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| Sorry to give you so much at once, but I feel bad about not writing much lately. I've been a good girl and read my textbooks. Actually, a couple of them have been pretty good (for textbooks), so I might review them here, if I ever make it out of this semester alive! In the meanwhile, here's the annotated bib I did for a young adult literature class last summer. Enjoy! Jennings, Patrick (2005). Out Standing in My Field. New York: Scholastic Press. Although fifth grader Ty Cutter is named after baseball great Ty Cobb, he is the worst player on the Brewer’s team – which happens to be coached by his overly competitive father. This book is appropriate for 10-15 year olds, and excellent for baseball enthusiasts. Overall, it is an easy read. The book takes place entirely during a baseball game, so it does drag a bit in parts. There was not as much action as I had expected in a book geared towards boys. Genre: realistic fiction. Hautman, Peter (2005). Invisible. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Doug and Andy are unlikely best friends – one a loner obsessed by his model trains; the other a popular student involved in football and theatre – who grow up together and share a bond that nothing can sever. This book is appropriate for 14 – 18 year olds. It was a hypnotic read; I could not put it down, even after I figured out everything was not okay with the main character. It is a chilling and masterful look inside the mind horribly affected by tragedy, excellently written, with a chilling not-quite-surprise ending. It may not be appropriate for all readers, especially younger ones. Genre: realistic fiction. Gerstein, Mordicai (2005). The Old Country. New Millford, CT: Roaring Book Press. A grandmother tells her story of being tricked into exchanging her young body with that of a fox and trying to get it back while a war tore apart her home and her country. This book is appropriate for ages 14-18. This fairy tale, in the style of the Grim Brothers, is told with modern political commentary on war woven into its undertones. The epic-like story is a surprisingly quick read, and the ending has a twist that I never saw coming. Students already familiar with Grim fairy tales will find this an excellent modern fairy tale. Genre: fairytale/fantasy. Goldschmidt, Judy (2005). The Secret Blog of Raisin Rodriguez. New York: Penguin Group. In a weblog she sends to her best friends back in Berkley, seventh-grader Raisin Rodriguez chronicles her success and her more frequent humiliating failures as she attempts to make friends at her new Philadelphia school. This book is appropriate for ages 12-16, and geared towards girls. The story is told entirely through Raisin’s blog. The writing is surprisingly accomplished for a seventh-grader, and comments well on relationships, cliques, and fitting in. This book has more to it than just a light-hearted teen romance. Genre: realistic fiction. Clinton, Catheryn (2005). Simeon’s Fire. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. Nothing is more important to Simeon Zook and his family than their farm. While checking on a new horse late one night, Simeon comes face-to-face with a barn fire. After taking his younger brother to safety, and helping save the animals trapped inside, Simeon can’t help wondering if it was partly his fault the fire started, and who the men he saw in the barn before the blaze began were, and if those men will hurt his family if he tells. This book is appropriate for ages 8-14. This simple read may seem a bit juvenile in writing and story style even for teens, but it is an excellent look inside the Amish culture. It also speaks on courage and knowing what the right thing to do is, and when to do it. This book seems marketed towards young adults in a religious school setting, and the book is a quick, easy read. Genre: realistic fiction. Jennings, Richard W. (2004). Scribble. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. With only his dog Scribble for companionship, a twelve-year-old boy mourns the death of his best friend and tries to understand the meaning of strange, otherworldly visitations from the likes of Sam Walton and Nat “King” Cole. This book is appropriate for ages 12-18. The tone of this book is very mature; some readers might dismiss this book as boring based on its tone. It also keeps you guessing as to weather the “visitations” Lawson (the main character) has are real or imagined. Ultimately, the book deals with sorrow in a fashion honest to the characters. Genre: realistic fiction/fantasy. Castellucci, Cecil (2005). Boy Proof. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. Feeling alienated from everyone around her, Los Angeles high school senior and cinephile Victoria Jurgen hides behind the identity of a favorite movie character until an interesting new boy arrives at school and helps her realize that there is more to life than just the movies. This book is appropriate for 13-18 year olds. It is well written, fast paced, and has good dialogue. The jumps in time and place are noted as if in a movie script. I identified with the smart, independent geeky girl. The coming of age was believable – not preachy or condescending. Genre: realistic fiction. Malcom, Johanna M. (2005). Perfect Strangers. New York: Simon Pulse. High school president candidates Madison and Jeremy are bitter enemies. Both are placed in a secret pen pal program, and are unknowingly partners. As the election heats up, so do the correspondence. Election day reveals all – winners, losers, and the school’s hottest new couple. The writing in the book is sufficient for the genre – not outstanding, but readable, and it moves the reader along. I would call this romance lite. It is slightly unbelievable, but makes a good point about prejudices and forgiveness. Genre: teen romance. Meyer, Carolyn (2007). Duchessina: A novel of Catherine de’Medici. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Books. While her tyrannical family is out of fashion in Italy, young Catherine de’Medici is raised in convents. Then, in 1533, when she is fourteen, her uncle, Pope Clement VII, arranges for her marriage to prince Henri of France, who is destined to become king. This book is appropriate for 14-18 year olds. This is an inside look at how and why Catherine de’Medici was the princess and queen she was. The book is emotionally engaging, but very episodic; the last half of her life is in the last chapter. Some subject matter related to conception and childbearing may be unsuitable for younger audiences. I found myself drawn in, despite the fact that I knew I didn’t like the person Catherine was becoming. Not a happy story, it is mostly aimed at girls. It is a good way to immerse yourself in Italian political culture of the mid 1500’s. Genre: historical fiction. Freisner, Esther (2006). Temping Fate. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. Ilana Newhouse gets a job through Divine Relief Agency for the summer. When she reports on her first day, she finds herself temping for the extraordinary Greek mythological goddesses the Fates, who spin, measure, and cut the life threads of every human on the planet. When she discovers a plot to overthrow one of the Greek gods hatched by a fellow temporary worker, it is up to her to save the summer and the world. This book is appropriate for ages 12-18. It is a good mix of fantasy and realistic fiction. The book is well paced; an average chapter fiction book with amusing chapter titles. A good, light read with a surprise ending, it made me want to go back and review my knowledge of Greek mythology. The last chapter was worth reading the rest of the book. The book is geared toward girls. Genre: fantasy/realistic fiction. Larson, Hope (2005). Salamander Dream. Richmond, VA: Ad House Books. On summer afternoons, eight-year-old Hailey meets Salamander in the woods. They have been friends forever, and if she asks, sometimes he’ll tell her a story. This book is appropriate for ages 10-16. It is a deceptively quick read, and good for girls interested in graphic novels, but not into comic books. It speaks to the importance of friendship and imagination. I like the quick read and simple pictures. I enjoyed reading a different kind of graphic novel. It took me a few times reading it to understand the moral – not to let go of your child-like imagination. Genre: graphic novel. Powers, Steve (2005). First and Fifteenth. New York: Villard Books. Pop-art shorts stories told in the style of pop art and advertising signs from the 1930’s to 1950’s, each short story in this graphic novel is loosely connected by the character Superfeen. Stories include “Friday and the Theftway”, and “Superfeen Wastes the Day and Saves the Night.” This is most appropriate for ages 16-18. Bright pictures and lots to look at on each page along with the color and design of the “signs” set the tone of the story, all with minimal words. This alternative-style graphic novel is a quick read. The stories are all amusing, if disjointed. This book offers an easy way to get into graphic novels as each page is one pane, and all stories have good morals. The artwork is excellent, and almost overwhelms the story at times. Genre: graphic novel. Selznick, Brian (2007). The Invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic Press. When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toy seller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized. This book is unique in that while the conversations and much of the story appears in print, large parts of the action are depicted in full-page black and white pencil drawings. There is a wonderful surprise ending. This book is wonderful for readers who are intimidated by thick books, those who like graphic novels, or those who are curious about graphic novels. I like this book – it was a fast, riveting read, and a chance to learn about early French filmmaker and artist George Mèliès. Genre: historical fiction. | | |
| Since I am so lazy (!), Here is another book review by Rae. But, not to worry. I am taking a class this summer in which I have to review 15 YA books, so maybe I'll finally get my butt in gear and actually write something myself. In the meantime . . . The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey This book had an exciting and graphically appealing cover, so I picked it up for the library. The library director said she had read reviews of it that weren't glowing, but she couldn't remember what was wrong with this book, so I decided to preview it for the safety of sensitive parents who think we actively sensor the YA department. Here's the plot summary: Fatherless Alfred Kropp is orphaned as a young teenager when his mother dies from cancer. He goes to live with his only other relative, Uncle Farrell, a night watchman for a large investment building. Enter Arthur Myers, the "bad guy" who hires dimwitted Uncle Farrell and slow, bulky Alfred to steal a sword from Uncle Farrell's employer. The sword is actually Excalibur, and Arthur, alias Mm. Mogart is an ex-descendent of one of the knights of the round table. The sword has unlimited power, and is protected by the descendents of the round table knights. It can only be destroyed by the "true master" who will become master "when he claims it." Spoiler alert: Alfred Kropp turns out to be the unknown son of the last descendent of Lancelot, becomes the master, and destroys the evil guys. In the race to the sword and power, a lot of people die with graphic descriptions, Alfred grows up and realizes who he is, and a love interest is created but not satisfyingly pursued. The reviews were right. This book really isn't worth the read; it's