The Summer I Got a Life by Mark Fink
Publisher: WestSide Books
Publication date: November 2009
ISBN: 9781934813126
Source: ARC provided by author
Andy and his brother Brad are planning an excellent summer trip to Hawaii. But, when their parents' plans change and they are shipped off to a remote farm in Wisconsin, things couldn't be worse. Their crazy aunt and uncle live on a farm without cable or the internet. It seems like there will be nothing to do. But, both Andy and Brad will be in for a lot of surprises from this small town, not the least of which is the hot, and maybe a little nuts, girl that Andy meets.
Things I Liked:
This book was good for some laughs. I enjoyed some of the incidents it relates, which are humorous and also sound like a lot of fun. I liked Laura the most, since she was the most interesting and also most complex character. She felt more real as well. Andy's aunt and uncle were also pretty fun - especially because they didn't apologize for how odd they acted. That's just how they are. It was pretty entertaining overall. Here's a touch of the entertainment:
Before I knew what was happening, the massive passenger was fast asleep - on me. I now was completely pinned by a human avalanche - and it was snoring and smelled like scotch. p 31 of ARC
Things I Didn't Like:
It felt very episodic, as though one event would happen and then another, but they didn't seem to relate much. There wasn't much of an overarching story, just little humorous anecdotes. While some of the things Andy and Brad said felt like regular teens, at times it waxed a little too cheesy and therefore somewhat unrealistic. I'm not sure a 15-year-old would hug his 17-year-old brother in a public place, no matter the circumstances. Little things like that and some of the dialog felt contrived. I think it will appeal to teens younger than 15, but I can't see a lot of 15-year-old guys picking this up on their own.
Read-alikes:
Reminded me a little of The Ghost, the Eggheads, and Babe Ruth's Piano by Larry Sweitzer
Maybe a little like A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
scattered throughout
mrg-factor: X
teenage boy mind
v-factor: ->
a minor fight scene
Overall rating: ***
Did you ever go somewhere for a summer and come back very changed? Where did you go?
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Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman
Publisher: Clarion books
Publication date: April 26, 2010
ISBN: 9780547231846
Source: e-copy of ARC from NetGalley
Meggy Swann is setting off for the first time from her small village to London. Her father, who she's never met, called for her to come assist him. But, when she arrives, she finds things much different than she expected. Her father, a destitute alchemist, doesn't expect to find her a crippled girl and so completely ignores her. There isn't enough money for food every day. Even her one friend, Louise the goose, must leave her. But, though people still curse her and make fun of her for how she walks, there are those who don't seem to mind. She might even make a real friend in Roger, an actor.
Things I Liked:
I have fallen in love with everything Karen Cushman writes. Her middle ages heroines are always strong and full of life and spirit. Meggy is a sharp-tongued, short-tempered delight. I felt every pain she did, from those who taunt her and every joy from those who didn't. It was an interesting and unique look at how disabled persons were perceived back then. Not only does she write great characters, but the time period comes to life. I felt like I was there in 1500s London, hearing, smelling, and seeing everything. A completely enjoyable romp back in time that doesn't deal with royalty, for a change. Some of my favorite quotes:
"In truth, I think you as friendly as a bag of weasels but too small to be dangerous."
Meggy banged a stick against the floor again. "Be not daft, servant boy," she said. "I be most dangerous, a fearsome cripple who delights in affrighting people." p19 of ARC
"You, Mistress Margret, are passing skilled at this matter of insults, you milk-livered minnow."
"I grew up in an alehouse, you wart-necked mammering clap dish." p55
Things I Didn't Like:
It might be a bit difficult for younger kids to get into the language of this one. Those who are well-versed in historical fiction from this time would probably be fine, but maybe not for someone who hasn't read a lot.
Read-alikes:
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cuhsman
Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: *****
I will now be spewing "ye toads and vipers" for the next week. Nothing like a hearty Elizabethan-era cuss word to liven things up.
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I think I've gotten into the groove of just enough, but not too many books from the library. I have about ten checked out right now (excluding book club sets) and I've got enough time between them to catch up on review books. Of course, I just put about ten more books on hold, so we'll see how long this lasts. I still haven't browsed the stacks in the library in several months. Someday, I'll let myself do that again!
