Book: This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley
Age-range: 10 and up
Recommended: Yes
I recommend this book with one small caveat: only read it if this is the absolute first book you've ever read on writing. It won't help you much otherwise.
If you've ever wondered if writing is for you; if you have a burning desire to write; if you need a little motivation to begin your first novel; then this is the book you should read. It's short and to the point. You could easily finish it in one sitting. Because of that I recommend you check it out from the library and not pay the hefty price tag. Just my opinion, of course.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
July Book Review #12
Book: Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli
Age-range: 10 and up
Recommended: No
I've decided not to write posts on the books I don't recommend. I don't feel comfortable bashing them or trying to praise them while explaining why I don't think you should read them. So, if you need reasons then please post in the comments and I will take the time to explain. Otherwise, just leave it at the fact I don't recommend it.
Age-range: 10 and up
Recommended: No
I've decided not to write posts on the books I don't recommend. I don't feel comfortable bashing them or trying to praise them while explaining why I don't think you should read them. So, if you need reasons then please post in the comments and I will take the time to explain. Otherwise, just leave it at the fact I don't recommend it.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
July Book Review #11
Book: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No
This is a novel about three different people and their lives. The three different story-lines are separate, yet intertwined. I don't recommend this book because of the three story-lines I only really loved one.
If you're going to read a book by Barbara Kingsolver, you should read a different one. In my opinion. Not to say nobody I know would like it, just that no one who reads this blog would.
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No
This is a novel about three different people and their lives. The three different story-lines are separate, yet intertwined. I don't recommend this book because of the three story-lines I only really loved one.
If you're going to read a book by Barbara Kingsolver, you should read a different one. In my opinion. Not to say nobody I know would like it, just that no one who reads this blog would.
July Book Review #10
Book: Beastly by Alex Flinn
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes
This is a book that's been on my radar for a long time, but I never took the time to read before now. It's also my first foray with this particular writer of fairy tales. I have to admit I was very happy with both the book and the author. I also have to admit that I checked this book out from the library because I was intrigued by the trailer for the movie that's supposed to come out at the end of this month. Lame, I know, but that's sometimes how it happens.
This is a modern telling of "Beauty and the Beast" with all of the tropes you've come to expect from that particular story. With some twists, of course. Most of the twists are predictable, however, and the story feels more like returning to an old friend than going on a new adventure, but it was written beautifully. So beautifully that I cried at the end.
If that doesn't convince you to read it, I don't know what will.
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes
This is a book that's been on my radar for a long time, but I never took the time to read before now. It's also my first foray with this particular writer of fairy tales. I have to admit I was very happy with both the book and the author. I also have to admit that I checked this book out from the library because I was intrigued by the trailer for the movie that's supposed to come out at the end of this month. Lame, I know, but that's sometimes how it happens.
This is a modern telling of "Beauty and the Beast" with all of the tropes you've come to expect from that particular story. With some twists, of course. Most of the twists are predictable, however, and the story feels more like returning to an old friend than going on a new adventure, but it was written beautifully. So beautifully that I cried at the end.
If that doesn't convince you to read it, I don't know what will.
July Book Review #9
Book: Writing and Selling Your Novel by Jack M. Bickham
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes
I don't really care for writing books that give you assignments to complete. For the most part I ignore them and move on. Every once in a while, if one sounds particularly compelling and I haven't done it before, I will do them.
There were a lot of assignments in this book. I didn't do any of them.
That aside, it was an interesting, if somewhat dated, book that inspired me in a few ways that helped me move along with the story I've been working on.
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes
I don't really care for writing books that give you assignments to complete. For the most part I ignore them and move on. Every once in a while, if one sounds particularly compelling and I haven't done it before, I will do them.
There were a lot of assignments in this book. I didn't do any of them.
That aside, it was an interesting, if somewhat dated, book that inspired me in a few ways that helped me move along with the story I've been working on.
July Book Review #8
Book: Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: Yes
This book is based on the fairy tale "East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon." If that fairy tale doesn't sound familiar than you obviously haven't been reading fairy tales in the last 5 or 10 years. There are at least half a dozen versions of this tale that I can think of off the top of my head. While Ms. Durst's is not the most original, it does stick surprisingly close to the tale while still being able to update it to modern times. Not an easy feat.
If, however, you've read the fairy tale this book is based on then you won't be in for very many surprises. There are some, of course, but if you know the basic premise you'll be able to see the ending coming from chapters away.
There were sometimes tedious moments when the book seemed to crawl to a stop (like when the protagonist is trapped in the tree man's house; SO boring), but for the most part it moves quickly. It's a nice fast read and was especially refreshing to me because it's all about the cold of the great white north and I was melting in the heat.
