Well, now I know how many books I read in a year. Not sure if this was typical or not.
281 in total.
199 fiction
59 non-fiction (the unaccounted were just a matter of sloppy tagging)
Of this, there were:
43 romance (what to cut down on in the year ahead!)
39 young adult
34 graphic novels
32 middle grade
29 mystery
18 memoir
7 chapter books
6 biographies
No real surprises - the easiest reads were most read. It averages 77% of a book per day (which is a bit alarming). If you assume that a book a day is the usual speed, then 84 days (nearly 3 months!) passed without any reading. August was the big reading month, followed closely by January and September.
I've read other blogs where the goal of reading a book a month isn't met. Next year I'll try to restrain myself so I can spend more time writing. Some number between 12 and 280....the average would be 146 books. I think I'll aim even lower, let's say an even hundred.
On the list:
In the Land of Painted Caves
A History of the World in 100 Objects
for starters...
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Enough Already!
Author: Peter Walsh
Declutter your mind to fix your life from one of Oprah's boys. Not bad, but really, I need to just start with the physical for now. Big print and an easy read.
Declutter your mind to fix your life from one of Oprah's boys. Not bad, but really, I need to just start with the physical for now. Big print and an easy read.
Steve Jobs
Author:Walter Isaacson
Fascinating look at an uncompromising asshole. I love the products that he brought us and am sorry for all the roadkill he created in doing it. Hope Mike doesn't take this as good business advice.
I liked Jobs a lot better before I knew anything. The author plays it fair and it's clear a lot of work and research went into the book.
Fascinating look at an uncompromising asshole. I love the products that he brought us and am sorry for all the roadkill he created in doing it. Hope Mike doesn't take this as good business advice.
I liked Jobs a lot better before I knew anything. The author plays it fair and it's clear a lot of work and research went into the book.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Such a Pretty Face
Short Stories about Beauty
Mixed bag from all points of view. Not a big short story fan and the one story that mystified my (by Tim Wynne-Jones of all writers) threw me off. Simply could not work out what was reality in that one. Which I remember in greater detail than any other story.
Mixed bag from all points of view. Not a big short story fan and the one story that mystified my (by Tim Wynne-Jones of all writers) threw me off. Simply could not work out what was reality in that one. Which I remember in greater detail than any other story.
Going Bovine
Author: Libba Bray
Wow. So different from other Libba Bray books I've read. It gives me hope.
A teenage boy suffers from mad cow disease and lays dying in hospital, but traveling though his mind with a punk angel, a dwarf and a garden gnome, who is actually Balder (the God). Beautiful, tragic, comic and alarming all at once.
Wow. So different from other Libba Bray books I've read. It gives me hope.
A teenage boy suffers from mad cow disease and lays dying in hospital, but traveling though his mind with a punk angel, a dwarf and a garden gnome, who is actually Balder (the God). Beautiful, tragic, comic and alarming all at once.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall
Author: Wendy Mass
Verse novel (/) in part, linked to items from the mall that lead the POV character on some much needed self-exploration, recalling her past behaviours that led up to her not trying to avoid a direct hit to the head in dodgeball. Really an unlovable main character, but in such pain and self-awareness that it's hard to look away.
Verse novel (/) in part, linked to items from the mall that lead the POV character on some much needed self-exploration, recalling her past behaviours that led up to her not trying to avoid a direct hit to the head in dodgeball. Really an unlovable main character, but in such pain and self-awareness that it's hard to look away.
The Secret Life of Prince Charming
Author: Deb Caletti
This was a surprise to me - a slow burn novel with a very average, calm POV character who has such a strong sense of right that she decides to return things her father has taken and kept from his past lovers. She enlists her half-sister, who has a truck to help dispense the items.
I found the confessions a bit jarring, even though they were informative. A good book to hand to a teenager wondering what is love, what is abuse, and how do I tell the difference.
Will read more of this author - such wisdom in a YA novel.
This was a surprise to me - a slow burn novel with a very average, calm POV character who has such a strong sense of right that she decides to return things her father has taken and kept from his past lovers. She enlists her half-sister, who has a truck to help dispense the items.
I found the confessions a bit jarring, even though they were informative. A good book to hand to a teenager wondering what is love, what is abuse, and how do I tell the difference.
Will read more of this author - such wisdom in a YA novel.
Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Was in and out with this one. Found that I was disappointed - advance press must have played up the seeing ghosts portion of the book and downplayed the quantum physics time travel and conspiracy side of it.
Enjoyed it, but not a rave.
Was in and out with this one. Found that I was disappointed - advance press must have played up the seeing ghosts portion of the book and downplayed the quantum physics time travel and conspiracy side of it.
Enjoyed it, but not a rave.
Shug
Author: Jenny Han
Incredibly good at pulling me into the emotional pain and turmoil of being a teenager with crush and all the horrid things that can and will go wrong all around that. Great portrayal of the sibling and parents and the sense of the family existing within the judgmental pool of others for the duration. POV character is so honest and unflinching in her expressions.
Cried. Couldn't help it. Very satisfying.
Incredibly good at pulling me into the emotional pain and turmoil of being a teenager with crush and all the horrid things that can and will go wrong all around that. Great portrayal of the sibling and parents and the sense of the family existing within the judgmental pool of others for the duration. POV character is so honest and unflinching in her expressions.
Cried. Couldn't help it. Very satisfying.
Castle Corona
Author: Sharon Creech
A fairytale that was a bit more judgemental than I expected, albeit deserved. Why do princesses just sit around in pretty dresses? Great settings and characters - even the minor characters are substantial.
Funny naivete of the royal family, and the silly acceptance by everyone in court of their whims and fancies.