But, for now, I think I'm ok with just my holds. This week it was:
Ashes by Kathryn Lasky (reloot)
Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr
The Agency 1: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
I also got In My Mailbox (hosted by The Story Siren):
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien (for Traveling ARC Tours)
My Double Life by Janette Rallison (won from Melissa at Book Nut)
What did you get that you're excited to read?
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The Timekeeper's Moon by Joni Sensel
(sequel to The Farwalker's Quest)
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication date: March 2, 2010
ISBN: 9781599904573
Source: Library
The moon is haunting the dreams and even the waking hours of the Farwalker Ariel. Despite her new abilities as a farwalker, Ariel is being taunted by the moon - a moon that is telling her to hurry or everything they accomplished in finding the vault of knowledge will be lost. She sets out once again following her feet, meeting new friends in faraway places. But, will she be able to get where she needs to be in time?
Things I Liked:
Fabulous continuation of the story in The Farwalker's Quest. I love the way Sensel writes these beautiful fantasy stories and also has such realistic characters. I'm still a huge fan of Ariel and Scarl, though I also found myself liking the new characters Sienna and Nace. The story is exciting and the ending unexpected. I like seeing how Ariel grows and changes and deals with the same things that tweens and teens all deal with - identity. I just love Sensel's fantasy world (or post-apocalyptic/dystopian world, I guess) - and I'm hoping there will be another book about these characters. Some of my fave quotes:
"He told her the tale that belonged to the pearl. Although the words involved selkies and seawater, the pearl, round and white, drew Ariel's thoughts back to the moon. No bright eye shone on them that night; the moon's thin waning sickle would not rise until nearly dawn. Even a slivered moon pulled on the sea, though, and perhaps that pull echoed in pearls." p 37
"The stories they knew were the same. What matters is how they are told, and how they are heard, and how they echo in our hearts." p 180
Things I Didn't Like:
It was not quite as thrilling in its adventure and action as the first in the series - I didn't feel Ariel was in as much danger and her journey didn't feel quite as important as in that book.
Read-alikes:
Read The Farwalker's Quest by Sensel first
Reminded me of books of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: X
some discussion appropriate for Ariel's age
v-factor: ->
some frightening things mostly
Overall rating: ****
Do you have a favorite less-well-known fantasy author?
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The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick
Publisher:Scholastic (Blue Sky Press)
Publication date: January 1, 2009
ISBN: 9780439668187
Source: Library
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg might seem a little unbelievable at first. But, when Homer sets off on his own, following his brother who was sold into the Union Army, he manages to find trouble right off. Along the way, Homer will encounter bounty hunters, underground railroad workers, swindlers, spies, and plenty of hogs. He also finds that bending the truth is sometimes the best way to get by.
Things I Liked:
This book was so funny! I fell in love with Homer and the way he thinks. Things actually seem a little bit simpler when you view them through his eyes. Despite his sometimes tragic or harrowing experiences, he manages to see things in a fairly positive way. I loved the stories of his adventures finding his brother and also the way Civil War history is neatly hidden in the stories. A fun book - one that will appeal to boys and historical fiction fans and anyone who likes to laugh. Here are some laughs:
"Our mother was a kindly schoolmarm and taught us to speak proper, so I can't tell you exactly what I think of Squinton Leach, but it approximates what I think of a rabid skunk, or scabs on my backside, or a bad toothache." p 8
"Thinking on the dead and moaning ghosts and such, and wishing I had something to eat so I could forget about being hungry and concentrate on better reasons to be miserable." p20
Things I Didn't Like:
A few times I wondered if the book was implying that lying or stretching the truth was good. I don't think so, but I did pause a few times and think about it.
Read-alikes:
Reminded me of Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Also A Long Way From Chicago and A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->->
a battle scene or two, as well as wounded soldiers
Overall rating: ****
Any books you know of where you learn history without even realizing it?
I figured I wouldn't post about the Kathryn Stockett book signing I went to Thursday night, but since it was so awesome, here's a little info about the fun.
Suey and I made our way to the distant land of The King's English (ok, not that far, but with traffic it sometimes feels far). We weren't entirely sure we would get in, since it sounded like all the tickets had been sold already, but we were willing to give it a try. Good thing, too!
