Book 20 has already been read. Book 20-A, as well (being the sequel to book 20). Book 20-B - the conclusion of this compelling trilogy is silently waiting for me at the public library on the hold shelf, a sticky note with my name plastered to its cover.
That, in and of itself should be enough of a statement. However, I embrace superfluous verboseness. Suzanne Collins has created in her Hunger Games trilogy a violent and gripping world where teenagers must fight to the death each year. When Katniss' sister, Prim hears her name drawn to compete in the annual games, there is no question. Katniss will go in her place. What unfolds is more than she ever bargained for...from beginning to end.
And as I've already told you, there are two further novels in the series...so be prepared to sacrifice hours of precious sleep to see what happens next...and still next...on and on until you fall asleep drooling on the pages, your eyes aching from reading for hours on end.
Did I mention, further that this is a Young Adult novel? I had heard the name tossed about and understood the basic concept of The Hunger Games but it wasn't until my niece read it for school that I even picked up a copy. After she'd finished it and my sister in law read it, both were emphatic...it is a must read. They were right.
While I loved this novel (and the sequel) and would love to just leave it at that: "Go read it now!", I also feel the teacher in me wanting to speak out. Having recently read a teeming stack of YA literature for a course, you can find my earlier post on the subject ("Attack of the Young Adult Novel"). I analyzed each book not only for its quality and readability but also for its controversial topics or things that just make us "grown ups" roll our eyes at best and cringe or shout "OMG!" at worst. So here's my personal (non-mother, teacher) reaction to The Hunger Games. Go. Read. It. Now.
Many YA Lit options are well-written but also teeming with things parents and teachers often have to avoid (or wish they could), including teen drug use, sexuality and other topics that might offend. As a teacher, many of the YA selections I read were followed with, "well, I really enjoyed that but I'm not tenured and I love my job." The Hunger Games - while violent beyond belief is relatively harmless. The only areas I can see to complain about are the violence and the rebellion against authority. No harsh language and (thankfully) no sex - although sexuality is not completely void from the novel, because what hormonal teenager would believe other teens weren't at least thinking about a little smooching? But it's safe enough for fearful teachers (eh-hem) to be able to introduce the novel without much fear of helicopter parents calling it "trash".
Well, to make a long blog short (too late!), GO READ IT NOW.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Book 19, Final Blog
I really enjoyed Angel Time by Anne Rice. This was my first experience reading her work (and not listening to a book on CD). It is clear she is a great storyteller and also that she does her research. I will admit, I preferred the first half of the book where her protagonist is still a hired assassin, struggling with his lack of faith and his own actions. Rice's personal views and experiences with her faith have really influenced her work beautifully, especially in this novel. Later, as "Lucky the Fox" goes on a mission from God (not quite like the Blues Brothers, mind you) the story is less compelling. Perhaps it felt too rushed for me? I would like to have seen as much detail in this portion of the text as the initial chapters.
The ending? Nicely done. And clearly leaves room for a sequel but doesn't demand one. There is more to this protagonist than "end of story". Not the ending I was expecting but I was also not totally surprised.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I will definitely read some more Anne Rice soon, perhaps Interview with a Vampire.
The ending? Nicely done. And clearly leaves room for a sequel but doesn't demand one. There is more to this protagonist than "end of story". Not the ending I was expecting but I was also not totally surprised.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I will definitely read some more Anne Rice soon, perhaps Interview with a Vampire.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Book #19, Anne Rice's Angel Time
I am back! Please don't think I have NOT been reading since my last post; quite to the contrary. I have been reading books in a few series, though; and repeating books I've already read. I reread the Sookie Stackhouse series up to the release of the newest edition (Dead in the Family) and enjoyed my escape into that dark and yet hilarious world. I also have continued the Louise Rennison series (YA novels written as the diary of a British teenaged girl). It's summer reading time, after all...light and enjoyable reads.
However, I am now back into my read-and-blog vein and I'm jumping in with one of the most known contemporary American authors. Anne Rice has been captivating readers for years, first with her vampire-themed works and more recently with her fictional accounts of the life of Christ.
So how did I pick this novel? Well, my husband was bemoaning the fact that I was reading "crap" with vampires and wizards. Finally he said, "at least read some good vampire writing...read Anne Rice!" So when I was at the library returning a YA novel, I saw this book on the new release shelf and immediately grabbed it. I didn't even read the inside cover. It didn't matter. I was going to show him!! Anne Rice, here I come.
So I'm pages in and I can see what an excellent writer she is. I think I'm going to enjoy this. Happy Reading!
However, I am now back into my read-and-blog vein and I'm jumping in with one of the most known contemporary American authors. Anne Rice has been captivating readers for years, first with her vampire-themed works and more recently with her fictional accounts of the life of Christ.
So how did I pick this novel? Well, my husband was bemoaning the fact that I was reading "crap" with vampires and wizards. Finally he said, "at least read some good vampire writing...read Anne Rice!" So when I was at the library returning a YA novel, I saw this book on the new release shelf and immediately grabbed it. I didn't even read the inside cover. It didn't matter. I was going to show him!! Anne Rice, here I come.
So I'm pages in and I can see what an excellent writer she is. I think I'm going to enjoy this. Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Attack of the Young Adult Novel!