A fairytale that was a bit more judgemental than I expected, albeit deserved. Why do princesses just sit around in pretty dresses? Great settings and characters - even the minor characters are substantial.
Funny naivete of the royal family, and the silly acceptance by everyone in court of their whims and fancies.
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Dead of Winter
Author: Chris Priestley
Horror? Gothic? A good ghost tale, very creepy, but with safe places to stop, that tries to leave you frightened at the end. Nicely set in that 'Victorian era' with train travel and horses and lonely fens and bogs.
Horror? Gothic? A good ghost tale, very creepy, but with safe places to stop, that tries to leave you frightened at the end. Nicely set in that 'Victorian era' with train travel and horses and lonely fens and bogs.
Superstitions: 1013 Wacky Myths, Fables & Old Wives Tales
Author: Deborah Murrell
A compendium without exhaustive detail, just glossing over the surface. Too light for my taste and explanations too non-committal. Something shorter, with less scope and juicier would be more to my taste. No fault in the writing, just too broad in subject.
A compendium without exhaustive detail, just glossing over the surface. Too light for my taste and explanations too non-committal. Something shorter, with less scope and juicier would be more to my taste. No fault in the writing, just too broad in subject.
Empress
Author: Shan Sa
The woman who ruled China in the sixth century, Empress Wu, speaks in this volume about her life, lovers and political intrigues. Very revealing of a way of thinking that is pretty alien to me.
The woman who ruled China in the sixth century, Empress Wu, speaks in this volume about her life, lovers and political intrigues. Very revealing of a way of thinking that is pretty alien to me.
The Forsyte Saga: Volume One
Author: John Galsworthy
I'd like to try this again in a different format - the paperback book was so thick and densely printed it was a trial to read, even though the writing was engaging, and had lots of characters crowding the stage at once (which is something I quite like, more like life to me than a sparsely populated page).
Someday, in ebook format I'll try again. Didn't get past Chapter 3.
I'd like to try this again in a different format - the paperback book was so thick and densely printed it was a trial to read, even though the writing was engaging, and had lots of characters crowding the stage at once (which is something I quite like, more like life to me than a sparsely populated page).
Someday, in ebook format I'll try again. Didn't get past Chapter 3.
A Presumption of Death
Author: Jill Paton Walsh & Dorothy L. Sayers
A Lord Peter Whimsey Novel
Loved it - always a sucker for decaying gentry, especially during Britain's finest hour (WW2). POV protagonist is very likable (albeit absent) mother, intelligent, full of poetry and not a toff. Interesting time period, when spies could be revealed by their dentistry.
Will look for more of this series.
A Lord Peter Whimsey Novel
Loved it - always a sucker for decaying gentry, especially during Britain's finest hour (WW2). POV protagonist is very likable (albeit absent) mother, intelligent, full of poetry and not a toff. Interesting time period, when spies could be revealed by their dentistry.
Will look for more of this series.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb
Author: Melanie Benjamin
The voice and the prissiness, the keen mind and instinct for self-preservation were well done. Although fiction, there seemed to be enough detail and fact to firmly set the story in its time.
Now I want to read the first hand account of their three year world tour by Sylvester Bleeker.
The voice and the prissiness, the keen mind and instinct for self-preservation were well done. Although fiction, there seemed to be enough detail and fact to firmly set the story in its time.
Now I want to read the first hand account of their three year world tour by Sylvester Bleeker.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Nanny
Author: Melissa Nathan
Girl from the British boonies takes job as nanny in chaotic household. Interesting in that the nanny doesn't solve everything or anything, the parents do. Like a braided coming of age story for the nanny, the mother & father and a few of the kids.
Single read, wondered briefly if it was the source material for The Nanny Diaries, but apparently not.
Look for Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field and Persuading Annie.
Girl from the British boonies takes job as nanny in chaotic household. Interesting in that the nanny doesn't solve everything or anything, the parents do. Like a braided coming of age story for the nanny, the mother & father and a few of the kids.
Single read, wondered briefly if it was the source material for The Nanny Diaries, but apparently not.
Look for Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field and Persuading Annie.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Half Moon Street
Author: Anne Perry
One of the Victorian era Charlotte & Thomas Pitt detective novels. Great examination of pornography, very gently undertaken against a backdrop that included the new art of photography and the plays of Oscar Wilde.
One of the Victorian era Charlotte & Thomas Pitt detective novels. Great examination of pornography, very gently undertaken against a backdrop that included the new art of photography and the plays of Oscar Wilde.
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
Author: Melissa Bank
Really enjoyed the episodic feel - like short stories about the same person all linked up and adding up to a life. Loved the cheerleader and office assistant section, where Janie plays by 'the rules'. Good use of fantasy that. Also, really loved the fact that the woman's job and family were integral parts of the story, nothing glossed over or ignored.
The teenage voice in the first section really had my hopes up for a YA novel. Brilliant.
Look forward to her next book.
Really enjoyed the episodic feel - like short stories about the same person all linked up and adding up to a life. Loved the cheerleader and office assistant section, where Janie plays by 'the rules'. Good use of fantasy that. Also, really loved the fact that the woman's job and family were integral parts of the story, nothing glossed over or ignored.
The teenage voice in the first section really had my hopes up for a YA novel. Brilliant.
Look forward to her next book.
More Than A Mistress
Author: Mary Balogh
Good bath book, regency, duels, a woman wronged, true love with a duke. Rather unexpected interference in a duel by a maid. Interesting starting point.
Good bath book, regency, duels, a woman wronged, true love with a duke. Rather unexpected interference in a duel by a maid. Interesting starting point.