just not well written. If it had been a paperback romance, I could have forgiven the predictable plot. If this was a chapter book I could have forgiven the stale attempt at humor in the beginning of the book and the lack of variety in sentence style. If this had been a "christian" novel, I could have forgiven the lack of language and romantic scenes (and the plot of this type of adventure novel calls for some.) I can't even begin to forgive the unjustified personality changes Alfred goes through in order to move the plot along. In fact, the only thing that stands out in this beige-feeling adventure story is the descriptions of violence. They're just as bloody as any video game rated "M," and the author's descriptions of the hero's reactions are about as exciting as watching a 13-year old play tetris. And if I thought the climax was going to wake me up, the big revelation was spoiled for me early in the book. Me, the reader who can't put together the answer to even the most obvious who-dun-it. Yes, alright already, Alfred is the true son of Lancelot, and the master of the sword. There's even a scene in homage to pulling the sword from stone that beats you over the head with this idea. Would I reccomend this to anybody? Well, actually, yes. But that portion of the population is so small, it's a wonder this book actually got published. In fact, the author's note at the back credits his wife, who through persistance got this book submitted to enough publishers to get one to stop him whining. So, if you're a 11-14 year old boy who likes King Arthur stories and can stand video game violence described in written word, this book is for you. For the rest of us, we'd be better off with the 1998 TV movie Merlin, starring Sam Neil. | | |
| If you're they type that read fairy tales long past grade school, or enjoys a good King Arthur type legend, read David Eddings. Yes, all of his books have the same characters, and all of them (except one) have basically the same plot, but they're classic characters and a classic plot. Besides, Eddings injects just enough relational humor to make it amusing. Unlike the rest of his series though, The Redemption of Althalus is all in one impressive tome, instead of spread out among 3-10 books, like his other series. This book reads like a commedia/adventure. The main character (Althalus) is the thief, he meets the princess, the warrior, the priest, the witch, and the mother, and the child. He is sent on an epic quest by "God," and each main character (there are 7) has to defeat his evil mirror character. There are adequately described battles, satisfying the male readers. Everybody matches up with their love by the end and gets married (like all classic comedies should), evil is forever defeated, and the denouement contains just enough sappiness to satisfy the female readers. So what makes David Eddings' books interesting to me? Besides the small humor injected here and there, the author uses his somewhat transparent plots and characters to ask rather complicated questions of his readers. In Althalus the questions are ones of the time/space relationship, and of the involvement of deity in everyday affairs of humans. I might add, Eddings' wife co-writes with her husband on parts of some of the series. When they two work together, the quality of the books is much better. The characters are more rounded, and although most of his books have a male main character, the females become more believable with his wife to coach him. To conclude, is Althalus worth the read? Well, yes, but... If you aren't too keen on reading the same plot over and over, pick one of Eddings' series listed below. If you don't want to read multiple volumes, read this one book. You may just be amused enough to actually think about the universal questions Eddings poses to his readers. The Belgariad/The Mallorean - Eddings' longest series, and most popular. There are 10 volumes of the central story, and then 3 supporting volumes rounding out this epic of epics. The Elenium/The Tamuli - Similar in many respects as the last series mentioned, except that this one is only 6 total volumes long, and has no extra books. The Dreamers - This is the series he is currently writing with his wife. I haven't read any of it. He has a few stand alone books, but aside from the one reviewed above, the only "original" work he wrote is Regina's Song. This isn't a fantasy at all, and is set in modern times. I'd have to re-read it and review it seperately to do it justice. Suffice it to say if you want a David Eddings book that is NOT fantasy, this is the one to read. | | |
| The following reviews of two children's books come again from Rachel Malay, who is, after all, a children's librarian. F E G: Ridiculous Poems for Intelligent Children by Robin Hirsch, art by Ha. This book was born when an enterprising mother started playing word games with her young sons to pass times at restaurants, bus stops, and other wasted spaces in the day. The book is a collection of poems devoted to words, word play, puns and all things word-related. The children, mother, and a editor-friend at a large publishing house wrote it, although it's the mother's name on the cover. The poems themselves are not long, but seem larger because they are set in an 18 pt. typeface. However, the extensive footnotes are what make this book educational, not just erudite. Each poem teaches something new about language. I would recommend this book to anyone (adults included) who likes reading and enjoys the way words are put together. Since the poems are so short, I will include the title verse, as well as a portion of one of my favorites. F*E*G Abie's seedy effigy Eight chide Jake: a lemon O peek: You are as tea You feed double You axe why See? ...Horeshead! (Say the above poem out loud to get the meaning.) Professional Aspirations Phar*ma*cist If I