Book: In A Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
Age-range: 8 and up
This is the much-anticipated follow-up to Gidwitz's book, A Tale Dark and Grimm. While the first one had a seamlessness to it, with every fairy tale feeling like they belonged with each other, this one is more like a series of connected stories that tell a larger story. I still haven't decided which I like more.
This one, like the first, was violent in an old-school fairy tale way, but it had so much more humor to break it up that I think a younger audience could really love this one.
Happy reading!
As a side note I am in a reading funk. Suggestions?
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
October Book #4
Book: Where'd You Go, Bernadette: A Novel by Maria Semple
Age-range: 16 and up
This was a much-buzzed-about book that I kept hearing about. Repeatedly. Everywhere I looked. (Which is really weird for me because it's not fairy tale related, and mostly those are the only books that I hear the buzz about.) It was good, intriguing, and well-written. Books that are written as a series of documents are usually hard for me to read because the tone is (obviously) ever-changing. With this book there were small asides by Bee the "narrator" that tied everything together nicely. It's a book I would recommend.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This was a much-buzzed-about book that I kept hearing about. Repeatedly. Everywhere I looked. (Which is really weird for me because it's not fairy tale related, and mostly those are the only books that I hear the buzz about.) It was good, intriguing, and well-written. Books that are written as a series of documents are usually hard for me to read because the tone is (obviously) ever-changing. With this book there were small asides by Bee the "narrator" that tied everything together nicely. It's a book I would recommend.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
October Book #3
Book: The Sleeping Beauty by Mercedes Lackey
Age-range: 12 and up
This was our book club book this month (although we won't talk about it until tomorrow). I was sorely disappointed. I had read another book in this series and loved it, so I had high hopes for this one. Alas, they were in vain. It was uneven and had too many loose plots running wild and dead-ending.
However, I think there is plenty to talk about at book club!
Age-range: 12 and up
This was our book club book this month (although we won't talk about it until tomorrow). I was sorely disappointed. I had read another book in this series and loved it, so I had high hopes for this one. Alas, they were in vain. It was uneven and had too many loose plots running wild and dead-ending.
However, I think there is plenty to talk about at book club!
Monday, October 22, 2012
October Book #2
Book: Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
Age-range: 12 and up
Finally a book I can recommend with no reservations! This book was beautiful and surprising and intriguing. I wasn't left with that empty feeling that some books leave me with. I enjoyed every moment of it and found the mythology in it believable and magical. In fact, that's a perfect word for this book: magical.
Not to say it's all rainbows and sunshine, because it's not. This book deals with a lot of big issues, but Ms. Durst deals with them in such a way that leave you feeling better able to handle your own issues.
Maybe I'm over-selling it. Why don't you read it and tell me what you think.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
Finally a book I can recommend with no reservations! This book was beautiful and surprising and intriguing. I wasn't left with that empty feeling that some books leave me with. I enjoyed every moment of it and found the mythology in it believable and magical. In fact, that's a perfect word for this book: magical.
Not to say it's all rainbows and sunshine, because it's not. This book deals with a lot of big issues, but Ms. Durst deals with them in such a way that leave you feeling better able to handle your own issues.
Maybe I'm over-selling it. Why don't you read it and tell me what you think.
Happy reading!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
October Book #1
Book: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
Age-range: 12 and up
This was a really interesting book. I finished it in one sitting because I had insomnia. There were things that I had issues with, but I didn't realize it until the book was finished. There's a sequel to this one and I think I'll read it. I am interested in the characters and the take on Chinese culture used in this book. Not to mention the intriguing use of mythology.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
This was a really interesting book. I finished it in one sitting because I had insomnia. There were things that I had issues with, but I didn't realize it until the book was finished. There's a sequel to this one and I think I'll read it. I am interested in the characters and the take on Chinese culture used in this book. Not to mention the intriguing use of mythology.
Happy reading!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
September Book #5
Book: The Girl With Borrowed Wings by Rinsai Rossetti
Age-range: 12 and up
I don't remember how I heard about this book. When I started reading it I knew nothing about it besides the title. It was so interesting and very much a book I would recommend.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
I don't remember how I heard about this book. When I started reading it I knew nothing about it besides the title. It was so interesting and very much a book I would recommend.
Happy reading!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
September Book #4
Book: Aurelie: A Faerie Tale by Heather Tomlinson
Age-range: 10 and up
This is my favorite so far of Heather Tomlinson's books. It's very short and easy to read, but it contains a full and complete story. Although there were places for expansion it doesn't feel like you're missing major details at the end (unlike the previous book of hers I read). Very cute and fun.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
This is my favorite so far of Heather Tomlinson's books. It's very short and easy to read, but it contains a full and complete story. Although there were places for expansion it doesn't feel like you're missing major details at the end (unlike the previous book of hers I read). Very cute and fun.
Happy reading!
September Book #3
Book: Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross
Age-range: 12 and up
This is our book club's book for this month. It was interesting to see how the author brought fairy tales into real life, although the focus seemed to be on the lack of happily-ever-afters. There are a few other things that bothered me, but for the most part I thought it was a quick, fun read.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
This is our book club's book for this month. It was interesting to see how the author brought fairy tales into real life, although the focus seemed to be on the lack of happily-ever-afters. There are a few other things that bothered me, but for the most part I thought it was a quick, fun read.
Happy reading!
Monday, September 10, 2012
September Book #2
Book: Toads and Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson
Age-range: 10 and up
It left too many unanswered questions.
Age-range: 10 and up
It left too many unanswered questions.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
September Book #1
Book: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Age-range: 16 and up
I have the flu or something dreadfully similar. I tell you this just in case it has somehow clouded my judgement of this book. I read it pretty much all in one sitting, with small breaks to get more Sprite to try and settle my stomach and trips to the bathroom to throw up. While I was reading it I really liked it. I was swept up in the story, there were a couple of places where I cried a little bit. But after I finished I put it down and my verdict is:
Huh.
I'm not really sure what's going on or what happened. The first book in this series was a complete and contained story. This one was just a series of events that (I hope) will all be brought to some sort of cohesion in the next book. All in all I'm kind of annoyed.
Age-range: 16 and up
I have the flu or something dreadfully similar. I tell you this just in case it has somehow clouded my judgement of this book. I read it pretty much all in one sitting, with small breaks to get more Sprite to try and settle my stomach and trips to the bathroom to throw up. While I was reading it I really liked it. I was swept up in the story, there were a couple of places where I cried a little bit. But after I finished I put it down and my verdict is:
Huh.
I'm not really sure what's going on or what happened. The first book in this series was a complete and contained story. This one was just a series of events that (I hope) will all be brought to some sort of cohesion in the next book. All in all I'm kind of annoyed.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
August Book #6
Book: Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
Age-range: 12 and up
I don't know where I heard about this book, or when, but I'm so glad that I read it! Most of you who read this blog know that I usually deplore books written in letters or as journal entries. They are so hard to do well. This one, written as a series of letters between to cousins in the early 1800s, was an exception! It was entertaining and well-written. I can't speak to the historical accuracy, but I enjoyed it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
I don't know where I heard about this book, or when, but I'm so glad that I read it! Most of you who read this blog know that I usually deplore books written in letters or as journal entries. They are so hard to do well. This one, written as a series of letters between to cousins in the early 1800s, was an exception! It was entertaining and well-written. I can't speak to the historical accuracy, but I enjoyed it.
Happy reading!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
August Book #5
Book: The Crimson Thread by Suzanne Weyn
Age-range: 10 and up
This was our book for book club this month. It's a re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin set in the late 1800s in the United States. The female protagonist and her family immigrate from Ireland to make a new life for themselves.