Naughty in Nice
Author: Rhys Bowen
Georgie, 34th in line to the throne, goes to the south of France, models for Chanel, meets and nearly falls for a fraudulent Marquis and literally falls off the runway. Plus more of that nasty Simpson woman.
Georgie, 34th in line to the throne, goes to the south of France, models for Chanel, meets and nearly falls for a fraudulent Marquis and literally falls off the runway. Plus more of that nasty Simpson woman.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
I am Half-sick of Shadows
Author: Alan Bradley
Always delightful, Flavia de Luce was a bit off in this volume. Not sure if it was the belief in Santa or the revelations about Aunt Felicity that did it, but this was not my fave.
Having said that, it's still good and has laugh out loud moments, but Buckshaw was just too crowded with anonymous people to really relax and enjoy the ride.
Always delightful, Flavia de Luce was a bit off in this volume. Not sure if it was the belief in Santa or the revelations about Aunt Felicity that did it, but this was not my fave.
Having said that, it's still good and has laugh out loud moments, but Buckshaw was just too crowded with anonymous people to really relax and enjoy the ride.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Madame Bovary
Author: Gustav Flaubert
A classic and very readable, even though I didn't particularly like any of the characters. Now to reread Gemma Bovary.
A classic and very readable, even though I didn't particularly like any of the characters. Now to reread Gemma Bovary.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Rational Optimist
Author: Matt Ridley
I confess I lost interest one-third of the way into this one. He makes some good points about specialization and trade being the human actions that have allowed us to progress so far.
I confess I lost interest one-third of the way into this one. He makes some good points about specialization and trade being the human actions that have allowed us to progress so far.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Author: Catherynne M. Valente
Novel referenced in Palimpsest.
Amazing journey into Faerie, with all the classic features, threshold guardians, test and allies, elixir etc. At one point September meets her death and sings it to sleep. Simply a joyous and dark romp. I think I'll reread it a few times.
Interesting to look at the structure as well, since it was written like Dickens, episodically and web-published. That's when fairy-tale structure really helps.
Novel referenced in Palimpsest.
Amazing journey into Faerie, with all the classic features, threshold guardians, test and allies, elixir etc. At one point September meets her death and sings it to sleep. Simply a joyous and dark romp. I think I'll reread it a few times.
Interesting to look at the structure as well, since it was written like Dickens, episodically and web-published. That's when fairy-tale structure really helps.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Gifts of Imperfection
Author: Brene Brown
Self-help book, worth buying because I can't renew it. Wholehearted living- something to work towards. Readable and engaging.
Self-help book, worth buying because I can't renew it. Wholehearted living- something to work towards. Readable and engaging.
Coventry
Author: Helen Humphreys
Tale of one night of bombing and the paths that cross and miss. Beautiful, short and touching. Vivid descriptions of the experience.
Tale of one night of bombing and the paths that cross and miss. Beautiful, short and touching. Vivid descriptions of the experience.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Poppy Shakespeare
Author: Clare Allan
Hard to put down tale of life inside the mental health system of Britain. Poppy isn't crazy, but is 'voluntarily' put in daycare with dribblers and flops. Her guide tells us the story, and an unreliable narrator at that. Incredibly funny and human.
Hard to put down tale of life inside the mental health system of Britain. Poppy isn't crazy, but is 'voluntarily' put in daycare with dribblers and flops. Her guide tells us the story, and an unreliable narrator at that. Incredibly funny and human.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Mr. Fox
Author: Helen Oyeyemi
A re-imagining of the Bluebeard fairytale's British version: Mr. Fox.
Fascinating and playful, and at times sad, always engaging. The narrative structure allows two fictional authors to play back and forth with story.
Very certain and confident in its approach, slightly historical and very hard to put down, despite always having the option between story changes.
A re-imagining of the Bluebeard fairytale's British version: Mr. Fox.
Fascinating and playful, and at times sad, always engaging. The narrative structure allows two fictional authors to play back and forth with story.
Very certain and confident in its approach, slightly historical and very hard to put down, despite always having the option between story changes.
Palimpsest
Author: Catherine Valente
Picked this up because it was the source of 'The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making'. It's a baffling cross between Calvino's 'Invisible Cities' and an unknown book of longing. Quite beautiful and vividly alive and horrific at the same time.
Sometimes the images are too detailed and overwhelming to pause long enough to picture. A book that needs a slow read and a few rereads.
Picked this up because it was the source of 'The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making'. It's a baffling cross between Calvino's 'Invisible Cities' and an unknown book of longing. Quite beautiful and vividly alive and horrific at the same time.
Sometimes the images are too detailed and overwhelming to pause long enough to picture. A book that needs a slow read and a few rereads.
Chime
Author: Franny Billingsley
One of my favorite authors - very high shivers down the spine rating. Her coming of age and into love characters are great. I really enjoyed the daft twin in this book, and all the references to the creatures that run amuck in the swamp.
One of my favorite authors - very high shivers down the spine rating. Her coming of age and into love characters are great. I really enjoyed the daft twin in this book, and all the references to the creatures that run amuck in the swamp.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott
Author: Kelly O'Connor McNees
Using the biographical fact of a summer of penury spent at a house in a village, a romantic yarn is spun around the famous author. It was a bit stilted in parts, made me curious to read her letters and see if her father really was that far gone. Looking forward to Lousia May Alcott and Me.
Using the biographical fact of a summer of penury spent at a house in a village, a romantic yarn is spun around the famous author. It was a bit stilted in parts, made me curious to read her letters and see if her father really was that far gone. Looking forward to Lousia May Alcott and Me.