Ok, so I've been reading a TON lately. Thanks to my participation in a graduate-level English/Education combined course, I've read 24 young adult titles in the last month. Yes, you read that right...twenty four. OK, so I did read the first 7 of them "early" (before the class started) but I've read the last 17 since late-May. I started to originally blog on each individual one, but I've decided to just sum up. Here, I've listed the 17 works read in my "LOVED IT!" order - 1 being my favorite, 17 being my least favorite. DISCLAIMER - I really liked all of these works...about midway through the rankings they're all the same! LOVED them! I will include a few brief notes on each. Here goes!
- A Thousand Splendid Suns - Hosseini; not really YA but excellent book about women in Afghanistan in the 70s to present day. Beautiful and powerful.
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Alexie; wonderful work of fiction that is also semi-autobiographical about a kid who chooses to attend the white school but still lives on the Res; about identity and coming-of-age as a Native American.
- Dramarama - Lockart; yeah, I already blogged on this one...in short...LOVED IT.
- Little Brother - Doctorow; Sci-fi book about surveillance and abuse of power; an homage to Orwell's 1984.
- Alabama Moon - Key; can't beat a Southern work by a Southern writer set in my homeland. Beautiful coming-of-age adventure story of survival and friendship.
- Persepolis - Satrapi; Stunning graphic novel memoir of the author's childhood in Iran.
- Charles and Emma - Heiligman; well-researched and well-written biography of the Darwin family; poignant, touching and utterly human.
- The Killer's Cousin - Werlin; Mystery/psychological thriller; INTENSELY captivating and creepy, but ultimately moving story of a family and its secrets.
- The Chocolate War - Cormier; classic YA story of a boy's rebellion against the norms in his private school and all the events it triggers.
- Code Orange - Cooney; Sci-fi thriller that follows a young man who inadvertently comes across smallpox scabs in an old book as he tries to survive long enough to possibly save the world from the disease
- Tenderness - Cormier; Suspense Thriller about a young man recently released from juvinile lock up for murder and a young woman who has become obsessed with him; you think you see the ending coming...but you'll be caught by surprise.
- Deliver Us from Evie - Kerr; coming of age tale about a young woman and her family coming to terms with her sexual identity
- Sandpiper - Wittlinger; again, I've blogged on this one already; coming of age tale about sexual activity among teens and the emotional and physical repercussions
- Something Out of Nothing - McClafferty; biographical book about Marie Curie and Radium; scientific yet informative and compelling
- On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God - Rennison; book 2 in a 10 book series of the diaries of Georgia Nicholson, a British teen going through the ups and downs of teenage life and love.
- True Believer - Wolff; book two in the Make Lemonade trilogy, this novel explores LaVaughn's continued education and her desires for a boyfriend (Jody, especially) and her discovery of love and heartbreak
- Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! - Kerr; this book explores four teens and their emotional ups and downs, dealing with weight and body issues, rebellion against authority, friendship and first love (I will admit, I didn't really like this one at all...)
So there they are! One more to read before I complete the final project: The Midwife's Apprentice by Cushman. I am actually going to listen to the audio book, as that was part of the assignment. Should be fun! Happy reading! (Go, read these books I've read and tell me what you think!)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Ellen Wittlinger's Sandpiper
Be forewarned: this YA novel is honest, hard hitting and poignant...and extremely controversial. My hope is that (if I ever have children) I wouldn't have to let my child read this; that her life experience would be protected and happy, free from the pressures that kids really do face regularly. I'm an idealist.
To be slightly graphic, I understand that Wittlinger wrote this novel in response to a common myth among junior high kids who believed the bill of goods Bill Clinton tried to sell us years ago about what "is" is...and what "sexual relations" are. I'm trying to keep this blog PG. So, this book is not PG. Definitely one parents should read before their child does and talk to them about it.
The message is excellent for kids, especially those who are being manipulated and used and lied to; an encouragement to recovering victims. The novel is beautiful written, using prose and poetry from a strong, honesty and less-than-perfect protagonist (the title character). In short, this is an excellent novel...but it pulls no punches and isn't for the weak of heart.
In short - if you can't handle it or find the subject matter "inappropriate" or "distasteful", don't read it. But it's worth the read if you can get past your hangups and realize that kids do face this kind of thing today...and something should be done.
To be slightly graphic, I understand that Wittlinger wrote this novel in response to a common myth among junior high kids who believed the bill of goods Bill Clinton tried to sell us years ago about what "is" is...and what "sexual relations" are. I'm trying to keep this blog PG. So, this book is not PG. Definitely one parents should read before their child does and talk to them about it.
The message is excellent for kids, especially those who are being manipulated and used and lied to; an encouragement to recovering victims. The novel is beautiful written, using prose and poetry from a strong, honesty and less-than-perfect protagonist (the title character). In short, this is an excellent novel...but it pulls no punches and isn't for the weak of heart.
In short - if you can't handle it or find the subject matter "inappropriate" or "distasteful", don't read it. But it's worth the read if you can get past your hangups and realize that kids do face this kind of thing today...and something should be done.
E. Lockhart's Dramarama
Absolutely fabulous!!! This book captures the true spirit of the theatre kid; our passion, our insecurities and our generally awesome zaniness. Lockhart also captures this world without the adult condescension of "oh, those crazy theatre kids." At the same time, she does show the faults of the theatre world (as a teen). Overall, this book is sheer awesomeness. Where was it when I was in school? I can so relate (or could ten years ago) to Sadye. This book made me happy. For more, check out E. Lockhart's blog...which includes a special page for Dramarama, including an I-Pod list of songs to get readers either in the mood or up-to-date on the show tunes discussed in the novel. I am now a big fan of E. Lockhart...first The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and now Dramarama.... I will read anything she writes!! Rock on, E. Lockart. I want to be you...in a totally uncreepy way, of course.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Book 16, Final Blog
I will admit, I was sad to say goodbye to the characters from Elmwood Springs. Fannie Flagg has painted a beautiful story of community, family and love - complete with humor and over-the-top (yet extremely genuine) characters. In Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, Flagg's central character "Elner" goes on the trip of a lifetime.
