Okay, I've finally finished back-blogging all of my pre-blog book reviews. You will no longer be receiving dozens of posts from me a day.
I promise.
Thanks for your patience!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
September Book #5
Book: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Age-range: 16 and up
Lesson learned: don't pick a book because you think the title sounds whimsical and fun.
This book made me cry like a freaking baby!
Age-range: 16 and up
Lesson learned: don't pick a book because you think the title sounds whimsical and fun.
This book made me cry like a freaking baby!
Monday, September 19, 2011
September Book #4
Book: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
Age-range: 6 and up
Okay, first of all this book gets an award for best freaking title ever! I have to be totally honest when I say the title and cover art were my sole reasons for buying this book. I was not disappointed in the least. This has been one of the most creative books I've read in a long time. There were so many great lines that I need to read it again just to make sure I saw all of them.
If you have even a passing desire to visit Fairyland then you should definitely read this book. The lead girl, September, is a wonderful protagonist and the narrator, as s/he openly admits, is only there to please. Full of whimsy and quirky characters, but with just enough serious to make you think, this is one of the best books I've read all year.
So why are you still sitting there? Go get it and read it! Happy reading!
Age-range: 6 and up
Okay, first of all this book gets an award for best freaking title ever! I have to be totally honest when I say the title and cover art were my sole reasons for buying this book. I was not disappointed in the least. This has been one of the most creative books I've read in a long time. There were so many great lines that I need to read it again just to make sure I saw all of them.
If you have even a passing desire to visit Fairyland then you should definitely read this book. The lead girl, September, is a wonderful protagonist and the narrator, as s/he openly admits, is only there to please. Full of whimsy and quirky characters, but with just enough serious to make you think, this is one of the best books I've read all year.
So why are you still sitting there? Go get it and read it! Happy reading!
Friday, September 16, 2011
September Book #3
Book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Age-range: 13 and up
First of all I would like to point out that NO ONE told me this book was historical fiction set just after World War II. Had I known that fact I wouldn't have put off reading it for so long because I thought the title was stupid (I still do) and I hate books written in letters (this one is an exception).
I really loved this book. It was so very creatively done and so very beautifully written. There have been several times when I've gone through WWII phases and read every book I could on the subject. This is a lovely addition to that and has something that most others don't have: a British protagonist. I would absolutely recommend it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
First of all I would like to point out that NO ONE told me this book was historical fiction set just after World War II. Had I known that fact I wouldn't have put off reading it for so long because I thought the title was stupid (I still do) and I hate books written in letters (this one is an exception).
I really loved this book. It was so very creatively done and so very beautifully written. There have been several times when I've gone through WWII phases and read every book I could on the subject. This is a lovely addition to that and has something that most others don't have: a British protagonist. I would absolutely recommend it.
Happy reading!
September Book #2
Book: The Girl Who Married a Lion and Other Tales From Africa by Alexander McCall Smith
Age-range: 0 and up
As with any book of short stories there are hits and misses. Some of these were really interesting and others seemed like huge chunks were missing. It's by no means a must-read, but if you're interested in Africa, folklore, or both then this is a book you might want to check out!
Age-range: 0 and up
As with any book of short stories there are hits and misses. Some of these were really interesting and others seemed like huge chunks were missing. It's by no means a must-read, but if you're interested in Africa, folklore, or both then this is a book you might want to check out!
A Little FYI
Okay, so I have come across some reviews I wrote from the past. That's right, before I had this blog I still wrote myself reviews so I would remember why I liked a book (or didn't). I've decided to add those to the blog, but to put them under their original dates, just for my own sake. That way all my "reviews" are in one place! This is a little FYI in case you were wondering what the heck is going on.
Friday, September 2, 2011
September Book #1
Book: A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
Age-range: 13 and up
This book is bloody and gory and grim (get it?). Okay, so it's not THAT gory, but it definitely keeps all the bits and pieces about severed limbs, etc. in the story that were in the original tales. What I really loved about this book is the fact that Mr. Gidwitz took several obscure tales and wove them all into the story of Hansel and Gretel. Genius!
There are author asides throughout the book just like in The Princess Bride. They definitely add to the charm of the book. It's nice to know that he doesn't take his interpretation of the tales (or himself) too seriously. If you have young ones who are interested in fairy tales this is a great one for boys or girls. I would suggest, however, that you read it first and see if it's too much. If you're an adult then there's nothing that should stop you!
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
This book is bloody and gory and grim (get it?). Okay, so it's not THAT gory, but it definitely keeps all the bits and pieces about severed limbs, etc. in the story that were in the original tales. What I really loved about this book is the fact that Mr. Gidwitz took several obscure tales and wove them all into the story of Hansel and Gretel. Genius!
There are author asides throughout the book just like in The Princess Bride. They definitely add to the charm of the book. It's nice to know that he doesn't take his interpretation of the tales (or himself) too seriously. If you have young ones who are interested in fairy tales this is a great one for boys or girls. I would suggest, however, that you read it first and see if it's too much. If you're an adult then there's nothing that should stop you!
Happy reading!
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