The Talented Clementine
Author: Sarah Pennypacker
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Clementine has no talent to share at the talent show - except her great empathetic skills that help her direct the whole show. Great. The illustrations always clinch it for me.
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Clementine has no talent to share at the talent show - except her great empathetic skills that help her direct the whole show. Great. The illustrations always clinch it for me.
Stop That Stagecoach!
Author: Frieda Wishinsky
Canadian history alive when kids time travel on a Canadian Flyer sled. Brisk pace, realistic detail and a gateway to seeing history from a modern POV.
Canadian history alive when kids time travel on a Canadian Flyer sled. Brisk pace, realistic detail and a gateway to seeing history from a modern POV.
Scandal in Spring
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Another wallflower regency romance. I enjoy the series, varied characters returning as on-lookers.
Another wallflower regency romance. I enjoy the series, varied characters returning as on-lookers.
The Season
Author: Charlotte Bingham
Too many characters and not enough time to spend with each. Otherwise an OK light but thick book. Interesting time period but it reads very much like a regency novel despite being set post Titanic.
Too many characters and not enough time to spend with each. Otherwise an OK light but thick book. Interesting time period but it reads very much like a regency novel despite being set post Titanic.
Chinese Dragons - choose your own adventure
Author: R. A. Montgomery
Made all the feminine choices and had a lame outcome. Hate reading 2nd person POV. Otherwise, not too bad. Will look at more examples - this had fairly lengthy and detailed results from each choice.
Made all the feminine choices and had a lame outcome. Hate reading 2nd person POV. Otherwise, not too bad. Will look at more examples - this had fairly lengthy and detailed results from each choice.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Virginia Woolf's Writer's Workshop
Author: Danell Jones
Written from Virgina's POV, advice to young writers as if the reader were in a class taught by her.
Helpful advice. Would read again.
Written from Virgina's POV, advice to young writers as if the reader were in a class taught by her.
Helpful advice. Would read again.
The Sisters 8: Durinda's Danger
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted & Jackie Logsted
Not sure what the draw is. Third grade octuplets are left home alone, each receiving a 'gift' and coming into their 'power' each month. Problem is, the gift seems kind of lame, and as much fun as the power is, the girls are preoccupied with the boy that they all like, and keeping their parent's absence a secret and other sort of mundane things (like the talking fridge that loves the robot maid). It sounds better than it was.
120 pages, twelve chapters , some illustrations.
Not sure what the draw is. Third grade octuplets are left home alone, each receiving a 'gift' and coming into their 'power' each month. Problem is, the gift seems kind of lame, and as much fun as the power is, the girls are preoccupied with the boy that they all like, and keeping their parent's absence a secret and other sort of mundane things (like the talking fridge that loves the robot maid). It sounds better than it was.
120 pages, twelve chapters , some illustrations.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Shenzhen: A Travelogue in China
Author / Illustrator: Guy DeLisle
Beautiful, reflective look at a lonely life in Shenzhen, working in an animation studio. Makes me think of Cliff.
Beautiful, reflective look at a lonely life in Shenzhen, working in an animation studio. Makes me think of Cliff.
Nights at the Circus
Author: Angela Carter
Fantastic circus tale about a cockney girl with wings who becomes an aerialist in the circus and tells her story to a disbelieving young american journalist. Really picks up speed in the middle when everything goes to hell as the apes get out of their contract, the head clown goes insane and the tigress attacks the woman dancing with her mate. Then the train crashes somewhere in Siberia and things start to get weird.
Must look for more by this woman.
Fantastic circus tale about a cockney girl with wings who becomes an aerialist in the circus and tells her story to a disbelieving young american journalist. Really picks up speed in the middle when everything goes to hell as the apes get out of their contract, the head clown goes insane and the tigress attacks the woman dancing with her mate. Then the train crashes somewhere in Siberia and things start to get weird.
Must look for more by this woman.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Half of a Yellow Sun
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
About a time and place that was completely new to me - the brief state of Biafra in the late sixties, splintered from Nigeria. Fascinating characters and circumstances.
Interesting splitting of the narrative into four parts, 2 set during the civil war and 2 in the time leading up to it, but placed so the reader goes back, forward, back, and forward again. Lots of mystery created this way. Best part was how believably the characters loved and forgave and lived.
About a time and place that was completely new to me - the brief state of Biafra in the late sixties, splintered from Nigeria. Fascinating characters and circumstances.
Interesting splitting of the narrative into four parts, 2 set during the civil war and 2 in the time leading up to it, but placed so the reader goes back, forward, back, and forward again. Lots of mystery created this way. Best part was how believably the characters loved and forgave and lived.
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress
Author: Rhoda Janzen
It looked familiar, but was so funny when I opened it and I was just in that kind of mood and had to read it again. Good for crappy days - quite a pick-me-up.
It looked familiar, but was so funny when I opened it and I was just in that kind of mood and had to read it again. Good for crappy days - quite a pick-me-up.
The Return
Author: Victoria Hislop
Less a romance than a drama. A woman discovers her mother's untold story. Lots of detail about the Spanish Civil war - now I feel ready for Pan's Labyrinth. Also, intrigued enough to seek out some non-fiction on that era.
Less a romance than a drama. A woman discovers her mother's untold story. Lots of detail about the Spanish Civil war - now I feel ready for Pan's Labyrinth. Also, intrigued enough to seek out some non-fiction on that era.
Winnie Goes Batty
Author: Laura Owen
Illustrator: Korky Paul
Chapter book about a witch and her unscary, slightly gross adventures. Liked the layout, heavy on illustrations wrapping text.