We were able to even sit down, despite the standing-room only tickets we purchased. We were way in the back of the room, but still able to hear and see the lovely Kathryn Stockett. I could have listened to her speak for ages. With her soft-spoken southern-accented voice, she had us all under her spell. She talked a little bit about the story behind her writing this book, and it is always so fun to learn how authors were inspired. She was funny and she was real and that's the way I like my authors. When asked about how African-Americans in general respond to the book, she said it was mixed. Some feel like it tells their story, some feel uncomfortable about it. Just like any other book, really. No book I've read has universal appeal.
I was so pleased when she quoted one of my favorite parts of The Help (mentioned in my review here) about how the point of the book was to help us realize we're all just people. Not that different.
We then got our books signed, much faster than expected - TKE really got us through the line fast! Then Suey and I headed out to dinner with two more lovely Utah bloggers - Sharla of WinterWrite (who wrote an excellent post about it) and Lyn of Barding Well. It was a pleasure to get to know them and chat about blogging and reading. Suey wrote up a much more organized and specific post about things Kathryn said and photos of the four of us. Be sure to read it, it's quite lovely.
Who's your favorite author to meet or listen to?
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Nieve by Terry Griggs, illustrated by Alexander Griggs-Burr
Publisher: Biblioasis
Publication Date: April 30, 2010
ISBN: 9781897231876
Source: copy provided by publisher
Nieve leads a pretty normal life, even if her parents happen to be professional weepers. But, when a string of strange events start happening in her town that seem to signal a complete dark takeover, things are about to get very odd. From the noxious weeds and the dark clouds, to the spooky creatures and four-toed footprints, Nieve is discovering there is a lot going on that she doesn't know about. Now, it is up to her and some odd companions to save her town from its dark fate.
Things I Liked:
The story was brimming with unique and quirky and just plain odd characters and creatures and happenings. It was a pretty good story, once it started going and I wanted to know how Nieve would respond to the different difficult situations she gets into. I became invested in how the plot would turn out and I enjoyed some of the quirky-ness that was rampant in the book. The few illustrations in the ARC were very good as well, creepy like the book. I liked this little sentiment that Nieve expresses in the midst of the dark happenings:
"Funny things still happened even when you were surrounded by nothing but bad ones. Like flickers of light in the dark, she thought. Like good luck charms, only more effective." p 127 of ARC
Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit to not being too interested in the story. I think it was a little too bogged down with hundreds of unexplained strange creatures and experiences. Nieve would run into one after another odd thing and just kind of blow it off. Most of these were never explained to my satisfaction, though maybe others more versed in the Old Country's customs would understand better. I also was a bit bothered by Griggs' writing style. There were a lot of sentences with odd structure that annoyed me, but that is hopefully fixed in the final version (ie: "In this part of the city the buildings they passed were more of a random clutter, a graveyard of old styles, crumbling and derelict, a number decorated with gargoyles - hideous, leering faces that appeared to leap out at them but were insensible, too dry-throated even to spew fetid water on them." p 162 of ARC).
Read-alikes:
Felt a lot like Neil Gaiman's books Coraline and The Graveyard Book
Spellbinder by Helen Stringer
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
there were a few really disturbing scenes (quite gruesome)
Overall rating: ***
Do you guys like to have the publication information in a review (see above)?
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Heist Society is what Kat Bishop was trying to escape when she got into Calgon School. But, when her father is accused of stealing something that he actually didn't (for a change), she must leave that life behind and do everything she can to save him. Even if it means stealing back from whoever stole in the first place.
Things I Liked:
I had such a good time reading this book! I felt like I was watching a fun movie like Ocean's Eleven or National Treasure. The action was excellent, the characters so much fun, and the basic premise - Kat comes from a long line of thieves and can't seem to escape from the life - just made for an all-around enjoyable read. In the end, I was definitely entertained. Some fun quotes:
"Most of all, there had been a time when honor meant something at Colgon School, when school property was respected, when the faculty was revered - when the headmaster's mint-condition 1958 Porsche Speedster would never have been placed on top of the fountain in the quad with water shooting out of its headlights on an unusually warm evening in November." p 2
"After hours of watching the New England countryside roll by, and listening to Hale snore, Kat was finished with plotting and strategizing how to get her boarding school life back. She was out of options, so she called upon every thief's oldest and most trusted method for getting what she wants: Ask nicely." p 17
Things I Didn't Like:
I thought Nick's part in the book was very flimsy. His role seemed superfluous or maybe just not developed enough. Especially the explanation for his helping out Kat. Not very believable if you ask me. It also seemed a bit light in terms of anything but the fun plot. Still, I look forward to more from Carter in this series.