become a pharmacist No one would come to harm Because I know what fun it is To help out on the pharm. (The poem continues for two more stanzas about other professions.) C D C? by William Steig. Steig is a longtime children's writer/illustrator, though I would put him on the B-list of children's author/illustrators. Not wildly famous as say, the Berenstains, but if you see one of his books buy it. He is a good bet. This book is "sparse" in text and illustrations, but that is the point of the book. Back in grade school I remember seeing these type word puzzles. A letter stands for a word. The interpretations are loosely based on what the actual word sounds like, and often to solve the puzzle you have to say the sequence out loud several times and imagine an accent to understand the meaning. (If you are wondering what the title means, translated it is "See the sea?" The cover illustration is of a man showing his young son the oceanside with a steamship in the distance.) Each page has a sentence and an illustration to help the reader. They can be as simple as: I P-T M. ("I pity him," accompanied by a picture of a man with a broken foot sitting in a chair while two women whisper behind him.) They get rather complicated too, but usually with hilarious results worthy of the translation effort: M-N-U-L S N-C-Q-R (Emanuel is insecure. A man sits curled in a flowered chair), U R O-D-S! N U R S-N-9! (You are odious! And you are asinine! Two old married people yelling at each other over the kitchen table.), N-E-1 4 10-S? N A Y-L. (Anyone for tennis? In a while. Two boys in the backyard; one has a racket and one is in a lawn chair.) This book is a good break; almost as good as reading the daily comics, except that your brain gets somewhat more of a workout. Translations are included at the back, a life saver for a few of the more obtuse phrases. I would recommend finding this book, but with a 1984 copyright date you may have to search at the library or amazon.com. | | |
| Email me if you'd like to contribute a review! The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers by Lilian Jackson Braun. Published January 2007 This is the 29th (no, I didn't mistype) in the Cat Who... series. I first started reading this series in middle school, lost interest, and picked it back up last winter. In a long distance marathon, I read all 28 in order. I didn't exactly "fall in love" with the series, but I do have a warm affection for the characters. Braun writes mysteries that aren't bloody or graphic, don't happen in a large city, and aren't filled with lots of action, chases, and near death experiences. Her stories are really an epic journal of the life of her main character, with murder mysteries thrown in as an excuse to write another installment and move the life of her main character along. I happen to enjoy her style of writing the slow paced story running through all the books. Since this is so far into the series, I'll provide a short backstory. Jim Qwilleran is an older-middle aged retired crime reporter who has inherited more money than he knows what to do with from a distant relative in (though it's never explicitley said) Michigan. He lives in Michigan with two siamese cats (Koko and Yum Yum) in a renovated apple barn, and winters in a condo in the country. His love interest is Polly Duncan, recently retired library director-turned bookstore manager. His cats help him solve clues, and the running question is, are the cats really helping him solve crimes paranormally, or are their supposed clues just coincidents? The mystery and even running backstory in this particular book is irrelevant. By this time in the series the author has added so many secondary characters that half the book is taken up explaining this townsperson or that, and referring you to previous books. The murder, expectedly removed from the action, is so far removed the reader may forget it happened at all. In what can only be guessed as an effort to spice up the dull life story of Jim Qwilleran, Jim's love interest suddenly decides to take up a library research position in England and moves away. Yet another new female character conviently moves to town to take her place. Jim is momentarily saddened at the loss of his love, but seems to move on to another person without much emotion. Usually the titles are cleverly worked into the story, even if the reader isn't made fully aware of this until the end of the book. This title, however, is mentioned once in passing at the beginning of the book, and once at the end, with no resolution to the question: does Koko the cat's overabundance of whiskers give him his paranormal crime solving abilities? The end of the story comes with no conclusions, even to the murder. The crime is barely investigated by the authorities, and the apparent murderer gets away, even stealing valuable antiques in the process. Jim Qwilleran, rather than dashing off himself or sending someone else to find the murderer and antiques, merely sits at home without even a trace of remorse at not solving the case like a good mystery book character should. To top it all off, Braun destroys Jim Qwilleran's celebrated apple barn-turned residence in an unexplained and uninvestigated arson. It seems when Braun gets tired of characters, she either conviently forgets to write them into the story, sends them off to England for a long time, or burns down long standing litereary landmarks. This story is left with so many unanswered questions the title should have been "The Reader Who Had 60 Questions." If you're a lover of this series, you'll want to read this installment for the changes in the drama of Jim Qwilleran's life. If you want a comfy mystery to read on a rainy Saturday, start with one of Braun's earlier books, and leave this one to the cats...I mean dogs.
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