Illustrator: Korky Paul
Chapter book about a witch and her unscary, slightly gross adventures. Liked the layout, heavy on illustrations wrapping text.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Maybelle in the Soup
Author: Katie Speck
Illustrator: Paul Ratz de Tagyos
Adventures of a fussy cockroach and her flea pal, as they're discovered, travel with the family to the hotel (during extermination) and then return home.
Illustrator: Paul Ratz de Tagyos
Adventures of a fussy cockroach and her flea pal, as they're discovered, travel with the family to the hotel (during extermination) and then return home.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Every Soul a Star
Author: Wendy Mass
Three POV's give different views of an eclipse experience by three teens who are pushed out of their comfort zones. They work together with geeky younger siblings to take on a planet tracking experiment and succeed.
Children were very well portrayed, a few of the adults were mere plot devices (Stella's son, who refuses to take on the experiment) and the campground concept was kind of wacky but wonderful and over the top.
Three POV's give different views of an eclipse experience by three teens who are pushed out of their comfort zones. They work together with geeky younger siblings to take on a planet tracking experiment and succeed.
Children were very well portrayed, a few of the adults were mere plot devices (Stella's son, who refuses to take on the experiment) and the campground concept was kind of wacky but wonderful and over the top.
Friday, October 14, 2011
The Human Stain
Author: Philip Roth
Hated it. Too much intellectualizing, female characters that were not believable, author intrusions that came and went somewhat randomly. I hope he enjoyed writing it, because I did not enjoy reading it. Much of a slog.
Hated it. Too much intellectualizing, female characters that were not believable, author intrusions that came and went somewhat randomly. I hope he enjoyed writing it, because I did not enjoy reading it. Much of a slog.
Mr. Putter & Tabby Paint the Porch
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Arthur Howard
Four short chapters, an adult main character and it still works. Amazing loose illustrations. First published in 2000, so not so very old.
Will reread and look closely at story and language.
Illustrator: Arthur Howard
Four short chapters, an adult main character and it still works. Amazing loose illustrations. First published in 2000, so not so very old.
Will reread and look closely at story and language.
Lighthouse Family: The Octopus
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Preston McDaniels
These books are so satisfying and nurturing. The writing and the soft pencil illustrations own equal parts of the whole.
Just five short chapters.
Illustrator: Preston McDaniels
These books are so satisfying and nurturing. The writing and the soft pencil illustrations own equal parts of the whole.
Just five short chapters.
the Case of Madeline Smith
Author / Illustrator: Rick Geary
I love this true historical crime series of graphic novels. I'm glad that someone is obsessed enough to get these books out there.
Fantastic use of line and B&W.
I love this true historical crime series of graphic novels. I'm glad that someone is obsessed enough to get these books out there.
Fantastic use of line and B&W.
Man in the Moon
Author: Dotti Enderle
Great middle grade novel, depression era feel but possible set post WW2. All the best elements, dying younger brother, mysterious old army friend and a heat wave. Beautifully written.
Great middle grade novel, depression era feel but possible set post WW2. All the best elements, dying younger brother, mysterious old army friend and a heat wave. Beautifully written.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
The Story of Bear
Author: Hilary McKay
Illustrator: Serena Riglietti
The sweet and heart touching story of an unwanted stuffy that survives the dumpster and the dump to make a home of his own, where he brings other rejected toys to live.
Simply beautiful.
Illustrator: Serena Riglietti
The sweet and heart touching story of an unwanted stuffy that survives the dumpster and the dump to make a home of his own, where he brings other rejected toys to live.
Simply beautiful.
Wombat & Fox: Tales of the City
Author / Illustrator: Terry Denton
Chapter book with down under flavour and great illustrations. Very playful and kid-like.
Chapter book with down under flavour and great illustrations. Very playful and kid-like.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Making a Good Script Great
Author: Linda Seger
Great book, lots of good advice and readable (small enough to hold, unlike Mckee's Story).
Inspired.
Great book, lots of good advice and readable (small enough to hold, unlike Mckee's Story).
Inspired.
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
Author: Siddartha Mukherjee
Best non-fiction book I've ever read.
Humane, understandable and well-written. Glad I bought it, as I will be rereading bits and pieces for years to come. My brain grew like the Grinch's heart.
Best non-fiction book I've ever read.
Humane, understandable and well-written. Glad I bought it, as I will be rereading bits and pieces for years to come. My brain grew like the Grinch's heart.
Temperance
Author / Illustrator: Cathy Malkasian
Strange and beautiful and creepy. A prophet/psycho burns villages and convinces the survivors to follow him to a refuge while he continues wreaking havoc on the world, always hungry and always angry.
Some amazing images, especially the peg leg that becomes a doll and comes to life. A sorrowful understanding of the worst of human nature.
Strange and beautiful and creepy. A prophet/psycho burns villages and convinces the survivors to follow him to a refuge while he continues wreaking havoc on the world, always hungry and always angry.
Some amazing images, especially the peg leg that becomes a doll and comes to life. A sorrowful understanding of the worst of human nature.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Hetty Feather
Author: Jacqueline Wilson
Hetty Feather is an orphan fostered out then returned to the Foundling Home in London. Impulsive and imaginative, her adventures run from riding in the circus to selling posies on the streets of London. Great silhouette illustrations at the start of each chapter, in keeping with the time and characters.
And she does find her Mom, right under her nose, in the end.
Hetty Feather is an orphan fostered out then returned to the Foundling Home in London. Impulsive and imaginative, her adventures run from riding in the circus to selling posies on the streets of London. Great silhouette illustrations at the start of each chapter, in keeping with the time and characters.
And she does find her Mom, right under her nose, in the end.