Interestingly, the story is not about her "NDE" (the term used for "near death experience", in the book) so much as it is about family and friends and how we spend the time we've got. Sure, there are sketchy characters who want to avoid a lawsuit from Elner, (something she would never consider) and there is even a hint of a story of something awful happening in the past and coming to light at the end.
There were moments where the story almost contained too much, as if Flagg were trying too hard to really make the story worthwhile. It truly is worthwhile, though. I felt strongest about the first half of the novel, enjoying it even more than the later half. On the whole, this was an excellent, feel-good read that made me proud to know people just like Aunt Elner...and hope that someday I would be someone just like her...well, sort of...
Interestingly, the story is not about her "NDE" (the term used for "near death experience", in the book) so much as it is about family and friends and how we spend the time we've got. Sure, there are sketchy characters who want to avoid a lawsuit from Elner, (something she would never consider) and there is even a hint of a story of something awful happening in the past and coming to light at the end.
There were moments where the story almost contained too much, as if Flagg were trying too hard to really make the story worthwhile. It truly is worthwhile, though. I felt strongest about the first half of the novel, enjoying it even more than the later half. On the whole, this was an excellent, feel-good read that made me proud to know people just like Aunt Elner...and hope that someday I would be someone just like her...well, sort of...
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Book 16, Blog 2
This story is incredibly enjoyable! Both hilarious and touching, it compels me to experience Elner's world as well as to reflect on the joyful and important things in my own sphere of influence. One passage in which a character reflects on her appreciation of sunrise and sunset (thanks to Elner) touched my heart and made me remember someone who had a similar impact on my life.
I have been moved to tears more than once, but not out of sorrow. Rather, I am touched at the happiness and joy of reflecting on a life well spent.
That having been said, I do have a few issues with Elner's encounter with "god". While it is a lovely concept that the afterlife would be a familiar place (an old friend's home) with familiar faces ("god" takes on the image of people Elner knew in life), there is a lot of politically correct pandering in these moments of the god interview.
It's fiction...I get it. However, I have a hard time when writers take artistic liberties with people, places, beings, etc. that are very real (in my humble yet accurate opinion). I can read her account of an encounter with god and smile at it, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Yet another attempt at relativism and the general laid-back approach to Truth.
I still like this book. I am only suggesting that I would like it more if we were left with less about Elner's afterlife experience and more of the reflections her friends and family have on her life. In my opinion, stories written in this way are done so in an attempt to make us all feel better about getting older and facing our own mortality. I don't want to be made to feel better about myself - I want to be told the Truth. That's Truth - as in Absolute Truth, not relative truth.
And what is the Truth? Well, it boils down to Grace and Mercy...not doom and gloom. It is full of love and peace and leaves no room for hatred, bigotry and any other form of sin. Forgiveness - it is divine. Heaven is real. God is real. But the Truth does make people uncomfortable, especially when it shows us (all of us...myself included) where we fall short...extremely short; and the repercussions of that. But just because I'm uncomfortable or even offended by the Truth doesn't make it any less true.
I only hope that anyone reading this blog sees my heart and doesn't misunderstand what I am saying. The ideas that Fannie Flagg puts forth in Elner's encounter with god are, for the most part - loving and hopeful. But if you're looking to this encounter to prepare you to meet god someday...just remember...it's fiction.
I have been moved to tears more than once, but not out of sorrow. Rather, I am touched at the happiness and joy of reflecting on a life well spent.
That having been said, I do have a few issues with Elner's encounter with "god". While it is a lovely concept that the afterlife would be a familiar place (an old friend's home) with familiar faces ("god" takes on the image of people Elner knew in life), there is a lot of politically correct pandering in these moments of the god interview.
It's fiction...I get it. However, I have a hard time when writers take artistic liberties with people, places, beings, etc. that are very real (in my humble yet accurate opinion). I can read her account of an encounter with god and smile at it, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Yet another attempt at relativism and the general laid-back approach to Truth.
I still like this book. I am only suggesting that I would like it more if we were left with less about Elner's afterlife experience and more of the reflections her friends and family have on her life. In my opinion, stories written in this way are done so in an attempt to make us all feel better about getting older and facing our own mortality. I don't want to be made to feel better about myself - I want to be told the Truth. That's Truth - as in Absolute Truth, not relative truth.
And what is the Truth? Well, it boils down to Grace and Mercy...not doom and gloom. It is full of love and peace and leaves no room for hatred, bigotry and any other form of sin. Forgiveness - it is divine. Heaven is real. God is real. But the Truth does make people uncomfortable, especially when it shows us (all of us...myself included) where we fall short...extremely short; and the repercussions of that. But just because I'm uncomfortable or even offended by the Truth doesn't make it any less true.
