Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Bekka Cooper: terrier by Tamora Pierce
Set in a fantasy world, country Tortall this is a first book in a new series. Pierce is a proficient writer who is a good story teller. In this book a young woman trains to be a "dog" (policeman). You learn the social structure of the town and solve 2 criminal cases. There is some magic included in the story--but not a lot. This series gradually links to Pierce's "Circle of Magic" series. She is creating an entire world that young adult readers can explore and learn about the relationships between people and friends.
God Emperor of Dune, Frank Herbert
This is the "paper" reading I'm doing this week. I've read the other Dune books and somehow missed this one. It's not new--1981 . You really would need to have read the others. Dune has a fanatic following. Many consider it philosophy instead of just fiction. I am interested in the philosophy part, but sometimes think either Herbert was much smarter than me, or he is a bubble-off-plumb. I really get confused when Lord Leto is talking with the Bene Gesserit witches/reverend mothers. Maybe I need a Sparks Notes for the "code" on this one. I keep thinking I'll give up on this book. I have 3 historical fiction books in the wings. But for some reason I keep picking this one up instead. I guess that says something for it.
Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie, by Holly Black
Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie by Holly Black
9/23 I'm on CD #3. This book was selected as a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and the YALSA Tenns' Top Ten Books. It has been translated into 9 lnaguages. It's a pretty good story, but you need some background knowledge of the history and myth of Faerie to read understand all that's going on. Holly Black is one of the co-authors of the Spiderwick Chronicles--a runaway best seller among younger students. So far Valerie Russell, a senior in high school, has run away from home because she finds her mother and her (Valerie's) boyfriend making-out in the living room when they think she has gone on into New York for a hockey match (she and her boyfriend were to attend together). So--we have teen angst and fantasy. It's interesting if only for what makes kids interested.
9/23 I'm on CD #3. This book was selected as a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and the YALSA Tenns' Top Ten Books. It has been translated into 9 lnaguages. It's a pretty good story, but you need some background knowledge of the history and myth of Faerie to read understand all that's going on. Holly Black is one of the co-authors of the Spiderwick Chronicles--a runaway best seller among younger students. So far Valerie Russell, a senior in high school, has run away from home because she finds her mother and her (Valerie's) boyfriend making-out in the living room when they think she has gone on into New York for a hockey match (she and her boyfriend were to attend together). So--we have teen angst and fantasy. It's interesting if only for what makes kids interested.
Vanishing Act, by John Feinstein
I'm very glad that Feinstein has started writing YA fiction. (See excerpt from the NPR Biography below)
Vanishing Act is about women's tennis. Set at the US Open the book not only shows the "inside" of tennis but also deals with the issues of sport "agents" and the PR tricks they play. You don't need to be a sports fan to enjoy these books (his first was about basketball) however a little knowledge will enrich your pleasure. I think I liked this one better because I know much more about tennis than basketball.
Feinstein is the sports commentator for NPR. He has also contributed to The Washington Post and Sporting News Radio since 1992, America Online since 2000 and Golf Digest and Gold World since 2003. Feinstein began his career in 1977, writing about politics and sports for The Washington Post. After an 11-year stint, he left the Post and became a special contributor to Sports Illustrated from 1988-90, and National Sports Daily from 1990-91. He returned to the Post as a contributor the following year. Feinstein first gained national attention when his book, A Season on the Brink: A Year with Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers, topped The New York Times best-seller list for 16 consecutive weeks, from January - August 1987. (National Public Radio)
Vanishing Act is about women's tennis. Set at the US Open the book not only shows the "inside" of tennis but also deals with the issues of sport "agents" and the PR tricks they play. You don't need to be a sports fan to enjoy these books (his first was about basketball) however a little knowledge will enrich your pleasure. I think I liked this one better because I know much more about tennis than basketball.
Feinstein is the sports commentator for NPR. He has also contributed to The Washington Post and Sporting News Radio since 1992, America Online since 2000 and Golf Digest and Gold World since 2003. Feinstein began his career in 1977, writing about politics and sports for The Washington Post. After an 11-year stint, he left the Post and became a special contributor to Sports Illustrated from 1988-90, and National Sports Daily from 1990-91. He returned to the Post as a contributor the following year. Feinstein first gained national attention when his book, A Season on the Brink: A Year with Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers, topped The New York Times best-seller list for 16 consecutive weeks, from January - August 1987. (National Public Radio)
New York Stories, Edith Wharton
I've always like Edith Wharton. I have read most of her novels. While I was in the New York Public Library I picked up this collection of short stories. I've read some, but will save most of it for break. Wharton is a wonderful story teller. Now that I've spent a week in New York City proper, walking around and visiting landmarks, I can visualize her settings much better. Her look at Victorian "society" in New York with its hypocrisies and high stakes is complex and enlightening.
Ursula Blanchard Mysteries, Fiona Buckley
Great historical fiction about the Elizabethan period. Ursula is a "Lady of the Presence Chamber" in Queen Elizabeth the 1st's court. She ends up being a sort of spy. I've now read the first 3 of these books. They are all worthy of recommending to students. "Queens Ransom," my latest read,takes you into France during the Hueguenot and Catholic conflicts 1562. Buckley is a good historian and documents her sources. Good modeling for students.
Swantown: The Secret Journal of Susanna Shakespeare, by Micahel J. Ortiz
This gives a rich sense of everyday life in Elizabethean England. The plot is really quite gripping. Susanna want to be a "player" and "writer" like her father, the famous William Shakespeare. But, on the way her uncle gets in trouble with the "censor" and Suzanna needs to help save him.I'm not so certain that the historical facts about William's relationship with his family are accurate. But, it is motivating me to go back and confirm what I thought I knew about Shakespeare's relationship with his wife and children.Good read!
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