Death of a Trophy Wife
Author: Laura Levine
I really should know better than to choose books from the large print shelf. There's a reason they're there. What hooked me was that it was a 'Jaine Austen Mystery'. Alas, no resemblance whatsoever, and only one miniscule reference and an awful lot of author asides coupled with elastic waistbands and cat mind reading.
Enough said.
I really should know better than to choose books from the large print shelf. There's a reason they're there. What hooked me was that it was a 'Jaine Austen Mystery'. Alas, no resemblance whatsoever, and only one miniscule reference and an awful lot of author asides coupled with elastic waistbands and cat mind reading.
Enough said.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Wide Sargasso Sea
Author: Jean Rhys
Bertha Mason's story, told in large part by Rochester. Great ambient setting, in contrast to Jane Eyre's moors.
Somehow I never loved Rochester, and this book supports that lack of worthiness. One would have to be a plain, governess type to fall for the likes of him..just like Jane, romantic fool that she is.
Bertha Mason's story, told in large part by Rochester. Great ambient setting, in contrast to Jane Eyre's moors.
Somehow I never loved Rochester, and this book supports that lack of worthiness. One would have to be a plain, governess type to fall for the likes of him..just like Jane, romantic fool that she is.
Sanditon
Author: Jane Austen & Juliette Shapiro
The unfinished manuscript of Austen's finished off by a contemporary author.
Not so good. Jane was off her game or hadn't had a chance to revise the beginning, for the first 3 or 4 chapters dragged without an appropriate heroine on which to pin our hopes. I would like to read the actual Austen manuscript and see just how bad it was. After all, Lady Susan also pretty much sucked, so we know she could write crap.
Best part was the missing ham and silver soup ladle that disappeared with the runaway chambermaid and butler. I love details like that.
The unfinished manuscript of Austen's finished off by a contemporary author.
Not so good. Jane was off her game or hadn't had a chance to revise the beginning, for the first 3 or 4 chapters dragged without an appropriate heroine on which to pin our hopes. I would like to read the actual Austen manuscript and see just how bad it was. After all, Lady Susan also pretty much sucked, so we know she could write crap.
Best part was the missing ham and silver soup ladle that disappeared with the runaway chambermaid and butler. I love details like that.
The Bride Raffle
Author: Lisa Plumley
Historical fiction that takes liberties, forgiveable, given some of the interesting minor characters that populate the small Arizona town on the frontier.
Historical fiction that takes liberties, forgiveable, given some of the interesting minor characters that populate the small Arizona town on the frontier.
The Whole Truth
Author: Kit Pearson
How does she do it? It's sweet, believable and easy to care for the main character, Polly. Read through in one sitting and did spot repeated phrases, questions, largely at chapter ends, reiterating Polly's feelings, but a young reader would miss that.
Also, set during the depression and deeply involved with a story that starts in deprivation, it is still gently and lovingly told. Adult characters come with shades of gray, the hypocrisy is seen and survived, but clearly changes the child's view of the adult.
Time to reread the Kit Pearson canon.
How does she do it? It's sweet, believable and easy to care for the main character, Polly. Read through in one sitting and did spot repeated phrases, questions, largely at chapter ends, reiterating Polly's feelings, but a young reader would miss that.
Also, set during the depression and deeply involved with a story that starts in deprivation, it is still gently and lovingly told. Adult characters come with shades of gray, the hypocrisy is seen and survived, but clearly changes the child's view of the adult.
Time to reread the Kit Pearson canon.
becoming georges sand
Author: Rosalind Brackenbury
Couldn't get into it (maybe not knowing or caring about Georges Sand was a handicap?). Something about the gleeful affair that started the book left me cold. Did not bother finishing it.
Couldn't get into it (maybe not knowing or caring about Georges Sand was a handicap?). Something about the gleeful affair that started the book left me cold. Did not bother finishing it.
Jane Austen ruined my life
Author: Beth Pattillo
An ashamed academic, betrayed by her selfish philandering husband goes to England to pursue Jane Austen's lost letters, which seem to be in the hands of a group calling themselves 'the Formidables'. She meets her old male buddy from college and in pursuing the truth about Jane's life starts to take action on her own.
An ashamed academic, betrayed by her selfish philandering husband goes to England to pursue Jane Austen's lost letters, which seem to be in the hands of a group calling themselves 'the Formidables'. She meets her old male buddy from college and in pursuing the truth about Jane's life starts to take action on her own.
Girls Will be Girls: Raising Confident and Courageous Daughters
Author: JoAnn Deak, Ph.D. with Teresa Barker
Despite gender brain bias, a useful piece worth reading about how girls grow up, how to talk to them and how capable they may already be, given a chance to express themselves.
Passing to Mike to read, esp. the chapter on Fathers & Daughters.
Despite gender brain bias, a useful piece worth reading about how girls grow up, how to talk to them and how capable they may already be, given a chance to express themselves.
Passing to Mike to read, esp. the chapter on Fathers & Daughters.
666 Park Avenue
Author: Gabriella Pierce
Light Rom-com of an unself-identified witch who marries into a powerful witch clan in the upper strata of New York.
Doomed to have a sequel, which I will probably read and enjoy despite some short-comings (not emotionally believable at points).
Light Rom-com of an unself-identified witch who marries into a powerful witch clan in the upper strata of New York.
Doomed to have a sequel, which I will probably read and enjoy despite some short-comings (not emotionally believable at points).