I only hope that anyone reading this blog sees my heart and doesn't misunderstand what I am saying. The ideas that Fannie Flagg puts forth in Elner's encounter with god are, for the most part - loving and hopeful. But if you're looking to this encounter to prepare you to meet god someday...just remember...it's fiction.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Fannie Flagg's Can't Wait to Get to Heaven
While I've always been a big fan of the film Fried Green Tomatoes and a die-hard Southern girl, I must admit that I have never read a book by Fannie Flagg. Thanks to my dear friend, Tina Turley, that is changing! She gifted me with a copy of Flagg's Can't Wait to Get to Heaven and I decided it would be my next read.
The first chapter immediately captivated my attention with the saucy Southerner, Elner Shimfissle - a character that already reminds me of several friends and family members. For non-Southerners...YES! We're really like this!
I can tell that this is going to be a fun read with lots of laughs. Thank you, Tina for the book!
The first chapter immediately captivated my attention with the saucy Southerner, Elner Shimfissle - a character that already reminds me of several friends and family members. For non-Southerners...YES! We're really like this!
I can tell that this is going to be a fun read with lots of laughs. Thank you, Tina for the book!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Chris Cleave's Little Bee - Final Blog
This book is a must-read. Cleave seamlessly creates a world of beautiful people and extraordinary events - all based in reality with poignant clarity and soul. The story unfolds as the lives of two characters - Little Bee and Sarah collide and intertwine, painfully, humorously, redemptively.
I don't want to say much more, for fear of ruining any of the experience for any potential readers out there. The story is enthralling; you will find yourself finishing the book before you've realized how deeply the characters have affected your own life. There is such truth in these characters and their situations, you cannot look away from it.
I am not even sure how to classify this book, other than to say, "read it. Now." You will not soon forget the characters - any of them. Cleave's writing has captivated me and I will be reading more of his work soon.
I don't want to say much more, for fear of ruining any of the experience for any potential readers out there. The story is enthralling; you will find yourself finishing the book before you've realized how deeply the characters have affected your own life. There is such truth in these characters and their situations, you cannot look away from it.
I am not even sure how to classify this book, other than to say, "read it. Now." You will not soon forget the characters - any of them. Cleave's writing has captivated me and I will be reading more of his work soon.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Book 15, Blog 1
My next read is Chris Cleave's Little Bee. I was enjoying a nice stroll through Barnes & Noble, checking out the paperback books on the "buy 2, get 1 free" display. And yes, I judge books by their covers...and their back covers.
So what made me pick up Little Bee? The first two sentences of the back cover read, "We don't want to tell you what happens in this book. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it."
This book presents me with a challenge - to blog about it as I read without ruining the "magic...[of] how the story unfolds".
Two chapters in, and I'm already experiencing some greatly appreciated "shock" - it's not what I expected...but I like it. So far, so good!
So what made me pick up Little Bee? The first two sentences of the back cover read, "We don't want to tell you what happens in this book. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it."
This book presents me with a challenge - to blog about it as I read without ruining the "magic...[of] how the story unfolds".
Two chapters in, and I'm already experiencing some greatly appreciated "shock" - it's not what I expected...but I like it. So far, so good!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Book 8, FINAL Blog...Finally
I have finished James Fenimore Cooper's epic tale, The Last of the Mohicans. While it did take me several weeks...make that months to get into and out of this book, I am glad to say that I completed the read. The further I got, the better it got, to where the final few chapters were compelling me to spend late nights with my book light.
So why was it so hard to get into? Well, the language is tough. It was not the use of words unfamiliar to me, but rather word order and phrasing that didn't come naturally. Additionally, each character had a minimum of two names..."Magua" was also "le renard subtile" and was also referred to as "Huron" and "chief" at various stages. The "scout" was "Natty Bumpo", "Nathaniel", "La longue carabine", "Hawkeye", etc. etc. I couldn't keep the characters straight, much less the various names for the native tribes. Perhaps I didn't try hard enough. Perhaps I need the elementary, picture version.
I do have the film version starring Daniel Day-Lewis. I will be watching it soon. However, having seen parts of it, I know it strays from the story quiet a bit. I think my greatest dislike of this is that in the book, The Scout (Day-Lewis's character) is a godly man who actually presents the Gospel and is a reverent, honest man who appreciates the differences between the "pale faces" and the various tribes. In the movie, Hollywood has created an otherwise non-existent love story between his character and one of the daughters, "Cora". Leave it to the movies to add sex where it isn't to see tickets.
My next read is yet to be determined, as I have been gifted several excellent choices and have also received other great recommendations. Feel free to post comments making suggestions!
So why was it so hard to get into? Well, the language is tough. It was not the use of words unfamiliar to me, but rather word order and phrasing that didn't come naturally. Additionally, each character had a minimum of two names..."Magua" was also "le renard subtile" and was also referred to as "Huron" and "chief" at various stages. The "scout" was "Natty Bumpo", "Nathaniel", "La longue carabine", "Hawkeye", etc. etc. I couldn't keep the characters straight, much less the various names for the native tribes. Perhaps I didn't try hard enough. Perhaps I need the elementary, picture version.
I do have the film version starring Daniel Day-Lewis. I will be watching it soon. However, having seen parts of it, I know it strays from the story quiet a bit. I think my greatest dislike of this is that in the book, The Scout (Day-Lewis's character) is a godly man who actually presents the Gospel and is a reverent, honest man who appreciates the differences between the "pale faces" and the various tribes. In the movie, Hollywood has created an otherwise non-existent love story between his character and one of the daughters, "Cora". Leave it to the movies to add sex where it isn't to see tickets.