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: Yes
This book is based on the fairy tale "East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon." If that fairy tale doesn't sound familiar than you obviously haven't been reading fairy tales in the last 5 or 10 years. There are at least half a dozen versions of this tale that I can think of off the top of my head. While Ms. Durst's is not the most original, it does stick surprisingly close to the tale while still being able to update it to modern times. Not an easy feat.
If, however, you've read the fairy tale this book is based on then you won't be in for very many surprises. There are some, of course, but if you know the basic premise you'll be able to see the ending coming from chapters away.
There were sometimes tedious moments when the book seemed to crawl to a stop (like when the protagonist is trapped in the tree man's house; SO boring), but for the most part it moves quickly. It's a nice fast read and was especially refreshing to me because it's all about the cold of the great white north and I was melting in the heat.
Monday, July 19, 2010
July Book Review #7
Book: The Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No
I have no idea why I even bothered to finish this book. I just kept waiting for the plot. There was none that I could discern. The character ended being the exact same person he had been at the beginning.
Although, it did reinforce a lot of writing information I've received. Always have a likable protagonist; have a "problem" the story has to solve; take your character on a journey so they are transformed into a different person by the end of the book. This book did none of these things.
Also, the title was completely misleading and had absolutely nothing to do with the story!
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No
I have no idea why I even bothered to finish this book. I just kept waiting for the plot. There was none that I could discern. The character ended being the exact same person he had been at the beginning.
Although, it did reinforce a lot of writing information I've received. Always have a likable protagonist; have a "problem" the story has to solve; take your character on a journey so they are transformed into a different person by the end of the book. This book did none of these things.
Also, the title was completely misleading and had absolutely nothing to do with the story!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July Book Review #6
Book: The Unhandsome Prince by John Moore
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: Yes
This was a charming fairy tale (and written by a man, not many of those). It combined so many different stories, The Frog Prince, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, and maybe others that I can't think of right now. It's the story of Prince Hal, an unhandsome prince who is rescued from being a frog by a beautiful girl named Caroline. Caroline, however, is not super-excited about marrying a prince who isn't handsome and won't actually inherit the throne. Emily, who's mother cast the frog spell, is now responsible for making her mother's promises come true.
That's just the very beginning premise. As time moves on and events happen, more characters are introduced and a larger story comes in. It's fairly predictable, but funny and fast-paced. I will definitely look for his other books the next time I go to the library.
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: Yes
This was a charming fairy tale (and written by a man, not many of those). It combined so many different stories, The Frog Prince, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, and maybe others that I can't think of right now. It's the story of Prince Hal, an unhandsome prince who is rescued from being a frog by a beautiful girl named Caroline. Caroline, however, is not super-excited about marrying a prince who isn't handsome and won't actually inherit the throne. Emily, who's mother cast the frog spell, is now responsible for making her mother's promises come true.
That's just the very beginning premise. As time moves on and events happen, more characters are introduced and a larger story comes in. It's fairly predictable, but funny and fast-paced. I will definitely look for his other books the next time I go to the library.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
July Book Review #5
Book: Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No
I think this would have done better as a series of articles instead of a full-blown book. Each book was padded with repetition and got a bit tedious at times.
There were some very good gems of information, but nothing you couldn't find in a more interesting way in other books on YA writing.
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No
I think this would have done better as a series of articles instead of a full-blown book. Each book was padded with repetition and got a bit tedious at times.
There were some very good gems of information, but nothing you couldn't find in a more interesting way in other books on YA writing.
July Book Review #4
Book: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes
You know the movie "Practical Magic" and how it was really good? Well, did you ever try to read the book? I did, but I never finished it. That should tell you something.
Garden Spells is everything I hoped the book Practical Magic would be. It's about two sisters who have certain talents (the author never uses the words magic or witchcraft). One is wild and the other is stuck in her ways at home and afraid of love.
This book is beautifully written and incredibly intriguing. I loved the fact that every family in the small town had certain things they were known for. It was an exaggerated example of real-life small towns.
In short, I loved this book and if you have an interest in fantastic-realistic fiction then this is a book for you. (I really think you'd like it, Hayden.)
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes
You know the movie "Practical Magic" and how it was really good? Well, did you ever try to read the book? I did, but I never finished it. That should tell you something.
Garden Spells is everything I hoped the book Practical Magic would be. It's about two sisters who have certain talents (the author never uses the words magic or witchcraft). One is wild and the other is stuck in her ways at home and afraid of love.
This book is beautifully written and incredibly intriguing. I loved the fact that every family in the small town had certain things they were known for. It was an exaggerated example of real-life small towns.
