The Governor and Jim Tile are at it again! This time Hiaasen takes on pop music and real estate developers. If you haven't read any of the books in this series I strongly recommend starting at the beginning. It will be difficult to fully understand many of the character and plot twists if you do not have the history of these two characters.
Hiaasen generally writes amusing and slightly outrageous tales set in Florida. That's true of this book as well. The governor's antics are somewhat predictable, but still amusing. This is a good book for relief from high-stress weeks. It will offer diversion and a few chuckles. I've added "ecology" as a tag because of the Governor's choice of "residence" and his mission.
This is definitely an adult book. I don't think I would probably mention it in schools. (Does that make it a guilty pleasure for me?)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Crater, by Homer Hickam (2012)
My son is considering astro-physics as a career path. When I came across this title I knew immediately that I needed to read it. Hickam is most known for his book Rocket Boys that was used as the base for the film October Skies. Rockets, spaceships, and outerspace are not my first choice of settings in fiction. However, Hickam has captured my imagination. His possible world, mining for inexpensive energy on the Earth's moon, is believable and in the opinion of many scientists, likely. His background as the son of a miner and as a NASA engineer makes the underlying science trustworthy. I'll admit--the science is way beyond my knowledge level, but I'll trust Hickam to know what he's talking about.
This appears to be a promising series that will appeal to both boys and girls. There is a love interest, strong family/community themes, and the adventures that the main character, Crater Trueblood survives. I am actually looking forward to the next book. As someone with more interest in biology and ecology Hickam conveyed the geology and energy science topics in an interesting and understandable fashion. He even discussed the main object of the mining on the moon, helium-3, in a way that got me interested in this isotope.
I recommend this book strongly to teachers as a good choice for a book club selection or even a whole-class reading. If English language arts and science teachers are collaborating this is a great choice for physics and energy related units.
This appears to be a promising series that will appeal to both boys and girls. There is a love interest, strong family/community themes, and the adventures that the main character, Crater Trueblood survives. I am actually looking forward to the next book. As someone with more interest in biology and ecology Hickam conveyed the geology and energy science topics in an interesting and understandable fashion. He even discussed the main object of the mining on the moon, helium-3, in a way that got me interested in this isotope.
I recommend this book strongly to teachers as a good choice for a book club selection or even a whole-class reading. If English language arts and science teachers are collaborating this is a great choice for physics and energy related units.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Amped, by Daniel H. Wilson (2012)
I've just become a Daniel Wilson fan! This is a great read and addresses several important technology/bioethics issues. Wilson has Ph.D. in robotics from Carnegie Mellon. I assume that the science is pretty sound. The story, of humans with neuro-implants that amplify their abilities (the Amps) has many interesting routes that readers can follow. There is of course, the bioethics that are the focus of the story. This is done well and will help us see a bit into the future. I don't think we can quite "amp" humans the way Wilson portrays, but I expect it will be possible in the future.
A second theme relates to genocide/discrimination. I can easily see this as a companion piece to any holocaust unit or study of other genocides. (Those of you who know me are aware that I'm weary of the Anne Frank units that I read each semester. I think it's time to expand our explorations of genocides and discrimination.
The secondary character, Lyle, is also a good study in the effects of power on a human. Between Lyle and Senator Joseph Vaughn the exploration of what power does to our politicians and CEOs could lead to some fascinating discussions. This theme in the book can also easily fit into studies of extremist groups and terrorism. The government reactions to amps is well done and makes for a nice platform for exploring our current concerns about the Patriot Act and digital surveillance.
Of course the science elements of this book could fit nicely in any study of scientific trends and issues.
Also, there may soon be a film connection to his other book Robopocalypse. Robopocalypse was purchased by DreamWorks and is currently being adapted for film by Steven Spielberg.
A second theme relates to genocide/discrimination. I can easily see this as a companion piece to any holocaust unit or study of other genocides. (Those of you who know me are aware that I'm weary of the Anne Frank units that I read each semester. I think it's time to expand our explorations of genocides and discrimination.
The secondary character, Lyle, is also a good study in the effects of power on a human. Between Lyle and Senator Joseph Vaughn the exploration of what power does to our politicians and CEOs could lead to some fascinating discussions. This theme in the book can also easily fit into studies of extremist groups and terrorism. The government reactions to amps is well done and makes for a nice platform for exploring our current concerns about the Patriot Act and digital surveillance.
