingly few - I don't even remember any, but just in case :)

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->->
This does have some really intense scary parts. It isn't graphic or gory.

Overall rating: *****

Book Review: Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz Versus The Scrivener's Bonescontinues the story, I mean biography, of Alcatraz Smedry. Alcatraz finds himself in danger almost immediately from a strange new being, a scrivener's bone. Ignoring common sense, he heads to the Library of Alexandria, into the heart of danger, seeking his grandfather and his father.

I like Sanderson's way of writing - the book is filled with asides and random sections and humorous little tidbits. The story is fairly good too, but I think it is mostly noteworthy for the quirky writing. (See review of first book here.)

RATINGS:
s-factor: none
(Unless you count nuts and spices...)

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
Some fighting, but really mild.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

The Adoration of Jenna Foxis the story of Jenna Fox (duh) who wakes up suddenly from a year-and-a-half long coma. She can tell some things are different. She has no memories of who she was and no understanding of who she is. Her story unfolds as she discovers it herself when memories and other pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place.

This was a really well-written, interesting, and powerful book. I loved the ethics ideas explored. I loved the indentity-crisis theme. I loved that I was able to relate to the feelings and emotions Jenna felt, even though I am not in anything like her situation (or her age for that matter). A really great book that even adults can relate to (says this adult). [I don't know if it would technically be sci-fi, maybe more futuristic?]

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
A smattering of words throughout.

mrg-factor: none.
Just kissing (I don't think that counts as mrg...)

v-factor: ->
An intense situation that is rather quickly resolved and in a pretty non-violent way.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: Rumors: a Luxe Novel by Anna Godberson

Rumors: A Luxe Novelcontinues the stories of the rich and corrupt of New York's turn-of-the-19th-century wealthy class (first book reviewed here). Elizabeth goes out west to live with her secret love, a poor coachman while her sister Diana covers for her faked death and tries to prevent her family from slipping into poverty themselves. People rich and poor conspire to get what (or who) they want at the expense of...well, anyone but themselves.

For what it is (fluffy historical romance) it is actually pretty good. I like the setting and even the descriptions of rich dresses. Sometimes, the less-than-moral standards of pretty much every person gets on my nerves, but it is done without going overboard. I was actually quite surprised at the ending and the powerful effects it had on me. And it left me hanging and waiting somewhat anxiously for the next book.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Maybe a few scattered swear words.

mrg-factor: XX
One scene in particular, not described in detail, fortunately. A few other references.

v-factor: none
There is a death, but not described.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Airborn is the story of a world where airplanes were not invented and the sky was ruled by airships. Matt Cruse is a cabin boy on the same airship his father worked on. He was born in the skies (literally) and doesn't feel comfortable on the ground. During one fateful trip across the Pacificus, he and a young passenger named Kate make a remarkable discovery.

I thought this was a very fun book. The adventure and suspense were well done and kept me guessing until the end. There was also a lot of fun humor. The characters were realistic and believable. I also loved the "alternate" history feel of the story. The only problem I had was the poor editing - I was surprised at the number of mistakes made in the text (really only a handful, but still!)

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
A handful of mild words.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->
Some violence and intense parts, but definitely not graphic or gory.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson

In The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party, we are introduced to Octavian, and slowly learn about his childhood and life. Information about him is revealed one piece at a time. He grows up in a scientific institute with his mother and lots of "fathers" who are scientists interested in his development. When Octavian learns more about his role and his mother's in this institute, he must come to terms with that reality.

The book began very slowly for me. I couldn't really get into the story at all, since it was more a group of vignettes of his childhood. I thought that the somewhat archaic language used (which was historically pretty accurate) was a real drawback some of the time. I only began to get really interested in the book later on. The last hundred or so pages are very well done and emotionally involving. I was also annoyed at exceedingly long and confusing title. This is a very good cross-over title (meaning it is sufficiently "literary and intelligent" to be an adult title as well).

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Very little swearing.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: -> ->
A few fairly disturbing scenes, but not gory.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: Impossible by Nancy Werlin

In Impossible, Lucy, an average teenage girl, finds herself caught up in an ancient family curse. Her birth mother, Miranda, is crazy. She will sometimes show up in Lucy's life and usually leave havoc in her wake. But, Lucy's adoptive parents offer her stability and support. When prom night goes horribly awry and ends in tragedy, Lucy first becomes aware of the curse. Based on the ballad "Scarborough Fair," the curse requires Lucy to fulfill three impossible tasks or risk ending up like her mother.

The premise of this book is very intriguing and I liked Lucy's character. But, as the book went on, I found that it did not quite "fulfill" itself with me. I found the ending rather flat and even a little contrived. I liked the fantastical elements, but the way it was written, they almost seemed out of place in the book.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Very little, if any swearing.

mrg-factor: XX
It had some discussions and an intense-not-romantic situation, but very well-done and not graphic or descriptive at all.

v-factor: ->
Some intense things happen, but not really violent in nature.

Overall rating: ***