My next read is yet to be determined, as I have been gifted several excellent choices and have also received other great recommendations. Feel free to post comments making suggestions!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia
Jumped is a brief - but jam-packed book about three high school girls in NYC; Trina, Dominique and Leticia. The reader sees events of the story from each girl's perspective to get the "full" story.
Basically, Trina loves herself and is extremely confident. We discover that Dominique and Leticia would say - to a fault. Leticia wants to stay out of it, when she sees an exchange between Dominique and her friends that indicates Trina will get "jumped" after school. Trina is oblivious to this threat. Dominique's motives run so much deeper than an annoyance by Trina...but Trina will be the perfect release for Dominique's rage over being benched for her grades and her frustration with her teacher. So, does Leticia "get involved", as the school's theme song encourages her? Or does Trina get completely surprised by Dominique after school? Or does Dominique find another means of release or just change her plans?
I can't tell you that. It will spoil the ending! But I can say that the richness of the build-up is much more fascinating than the moment of truth - 2:45pm. As an adult reading this, I know what I want to happen. However, truth in writing suggests that the author might choose to unfurl events differently than I might expect. I like that. The message of the story presents young adult readers with an opportunity ripe for discussion - "what would you do?"
A great story. A quick read. A wonderful "teachable moment" opportunity.
Basically, Trina loves herself and is extremely confident. We discover that Dominique and Leticia would say - to a fault. Leticia wants to stay out of it, when she sees an exchange between Dominique and her friends that indicates Trina will get "jumped" after school. Trina is oblivious to this threat. Dominique's motives run so much deeper than an annoyance by Trina...but Trina will be the perfect release for Dominique's rage over being benched for her grades and her frustration with her teacher. So, does Leticia "get involved", as the school's theme song encourages her? Or does Trina get completely surprised by Dominique after school? Or does Dominique find another means of release or just change her plans?
I can't tell you that. It will spoil the ending! But I can say that the richness of the build-up is much more fascinating than the moment of truth - 2:45pm. As an adult reading this, I know what I want to happen. However, truth in writing suggests that the author might choose to unfurl events differently than I might expect. I like that. The message of the story presents young adult readers with an opportunity ripe for discussion - "what would you do?"
A great story. A quick read. A wonderful "teachable moment" opportunity.
Monday, March 22, 2010
E. Lockhart's The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
I loved this book. Loved it. No real complaints here...no inner-prude diatribes. Reading something like a newer and more light-hearted Dead Poet's Society (please forgive this loose allusion), The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks explores one young woman's foray into private school secret societies and power struggles. E. Lockhart writes witty prose that is both accessible and complex. In other words, an adult doesn't feel like a 6th grader when reading it.
Frankie "develops" over the summer and suddenly gets noticed by her dream guy. Through her relationship with Mr. Popularity and based on things she's observed from her father and his "old boy" cronies from the same institution, Frankie finds a way to secretly get herself entwined with the Basset Hounds (an all-male secret society on campus). Fueled by a paper in one of her classes, Frankie pushes beyond pranks and into social protesting with hilarious and poignant results.
But why is she doing all of this? Well, I wont delve into that train of thought...but I will say that it has something to do with not only power, but that deep-seeded tendency we have as teens to want to be liked.
This book is a great read. It's funny and honest. A young girl definitely comes into her own and establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with while at the same time, experiencing some of the painful teenage dilemmas.
Other great things about this book - No vampires, demons, drug abuse or under aged sex...Yippee!
Frankie "develops" over the summer and suddenly gets noticed by her dream guy. Through her relationship with Mr. Popularity and based on things she's observed from her father and his "old boy" cronies from the same institution, Frankie finds a way to secretly get herself entwined with the Basset Hounds (an all-male secret society on campus). Fueled by a paper in one of her classes, Frankie pushes beyond pranks and into social protesting with hilarious and poignant results.
But why is she doing all of this? Well, I wont delve into that train of thought...but I will say that it has something to do with not only power, but that deep-seeded tendency we have as teens to want to be liked.
This book is a great read. It's funny and honest. A young girl definitely comes into her own and establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with while at the same time, experiencing some of the painful teenage dilemmas.
Other great things about this book - No vampires, demons, drug abuse or under aged sex...Yippee!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Laini Taylor's Lips Touch Three Times
If this is what "kids these days" are reading, maybe I'm right to not want kids at all. Hum. Not that I didn't enjoy this book - I did - however, I'm not a pre-teen or adolescent diving into the stories put before me as an alternate reality. I can read these books and keep myself in the here-and-now. I can enjoy a good fantasy with goblins, devils and demons. I guess I'm just old school, but some of this stuff is a little...hum...mature for young adults (emphasis on the young).
My "old prude" aside - Laini Taylor's Lips Touch Three Times is a thought-provoking foray into supernatural fantasy. Written to include three separate stories, each vignette develops more than the previous and explores other cultures, customs and superstitions with an artfulness and ease. Taylor's clearly done her research enough to fictionalize the rest.
The first story, Goblin Fruit begins with a heroine much like any good coming-of-age story for girls. Kizzy is not popular, but she's self-confident in her own ways. An awkward teen can easily identify with her - a real person. However, when a new and extremely good looking boy begins to take interest in her, the reader is already shouting, "no! Don't!" We've been warned - she's "ripe for goblins". We also get lots of warning comments - "if she remembers her grandmother's stories", "if she lives to adulthood" and so forth. What makes this story compelling is the combination of that identifiably real character and her desires mixed with her choice in the end, shockingly wanton and unlike any typical moralistic fable. (Gee, I hope I didn't spoil it...but it is a good read.)