Of course the science elements of this book could fit nicely in any study of scientific trends and issues.
Also, there may soon be a film connection to his other book Robopocalypse. Robopocalypse was purchased by DreamWorks and is currently being adapted for film by Steven Spielberg.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Every Day, by David Levithan
The quotation on the front of this book from Entertainment Weekly is true..."Wise, wildly unique."
"A," the narrator and protagonist of this book is a traveler. His consciousness lives for a day in the body/mind of another human being. Each day a different one. Male, female, GLBT, fat, think, depressed, silly, artistic, athletic, mean, generous.... A has learned to adapt to this nomadic life. He moves through each savoring what is good and trying to do no harm. Sort of accelerated reincarnation.
Until...he meets a girl.
Then, he is drawn to a place, drawn to a person, no longer completely nomadic.
Levithan tells a wonderful story that will encourage all readers to consider point of view and moral choices. Those of you unfamiliar with Levithan's work should be alert that he is one of the writers most loved by GLBT youth for offering them realistic (or semi-fantasy) literature to help them cope with their lives. He has written spectacular books and brings joy to readers--including straight readers. Levithan's writing is a marvel. There are many fragments, sentences, phrases, paragraphs that I will treasure of many years. (I fact--I probably need to reread it immediately and begin recording them. I'm torn--there are several teachers whom I would like to loan the book to right away.
I won't say too much--this book needs to be discovered on its own by each reader. Just be prepared to lose yourself. Don't begin it when you have big responsibilities looming! You'll miss deadlines.
"A," the narrator and protagonist of this book is a traveler. His consciousness lives for a day in the body/mind of another human being. Each day a different one. Male, female, GLBT, fat, think, depressed, silly, artistic, athletic, mean, generous.... A has learned to adapt to this nomadic life. He moves through each savoring what is good and trying to do no harm. Sort of accelerated reincarnation.
Until...he meets a girl.
Then, he is drawn to a place, drawn to a person, no longer completely nomadic.
Levithan tells a wonderful story that will encourage all readers to consider point of view and moral choices. Those of you unfamiliar with Levithan's work should be alert that he is one of the writers most loved by GLBT youth for offering them realistic (or semi-fantasy) literature to help them cope with their lives. He has written spectacular books and brings joy to readers--including straight readers. Levithan's writing is a marvel. There are many fragments, sentences, phrases, paragraphs that I will treasure of many years. (I fact--I probably need to reread it immediately and begin recording them. I'm torn--there are several teachers whom I would like to loan the book to right away.
I won't say too much--this book needs to be discovered on its own by each reader. Just be prepared to lose yourself. Don't begin it when you have big responsibilities looming! You'll miss deadlines.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Last to Die, by Tess Gerritson
This latest book in Gerritson's Rizzoli and Isles fits smoothly in the series. It does not have much of the romantic sub-plot that has been an element in many of the books, also it does exist. This is pretty much straight detective work. Jane and Maura spend most of the book working in parallel paths rather than together.
Much of the setting is in up state New York. Gerritson is more frequently bringing other settings into her plots than just the Boston area. It makes for a nice change in "feel" (not really affective the mood or tone of the story--just a nice change in backdrop and minor plot complications).
The plot centers around three children who seem to be extremely unlucky. Their families keep getting killed. Maura and Jane together discover this strange pattern and of course begin to follow it. A dangerous path indeed. The Mephisto society (from previous books) also becomes involved.
Also interesting to me is that part of the plot involves a boarding school. Gerritson does a good job writing about kids and schools. It is evident that she has had a personal interest in the ins and outs of school and adolescent life.
As I read the comments left on the book seller websites I am reminded that this is one series that is hard to read out of order. If you haven't been reading the series this might not be the best book to begin with. However, if you are a detective fiction book this is a good series to begin. Gerritson is (?was?) a medical doctor who turned to writing after beginning a family. The forensic details are excellent.
Note, those of you who follow the television series will find a slightly different set of characters and plot points. The two series are in alternate universes. Similar to the "Bones" series, in that the original characters but not necessarily specific murders or villains drive the television series. I sort of like it--I can get two different "fixes" in both.
Much of the setting is in up state New York. Gerritson is more frequently bringing other settings into her plots than just the Boston area. It makes for a nice change in "feel" (not really affective the mood or tone of the story--just a nice change in backdrop and minor plot complications).