In short, I loved this book and if you have an interest in fantastic-realistic fiction then this is a book for you. (I really think you'd like it, Hayden.)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July Book Review #3
Book: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Age-range: 16 and up
As good as the first time?: Yes
Recommended: Yes
If you were to ask a group of writers what the best book ever written on writing is I can guarantee this book would make the top five. It's excellent and amazing. I decided to read it again because almost all of the books on writing I've read recently mentioned Bird by Bird as a necessary book for writers to read.
I gleaned so much great information from reading this a second time. The first time I read it I was just beginning as a writer. I was finally beginning to take my writing seriously. This time I've been writing for a few years now and feel that I have a pretty good sense of what kind of writer I am.
Anne Lamott uses humor, anecdotes, some profanity, and a lot of personal experience to to share everything she knows about writing (or did when she wrote the book). It's not your typical book on writing, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Age-range: 16 and up
As good as the first time?: Yes
Recommended: Yes
If you were to ask a group of writers what the best book ever written on writing is I can guarantee this book would make the top five. It's excellent and amazing. I decided to read it again because almost all of the books on writing I've read recently mentioned Bird by Bird as a necessary book for writers to read.
I gleaned so much great information from reading this a second time. The first time I read it I was just beginning as a writer. I was finally beginning to take my writing seriously. This time I've been writing for a few years now and feel that I have a pretty good sense of what kind of writer I am.
Anne Lamott uses humor, anecdotes, some profanity, and a lot of personal experience to to share everything she knows about writing (or did when she wrote the book). It's not your typical book on writing, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.
July Book Review #2
Book: Owl in Love by Patrice Kindl
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: No
This was a book that I enjoyed... once I got into it. It took me quite a while to really grasp the story, and the character felt so distant through the entire book. It was Ms. Kindl's first book, so it's understandable that some things would not be as perfect as they were in Goose Chase (see the previous post).
This is a book about a girl named Owl who is half-human, half-owl. She can change at will between the two species. The creepy part about this book is that she's in love with her science teacher and the way she talked about him gave me the heebie jeebies. Luckily, before the book is over, she's over him and in love with someone more suitable.
Like I said, this wasn't a bad book, it's just not one that you'd miss anything if you didn't read it.
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: No
This was a book that I enjoyed... once I got into it. It took me quite a while to really grasp the story, and the character felt so distant through the entire book. It was Ms. Kindl's first book, so it's understandable that some things would not be as perfect as they were in Goose Chase (see the previous post).
This is a book about a girl named Owl who is half-human, half-owl. She can change at will between the two species. The creepy part about this book is that she's in love with her science teacher and the way she talked about him gave me the heebie jeebies. Luckily, before the book is over, she's over him and in love with someone more suitable.
Like I said, this wasn't a bad book, it's just not one that you'd miss anything if you didn't read it.
July Book Review #1
Book: Goose Chase by Patrice Kindl
Age-range: 5 and up
Recommended: Yes
SO CUTE! That is the way I would describe this book, no doubt. It's sort of a fractured fairy tale in the sense that it has a lot of fairy tale elements without blatantly being about any particular tale. I definitely think all my nieces would love this story.
Firstly, the writing style is so cute. It's very fairy-tale-ish without being obnoxious or overbearing. The voice is very distinct, however, and you absolutely hear her personality in every line.
Secondly, the storyline is original and not super predictable. There were a lot of times when I was surprised by what happened, which is always nice. This book was so well-written it actually helped me overcome my writer's block!
Lastly, it's the perfect story for any boy or girl who likes fairy tales. You can even make it a game where you identify different things from different stories (being trapped in a tower, a goose girl, magical hair, etc.).
In short, it's a super-cute, super-quick read and you should run out to your local library and get it. Right now.
Age-range: 5 and up
Recommended: Yes
SO CUTE! That is the way I would describe this book, no doubt. It's sort of a fractured fairy tale in the sense that it has a lot of fairy tale elements without blatantly being about any particular tale. I definitely think all my nieces would love this story.
Firstly, the writing style is so cute. It's very fairy-tale-ish without being obnoxious or overbearing. The voice is very distinct, however, and you absolutely hear her personality in every line.
Secondly, the storyline is original and not super predictable. There were a lot of times when I was surprised by what happened, which is always nice. This book was so well-written it actually helped me overcome my writer's block!
Lastly, it's the perfect story for any boy or girl who likes fairy tales. You can even make it a game where you identify different things from different stories (being trapped in a tower, a goose girl, magical hair, etc.).
In short, it's a super-cute, super-quick read and you should run out to your local library and get it. Right now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