Read-alikes:
Carter's Gallagher Girls series felt very similar
Also, a little like the 39 Clues books by various authors as well
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
some action, not really violence
Overall rating: ****
What's your favorite not-yet-made-into-a-movie-but-totally-should-be book?
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Al Capone Shines My Shoes is more of the story of Moose's life on Alcatraz. Moose's sister Natalie got into a special school, with a little help from Capone, and she seems to be adjusting. But, just when things seem to be settling down, Moose gets a note from Capone: now it's his turn to return the favor. Moose finds himself caught up in things he never wanted to be a part of. Will he be able to disentangle himself from the crooked life and still keep his friends?
Things I Liked:
I liked how this book was different from the first one. The plot, the things that were emphasized, everything but the characters. To me, that is what a sequel should be. I found I liked Moose even more in this one, even if all his friends started to hate him for various reasons. The gangster element also adds a little spice to this 1930s story. It is a great historical fiction with emotions teens and tweens will recognize today. I liked seeing different kinds of family interactions with all the kids and their parents. Interesting thoughts:
"Her life isn't gonna go the expected way. But just because she doesn't see the world like you and me doesn't mean she isn't getting just as much out of her days as we do. Who are we to say what life's supposed to be about, Moose?" p 158
"People say I was heroic by calling for help the way I did, but I know how close I came to staying silent. I scared myself that night. I saw how much I want to get along. But sometimes you have to make trouble. Sometimes making trouble is the right thing to do." p 256
Things I Didn't Like:
It was a little slow at first, but picked right up.
Read-alikes:
Read Al Capone Does My Shirts by Choldenko first
Also a bit like The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (another autistic character)
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: X
a very few teenage boy thoughts
v-factor: ->
very minor, but some incidents
Overall rating: ****
If I had been more on top of it, I would have posted this last month for National Autism Awareness Month. Alas, I am quite scatterbrained lately.
Do you have a favorite book with an autistic character?
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*review copy provided by publisher*
Artsy-Fartsy stuff is what Aldo's grandmother tells him to use his new sketch book for. Aldo isn't sure if he wants to draw in the book, though, after being made fun of at school for his art. But, he gives it a try, keeping track of what happens over the summer, including a mysterious contributor to his book. Mr. Mot, Aldo's neighbor, encourages him to also write some interesting a-words in the book as well. Maybe he'll be able to try a little artsy-fartsy stuff.
Things I Liked:
It was a fun book, like getting a glimpse at a ten-year-old's view of life. The humor was fun, the illustrations added to the humor, and the addition of interesting a-words makes it even educational. I think tweens and younger kids will get a kick out of this, and probably incidentally learn new words too. Even the definitions at the end were fun to read (instead of being dry and boring). I particularly liked this part:
"Right away Jack made such a bug-eyed, squinched-up face that I started to snort-laugh. THat made the potion come shooting out my nose, which was kind of a good thing because I couldn't taste it as much. But it was a bad think, too, because now I had brown booger-potion dribbled down the front of my shirt." p 62
Things I Didn't Like:
It isn't quite as fun as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, having a touch of the "written by an adult" feeling that those books tend to not have - particularly the end. Also, I think that it might have made me look at definitions if they were on the same page as the word. I didn't once flip to the back to check a definition. I read them all at the end. But, I think it will appeal to kids who really liked the Diary books, who like to draw, or reluctant readers.
Read-alikes:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ****
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
*review copy provided by author*
Beyond Freedom is the story of fifteen-year-old Mattie, a free slave living in Boston in 1812. Mattie, through a series of fortuitous events, meets Lydia, a rich white girl and comes to work at her house. During that time, Mattie gets to see the many faces of white prejudice. Lydia, who doesn't know much about the way black people are treated; her mother, who despises all Negroes; her father, who is quietly disgusted at slavery; and other white servants, who treat Mattie with contempt and disgust. Mattie slowly learns just how fortunate she has been in being freed, and just how much she and others of her people still have to overcome.
Things I Liked:
The details and facts we learn about Boston and free slaves living there are very interesting. I knew next to nothing about Massachusetts laws on free slaves, living conditions, and slavery in New England before reading this. It opened my eyes to some of the prejudices and advances that were being made for African American people at that time. I liked being able to see how different people, both black and white, viewed slavery, free blacks, and how they wanted to overcome (or not) those problems.