I felt that the historical background was a great way to re-tell this story. As I've complained about other books in the Once Upon a Time series, this one seemed to end suddenly and gloss over a lot of things that could have been really great to flesh out. All in all, it was pretty good.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
This was our book for book club this month. It's a re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin set in the late 1800s in the United States. The female protagonist and her family immigrate from Ireland to make a new life for themselves.
I felt that the historical background was a great way to re-tell this story. As I've complained about other books in the Once Upon a Time series, this one seemed to end suddenly and gloss over a lot of things that could have been really great to flesh out. All in all, it was pretty good.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
August Book #4
Book: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Age-range: 16 and up
This was my least favorite book of the Graceling trilogy. There were parts that I really loved and then parts where I was like, "Um...okay." I have a hard time understanding why some people think these books are YA. They are definitely not something I would feel comfortable recommending to a teen.
That being said, I hope there is a fourth book in the works because I enjoy the world she's built. It does seem, however, that all of her female protagonists have issues with marriage and childbirth, which seems a little weird.
Anyway, happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This was my least favorite book of the Graceling trilogy. There were parts that I really loved and then parts where I was like, "Um...okay." I have a hard time understanding why some people think these books are YA. They are definitely not something I would feel comfortable recommending to a teen.
That being said, I hope there is a fourth book in the works because I enjoy the world she's built. It does seem, however, that all of her female protagonists have issues with marriage and childbirth, which seems a little weird.
Anyway, happy reading!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
August Book #3
Book: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
Age-range: 16 and up
This book was really good. It didn't have the tension that Poison Study had, but it was still really well-written. I'm interested in where the next book will go, because now there are all these intriguing side characters to add a little spice to the story.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This book was really good. It didn't have the tension that Poison Study had, but it was still really well-written. I'm interested in where the next book will go, because now there are all these intriguing side characters to add a little spice to the story.
Happy reading!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
August Book #2
Book: Birdwing by Rafe Martin
Age-range: 12 and up
One of my favorite favorite fairy tales is "The Wild Swans" about a girl who saves her brothers after they've been turned into swans. At the end of the tale, however, one brother is left with the wing of a swan. This story is about him.
Although a little slow-going, I was intrigued by the way Mr. Martin would tell this story of a boy with one arm and one wing. It was well-written and beautiful, although the ending was a little too tied-up-in-a-bow for me.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
One of my favorite favorite fairy tales is "The Wild Swans" about a girl who saves her brothers after they've been turned into swans. At the end of the tale, however, one brother is left with the wing of a swan. This story is about him.
Although a little slow-going, I was intrigued by the way Mr. Martin would tell this story of a boy with one arm and one wing. It was well-written and beautiful, although the ending was a little too tied-up-in-a-bow for me.
Happy reading!
August Book #1
Book: The Thorn and the Blossom: A Two-Sided Love Story by Theodora Goss
Age-range: 16 and up
I loved this book! It was so unique and interesting. I was able to finish both love stories in just a couple of hours. I love when books leave a little bit up to your imagination. It makes it so much more fun to put your own ending on things. Depending on your mood you could make it happily ever after, or everyone ends up alone.
Anyway, I would absolutely recommend this book, if for no other reason than to see the unique bookbinding that made the double-sided love story possible.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
I loved this book! It was so unique and interesting. I was able to finish both love stories in just a couple of hours. I love when books leave a little bit up to your imagination. It makes it so much more fun to put your own ending on things. Depending on your mood you could make it happily ever after, or everyone ends up alone.
Anyway, I would absolutely recommend this book, if for no other reason than to see the unique bookbinding that made the double-sided love story possible.
Happy reading!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
July Book #6
Book: The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
Age-range: 16 and up
Skip it.
Age-range: 16 and up
Skip it.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
July Book #4
Book: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a book that has been on my to-read list for years. Literally. From the first time I met Maria (as an instructor at Seton Hill University) I wanted to read her books. She was funny and brilliant and I knew her writing would be much the same. I've previously only read her YA books, this was her first adult novel I've read.
I really liked it. I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the series. There were some adult moments that make it a hard book for me to recommend across the board, but I think most of the people who read this blog would enjoy it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a book that has been on my to-read list for years. Literally. From the first time I met Maria (as an instructor at Seton Hill University) I wanted to read her books. She was funny and brilliant and I knew her writing would be much the same. I've previously only read her YA books, this was her first adult novel I've read.
I really liked it. I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the series. There were some adult moments that make it a hard book for me to recommend across the board, but I think most of the people who read this blog would enjoy it.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
July Book #3
Book: The Shifter: The Healing Wars Book 1 by Janice Hardy
Age-range: 13 and up
I fell in love with the beginning of this book because it was so well-written. It was actually used as an example of a tension-filled beginning for a story.
The entire book was good, but I wouldn't say it's great. It had a lot of flaws that are pretty common in a debut novel. I will continue to read the series though, because the characters are interesting enough that I want to see what happens to them.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
I fell in love with the beginning of this book because it was so well-written. It was actually used as an example of a tension-filled beginning for a story.
The entire book was good, but I wouldn't say it's great. It had a lot of flaws that are pretty common in a debut novel. I will continue to read the series though, because the characters are interesting enough that I want to see what happens to them.
Happy reading!
Monday, July 16, 2012
July Book #2
Book: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Age-range: 8 and up
This was a great book! I loved learning about all the Princes Charming from the different fairy tales. There were times when the narration was a bit distracting, but I think this is a book that all of my nieces and nephews would love. In fact, I think it would be an awesome book to read aloud, but it might be a little long for that.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 8 and up
This was a great book! I loved learning about all the Princes Charming from the different fairy tales. There were times when the narration was a bit distracting, but I think this is a book that all of my nieces and nephews would love. In fact, I think it would be an awesome book to read aloud, but it might be a little long for that.
Happy reading!
Monday, July 9, 2012
July Book #1
Book: Folk and Fairy Tales: A Handbook by D.L. Ashliman
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a really awesome reference book. I want to buy one for my own library, for sure. If you're at all interested in fairy/folk tales I would recommend this book. It's refreshing to find a fairy tale scholar who doesn't villify Disney.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a really awesome reference book. I want to buy one for my own library, for sure. If you're at all interested in fairy/folk tales I would recommend this book. It's refreshing to find a fairy tale scholar who doesn't villify Disney.
Happy reading!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
June Book #8
Book: Wild Orchid: A Retelling of "The Ballad of Mulan" by Cameron Dokey
Age-range: 10 and up
This was our June book club book. I won't say too much about it since I'll be discussing it in-depth tomorrow night with the girls. I will say that I loved the fact that this focused on Mulan and not on the love story. This was 100% her story. I'm sure this book was inspired first and foremost by the Disney movie, but I think Ms. Dokey made a lot of great choices about what to change. All in all a fun, quick read.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
This was our June book club book. I won't say too much about it since I'll be discussing it in-depth tomorrow night with the girls. I will say that I loved the fact that this focused on Mulan and not on the love story. This was 100% her story. I'm sure this book was inspired first and foremost by the Disney movie, but I think Ms. Dokey made a lot of great choices about what to change. All in all a fun, quick read.
Happy reading!
Thursday Thought
I am so fond of this book. It has all the dear old fairy tales in it; one never tires of them.
-Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie
-Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie
Thursday, June 21, 2012
June Book #7
Book: Beauty and the Werewolf by Mercedes Lackey
Age-range: 14 and up
This was a very cute book. I chose it because it was a mash-up of Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood. It seems so obvious, why hasn't it been done before? That, I think, is part of Ms. Lackey's brilliance. I can't wait to read more of her books.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 14 and up
This was a very cute book. I chose it because it was a mash-up of Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood. It seems so obvious, why hasn't it been done before? That, I think, is part of Ms. Lackey's brilliance. I can't wait to read more of her books.