The plot centers around three children who seem to be extremely unlucky. Their families keep getting killed. Maura and Jane together discover this strange pattern and of course begin to follow it. A dangerous path indeed. The Mephisto society (from previous books) also becomes involved.
Also interesting to me is that part of the plot involves a boarding school. Gerritson does a good job writing about kids and schools. It is evident that she has had a personal interest in the ins and outs of school and adolescent life.
As I read the comments left on the book seller websites I am reminded that this is one series that is hard to read out of order. If you haven't been reading the series this might not be the best book to begin with. However, if you are a detective fiction book this is a good series to begin. Gerritson is (?was?) a medical doctor who turned to writing after beginning a family. The forensic details are excellent.
Note, those of you who follow the television series will find a slightly different set of characters and plot points. The two series are in alternate universes. Similar to the "Bones" series, in that the original characters but not necessarily specific murders or villains drive the television series. I sort of like it--I can get two different "fixes" in both.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Reluctant Assassin, by Eoin Colfer
I am generally an Eoin Colfer fan. However, this book did not really grab me. Typically I really like books set in the Victorian Era. But this one didn't really seem to settle down.
The basic plot line has to do with time travel, the FBI, and folks trying to kill each other. Basically the Victorian aspects were quite authentic enough for me and the time travel/ FBI plotting wasn't compelling enough. I think sometimes Colfer gets too involved with the sci-fi gizmos and loses a strong plot line. Perhaps in the second book the characters will be more fully developed as was the case with the Artemis Fowl cast.
The reviews from the professional reviewers were much more positive than mine. I will admit that I was listening to an audio book rather than reading words on the page. I could be that I was just too distracted by intruding thoughts to become an involved reader. The reviews on Barnes & Noble suggest that this book is perhaps not getting much readership. There are only 11 reviews with a 4.5 (out of 5) average.
Good Reads had similar results to my own with a larger sample size:
91% of people liked it
The basic plot line has to do with time travel, the FBI, and folks trying to kill each other. Basically the Victorian aspects were quite authentic enough for me and the time travel/ FBI plotting wasn't compelling enough. I think sometimes Colfer gets too involved with the sci-fi gizmos and loses a strong plot line. Perhaps in the second book the characters will be more fully developed as was the case with the Artemis Fowl cast.
The reviews from the professional reviewers were much more positive than mine. I will admit that I was listening to an audio book rather than reading words on the page. I could be that I was just too distracted by intruding thoughts to become an involved reader. The reviews on Barnes & Noble suggest that this book is perhaps not getting much readership. There are only 11 reviews with a 4.5 (out of 5) average.
Good Reads had similar results to my own with a larger sample size:
| rating | frequency | % | # |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 19% | 21 | |
| 4 | 38% | 41 | |
| 3 | 32% | 35 | |
| 2 | 6% | 7 | |
| 1 | 2% | 3 |
| All editions: | 3.69 average rating, 1017 ratings, 189 reviews, added by 5286 people, 870 to-reads |
| This edition: | 3.70 average rating, 847 ratings, 141 reviews, added by 4241 people |
Divergent, by Veronica Roth
I had hesitated to begin this series. It felt too much like it was going to be "just another" dystopian novel. I'm a little weary of the genre (with a few exceptions). I may be one of the few who didn't really like The Giver.
This book was a wonderful surprise! The plot line was not the expected for a dystopian work. Or at least that wasn't the plot line that grabbed my attention. The main character, Beatrice, is really an adolescent trying to find her way and her future in a complex world. She has complicated relationships with almost everyone in her life. This nuanced interplay of trust/mistrust, friendship/betrayal, and belonging/ostracism plays out very well in the story.
To pull you in a bit--Beatrice lives in a post-something (apocalypse?) Chicago. In this world you can be part of one of five factions or be factionless (not at all a good thing). The factions were formed based on personality characteristics: Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, or Amity. On your 16th birthday you have to choose a faction. You can stay with your family's faction, or join another. Beatrice was raised in an abnegation family. They dress plainly (mostly grey) and try to minimize the concern for self and instead think of the greater good. At 16 Beatrice surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless. In doing so she has to learn to be physically strong and fearless in all ways.
Much of the book chronicles "Tris's" training in Dauntless. She develops some very uncomfortable suspicions during her training.