In Pursuit of Elegance: Why the Best Ideas have Something Missing
Author: Matthew E. May
I think this was a reread or else he's dealing with stuff Malcolm Gladwell has written about elsewhere. Symmetry (bilateral, rotational & fractal), Seduction of non finito - empty or undefined spaces (Mona Lisa's blurred edges that bring her to life because the brain animates the fuzzy), law of Subtraction (removing the uneccessary) and Sustainability ( ability to maintain something at certain level indefinitely - kept whole, seeing finite resources as source of innovation - pot-in-pot coolers).
Interesting, helpful and destined to be taken out again to re-read.
I think this was a reread or else he's dealing with stuff Malcolm Gladwell has written about elsewhere. Symmetry (bilateral, rotational & fractal), Seduction of non finito - empty or undefined spaces (Mona Lisa's blurred edges that bring her to life because the brain animates the fuzzy), law of Subtraction (removing the uneccessary) and Sustainability ( ability to maintain something at certain level indefinitely - kept whole, seeing finite resources as source of innovation - pot-in-pot coolers).
Interesting, helpful and destined to be taken out again to re-read.
Monday, September 12, 2011
tinkers
Author: Paul Harding
Sometimes I can slide into language like a pond and just enjoy the way words are strung together, other times it just annoys me when the author goes off into lyrical prose. Both of these reactions came up for me in this book. The narrative is pretty loose, George is dying and hallucinating and remembering, his father is living his itinerant life, his memories, his epilepsy. Despite the meandering path, it does come together at the end with some satisfaction.
But I didn't really like it much. The strange passages took me out of the story without adding anything for me.
Sometimes I can slide into language like a pond and just enjoy the way words are strung together, other times it just annoys me when the author goes off into lyrical prose. Both of these reactions came up for me in this book. The narrative is pretty loose, George is dying and hallucinating and remembering, his father is living his itinerant life, his memories, his epilepsy. Despite the meandering path, it does come together at the end with some satisfaction.
But I didn't really like it much. The strange passages took me out of the story without adding anything for me.
Love is a Four Letter Word
Author: Vikki VanSickle
Sequel to Words that start with B. Dealing with the smaller daily issues of Clarissa and Benji's lives, this book touches deep chords that resonate. Disappointments, missed meetings, hurt feelings, being left out, keeping secrets, all the stuff of middle grade life is here and feels emotionally true.
Started reading at breakfast and had to finish before going to work, so read it in one sitting and loved it.
Sequel to Words that start with B. Dealing with the smaller daily issues of Clarissa and Benji's lives, this book touches deep chords that resonate. Disappointments, missed meetings, hurt feelings, being left out, keeping secrets, all the stuff of middle grade life is here and feels emotionally true.
Started reading at breakfast and had to finish before going to work, so read it in one sitting and loved it.
The Yggyssey
Author: Daniel Pinkwater
Ghosts, ghosts and more ghosts, and three kids that want to see where they're all going when they desert the haunted hotel.
Middle grade light.
Ghosts, ghosts and more ghosts, and three kids that want to see where they're all going when they desert the haunted hotel.
Middle grade light.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Pride & Prejudice: The Wild & Wanton Edition
Author: Amanda Bloom & Jane Austen
In all the retreaded Austen novels one thing must be universally acknowledged: the greater part of the good writing belongs to Jane Austen. All the secondary author can hope for is to avoid damging it.
In some ways this version is not wild enough. In other ways, it adds precious little to the existing text. It was both distracting and helpful to have the additions highlighted in bold, so we could see what had been done.
In some ways the additions cheapen it and take it to a 'Harlequin' romance level - extra emotion where it was not required, that blunts the beauty of the original.
In all the retreaded Austen novels one thing must be universally acknowledged: the greater part of the good writing belongs to Jane Austen. All the secondary author can hope for is to avoid damging it.
In some ways this version is not wild enough. In other ways, it adds precious little to the existing text. It was both distracting and helpful to have the additions highlighted in bold, so we could see what had been done.
In some ways the additions cheapen it and take it to a 'Harlequin' romance level - extra emotion where it was not required, that blunts the beauty of the original.
4 Magic Questions of Screenwriting
Author: Marilyn Horowitz
Instead of trudging through the 3 acts with a saggy middle, she proposes breaking the 2nd act in two and splitting the screenplay into four sections, each corresponding with a question:
What is the main character's dream?
What is the main character's nightmare?
Who or what would they 'die' for?
What is the resolution of the dream or a new dream?
She analyzes the movie Witness in ten minute increments to support this.
Instead of trudging through the 3 acts with a saggy middle, she proposes breaking the 2nd act in two and splitting the screenplay into four sections, each corresponding with a question:
What is the main character's dream?
What is the main character's nightmare?
Who or what would they 'die' for?
What is the resolution of the dream or a new dream?
She analyzes the movie Witness in ten minute increments to support this.
The Clothes on Their Backs
Author: Linda Grant
Strange and fascinating tale of the daughter of immigrants, delving into the family secrets via her estranged Uncle. Struck by the physical imperfection of the heroine, and by how the bulk of her adult life simply had no bearing on the story. I liked that.
Strange and fascinating tale of the daughter of immigrants, delving into the family secrets via her estranged Uncle. Struck by the physical imperfection of the heroine, and by how the bulk of her adult life simply had no bearing on the story. I liked that.
Old Town in the Green Groves
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Very brave trying to fill in the gap in the Little House books. This was a time not written about possibly because of the pain of remembering her dead baby brother, or because it didn't involve the west or the pioneer days. The family sells the farm on Plum Creek (after the third year of grasshoppers) and goes to Minnesota to stay with family, then moves to a well established town in Iowa.
It's quite possible Laura didn't think this time worth writing about. Cynthia Rylant comes pretty close to capturing Laura's voice and openness to nature.