Happy reading!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
June Book #6
Book: Fire by Kristin Cashore
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a companion novel to Graceling, although only loosely related in any significant way. Once again I have to agree with my friend Jenel when I say that while this book was really good it was not as good as Graceling. I didn't feel compelled to read this one as fast as possible, I stopped and started it a couple of times while reading other things in between.
Please note the next part has little to do with the book being "reviewed."
I've been noticing a trend lately, so please excuse me while I climb onto my soapbox.
*ahem*
When a writer writes their first novel it's a long process. A debut novel may have been worked on for years and years and years, until it was the most perfect thing the writer could make it. Second novels, especially those in a series, must be written faster with less time for perfection. So while writing usually improves with each book I feel that sometimes editing falls by the wayside. There are entire chunks in second (or third, or fourth) books that could be cut and no one would miss them. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 4 authors who fall under this category. I hope I will never be one of them!
End of rant.
So, Fire was really good, but there were sections that were kind of boring. I really did love seeing a different part of the world that Ms. Cashore has made, however. And I can't wait until I get the chance to read the next book in the series.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a companion novel to Graceling, although only loosely related in any significant way. Once again I have to agree with my friend Jenel when I say that while this book was really good it was not as good as Graceling. I didn't feel compelled to read this one as fast as possible, I stopped and started it a couple of times while reading other things in between.
Please note the next part has little to do with the book being "reviewed."
I've been noticing a trend lately, so please excuse me while I climb onto my soapbox.
*ahem*
When a writer writes their first novel it's a long process. A debut novel may have been worked on for years and years and years, until it was the most perfect thing the writer could make it. Second novels, especially those in a series, must be written faster with less time for perfection. So while writing usually improves with each book I feel that sometimes editing falls by the wayside. There are entire chunks in second (or third, or fourth) books that could be cut and no one would miss them. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 4 authors who fall under this category. I hope I will never be one of them!
End of rant.
So, Fire was really good, but there were sections that were kind of boring. I really did love seeing a different part of the world that Ms. Cashore has made, however. And I can't wait until I get the chance to read the next book in the series.
Happy reading!
Friday, June 15, 2012
June Book #5
Book: Divergent by Veronica Roth
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian novel about a future America where people are divided into different factions. Sounds like Hunger Games, you say? Well, not exactly.
I read this 400-plus page book in one day. It was that good. Was it perfect? No. Like Hunger Games, it was unnecessarily violent at parts. I was annoyed when the female protagonist was affronted when someone called her weak on one page and then the next page is bemoaning how weak she is. Other than a few little irksomes like that it was wonderful.
It's the first book in a trilogy, the second of which came out last month. I don't know when the third one will be out, but I'm looking forward to reading both of them soon.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian novel about a future America where people are divided into different factions. Sounds like Hunger Games, you say? Well, not exactly.
I read this 400-plus page book in one day. It was that good. Was it perfect? No. Like Hunger Games, it was unnecessarily violent at parts. I was annoyed when the female protagonist was affronted when someone called her weak on one page and then the next page is bemoaning how weak she is. Other than a few little irksomes like that it was wonderful.
It's the first book in a trilogy, the second of which came out last month. I don't know when the third one will be out, but I'm looking forward to reading both of them soon.
Happy reading!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
June Book #4
Book: A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
Age-range: 12 and up
This book has generated a lot of buzz in fairy tale circles. It's a science fiction re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. I went in not expecting much and I wasn't disappointed. It was pretty good, but I don't think it was as wow as so many people seemed to believe.
I am happy about the trends of both more girl-friendly science fiction and more fairy tale related science fiction. It will make getting my own sci fi fairy tale published a little easier if there's a good precedence for it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
This book has generated a lot of buzz in fairy tale circles. It's a science fiction re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. I went in not expecting much and I wasn't disappointed. It was pretty good, but I don't think it was as wow as so many people seemed to believe.
I am happy about the trends of both more girl-friendly science fiction and more fairy tale related science fiction. It will make getting my own sci fi fairy tale published a little easier if there's a good precedence for it.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
June Book #3
Book: Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Age-range: 16 and up
This book has been on my to-be-read (TBR) list pretty much since it came out. I've been absorbed with other things, however, and it just kept getting pushed further down the list. My friend Jenel has mentioned it several times in our writing critique partnership and I finally decided to read it.
Ah-mazing! That's the only word I can use to describe it. The first night I picked it up I was amazed to realize I had read almost 150 pages in one sitting! It hadn't felt that long for sure. I'm excited that the next 2 books in the series are all ready out and I plan on reading them as soon as possible.
Just a note: There is some rather grown up moments, although nothing graphic. I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending it to anyone under the age of 16.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This book has been on my to-be-read (TBR) list pretty much since it came out. I've been absorbed with other things, however, and it just kept getting pushed further down the list. My friend Jenel has mentioned it several times in our writing critique partnership and I finally decided to read it.
Ah-mazing! That's the only word I can use to describe it. The first night I picked it up I was amazed to realize I had read almost 150 pages in one sitting! It hadn't felt that long for sure. I'm excited that the next 2 books in the series are all ready out and I plan on reading them as soon as possible.
Just a note: There is some rather grown up moments, although nothing graphic. I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending it to anyone under the age of 16.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
June Book #2
Book: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Age-range: 12 and up
My friend Jenel suggested this book to me and since she's never steered me wrong I went ahead and bought it on my Kindle when it was at a reduced price. Well worth the dollar or two that I spent!
This is a book about water horses and a fictional island called Thisby. The story is told from two points of view Sean Kendrick and Puck/Kate Connolly. It's very slow moving at the beginning (though not boring), building the story piece by piece. It speeds up considerably when the two story-lines come together.
I hate to spoil stories for anyone, so I'll just say that I really liked this one. There is some violence and death, so it's one I would suggest be vetted before a younger person reads it. The ending, though unexpected, is beautiful!
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
My friend Jenel suggested this book to me and since she's never steered me wrong I went ahead and bought it on my Kindle when it was at a reduced price. Well worth the dollar or two that I spent!
This is a book about water horses and a fictional island called Thisby. The story is told from two points of view Sean Kendrick and Puck/Kate Connolly. It's very slow moving at the beginning (though not boring), building the story piece by piece. It speeds up considerably when the two story-lines come together.
I hate to spoil stories for anyone, so I'll just say that I really liked this one. There is some violence and death, so it's one I would suggest be vetted before a younger person reads it. The ending, though unexpected, is beautiful!
Happy reading!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
June Book #1
Book: Robin: Lady of Legend by R.M. ArceJaeger
Age-range: 13 and up
One day last month I had the genius idea of re-writing Robin Hood (one of my favorite stories). I pulled out my Kindle Fire and started looking up the free versions of Robin Hood available so I could verse myself on the world that had all ready been set up in fiction. That's when I came across this book. At the time it was a finalist in the Amazon Breakout Novel contest and, thus, free. (It's not free anymore.) Imagine my horror/excitement when I realized that my "genius" idea for re-writing Robin Hood had been done! So, of course I read the book.
I really liked it. There are times when she goes overboard with description, but other than that it is a great story. The premise is that Robin is a girl escaping a marriage from the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham. As in other Robin Hood tales she becomes an outlaw and must make her way in the world with that hanging over her head.
