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.
Friday, June 28, 2013
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.)
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Exiled Queen, by Cinda Williams Chima
I continue to enjoy this series, The Seven Realms. It is fantasy with a medieval setting. Lots of horses and a feudal sort of society. Political intrigue and a struggle to retain/grasp power in the Seven Realms is the unfolding story. Although the plot line is familiar to fantasy readers, Chima does a nice job of making the story fresh with engaging characters who have enough development to keep sophisticated readers engaged.
The queen-to-be, Princess Raisa, has gone undercover to escape a planned marriage (I'm going to try and avoid spoiling the plot line of the first book, The Demon King. Meanwhile, the other major characters Han Alister, Hayden Fire Dancer, Amon Byrne, and Micha Bayar all end up together with Raisa (in disguise as Rebecca Morley) at the magic and military schools at Oden's Ford.
The love triangle (or is in a quadrangle?) between Raisa, Han and Amon continues with "doomed" love between them all. The fourth in the mix is Micha Bayar and he continues to play a part in the connection between the young protagonists in the book.
Of course there is magic involved. Han, Fire Dancer, and Micha are gifted magicians while Raisa and Amon are not. Much of the plot that keeps the reader going is how Han is learning about his magic and dealing with other magicians who would like to use him for their own purposes. Han has the Demon King's amulet as his magic "piece." The implication is that he is the heir to the Demon King's great powers. The Bayar's would like to regain the piece and its power.
While Han is learning about his magic, Raisa is learning about fighting and how to lead her country. There is a sort of "King Arthur" flavor to her learning about her kingdom in the role of a citizen rather than leader.
I will be finishing the series and will let you know if it falters. Otherwise, assume that I still find it worth recommending to young readers who enjoy fantasy. I think it would be a great recommendation to young adults who play World of Warcraft of League of Legends. The plot/settings will resonate with the video games they play and will encourage some reading.
The queen-to-be, Princess Raisa, has gone undercover to escape a planned marriage (I'm going to try and avoid spoiling the plot line of the first book, The Demon King. Meanwhile, the other major characters Han Alister, Hayden Fire Dancer, Amon Byrne, and Micha Bayar all end up together with Raisa (in disguise as Rebecca Morley) at the magic and military schools at Oden's Ford.
The love triangle (or is in a quadrangle?) between Raisa, Han and Amon continues with "doomed" love between them all. The fourth in the mix is Micha Bayar and he continues to play a part in the connection between the young protagonists in the book.
Of course there is magic involved. Han, Fire Dancer, and Micha are gifted magicians while Raisa and Amon are not. Much of the plot that keeps the reader going is how Han is learning about his magic and dealing with other magicians who would like to use him for their own purposes. Han has the Demon King's amulet as his magic "piece." The implication is that he is the heir to the Demon King's great powers. The Bayar's would like to regain the piece and its power.
While Han is learning about his magic, Raisa is learning about fighting and how to lead her country. There is a sort of "King Arthur" flavor to her learning about her kingdom in the role of a citizen rather than leader.
I will be finishing the series and will let you know if it falters. Otherwise, assume that I still find it worth recommending to young readers who enjoy fantasy. I think it would be a great recommendation to young adults who play World of Warcraft of League of Legends. The plot/settings will resonate with the video games they play and will encourage some reading.
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