The second story, Spicy Little Curses Such as These is set in India. We meet a woman who's job is to bargain with a demon in hell for children's souls...I know, right? Anyway, this demon enjoys creating curses in exchange...and after an earthquake kills 20+ children in a village, he comes up with one of his "best" curses yet. The daughter of a British official will kill with the sound of her voice. Luckily, the child is kept mute until adulthood. Then, she falls in love. Is the curse real? She struggles with wanting to know but not wanting to kill anyone to find out. She finds out...However, unlike the first story, Taylor takes us beyond the moment of choice to a moment of redemption.
The final story, Hatchling is the most in depth and bizarre story. A 14-year-old wakes up to find one of her brown eyes has turned ice blue. Her mother flips out. The truth begins to spill out but not completely before a mysterious creature, a Druj whisks the young girl away, leaving the mother hysterical. The story jumps between past and present, weaving a web of a story that requires a little more concentration to follow but is worth it. Unbeknownst to the girl and her mother, she's an incubator. It's strange. It's a little much for a tween (in my opinion). But it is a creative spin, for sure.
Overall, this book is an extremely creative adaptation of the coming-of-age experience. It combines the current trend of other-worldliness (for better or for worse is for the reader to decide). It also introduces words, locations, superstitions of other cultures. I actually Googled a location in one of the stories. I learned something new. An added bonus that is actually an essential part of the story is the artwork. Taylor's husband, Jim di Bartolo has created several pages before each story that prepare the reader for the tale to come. After each story, there is one image that hints at the completion of the story. The artwork perfectly compliments the writing and adds a bit of intrigue from the beginning. A very interesting book...but again, young adult? I wonder...
My "old prude" aside - Laini Taylor's Lips Touch Three Times is a thought-provoking foray into supernatural fantasy. Written to include three separate stories, each vignette develops more than the previous and explores other cultures, customs and superstitions with an artfulness and ease. Taylor's clearly done her research enough to fictionalize the rest.
The first story, Goblin Fruit begins with a heroine much like any good coming-of-age story for girls. Kizzy is not popular, but she's self-confident in her own ways. An awkward teen can easily identify with her - a real person. However, when a new and extremely good looking boy begins to take interest in her, the reader is already shouting, "no! Don't!" We've been warned - she's "ripe for goblins". We also get lots of warning comments - "if she remembers her grandmother's stories", "if she lives to adulthood" and so forth. What makes this story compelling is the combination of that identifiably real character and her desires mixed with her choice in the end, shockingly wanton and unlike any typical moralistic fable. (Gee, I hope I didn't spoil it...but it is a good read.)
The second story, Spicy Little Curses Such as These is set in India. We meet a woman who's job is to bargain with a demon in hell for children's souls...I know, right? Anyway, this demon enjoys creating curses in exchange...and after an earthquake kills 20+ children in a village, he comes up with one of his "best" curses yet. The daughter of a British official will kill with the sound of her voice. Luckily, the child is kept mute until adulthood. Then, she falls in love. Is the curse real? She struggles with wanting to know but not wanting to kill anyone to find out. She finds out...However, unlike the first story, Taylor takes us beyond the moment of choice to a moment of redemption.
The final story, Hatchling is the most in depth and bizarre story. A 14-year-old wakes up to find one of her brown eyes has turned ice blue. Her mother flips out. The truth begins to spill out but not completely before a mysterious creature, a Druj whisks the young girl away, leaving the mother hysterical. The story jumps between past and present, weaving a web of a story that requires a little more concentration to follow but is worth it. Unbeknownst to the girl and her mother, she's an incubator. It's strange. It's a little much for a tween (in my opinion). But it is a creative spin, for sure.
Overall, this book is an extremely creative adaptation of the coming-of-age experience. It combines the current trend of other-worldliness (for better or for worse is for the reader to decide). It also introduces words, locations, superstitions of other cultures. I actually Googled a location in one of the stories. I learned something new. An added bonus that is actually an essential part of the story is the artwork. Taylor's husband, Jim di Bartolo has created several pages before each story that prepare the reader for the tale to come. After each story, there is one image that hints at the completion of the story. The artwork perfectly compliments the writing and adds a bit of intrigue from the beginning. A very interesting book...but again, young adult? I wonder...
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Judy Blundell's What I Saw and How I Lied
"Truth, justice...I always thought they were absolutes, like God. And Mom. And apple pie.
But you could make apple pie from Ritz crackers. You could make cakes without sugar. We learned how to fake things, during the war." (p 249)
I always fall for it; no matter how old I get, I'm always going to be a bit of a sucker when it comes to coming-of-age stories. Judy Blundell's What I Saw and How I Lied was no exception. The story revolves around a teenage girl's first love and her family's dark secrets. Blundell eloquently paints the pictures, writing from the perspective of Evie - a sixteen-year-old with a war veteran step-father and a head-turning mother.
When Joe (step-father) suddenly sends the family on a trip to Florida, the past is hot on their heels. The worst part? I saw it coming...I saw it coming for pages and I didn't want to admit what would happen.
Don't worry...I wont spoil it. It's an easy read, with small pages and large font. But don't let it fool you! It maybe written for young adult readers, but the story is captivating anyway. As an adult I saw it all unfolding from Evie's perspective and it broke my heart for her.