There were a lot of great twists and turns in the story and it's one I would definitely recommend.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
One day last month I had the genius idea of re-writing Robin Hood (one of my favorite stories). I pulled out my Kindle Fire and started looking up the free versions of Robin Hood available so I could verse myself on the world that had all ready been set up in fiction. That's when I came across this book. At the time it was a finalist in the Amazon Breakout Novel contest and, thus, free. (It's not free anymore.) Imagine my horror/excitement when I realized that my "genius" idea for re-writing Robin Hood had been done! So, of course I read the book.
I really liked it. There are times when she goes overboard with description, but other than that it is a great story. The premise is that Robin is a girl escaping a marriage from the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham. As in other Robin Hood tales she becomes an outlaw and must make her way in the world with that hanging over her head.
There were a lot of great twists and turns in the story and it's one I would definitely recommend.
Happy reading!
Friday, June 1, 2012
The Authors I Thanked in May's Month of Reading Gratitude
Now that May is officially over I will share with you all the authors I thanked during my Month of Reading Gratitude. It's quite a list and in absolutely random order. I just thanked them as they came to mind. The authors with the * next to their name are authors who responded to my thank you! (And yes, I do realize they're all women, it wasn't intentional at first. I'll have to do another Month of Reading Gratitude where I thank all male authors.)
1. Baroness Orczy
2. Shannon Hale
3. Sarah Addison Allen
4. Gail Carson Levine
5. Virginia Woolf
6. Terri Windling
7. Donna Jo Napoli*
8. Catherynne M. Valente
9. Terry Tempest Williams*
10. Jane Austen
11. Jane Yolen
12. Franny Billingsley*
13. Patrice Kindl*
14. Brodi Ashton*
15. Kristen Chandler*
16. Shelley Adina*
17. Sarah Ban Breathnach
18. Harper Lee (mailed)
19. Sylvia Plath
20. Jessica Day George
21. Pam Conrad
22. Heather Dixon*
23. Barbara Kingsolver (mailed)
24. Anne Lamott (mailed)
25. Cornelia Funke*
26. Frances Hardinge*
27. Willa Cather
28. Betty Smith
29. Juliet Marillier (mailed)
30. Dorothy Parker
31. Maria Tatar
1. Baroness Orczy
2. Shannon Hale
3. Sarah Addison Allen
4. Gail Carson Levine
5. Virginia Woolf
6. Terri Windling
7. Donna Jo Napoli*
8. Catherynne M. Valente
9. Terry Tempest Williams*
10. Jane Austen
11. Jane Yolen
12. Franny Billingsley*
13. Patrice Kindl*
14. Brodi Ashton*
15. Kristen Chandler*
16. Shelley Adina*
17. Sarah Ban Breathnach
18. Harper Lee (mailed)
19. Sylvia Plath
20. Jessica Day George
21. Pam Conrad
22. Heather Dixon*
23. Barbara Kingsolver (mailed)
24. Anne Lamott (mailed)
25. Cornelia Funke*
26. Frances Hardinge*
27. Willa Cather
28. Betty Smith
29. Juliet Marillier (mailed)
30. Dorothy Parker
31. Maria Tatar
Thursday, May 31, 2012
May Book #6
Book: The Wager by Donna Jo Napoli
Age-range: 13 and up
I still can't decide if I loved this book or not. I liked it, for sure, but there were parts that disappointed, parts that lagged, and parts that grossed me out. I'm going to have to get some distance from it before I can say whether I loved it or not.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
I still can't decide if I loved this book or not. I liked it, for sure, but there were parts that disappointed, parts that lagged, and parts that grossed me out. I'm going to have to get some distance from it before I can say whether I loved it or not.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thank You to Dorothy Parker
Dear Ms. Parker,
There was an entire summer where all I read were your short stories and poems. I devoured them daily for months on end. My copy of The Portable Dorothy Parker is well-loved and marked through and through. It was through learning more about you and your life and your writing style that I realized I would never be a good short story author and should stick to novels.
Your wit, your humor, and your amazing writing will stay with me always.
Best wishes,
Pam
There was an entire summer where all I read were your short stories and poems. I devoured them daily for months on end. My copy of The Portable Dorothy Parker is well-loved and marked through and through. It was through learning more about you and your life and your writing style that I realized I would never be a good short story author and should stick to novels.
Your wit, your humor, and your amazing writing will stay with me always.
Best wishes,
Pam
Monday, May 28, 2012
Thank You to Betty Smith
Dear Ms. Smith,
When I first read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn I felt an instant kinship to Francie. It was a book that I have come back to again and again. Every time I read it I come away with something new and a new outlook. It's one of those books that never gets old.
Thank you for writing it. It's meant a lot to me.
Best wishes,
Pam
When I first read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn I felt an instant kinship to Francie. It was a book that I have come back to again and again. Every time I read it I come away with something new and a new outlook. It's one of those books that never gets old.
Thank you for writing it. It's meant a lot to me.
Best wishes,
Pam
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Thank You to Willa Cather
Dear Ms. Cather,
I really enjoyed your book My Antonia. It was so beautiful and thought-provoking. It's one that I recommend to my friends on a regular basis. I especially loved your thoughts on prayer and the inclusion about the legend of the sunflowers.
Thank you for your beautiful writing.
Best wishes,
Pam
I really enjoyed your book My Antonia. It was so beautiful and thought-provoking. It's one that I recommend to my friends on a regular basis. I especially loved your thoughts on prayer and the inclusion about the legend of the sunflowers.
Thank you for your beautiful writing.
Best wishes,
Pam
May Book #5
Book: A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
Age-range: 13 and up
This was our book club read for the month and it's always so interesting to talk it over with my girls. All in all I think this was a pretty good book. It's supposed to be the first in a trilogy. I wasn't drawn in enough to want to read the next books, but there were still things about this book that I liked.
If you're going to read a book, however, I would just stick with the original Jane Eyre.
Age-range: 13 and up
This was our book club read for the month and it's always so interesting to talk it over with my girls. All in all I think this was a pretty good book. It's supposed to be the first in a trilogy. I wasn't drawn in enough to want to read the next books, but there were still things about this book that I liked.
If you're going to read a book, however, I would just stick with the original Jane Eyre.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thank You to Pam Conrad
Dear Ms. Conrad,
I was in elementary school when I first read your book Stonewords: A Ghost Story. I think I can safely say that you were the first author who inspired me to want to write. I can also safely say that your book inspired my first book Cursed With a Knife, which I wrote in 3rd or 4th grade and was just as awesome as it sounds.
Your descriptions were so beautiful that they've stayed with me all these years. When I think of certain lines in your book I get that wrapped-in-a-towel-fresh-out-of-the-dryer feeling. Even today they fill me with awe, not having lost any of their luster over the last 20 years.
Thank you so much.
Best wishes,
Pam
I was in elementary school when I first read your book Stonewords: A Ghost Story. I think I can safely say that you were the first author who inspired me to want to write. I can also safely say that your book inspired my first book Cursed With a Knife, which I wrote in 3rd or 4th grade and was just as awesome as it sounds.
Your descriptions were so beautiful that they've stayed with me all these years. When I think of certain lines in your book I get that wrapped-in-a-towel-fresh-out-of-the-dryer feeling. Even today they fill me with awe, not having lost any of their luster over the last 20 years.
Thank you so much.
Best wishes,
Pam
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Thank You to Sylvia Plath
Dear Ms. Plath,
I first read your book The Bell Jar when I was in high school. I had been having my own struggle with depression and I'm still not sure whether your book helped or made it worse. All I know is it became embedded in the fabric of who I am and I still carry passages from it within me.