Things I Didn't Like:
The story felt very much a vehicle for telling facts about the time. The story felt made up for the purpose of giving information (which it kind of was, but I don't think should necessarily feel that way). Mattie also seemed very juvenile for a fifteen-year-old. She felt more like ten or twelve. Mostly, it was her naivete about everything that gave me this impression. I think tweens and younger kids who are really interested in historical fiction will enjoy it.
Read-alikes:
Child Out of Place by Patricia Q. Wall (Beyond Freedom is the sequel to this book)
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ***
There isn't a lot of New England and slavery or free slaves fiction. Any suggestions?
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The Dead-Tossed Waves are a natural part of Gabry's life. Living in the lighthouse at the edge of Vista, Gabry and her mother lead relatively quiet lives, as quiet as anything can be after the Return. When Gabry makes a fateful decision one night, she little realizes how much a life can change in just one moment. Will Gabry find the strength to follow her mother into the forest to save those she loves?
Things I Liked:
When the action picked up, I was sucked into it. I kept reading into the night, biting my nails as I worried about the characters I came to love. This is probably the only zombie series I've ever been able to read and enjoy and I think it is because of its compassionate viewpoint on the undead. I thought it was so interesting that Ryan has her characters think about the zombies' personalities and humanity. She doesn't just use zombies for their gory, violent scream-factor. They were humans once and the characters face the anguish involved in seeing people they love turn against them and their personalities seem to disappear. It was intriguing and also action-packed. And it left me hungering for another book in the series! Thought-provoking quotes:
What use are experiences if we're not allowed to remember them? If we forget in order to avoid the pain of loss? What is the point of living if we have to always insulate ourselves? p 61
I don't want to hear his argument, don't want to think that there's any way I could be wrong. If there's anything in this world that's clear - that is black-and-white - it's that the Mudo are dead. There's nothing left of who they used to be.
Elias stands and walks over to me. "I just don't know if it can be that easy," he says. p 220-221
Things I Didn't Like:
I really struggled with the beginning of the book. I could not stand Gabry - she seemed like a melodramatic, uncertain baby. Every reaction she had to anything was like the end of the world. She changed over the course of the book, thank heavens, and I like how she stopped thinking so poorly of herself as well. There were a lot of plots and threads introduced in this book that aren't resolved and I am hoping they are not left up in the air.
Read-alikes:
Read The Forest of Hands and Teeth first
Reminded me of The Giver and Messenger by Lois Lowry
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
some, not a lot
mrg-factor: X
implied, but not described
v-factor: ->->->->
What do you expect? There are zombies!
Overall rating: ****
Do you like zombie books or do you avoid them?
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To find out about that title, go to the inaugural I Actually NEED It post. Here are some books, all of these unreleased, that I actually NEED.
You by Charles Benoit
I don't know much about this one, but Suzie of Confessions of a Wandering Heart and Cindy and Lynn of Bookends positively raved about it. I love it when literary agents and librarians rave. It makes me want it. Plus, the description (goodreads) has me just a little bit nervous - can't say that of many books. Coming September 2010.
The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima
Since I happened to love and adore that first book in the Seven Realms series (The Demon King) and I am dying to know what happens next, this was a no-brainer for me. So excited! Coming September 2010.
StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
I positively adored A Curse Dark As Gold, which was Bunce's debut, so I can't wait to get more from her. Plus, it's fairy-tale-ish. And you know I love fairy tales, right? Coming October 2010.
(Cover not yet released)
Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
After the delight that was Leviathan, I am eager to read about Alex and Deryn's adventures in steampunk WWI history. Coming October 2010.
Matched by Allyson Condie
First, awesome dystopian-ish premise (read about it on goodreads). Second, local author! Third, much praise and it's not even been released yet. I'm super excited for it! Coming November 2010.
Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson
Dare I become addicted to another soap opera historical fiction? Probably. Coming November 2010.
(Cover not yet released)
The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
After reading and enjoying The Dark Divine, I'm excited to find out what's in store for the Divine family. Plus, Despain is a local author for me, and I gotta love them. Coming December 2010.
I'm realizing that all of these books aren't due out until September at the earliest. Got any suggestions for what I should read while I wait?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
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