The ending of the book is thrilling and is likely to push you out the door to buy the next book in the series. I expect that this is best for high school readers, but some junior high readers could tackle it. The publisher suggests ages 14-17.
This book was a wonderful surprise! The plot line was not the expected for a dystopian work. Or at least that wasn't the plot line that grabbed my attention. The main character, Beatrice, is really an adolescent trying to find her way and her future in a complex world. She has complicated relationships with almost everyone in her life. This nuanced interplay of trust/mistrust, friendship/betrayal, and belonging/ostracism plays out very well in the story.
To pull you in a bit--Beatrice lives in a post-something (apocalypse?) Chicago. In this world you can be part of one of five factions or be factionless (not at all a good thing). The factions were formed based on personality characteristics: Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, or Amity. On your 16th birthday you have to choose a faction. You can stay with your family's faction, or join another. Beatrice was raised in an abnegation family. They dress plainly (mostly grey) and try to minimize the concern for self and instead think of the greater good. At 16 Beatrice surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless. In doing so she has to learn to be physically strong and fearless in all ways.
Much of the book chronicles "Tris's" training in Dauntless. She develops some very uncomfortable suspicions during her training.
The ending of the book is thrilling and is likely to push you out the door to buy the next book in the series. I expect that this is best for high school readers, but some junior high readers could tackle it. The publisher suggests ages 14-17.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Plugged, by Eoin Colfer
I've done a mini Colfer institute with myself this last few days. I've read both a YA and adult book by Colfer. This is the book for the adult market.
I'm liking the character and voice in this one a lot. The main character and narrative voice is Daniel McEvoy who is a former serviceman with the NATO peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. He is also originally from Ireland but now lives in New Jersey. He ends up sort of falling into detective work because his girlfriend at the seedy nightclub/casino where he is working as a bouncer is killed. Of course, being New Jersey--the mob is involved!
Daniel is haunted by voices--those of people who are dead, but also some who may or may not be alive. He is also plagued by masculine insecurities. I'm really drawn to this character/voice. In some ways it reminds me of Janet Evonovich's early works. There is also the gritty sort of atmosphere/settings that make detective work a bit more realistic than some of the more affluent detectives/clients.
I'll be reading more of this series!
I'm liking the character and voice in this one a lot. The main character and narrative voice is Daniel McEvoy who is a former serviceman with the NATO peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. He is also originally from Ireland but now lives in New Jersey. He ends up sort of falling into detective work because his girlfriend at the seedy nightclub/casino where he is working as a bouncer is killed. Of course, being New Jersey--the mob is involved!
Daniel is haunted by voices--those of people who are dead, but also some who may or may not be alive. He is also plagued by masculine insecurities. I'm really drawn to this character/voice. In some ways it reminds me of Janet Evonovich's early works. There is also the gritty sort of atmosphere/settings that make detective work a bit more realistic than some of the more affluent detectives/clients.
I'll be reading more of this series!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Hexed: The Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin Hearne
The Iron Druid Chronicles has been one of my reading "accidents." I listened to "Hammered" first because of a special promotion through Audible. I enjoyed that book and decided to try a print version of another title from the series. I expect I will be reading all eight in the series.
The main character, Atticus O'Sullivan, is as suggested a Druid. In fact, he is the last Druid. He does have an apprentice in the works and we're all pulling for Granuaile to succeed in her apprenticeship program. However, given the trouble that Atticus seems to attract, that is not guaranteed!
Atticus has a great group of friends--vampires, werewolves, and a wonderful Irish Wolfhound with whom he can "talk" telecommunicatively.
Hearne is from Arizona and the geographic connections are fascinating. He, like Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Michael Scott; brings a wide range of gods and mythological figures into his books. I'm enjoying learning a lot about Irish gods and mythology as well as other traditions. I think I'm going to have to dust off a book about druids that I got long ago and didn't finish. Now I have a reason to want to dig in more deeply. Hearne also connects to the Gaelic, Polish and German languages.
I like the entire series a lot and would recommend them to "mature" young adults. There is occasional reference to sex, but nothing particularly graphic. I think this series would be a good one for readers who like series like The Seven Realms, Chima or Codex Alera, Butcher.
In addition to enjoying the series I also believe in supporting Hearne. Before he was able to turn to writing full-time he was a high school English teacher.