After reading your novel I discovered your poetry and other writings. Then I became intrigued by your life. It always makes me sad to think about how much you must have been suffering to kill yourself even when you had children. I look at my boys and I know I could never leave them in such a way.
So much of what you wrote has a sense of humor, yet you're mostly known for your depression. I wonder if that bothers you or if you're able to accept it. I know that, for me, your writing has meant a lot and I know, and admire you, for more than just your suicide.
Best wishes,
Pam
I first read your book The Bell Jar when I was in high school. I had been having my own struggle with depression and I'm still not sure whether your book helped or made it worse. All I know is it became embedded in the fabric of who I am and I still carry passages from it within me.
After reading your novel I discovered your poetry and other writings. Then I became intrigued by your life. It always makes me sad to think about how much you must have been suffering to kill yourself even when you had children. I look at my boys and I know I could never leave them in such a way.
So much of what you wrote has a sense of humor, yet you're mostly known for your depression. I wonder if that bothers you or if you're able to accept it. I know that, for me, your writing has meant a lot and I know, and admire you, for more than just your suicide.
Best wishes,
Pam
May Book #4
Book: The Antelope Wife by Louise Erdrich
Age-range: 16 and up
This is one of those books that's going to take a long time to settle in my brain. I don't even know how to describe it. To be honest, I'm not even sure if I liked it or not. It intrigued me, for sure, or I wouldn't have finished it, but did I like it? Hmmm. I'll have to think about that.
The story is about these connected families over generations. It's very broad-sweeping and, at times, magical. There are uncomfortable moments, heartbreaking instances, and events that left me shaking my head. But I enjoyed learning more about the Ojibwa tribe of American Indians/Native Americans (whatever the PC term is right now).
But like I said, this book is going to take some time for me to come to terms with and maybe once I do that I'll know if I liked it or not.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This is one of those books that's going to take a long time to settle in my brain. I don't even know how to describe it. To be honest, I'm not even sure if I liked it or not. It intrigued me, for sure, or I wouldn't have finished it, but did I like it? Hmmm. I'll have to think about that.
The story is about these connected families over generations. It's very broad-sweeping and, at times, magical. There are uncomfortable moments, heartbreaking instances, and events that left me shaking my head. But I enjoyed learning more about the Ojibwa tribe of American Indians/Native Americans (whatever the PC term is right now).
But like I said, this book is going to take some time for me to come to terms with and maybe once I do that I'll know if I liked it or not.
Happy reading!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Thursday Thought
You learn the rules. You learn the discipline. And then you break the rules to find your freedom.
-Marco de Luca-
-Marco de Luca-
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
May Book #3
Book: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Age-range: 10 and up
As good as the first time?: You betcha!
In my quest to read all of Austen's works this summer I have now read two: Emma and Pride & Prejudice. I've read P&P a lot. In high school my friends and I read it simultaneously and then discussed it. I read it every summer for awhile (more as an excuse to watch the A&E movie with Colin Firth than anything else). After my great disappointment in Emma, however, I was wary.
There was no need to be. P&P was just as good on this re-reading as it has been in years past. And, although it is so prosaic, at this point P&P is my favorite Austen novel.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
As good as the first time?: You betcha!
In my quest to read all of Austen's works this summer I have now read two: Emma and Pride & Prejudice. I've read P&P a lot. In high school my friends and I read it simultaneously and then discussed it. I read it every summer for awhile (more as an excuse to watch the A&E movie with Colin Firth than anything else). After my great disappointment in Emma, however, I was wary.
There was no need to be. P&P was just as good on this re-reading as it has been in years past. And, although it is so prosaic, at this point P&P is my favorite Austen novel.
Happy reading!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Thank You to Jane Austen
Dear Miss Austen,
I don't remember when exactly your books came into my life, but it feels as though they were always there. My sisters and I would read Pride and Prejudice and watch the Colin Firth movie every summer at least. I've read all your books at least once (except Sense and Sensibility, though I plan on trying again very soon). The more I've learned about your life the more satisfied I am with your works.
Thank you for writing, even though you had to hide that part of yourself for so long.
Best wishes,
Pam
I don't remember when exactly your books came into my life, but it feels as though they were always there. My sisters and I would read Pride and Prejudice and watch the Colin Firth movie every summer at least. I've read all your books at least once (except Sense and Sensibility, though I plan on trying again very soon). The more I've learned about your life the more satisfied I am with your works.
Thank you for writing, even though you had to hide that part of yourself for so long.
Best wishes,
Pam
May Book #2
Book: When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice by Terry Tempest Williams
Age-range: 16 and up
When I read Ms. Williams books it always takes me awhile to absorb them. Days, weeks, years. Her most famous book, Refuge, was the first one of hers that I read at a time when I desperately needed to read it. I feel that in all of her later works she hides behind words more than she did in this first one.
When Women Were Birds is no exception.
It feels as though she wants to talk about something, but is unwilling to reveal what. Perhaps on further readings I'll be able to better tell what, exactly, this book means. Definitely worth the effort, though.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
When I read Ms. Williams books it always takes me awhile to absorb them. Days, weeks, years. Her most famous book, Refuge, was the first one of hers that I read at a time when I desperately needed to read it. I feel that in all of her later works she hides behind words more than she did in this first one.
When Women Were Birds is no exception.
It feels as though she wants to talk about something, but is unwilling to reveal what. Perhaps on further readings I'll be able to better tell what, exactly, this book means. Definitely worth the effort, though.
Happy reading!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Thank You to Virginia Woolf
Dear Ms. Woolf,
It wasn't until college that I first learned about you. I was an 18-year-old girl trying to find my purpose. When I learned about you, your books, your life, and your death I was intrigued. I began learning all I could about you.
Fast forward to a few years later. I'm at university, married, and I've changed my major from Theatre to English. One of the required classes for my major (taught by the incomparable Francois Camoin) discussed your book To the Lighthouse. I'd never read it before. I have since read it many times. With the help of my professor, I found depth and meaning in your books in ways I had never experienced before. I understood your wit, appreciated the way your writing changed the trajectory of writing ever after.
Thank you for your writing. I wish you could have known how much you would inspire women writers all over the world.
Best wishes,
Pam
It wasn't until college that I first learned about you. I was an 18-year-old girl trying to find my purpose. When I learned about you, your books, your life, and your death I was intrigued. I began learning all I could about you.
Fast forward to a few years later. I'm at university, married, and I've changed my major from Theatre to English. One of the required classes for my major (taught by the incomparable Francois Camoin) discussed your book To the Lighthouse. I'd never read it before. I have since read it many times. With the help of my professor, I found depth and meaning in your books in ways I had never experienced before. I understood your wit, appreciated the way your writing changed the trajectory of writing ever after.
Thank you for your writing. I wish you could have known how much you would inspire women writers all over the world.
Best wishes,
Pam
Friday, May 4, 2012
May Book #1
Book: Emma by Jane Austen
Age-range: 12 and up
As good as the first time?: No, not even close
I first read Emma when I was in high school and I LOVED it! It was my absolute most favorite Austen book of all time ever until the end of the world. The last time I read it, however, was about 5 years ago. I've had such a hard time finding good books lately, so I decided to re-read some old favorites. I began with Emma.
Was it always this boring? So Emma is divided into 4 books: The first book is soooo boring. The second book is good. The third book is soooo boring. The fourth book is good. There were entire pages I skipped over. Every time Miss Bates spoke I had to skip it. Knightley was not in it nearly as much as I remembered. There were huge passages where she just told what was going on instead of putting it in dialogue or action. This was my favorite book?
What was I thinking?
So now I have to re-read all of Austen's books to re-determine my favorite one. What's your favorite Austen novel?