But as you might hope in a true coming-of-age tale, Evie rises to the occasion. There is certainly no "happily ever after" here. However, Evie concludes her story, now a "truth teller" and much "tougher" for having been through it all.
This book will take you back; that is, it will take you back if you were ever the awkward type. If you found love and romance and popularity easily...well, good for you. However, most people I know at least claim some solidarity with the awkward duckling-to-swan types. And many of us will gladly admit that there isn't always such a dramatic swan transformation...and I think Blundell does a nice job of avoiding that cliche, as well.
Oh, and this was a little PG-13 for the reading level. I was surprised at some of the detail. It wasn't too much or even Harlequin-esque for me, but I would probably have a fit if I had a preteen reading it...But it's honest.
Overall, an interesting novel exploring first love, loyalty, post World War II sentiments, hate and deception.
But you could make apple pie from Ritz crackers. You could make cakes without sugar. We learned how to fake things, during the war." (p 249)
I always fall for it; no matter how old I get, I'm always going to be a bit of a sucker when it comes to coming-of-age stories. Judy Blundell's What I Saw and How I Lied was no exception. The story revolves around a teenage girl's first love and her family's dark secrets. Blundell eloquently paints the pictures, writing from the perspective of Evie - a sixteen-year-old with a war veteran step-father and a head-turning mother.
When Joe (step-father) suddenly sends the family on a trip to Florida, the past is hot on their heels. The worst part? I saw it coming...I saw it coming for pages and I didn't want to admit what would happen.
Don't worry...I wont spoil it. It's an easy read, with small pages and large font. But don't let it fool you! It maybe written for young adult readers, but the story is captivating anyway. As an adult I saw it all unfolding from Evie's perspective and it broke my heart for her.
But as you might hope in a true coming-of-age tale, Evie rises to the occasion. There is certainly no "happily ever after" here. However, Evie concludes her story, now a "truth teller" and much "tougher" for having been through it all.
This book will take you back; that is, it will take you back if you were ever the awkward type. If you found love and romance and popularity easily...well, good for you. However, most people I know at least claim some solidarity with the awkward duckling-to-swan types. And many of us will gladly admit that there isn't always such a dramatic swan transformation...and I think Blundell does a nice job of avoiding that cliche, as well.
Oh, and this was a little PG-13 for the reading level. I was surprised at some of the detail. It wasn't too much or even Harlequin-esque for me, but I would probably have a fit if I had a preteen reading it...But it's honest.
Overall, an interesting novel exploring first love, loyalty, post World War II sentiments, hate and deception.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Phillip Hoose's Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
Growing up in the South, specifically Alabama you know the name "Rosa Parks". You know what she did - refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and thus becoming the face of the Montgomery Bus Boycotts that would lead to the integration of the buses and serve as a vital part of the Civil Rights Movement.
But do you know Claudette Colvin?
Me neither. Not until I read Phillip Hoose's Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice. This National Book Winner is a history book of approximately 100 pages, full of pictures and historical sidebars. The main thrust of the book, however, is the little-known story of the 15-year old who refused to give up her seat 9 months prior to Ms. Parks' landmark defiance. The story is told from historical accounts, as well as interviews with Ms. Colvin and others associated with her story, trial and the Civil Rights Movement.
What it seems to boil down to is that Ms. Colvin wasn't the ideal poster-child for the boycott and was thus, overlooked. The book didn't paint Ms. Parks and her contemporaries in a negative light, but Ms. Colvin does express her heart - that she was just as much a part of this great moment in history as the names we all study in school.
So what happened to her? She was a teenager, labeled "emotional". Additionally, she was pregnant when the bus boycott began, and an unmarried pregnant teenager was not the ideal face of the movement. Ms. Colvin, however was one of the plaintiffs in the landmark trial (that I had heard about from school) Browder vs. Gayle. It was in this trail that the Supreme Court determined segregation on the buses was unconstitutional.
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice is an excellent read for all students. In an age of information, we know so little about what happened only a few short years ago. We see racism in our lives today all over the world and sadly we still see some of the "old hate" from the 1950s in the South. As George Santayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
But do you know Claudette Colvin?
Me neither. Not until I read Phillip Hoose's Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice. This National Book Winner is a history book of approximately 100 pages, full of pictures and historical sidebars. The main thrust of the book, however, is the little-known story of the 15-year old who refused to give up her seat 9 months prior to Ms. Parks' landmark defiance. The story is told from historical accounts, as well as interviews with Ms. Colvin and others associated with her story, trial and the Civil Rights Movement.
What it seems to boil down to is that Ms. Colvin wasn't the ideal poster-child for the boycott and was thus, overlooked. The book didn't paint Ms. Parks and her contemporaries in a negative light, but Ms. Colvin does express her heart - that she was just as much a part of this great moment in history as the names we all study in school.
So what happened to her? She was a teenager, labeled "emotional". Additionally, she was pregnant when the bus boycott began, and an unmarried pregnant teenager was not the ideal face of the movement. Ms. Colvin, however was one of the plaintiffs in the landmark trial (that I had heard about from school) Browder vs. Gayle. It was in this trail that the Supreme Court determined segregation on the buses was unconstitutional.
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice is an excellent read for all students. In an age of information, we know so little about what happened only a few short years ago. We see racism in our lives today all over the world and sadly we still see some of the "old hate" from the 1950s in the South. As George Santayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Friday, March 5, 2010
David Small's Stitches: A Memoir
This book, classified as Young Adult literature was my first foray into the graphic novel. For those of you above the age of twenty five and who have no exposure to the culture of young people today, I'll briefly explain. A graphic novel is a story written in form like a comic book.