The main character, Atticus O'Sullivan, is as suggested a Druid. In fact, he is the last Druid. He does have an apprentice in the works and we're all pulling for Granuaile to succeed in her apprenticeship program. However, given the trouble that Atticus seems to attract, that is not guaranteed!
Atticus has a great group of friends--vampires, werewolves, and a wonderful Irish Wolfhound with whom he can "talk" telecommunicatively.
Hearne is from Arizona and the geographic connections are fascinating. He, like Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Michael Scott; brings a wide range of gods and mythological figures into his books. I'm enjoying learning a lot about Irish gods and mythology as well as other traditions. I think I'm going to have to dust off a book about druids that I got long ago and didn't finish. Now I have a reason to want to dig in more deeply. Hearne also connects to the Gaelic, Polish and German languages.
I like the entire series a lot and would recommend them to "mature" young adults. There is occasional reference to sex, but nothing particularly graphic. I think this series would be a good one for readers who like series like The Seven Realms, Chima or Codex Alera, Butcher.
In addition to enjoying the series I also believe in supporting Hearne. Before he was able to turn to writing full-time he was a high school English teacher.
Suspect, by Robert Crais
I've been a long-time follower of Crais. His police and private detective novels are always compelling reads. Suspect, kept me going! I "read" this on my iPod. I got lots of housekeeping and garden work done so that I could finish the book!
There are two main characters in the book; Scott James, a LA Policeman and Maggie, a German Shepherd who has retired from military work. They work together to attempt to solve the murder of James' partner.
Crais tells the story with three narrative voices. Each is strong and pulls the reader into their perspective on the events (I'm avoiding spoilers here--I don't want anyone's enjoyment of this gripping story diminished by "tells.) My favorite are the narrations by Maggie the dog. I am a dog owner and can enjoy greatly the accurate description of the dog's point of view. Of course we are always tied to the human imagination--but I think Crais has the dog view pretty accurately captured here. My dogs are more "sight" dogs--miniature Australian Sheperds, so I really enjoyed learning more about a scent dog's perspective.
Even if you're not a dog lover you will enjoy the plot line. Classic police detective work!
There are two main characters in the book; Scott James, a LA Policeman and Maggie, a German Shepherd who has retired from military work. They work together to attempt to solve the murder of James' partner.
Crais tells the story with three narrative voices. Each is strong and pulls the reader into their perspective on the events (I'm avoiding spoilers here--I don't want anyone's enjoyment of this gripping story diminished by "tells.) My favorite are the narrations by Maggie the dog. I am a dog owner and can enjoy greatly the accurate description of the dog's point of view. Of course we are always tied to the human imagination--but I think Crais has the dog view pretty accurately captured here. My dogs are more "sight" dogs--miniature Australian Sheperds, so I really enjoyed learning more about a scent dog's perspective.
Even if you're not a dog lover you will enjoy the plot line. Classic police detective work!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Theodore Boone: Kid Laywer, by John Grisham
Many adult fiction writers have turned to the Young Adult market. In many cases they are not well suited to this. I'm delighted to be able to say that Grisham has been quite successful in writing for adolescents. His main character, Theodore Boone, is quite believable and engaging. The character development makes it quite believable that he would be a "kid lawyer" (his parents are both lawyers). Theodore makes good decisions about what sorts of legal advising he is capable of offering and appropriately calls for adult help when the legal issues or "threat level" are beyond him. I appreciate YA authors who include adults in roles that show adolescents that an adult can be supportive and that sometimes they are necessary.
The plot twists in the novel are fairly typical Grisham. In this book issues of undocumented workers and their relationships with the legal system are explored. Grisham does a good job of presenting both sides of the issue in a realistic way. (There is also, of course, a murder--the undocumented worker are not to blame!)
I found Grisham's understanding of adolescents unusually perceptive. He is able to create a believable "gifted" young lawyer while retaining believable characteristics. His portrayal of other adolescents and the school context was "right on."
I will probably be reading subsequent books in the series.
The plot twists in the novel are fairly typical Grisham. In this book issues of undocumented workers and their relationships with the legal system are explored. Grisham does a good job of presenting both sides of the issue in a realistic way. (There is also, of course, a murder--the undocumented worker are not to blame!)
I found Grisham's understanding of adolescents unusually perceptive. He is able to create a believable "gifted" young lawyer while retaining believable characteristics. His portrayal of other adolescents and the school context was "right on."