Age-range: 12 and up
As good as the first time?: No, not even close
I first read Emma when I was in high school and I LOVED it! It was my absolute most favorite Austen book of all time ever until the end of the world. The last time I read it, however, was about 5 years ago. I've had such a hard time finding good books lately, so I decided to re-read some old favorites. I began with Emma.
Was it always this boring? So Emma is divided into 4 books: The first book is soooo boring. The second book is good. The third book is soooo boring. The fourth book is good. There were entire pages I skipped over. Every time Miss Bates spoke I had to skip it. Knightley was not in it nearly as much as I remembered. There were huge passages where she just told what was going on instead of putting it in dialogue or action. This was my favorite book?
What was I thinking?
So now I have to re-read all of Austen's books to re-determine my favorite one. What's your favorite Austen novel?
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Thank You to Baroness Orczy
Dear Baroness Orczy,
When I was a junior in high school my English teacher, Mrs. Brandt, showed us the A&E movie version of The Scarlet Pimpernel. I was smitten immediately. I went immediately to the small library in Manti, Utah and checked out a very battered paperback version of your book. I don't remember much about that first reading experience, just that I was so caught up in what was going on in the book I can't even remember where I was sitting as I read it. It didn't take me long to finish it.
I would not be overstating it to say that book changed my life.
I've re-read it at least once every year since then. I recommend it to anyone who will listen. When I'm blocked in my own writing I will pull out my beautiful library bound copy and let it fall open to the most-read part of the book. The chapter entitled Richmond. I read it again and get so caught up in your beautiful words that it helps inspire my own.
I want to thank you for turning a small, quickly-produced play into one of my favorite books of all time. My life would not be the same without Marguerite and Percy in it.
Best wishes,
Pam
When I was a junior in high school my English teacher, Mrs. Brandt, showed us the A&E movie version of The Scarlet Pimpernel. I was smitten immediately. I went immediately to the small library in Manti, Utah and checked out a very battered paperback version of your book. I don't remember much about that first reading experience, just that I was so caught up in what was going on in the book I can't even remember where I was sitting as I read it. It didn't take me long to finish it.
I would not be overstating it to say that book changed my life.
I've re-read it at least once every year since then. I recommend it to anyone who will listen. When I'm blocked in my own writing I will pull out my beautiful library bound copy and let it fall open to the most-read part of the book. The chapter entitled Richmond. I read it again and get so caught up in your beautiful words that it helps inspire my own.
I want to thank you for turning a small, quickly-produced play into one of my favorite books of all time. My life would not be the same without Marguerite and Percy in it.
Best wishes,
Pam
May: A Month of Reading Gratitude
I have decided that every day in May I'm going to write to an author who I admire. I am pretty shy about telling authors I love them because I'm afraid they'll think I'm a dork. That all changes now!
Of course some of my favorite authors are long gone so I've decided that in those cases I will write them a letter on my blog! I won't post every letter, of course, because that would be embarrassing, just the ones to authors who are dead and won't mock me publicly. ;)
Who are your favorite authors?
Of course some of my favorite authors are long gone so I've decided that in those cases I will write them a letter on my blog! I won't post every letter, of course, because that would be embarrassing, just the ones to authors who are dead and won't mock me publicly. ;)
Who are your favorite authors?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Thursday Thought
Cutting libraries during a recession is like cutting hospitals during a plague.
-Eleanor Crumblehulme-
-Eleanor Crumblehulme-
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April Book #4
Book: No Cheating, No Dying: I Had a Good Marriage Then I Tried to Make it Better by Elizabeth Weil
Age-range: 16 and up
Skip it.
Age-range: 16 and up
Skip it.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thursday Thought
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.
-Jorge Luis Borges-
-Jorge Luis Borges-
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
April Book #2
Book: Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst
Age-range: 10 and up
This was a very cute book that I think my nieces (and maybe even my nephews) would like. It's the story of Rapunzel and her daughter Julie. They live in the real world now after Rapunzel and all the other fairy tale creatures escaped the Wild. But then something happens and the Wild begins to grow and take over the real world.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
This was a very cute book that I think my nieces (and maybe even my nephews) would like. It's the story of Rapunzel and her daughter Julie. They live in the real world now after Rapunzel and all the other fairy tale creatures escaped the Wild. But then something happens and the Wild begins to grow and take over the real world.
Happy reading!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thursday Thought
It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.
-Oscar Wilde-
-Oscar Wilde-
Saturday, March 31, 2012
March Book #9
Book: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Age-range: 13 and up
It's rare to find a YA science-fiction book aimed at girls. It's impossible to find a YA science-fiction book aimed at girls and based on a fairy tale. Yet that's exactly what Ms. Meyer has done. By page 44 I pretty much knew how the entire book would turn out, but I still enjoyed the ride. This is the first in a series and I will definitely read the other ones as they come out.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
It's rare to find a YA science-fiction book aimed at girls. It's impossible to find a YA science-fiction book aimed at girls and based on a fairy tale. Yet that's exactly what Ms. Meyer has done. By page 44 I pretty much knew how the entire book would turn out, but I still enjoyed the ride. This is the first in a series and I will definitely read the other ones as they come out.
Happy reading!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thursday Thought
Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there.
-Clare Booth Luce-
-Clare Booth Luce-
March Book #8
Book: The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner
Age-range: 16 and up
This was the perfect book for me to read this year (the Year of the Writer). It breaks down publishing into understandable bites and lets you know what will happen, when, and how. There's a lot of great anecdotes and overall it left me feeling much better informed than I was before I read it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up
This was the perfect book for me to read this year (the Year of the Writer). It breaks down publishing into understandable bites and lets you know what will happen, when, and how. There's a lot of great anecdotes and overall it left me feeling much better informed than I was before I read it.
Happy reading!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
March Book #6
Book: Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler
Age-range: 14 and up
Good, but not great. I would recommend reading her other book Girls Don't Fly instead.
Age-range: 14 and up
Good, but not great. I would recommend reading her other book Girls Don't Fly instead.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March Book #5
Book: Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Age-range: 14 and up
Ms. Ashton is another one of the author's I'll have the opportunity to meet on Saturday. This is her debut novel and it's amazing! It's a re-telling of the Persephone myth, in a way. It goes back and forth between past and present, showing you the life that Nikki had and the one she has now; before the Underworld (or Everneath) and after. I also love that it doesn't have an sex scenes or profanity; always a plus with me. I definitely recommend it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 14 and up
Ms. Ashton is another one of the author's I'll have the opportunity to meet on Saturday. This is her debut novel and it's amazing! It's a re-telling of the Persephone myth, in a way. It goes back and forth between past and present, showing you the life that Nikki had and the one she has now; before the Underworld (or Everneath) and after. I also love that it doesn't have an sex scenes or profanity; always a plus with me. I definitely recommend it.
Happy reading!
March Book #4
Book: Missed Connections by Sophie Blackall
Age-range: 16 and up
It wasn't what I wanted it to be.
Age-range: 16 and up
It wasn't what I wanted it to be.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
March Book #3
Book: Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler
Age-range: 12 and up
I like birds. This is a little-known fact about me. I picked up Ms. Chandler's book with no clue at all what it was about, I only knew I was going to be meeting her this weekend and I wanted to feel prepared, so I read her book. I loved it!
Myra is a senior in high school whose life is thrown for a loop when her boyfriend dumps her. She's been molding her whole life around him and suddenly he's gone. This book is about her finding her way, and finding her passion, on her own. I definitely recommend it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
I like birds. This is a little-known fact about me. I picked up Ms. Chandler's book with no clue at all what it was about, I only knew I was going to be meeting her this weekend and I wanted to feel prepared, so I read her book. I loved it!
