Book: Writing to Change the World by Mary Pipher
Age-range: 16 and up
I previously read Ms. Pipher's marvelous work Reviving Ophelia and enjoyed it immensely. I'm not sure why I was drawn to this book. It was, after all, primarily for non-fiction writers and I am definitely not one of those. After having read it, however, I think that any writer - any person - should read it. I may not agree with everything she believes or says, but I think her overall goal was remarkable and commendable. I am hoping to implement the lessons learned into my fiction. You should definitely read it, if for no other reason than the quotes in it are really great.
Happy reading!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
July Book Review #5
Book: Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
Age-range: 8 and up
This is one of those books I've had on my to-be-read list practically forever. I finally got the opportunity and the time to read it! I've enjoyed other books by Ms. George previously and thought that this one might be good as well. You should know up front that I'm generally not one for dragon stories. They're often trite and one-dimensional. Not so with this one! I loved the way she altered the myth of dragons just slightly and made each of the ones we met have a very distinct personality. Her characters were well-done and there were several surprises along the way. Action-packed with only a hint of romance; perfect for a younger audience.
I think my nieces and nephews would all love this one! Happy reading!
Age-range: 8 and up
This is one of those books I've had on my to-be-read list practically forever. I finally got the opportunity and the time to read it! I've enjoyed other books by Ms. George previously and thought that this one might be good as well. You should know up front that I'm generally not one for dragon stories. They're often trite and one-dimensional. Not so with this one! I loved the way she altered the myth of dragons just slightly and made each of the ones we met have a very distinct personality. Her characters were well-done and there were several surprises along the way. Action-packed with only a hint of romance; perfect for a younger audience.
I think my nieces and nephews would all love this one! Happy reading!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
July Book Review #4
Book: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Age-range: 16 and up
Very violent, but still pretty good. And the cover is super-awesome.
Age-range: 16 and up
Very violent, but still pretty good. And the cover is super-awesome.
Monday, July 18, 2011
July Book Review #3
Book: The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
Age-range: 10 and up
My sister Heidi gave this book to me for my birthday. After reading the title my first thought was of the very cheesy movie The Boy Who Could Fly. Lucky for me (and Heidi) this book was WAY better.
This is the story of a girl, Piper McCloud, who just can't help but float when she's happy. Over time her floating turns to flying and her parents, who desperately cling to normalcy, try their best to stop it. After an all-too-public display of her abilities Piper is sent to a government facility. I won't say much more, I don't want to spoil the story.
What I liked: There was a lot of great imagery; the characters all had distinct personalities and voices; it was easy to get into and keep reading.
What I disliked: The names made me groan more than once (Piper McCloud; Bella Lovely; Ms. Hellion), they sort of gave themselves away most of the time and it felt a little like Ms. Forester was trying too hard to make the names be clever. I am also really sensitive to animal abuse and there were a few instances when I had to put the book down because of it.
All in all it was a great read, good for a boy or girl who likes adventures (and no romance). Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
My sister Heidi gave this book to me for my birthday. After reading the title my first thought was of the very cheesy movie The Boy Who Could Fly. Lucky for me (and Heidi) this book was WAY better.
This is the story of a girl, Piper McCloud, who just can't help but float when she's happy. Over time her floating turns to flying and her parents, who desperately cling to normalcy, try their best to stop it. After an all-too-public display of her abilities Piper is sent to a government facility. I won't say much more, I don't want to spoil the story.
What I liked: There was a lot of great imagery; the characters all had distinct personalities and voices; it was easy to get into and keep reading.
What I disliked: The names made me groan more than once (Piper McCloud; Bella Lovely; Ms. Hellion), they sort of gave themselves away most of the time and it felt a little like Ms. Forester was trying too hard to make the names be clever. I am also really sensitive to animal abuse and there were a few instances when I had to put the book down because of it.
All in all it was a great read, good for a boy or girl who likes adventures (and no romance). Happy reading!
July Book Review #2
Book: Three Good Deeds by Vivian Vande Velde
Age-range: 8 and up
Okay, not great.
Age-range: 8 and up
Okay, not great.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
July Book Review #1
Book: A Hidden Magic by Vivian Vande Velde
Age-range: 8 and up
This is a very cute story about a king's daughter, a sleeping prince, a sorcerer, an Old Witch, and a few bad guys. It was a quick, easy read and I think some of my nieces and nephews might like it very much. I have always liked Ms. Vande Velde's work and this is no exception. I truly appreciate female protagonists who don't have all the answers, but are able to rely on themselves to find them in the end.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 8 and up
This is a very cute story about a king's daughter, a sleeping prince, a sorcerer, an Old Witch, and a few bad guys. It was a quick, easy read and I think some of my nieces and nephews might like it very much. I have always liked Ms. Vande Velde's work and this is no exception. I truly appreciate female protagonists who don't have all the answers, but are able to rely on themselves to find them in the end.
Happy reading!
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