I will probably be reading subsequent books in the series.
Zombie Fallout, by Mark Tufo
This came to me as a "Book Bub" promotion (an email promotion that sends a listing of free/inexpensive ebooks). I picked it up on a whim, I've been reading a lot of paranormal fantasy lately. I was pleasantly surprised. Turfo's narrator has a most refreshing voice that makes the zombie apocalypse presented in this series of books new and different from the typical grim zombie story.
Michael Talbot is a flawed, unemployed, suburban ex-Marine, survivalist who finds himself one of the few in his affluent gated-community up to the challenges of a zombie pandemic. He has children whom he loves, a best friend a few miles away, and a petite wife who is surprisingly tough. Together they meet the challenges of a zombie take-over and help their community defend their lives and homes.
Throughout the book I was laughing and thoroughly enjoyed Talbot's sarcastic, immature, but self-aware narration. He has a bull-dog devotion to his friends and family that ultimately force him into to the unwilling role of hero.
I shared this book with my 23 year-old son. He has since read the other five titles in the series. (I have not.) He tells me that the first title is the best, but it's worth noting that he took the time from video game play and general semi-adult hi-jinx to read the entire series.
Generally the content has been aimed at an adult audience, but I would be quite comfortable recommending it to older teens. It would make for a very interesting comparative analysis of voice. I can see putting this together with WWZ and other zombie literature to complete a careful analysis of voice, mood, and tone.
Michael Talbot is a flawed, unemployed, suburban ex-Marine, survivalist who finds himself one of the few in his affluent gated-community up to the challenges of a zombie pandemic. He has children whom he loves, a best friend a few miles away, and a petite wife who is surprisingly tough. Together they meet the challenges of a zombie take-over and help their community defend their lives and homes.
Throughout the book I was laughing and thoroughly enjoyed Talbot's sarcastic, immature, but self-aware narration. He has a bull-dog devotion to his friends and family that ultimately force him into to the unwilling role of hero.
I shared this book with my 23 year-old son. He has since read the other five titles in the series. (I have not.) He tells me that the first title is the best, but it's worth noting that he took the time from video game play and general semi-adult hi-jinx to read the entire series.
Generally the content has been aimed at an adult audience, but I would be quite comfortable recommending it to older teens. It would make for a very interesting comparative analysis of voice. I can see putting this together with WWZ and other zombie literature to complete a careful analysis of voice, mood, and tone.
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Gray Wolf Throne, by Cinda Williams Chima
2011, Hyperion
I am still enjoying this series very much. Chima has managed to continue the characters in the Seven Realms series and added to the depth of most of them. The plot developments continue to engage the reader.
In The Gray Wolf Throne, the action picks up as Raisa ana'Marianna is hiding in Fetters Ford trying to stay hidden from her various enemies and survive long enough to return home. She hope to return to the capital city, Fellsmarch, and reunite with her mother, the queen. Raisa has reached the understanding that she and her mother together may have the combined skills necessary for a successful reign.
The rest of the book is an exciting quest as Raisa, Han, and Amon work together and separately trying to return to Fellsmarch and return Raisa to the line of accession to the Gray Wolf Throne. As always there is a wonderful combination of wizardry, woodsman-ship, military, and street-smarts. Every moment of reading is a pleasure and in many parts thrilling enough to get the reader's blood racing.
I am adding "gaming" as a tag for this book. I believe that students (and adults) who enjoy the role playing games will enjoy this book. It is one that I would recommend to any reader who enjoys quest based games.
I'm just beginning my semester so life is about to get busy. I am number eight on the wait list for the next, and final book in the series, The Crimson Crown. I will need to work hard the next few weeks so that when my name comes up I can put work aside to read.
I am still enjoying this series very much. Chima has managed to continue the characters in the Seven Realms series and added to the depth of most of them. The plot developments continue to engage the reader.
In The Gray Wolf Throne, the action picks up as Raisa ana'Marianna is hiding in Fetters Ford trying to stay hidden from her various enemies and survive long enough to return home. She hope to return to the capital city, Fellsmarch, and reunite with her mother, the queen. Raisa has reached the understanding that she and her mother together may have the combined skills necessary for a successful reign.