Myra is a senior in high school whose life is thrown for a loop when her boyfriend dumps her. She's been molding her whole life around him and suddenly he's gone. This book is about her finding her way, and finding her passion, on her own. I definitely recommend it.
Happy reading!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
March Book #1
Book: My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Age-range: 12 and up
I'm going to have the opportunity to meet Ms. Rallison at a Writing for Charity event this week, so I wanted to read at least one of her books before that happened. I'm very glad that I chose this one. It was so cute! I went in not really knowing at all what to expect, but I think that made it even more fun to read. It's a contemporary YA novel with a few magical twists. The writing is funny and quick. All in all, I really liked it. Apparently there's a companion novel called My Fair Godmother, so now I'll have to seek that one out as well. Definitely even more excited to meet Ms. Rallison after reading this book.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
I'm going to have the opportunity to meet Ms. Rallison at a Writing for Charity event this week, so I wanted to read at least one of her books before that happened. I'm very glad that I chose this one. It was so cute! I went in not really knowing at all what to expect, but I think that made it even more fun to read. It's a contemporary YA novel with a few magical twists. The writing is funny and quick. All in all, I really liked it. Apparently there's a companion novel called My Fair Godmother, so now I'll have to seek that one out as well. Definitely even more excited to meet Ms. Rallison after reading this book.
Happy reading!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thursday Thought
Books are not made for furniture,
but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.
-Henry Ward Beecher-
but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.
-Henry Ward Beecher-
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thursday Thought
No book is worth anything which is not worth much; nor is it serviceable until it has been read, and re-read, and loved, and loved again; and marked, so that you can refer to the passages you want in it.
-John Ruskin-
-John Ruskin-
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
February Book #9
Book: Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler
Age-range: 8 and up
This book is based on one of my favorite fairy tales known as The Wild Swans, The Seven Swans, or The Six Swans (among other names). It's the story of a princess whose brothers (in this case five of them) are turned into swans by their evil step-mother. The princess, of course, is the only one who can break the spell.
I'll admit I was a little wary when I saw how thin this book was. This is a large story and I didn't see how someone could do it justice in such a small number of pages. Turns out I was wrong (which we all know never happens). Ms. Zahler did a excellent job making this tale accessible to the middle-grade audience she was aiming for. It was beautifully written and an excellent introduction to the tale for young kids. This is, so far, my favorite of her books.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 8 and up
This book is based on one of my favorite fairy tales known as The Wild Swans, The Seven Swans, or The Six Swans (among other names). It's the story of a princess whose brothers (in this case five of them) are turned into swans by their evil step-mother. The princess, of course, is the only one who can break the spell.
I'll admit I was a little wary when I saw how thin this book was. This is a large story and I didn't see how someone could do it justice in such a small number of pages. Turns out I was wrong (which we all know never happens). Ms. Zahler did a excellent job making this tale accessible to the middle-grade audience she was aiming for. It was beautifully written and an excellent introduction to the tale for young kids. This is, so far, my favorite of her books.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday Thought
A public library is the most democratic thing in the world. What can be found there has undone dictators and tyrants: demagogues can persecute writers and tell them what to write as much as they like, but they cannot vanish what has been written in the past, though they try often enough... People who love literature. have at least part of their minds immune from indoctrination. If you read, you can learn to think for yourself.
-Doris Lessing-
-Doris Lessing-
Saturday, February 25, 2012
February Book #8
Book: The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
Age-range: 12 and up
My friend Jenel recommended this book to me and I'm so glad that she did. It was really good. Every book I've read by Mr. Pratchett has been funny, thought-provoking and well done. This one was no exception. Though the protagonist is a 9-year-old girl, this still feels like an adult novel to me. Not to say a younger person wouldn't enjoy it, and I can't exactly put my finger on WHY I feel that way, but there you go.
There were a lot of things in this book that I thought would bother me. The Wee Free Men of the title are little 6-inch tall pictsies and speak with a thick Scottish accent, spelled out in the text. This normally bothers me to no end, but here it seemed charming. There were also several times when I had no idea what time-frame we were in. Was this the far past or the present? Again, it didn't bother me except in passing.
I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a fun, funny read.
Happy reading!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday Thought
We believe in books. Somehow we want to make childhood better, and we believe that a book given at the right moment can work magic in a child's life.
-Ann Schlee-
-Ann Schlee-
Monday, February 20, 2012
February Book #7
Book: Jenna Starborn by Sharon Shinn
Age-range: 12 and up
This is a science fiction re-telling of Jane Eyre. It seems that I often go on kicks where I read re-tellings of the same tale for a period of time. In December it was The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Apparently right now it's Jane Eyre.
I found this book intriguing. I've been working on my own science fiction novel (my first foray into the genre) and reading this book helped me see what I like and dislike about the genre in general. By and large I adored this book, my only real complaint was the speech patterns the author chose to use. Everyone spoke as if this were set in the late 1800s instead of in the future. It was a small thing, but it pulled me out of the story a few times.
Once again, the plot will be no surprise if you've read the original, but there are twists and turns that surprised me along the way. All in all an excellent book.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
This is a science fiction re-telling of Jane Eyre. It seems that I often go on kicks where I read re-tellings of the same tale for a period of time. In December it was The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Apparently right now it's Jane Eyre.
I found this book intriguing. I've been working on my own science fiction novel (my first foray into the genre) and reading this book helped me see what I like and dislike about the genre in general. By and large I adored this book, my only real complaint was the speech patterns the author chose to use. Everyone spoke as if this were set in the late 1800s instead of in the future. It was a small thing, but it pulled me out of the story a few times.
Once again, the plot will be no surprise if you've read the original, but there are twists and turns that surprised me along the way. All in all an excellent book.
Happy reading!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February Book #6
Book: Snow White and Rose Red by Patricia Wrede
Age-range: 10 and up
This was the very first book we read for the book club I started. I finished it yesterday, just in time for our first meeting last night! None of us had read the original tale of the same name, so the book was a surprise in that way. It's written in Elizabethan English (think Shakespeare), and it's set in the late 1500s. We all loved parts of it, but we definitely agreed that there were a lot of characters that sometimes got confusing.
All in all we loved it! I think it was a great start to what I hope will be a great, long-lasting book club.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
This was the very first book we read for the book club I started. I finished it yesterday, just in time for our first meeting last night! None of us had read the original tale of the same name, so the book was a surprise in that way. It's written in Elizabethan English (think Shakespeare), and it's set in the late 1500s. We all loved parts of it, but we definitely agreed that there were a lot of characters that sometimes got confusing.
All in all we loved it! I think it was a great start to what I hope will be a great, long-lasting book club.
Happy reading!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
February Book #5
Book: Jane by April Lindner
Age-range: 16 and up (the f-word is used several times, but is always character appropriate)
I can't sleep when my feet are cold (literally, not figuratively, though I imagine I wouldn't sleep well with figurative cold feet either). The last few nights my feet have been freezing so I've stayed up way too late reading. It's after midnight right now and I feel lucid, but if this post is less than coherent I blame the time. And my cold feet.
Jane Eyre is a good book when you skip over all that boring stuff at the beginning. Ms. Lindner, in this re-telling, skips all the boring stuff! Although this story follows the original novel (sometimes too closely), it was still an interesting and entertaining read. There were parts I wanted expanded and I definitely wanted more at the end, but I felt like it was a very well-contained book. Apparently her next book will tackle Wuthering Heights, a book I have no great fondness for, although I'll probably pick up her re-telling.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 16 and up (the f-word is used several times, but is always character appropriate)
I can't sleep when my feet are cold (literally, not figuratively, though I imagine I wouldn't sleep well with figurative cold feet either). The last few nights my feet have been freezing so I've stayed up way too late reading. It's after midnight right now and I feel lucid, but if this post is less than coherent I blame the time. And my cold feet.