Stitches: A Memoir is the author's vivid recount of his dysfunctional childhood including a bout with cancer that his parents didn't even tell him he had. Like his childhood, the words are few and far between. However, the images tell a story stronger than words.
I will read this again, probably multiple times - before I return it to the library. I look forward to further discovery and discussion when class finally meets.
Stitches: A Memoir is the author's vivid recount of his dysfunctional childhood including a bout with cancer that his parents didn't even tell him he had. Like his childhood, the words are few and far between. However, the images tell a story stronger than words.
I will read this again, probably multiple times - before I return it to the library. I look forward to further discovery and discussion when class finally meets.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sidebar - Upcoming Reads
Yes, I continue to struggle through The Last of the Mohicans. Unlike other reads I've enjoyed, this novel seems to command my full attention and focus during a read. In other words, I can't simply read while my hubby watches Seinfeld in the same room or catch a paragraph here or there on a slow work day...this is a "weekend away with just the book" kind of books.
Which is why I'm still reading...
But in the meantime, I am gearing up for an intense interim course focusing on National Book Award winners in Young Adult Literature. The class starts in May, but I'm jumping on it now, by getting hold of each of the required texts. My theory? Read now, leisurely and then read again frantically and academically during interim. I want to earn an A - because I am an overachiever - but I also want to enjoy these books...and they each sound interesting. Here's the list:
Jumped - Rita Williams-Garcia
The Disreputable History of Frankie Laundau-Banks - E. Lockhart
Stitches: A Memoir - David Small
Lips Touch Three Times - Laini Taylor
Charles & Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith - Deborah Heiligman
What I Saw and How I Lied - Judy Blundell
This list presents some interesting topics and challenges. Jumped deals with three teen aged girls and their interactions, involving how one wants to "jump" the other after school. The Disreputable History is (according to another blogger) the story of a teen aged girl at a newly-coeducational boarding school who is working to break through some still-existing "male only" barriers. Stitches is a graphic novel-style memoir of the author's life in an extremely dysfunctional home. Lips Touch... is three stories about how a kiss changes things forever in three fantasy-based worlds (i.e. - vampires, demons, etc.). Charles & Emma is a biography written for young adults about the Darwins. What I Saw...is a coming of age story in post-war America involving the step-daughter of a veteran and some other intrigue.
The library just emailed me - I can pick up Stitches tonight...I'm excited! This one sounded the most intriguing to me. I'll be double blogging, once again!
Which is why I'm still reading...
But in the meantime, I am gearing up for an intense interim course focusing on National Book Award winners in Young Adult Literature. The class starts in May, but I'm jumping on it now, by getting hold of each of the required texts. My theory? Read now, leisurely and then read again frantically and academically during interim. I want to earn an A - because I am an overachiever - but I also want to enjoy these books...and they each sound interesting. Here's the list:
Jumped - Rita Williams-Garcia
The Disreputable History of Frankie Laundau-Banks - E. Lockhart
Stitches: A Memoir - David Small
Lips Touch Three Times - Laini Taylor
Charles & Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith - Deborah Heiligman
What I Saw and How I Lied - Judy Blundell
This list presents some interesting topics and challenges. Jumped deals with three teen aged girls and their interactions, involving how one wants to "jump" the other after school. The Disreputable History is (according to another blogger) the story of a teen aged girl at a newly-coeducational boarding school who is working to break through some still-existing "male only" barriers. Stitches is a graphic novel-style memoir of the author's life in an extremely dysfunctional home. Lips Touch... is three stories about how a kiss changes things forever in three fantasy-based worlds (i.e. - vampires, demons, etc.). Charles & Emma is a biography written for young adults about the Darwins. What I Saw...is a coming of age story in post-war America involving the step-daughter of a veteran and some other intrigue.
The library just emailed me - I can pick up Stitches tonight...I'm excited! This one sounded the most intriguing to me. I'll be double blogging, once again!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Book 8, Blog 3
I know...I know...it's been a while since I've posted anything. However, that does NOT mean I haven't been reading...just that I haven't been reading my self-prescribed book. Ok, that's not completely true, either. I have been reading The Last of the Mohicans...slowly.
In the mean time, I've read two more books in the Outlander series and pretty much all of the Sookie Stackhouse books that are in paperback. I'm taking a break from both series for a brief time, though. I must finish Mohicans. (Besides, the Outlander books are starting to run together in my mind.)
I can't even plan my "next" read until I get closer to finishing this one. The language is just so...Oh, I don't know...superfluous? It's great...but the action is interspersed with lengthy descriptions and interior monologues. I need a weekend (or week) all to myself, free from all technology and other distractions to complete it. And I wont be getting that. So I must persevere!
It really is a good book. I'm just lazy!
In the mean time, I've read two more books in the Outlander series and pretty much all of the Sookie Stackhouse books that are in paperback. I'm taking a break from both series for a brief time, though. I must finish Mohicans. (Besides, the Outlander books are starting to run together in my mind.)
I can't even plan my "next" read until I get closer to finishing this one. The language is just so...Oh, I don't know...superfluous? It's great...but the action is interspersed with lengthy descriptions and interior monologues. I need a weekend (or week) all to myself, free from all technology and other distractions to complete it. And I wont be getting that. So I must persevere!
It really is a good book. I'm just lazy!
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