The rest of the book is an exciting quest as Raisa, Han, and Amon work together and separately trying to return to Fellsmarch and return Raisa to the line of accession to the Gray Wolf Throne. As always there is a wonderful combination of wizardry, woodsman-ship, military, and street-smarts. Every moment of reading is a pleasure and in many parts thrilling enough to get the reader's blood racing.
I am adding "gaming" as a tag for this book. I believe that students (and adults) who enjoy the role playing games will enjoy this book. It is one that I would recommend to any reader who enjoys quest based games.
I'm just beginning my semester so life is about to get busy. I am number eight on the wait list for the next, and final book in the series, The Crimson Crown. I will need to work hard the next few weeks so that when my name comes up I can put work aside to read.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Bone Bed, by Patricia Cornwell
2012
I am a devoted Cornwell reader, but was concerned by early reviews of her book. Consequently I used my Nook "read for free" option for this book. I'm afraid that I agree with the early reviews.
This began as a typical (and enjoyable) Scarpetta book. I was enjoying exploring her new offices and catching up with the other characters' lives in this repertoire series. Unfortunately the ending of the book was very unsatisfying. I think all the pieces were in place to have a typical race-to-the-finish ending, but it wasn't delivered. Cornwell finished the book most abruptly. It almost feels as if she had hit her publisher's deadline and tied it all up as quickly as possible.
I hope that the next Scarpetta book is finished a little more carefully. I will look for early reviews before I decide whether or not to purchase it.
Have you read this? I'd love to hear from my followers to see if I was alone in my disappointment. Leave a comment!
I am a devoted Cornwell reader, but was concerned by early reviews of her book. Consequently I used my Nook "read for free" option for this book. I'm afraid that I agree with the early reviews.
This began as a typical (and enjoyable) Scarpetta book. I was enjoying exploring her new offices and catching up with the other characters' lives in this repertoire series. Unfortunately the ending of the book was very unsatisfying. I think all the pieces were in place to have a typical race-to-the-finish ending, but it wasn't delivered. Cornwell finished the book most abruptly. It almost feels as if she had hit her publisher's deadline and tied it all up as quickly as possible.
I hope that the next Scarpetta book is finished a little more carefully. I will look for early reviews before I decide whether or not to purchase it.
Have you read this? I'd love to hear from my followers to see if I was alone in my disappointment. Leave a comment!
Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #1, by Heather Brewer
This is a really refreshing story of an adolescent vampire, Vladimir, who is living with his human aunt and attending a human junior high school. It is a engaging read and offers a humorous look at a vampire surrounded by normies. Brewer keeps the reading going by adding a substitute teacher who appears to be possibly a dangerous "special powers" being. Readers want to continue reading to see if Mr. Otis is good or bad guy and to solve the mystery of his vampire father's life and death.
Unfortunately this book seems to be out of print. It is still possible to get the boxed set. I listened to it thanks to our library's audio book collection. There are graphic novels based on this book available.
The school library reviewer was not necessarily been kind to Brewer in his review of this first book, however Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus were more kind. My sense is that many junior high/middle school students would enjoy it. The humor will appeal to many of them. It is relatively uncomplicated, but offers an interesting look at a different interpretation of vampires within human society. I see great possibilities of contrasting the characterization of Vlad in this book and juxtaposing it with vampires in Twilight, Team Human,or The Mortal Instruments. I offers rich possibilities for exploration of both character development and mood/tone within literature.
As a devoted vampire literature reader, I also appreciate the many allusions to the traditions of vampire literature. Thus, it creates an opportunity to introduce students to a large literary community and literary analysis.
Unfortunately this book seems to be out of print. It is still possible to get the boxed set. I listened to it thanks to our library's audio book collection. There are graphic novels based on this book available.
The school library reviewer was not necessarily been kind to Brewer in his review of this first book, however Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus were more kind. My sense is that many junior high/middle school students would enjoy it. The humor will appeal to many of them. It is relatively uncomplicated, but offers an interesting look at a different interpretation of vampires within human society. I see great possibilities of contrasting the characterization of Vlad in this book and juxtaposing it with vampires in Twilight, Team Human,or The Mortal Instruments. I offers rich possibilities for exploration of both character development and mood/tone within literature.
As a devoted vampire literature reader, I also appreciate the many allusions to the traditions of vampire literature. Thus, it creates an opportunity to introduce students to a large literary community and literary analysis.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher
2012, ROC
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)