Jane Eyre is a good book when you skip over all that boring stuff at the beginning. Ms. Lindner, in this re-telling, skips all the boring stuff! Although this story follows the original novel (sometimes too closely), it was still an interesting and entertaining read. There were parts I wanted expanded and I definitely wanted more at the end, but I felt like it was a very well-contained book. Apparently her next book will tackle Wuthering Heights, a book I have no great fondness for, although I'll probably pick up her re-telling.
Happy reading!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
February Book #4
Book: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
Age-range: 15 and up
I started reading this at about midnight last night when I couldn't sleep. I decided I would wait until there was a lull and then I would go to sleep. I finished it a few hours later. Needless to say, it was really good (and I'm really tired today). Everyone who has read it has said they laughed out loud, and I was no exception! There were several times when I had to muffle my laughter because what I was reading was so funny.
This is a companion novel to Ms. Hale's Austenland, which was also a fun read. While I feel like the first one was based on Pride and Prejudice, I think this one was inspired more by Northanger Abbey and Emma. Kudos to Ms. Hale for making this an unpredictable mystery as well as an entertaining story about a woman finding out who she is outside of being a wife and mother. Definitely worth a read.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 15 and up
I started reading this at about midnight last night when I couldn't sleep. I decided I would wait until there was a lull and then I would go to sleep. I finished it a few hours later. Needless to say, it was really good (and I'm really tired today). Everyone who has read it has said they laughed out loud, and I was no exception! There were several times when I had to muffle my laughter because what I was reading was so funny.
This is a companion novel to Ms. Hale's Austenland, which was also a fun read. While I feel like the first one was based on Pride and Prejudice, I think this one was inspired more by Northanger Abbey and Emma. Kudos to Ms. Hale for making this an unpredictable mystery as well as an entertaining story about a woman finding out who she is outside of being a wife and mother. Definitely worth a read.
Happy reading!
Friday, February 10, 2012
February Book #3
Book: Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier
Age-range: 12 and up
While the companion novel to this book is a fairy-tale re-telling, this one is an independent story of its own and, at times, I think it's a better story for it. The characters are likable (although the protagonist in this one and in Wildwood Dancing are practically interchangeable), the plot moves quickly and the setting is lush. I find that I love stories about sea journeys and I adore love stories where things are anything but assured, hearts are broken and I end up in tears.
Chris came in and I was bawling while reading the last few chapters and he just shook his head and laughed. It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last. I can only hope that I can infuse my own writing with as much emotion as Ms. Marillier manages to do in every one of hers.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
While the companion novel to this book is a fairy-tale re-telling, this one is an independent story of its own and, at times, I think it's a better story for it. The characters are likable (although the protagonist in this one and in Wildwood Dancing are practically interchangeable), the plot moves quickly and the setting is lush. I find that I love stories about sea journeys and I adore love stories where things are anything but assured, hearts are broken and I end up in tears.
Chris came in and I was bawling while reading the last few chapters and he just shook his head and laughed. It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last. I can only hope that I can infuse my own writing with as much emotion as Ms. Marillier manages to do in every one of hers.
Happy reading!
February Book #2
Book: Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
Age-range: 12 and up
As good as the first time?: Not quite, but close
This has been my favorite re-telling of the 12 Dancing Princesses (until recently, that is). I went to re-read it recently and it was no longer on my shelf! Obviously I had loaned it to someone who had never returned it. You might think this would upset me, but it rarely does. I am always hopeful that whoever has it is enjoying it and will, in time, either return it to me or pass it on to someone else. Anyway, long story short, my friend Jenel loaned me her copy and the companion novel, Cybele's Secret, as well.
I always enjoy Ms. Marillier's books and this one, especially, is well-written. It has made me want to go back and re-visit some of her other books and seek out new ones. I love the mystery, the lyrical writing, and the love story. Although this time I was impatient for some of my favorite parts, it still held up well to a second reading.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 12 and up
As good as the first time?: Not quite, but close
This has been my favorite re-telling of the 12 Dancing Princesses (until recently, that is). I went to re-read it recently and it was no longer on my shelf! Obviously I had loaned it to someone who had never returned it. You might think this would upset me, but it rarely does. I am always hopeful that whoever has it is enjoying it and will, in time, either return it to me or pass it on to someone else. Anyway, long story short, my friend Jenel loaned me her copy and the companion novel, Cybele's Secret, as well.
I always enjoy Ms. Marillier's books and this one, especially, is well-written. It has made me want to go back and re-visit some of her other books and seek out new ones. I love the mystery, the lyrical writing, and the love story. Although this time I was impatient for some of my favorite parts, it still held up well to a second reading.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February Book #1
Book: Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
Age-range: 10 and up
Skip it.
Age-range: 10 and up
Skip it.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
January Book #6
Book: Her Own Devices by Shelley Adina
Age-range: 10 and up
This is the much-anticipated sequel to Lady of Devices, my review of which you can read here. Ms. Adina's books are still the only steampunk novels I have read, not because I haven't loved and adored hers (I absolutely have), but because I have no idea who else to read!
This book is the continuation of Lady Claire's life in the London underworld as the Lady of Devices. In this book, however, she also has to divide her time being her "true" self. Though I don't always understand the sciency stuff in the book, I still love and adore Shelley's writing. This book is even better than the last one, and, as the first, it is only available as an e-book. I hope you'll find them and read them; they're wonderful!
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
This is the much-anticipated sequel to Lady of Devices, my review of which you can read here. Ms. Adina's books are still the only steampunk novels I have read, not because I haven't loved and adored hers (I absolutely have), but because I have no idea who else to read!
This book is the continuation of Lady Claire's life in the London underworld as the Lady of Devices. In this book, however, she also has to divide her time being her "true" self. Though I don't always understand the sciency stuff in the book, I still love and adore Shelley's writing. This book is even better than the last one, and, as the first, it is only available as an e-book. I hope you'll find them and read them; they're wonderful!
Happy reading!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
January Book #4
Book: A Posse of Princesses by Sherwood Smith
Age-range: 10 and up
SO GOOD! That's what I have to say about this book. It's cute and clever and easy to read and a fun romp through the ins and outs of royalty in this mythical world. I love the way she ends it, although I was not always sure about the outcome.
I have no idea why I haven't read Ms. Smith's books before. What was I thinking? Now I must track them all down and devour them immediately.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 10 and up
SO GOOD! That's what I have to say about this book. It's cute and clever and easy to read and a fun romp through the ins and outs of royalty in this mythical world. I love the way she ends it, although I was not always sure about the outcome.
I have no idea why I haven't read Ms. Smith's books before. What was I thinking? Now I must track them all down and devour them immediately.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
January Book #2
Book: Destined by Jessie Harrell
Age-range: 13 and up
I've always liked the story of Cupid and Psyhche. It reads more like a fairy tale than a Greek myth. I have never before heard of a novel-length version of the story, however, so I was very excited when I saw this on my Kindle Fire recommended reading list. Although I found Psyche a little vapid and whiny, I still liked this book. A quick, fun read.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
I've always liked the story of Cupid and Psyhche. It reads more like a fairy tale than a Greek myth. I have never before heard of a novel-length version of the story, however, so I was very excited when I saw this on my Kindle Fire recommended reading list. Although I found Psyche a little vapid and whiny, I still liked this book. A quick, fun read.
Happy reading!
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