Very brave trying to fill in the gap in the Little House books. This was a time not written about possibly because of the pain of remembering her dead baby brother, or because it didn't involve the west or the pioneer days. The family sells the farm on Plum Creek (after the third year of grasshoppers) and goes to Minnesota to stay with family, then moves to a well established town in Iowa.
It's quite possible Laura didn't think this time worth writing about. Cynthia Rylant comes pretty close to capturing Laura's voice and openness to nature.
Tomorrow's Wizard
Author: Patricia MacLachlan
Only 66 pages long, well written, made up of 6 short chapters, each a lovely story unto itself, rolled into an even better and more satisfying story.
A bit old fashioned, but still worthy.
Only 66 pages long, well written, made up of 6 short chapters, each a lovely story unto itself, rolled into an even better and more satisfying story.
A bit old fashioned, but still worthy.
168 Hours: You have more time than you think
Author: Laura Vandekam
I could swear I've read this before. It must not have sunk in deeply enough, because I needed to read it again. In a nutshell:
Log your time
Create your list of '100 Dreams'
Identify your core competencies
Start with a blank slate
Fill your 168 hours with blocks of core competency time
Ignore, minimize or outsource everything else
Fill bits of time with bits of joy
Tune up as necessary
I could swear I've read this before. It must not have sunk in deeply enough, because I needed to read it again. In a nutshell:
Log your time
Create your list of '100 Dreams'
Identify your core competencies
Start with a blank slate
Fill your 168 hours with blocks of core competency time
Ignore, minimize or outsource everything else
Fill bits of time with bits of joy
Tune up as necessary
Hype & Glory
Author: William Goldman
Easy to read his work, no matter what it's about. Found the Cannes section more interesting and less women as object than the bit about Miss America. A little too much dirty old man crept in there.
Still looking for Adventures in the Screen Trade.
Easy to read his work, no matter what it's about. Found the Cannes section more interesting and less women as object than the bit about Miss America. A little too much dirty old man crept in there.
Still looking for Adventures in the Screen Trade.
Evil Plans: Having Fun on the Road to World Domination
Author / Illustrator: Hugh MacLeod
Pretty similar to his blog posts, but worthy of a look if you're stuck in a cubicle or trapped in the rat race.
Pretty similar to his blog posts, but worthy of a look if you're stuck in a cubicle or trapped in the rat race.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go
Author: Dale E. Basye
Two kids die in an exploding marshmallow accident and end up in Heck (which isn't quite Hell - more like a PG prequel.
Ends with the good kid coming back to life, in an obvious intentional cliff hanger/resolution, since there will be at minimum a sequel, more likely a trilogy, given that three kids worked together to get the one out.
Too much toilet / stinky humour.
Two kids die in an exploding marshmallow accident and end up in Heck (which isn't quite Hell - more like a PG prequel.
Ends with the good kid coming back to life, in an obvious intentional cliff hanger/resolution, since there will be at minimum a sequel, more likely a trilogy, given that three kids worked together to get the one out.
Too much toilet / stinky humour.
Highland Heiress
Author: Margaret Moore
Free harlequin romance. Lots of stock characters, but main characters fairly well rounded, despite some behaviours that were not believable.
Free harlequin romance. Lots of stock characters, but main characters fairly well rounded, despite some behaviours that were not believable.
Graceling
Author: Kristin Shore
Katsa thinks she has a grace for killing, and uses it reluctantly in the service of her King. She starts a council to protect the common folk of all the kingdoms from the whims of their kings, falls for another Graceling, rescues a princess and murders an evil king. All in a day's work.
Hard to put down.
Katsa thinks she has a grace for killing, and uses it reluctantly in the service of her King. She starts a council to protect the common folk of all the kingdoms from the whims of their kings, falls for another Graceling, rescues a princess and murders an evil king. All in a day's work.
Hard to put down.
Witch Baby & Me at School
Author: Deb Gliori
Another romp with the Sisters of Hiss and Daisy the Witch Baby who starts playgroup. Good to see how hard it can be for witches to cope with ordinary life (jobs, meals, money).
Another romp with the Sisters of Hiss and Daisy the Witch Baby who starts playgroup. Good to see how hard it can be for witches to cope with ordinary life (jobs, meals, money).
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
Author: Laurie Viera Rigler
Loved this fish out of water tale of a woman from Austen's day landing in an LA body and coping with modern life.
Loved this fish out of water tale of a woman from Austen's day landing in an LA body and coping with modern life.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Witch Baby and Me: After Dark
Author: Deb Gliori
Love this author's other work - Pure Dead Magic et al. This seems to be written for a younger audience that fully appreciates farts (and there are plenty).
Enjoyed it, especially the dedication to Waywoof, the invisible (and stinky) werewolf/dog.
Love this author's other work - Pure Dead Magic et al. This seems to be written for a younger audience that fully appreciates farts (and there are plenty).
Enjoyed it, especially the dedication to Waywoof, the invisible (and stinky) werewolf/dog.
Chocolate Wishes
Author: Trisha Ashley
Odd twist on my grandpa is a warlock and I'm in love with the vicar (although I can't say I've ever read exactly that book). The protagonists struggles about the church and vicar are hard to buy into, but the village life and covens were interesting. Probably written for slower readers, as I found a bit too much nudging and repetition of phrases and incidents.
Odd twist on my grandpa is a warlock and I'm in love with the vicar (although I can't say I've ever read exactly that book). The protagonists struggles about the church and vicar are hard to buy into, but the village life and covens were interesting. Probably written for slower readers, as I found a bit too much nudging and repetition of phrases and incidents.
The Weird Sisters
Author: Eleanor Brown
Narrated by a plural 3rd person POV, which is odd, but somehow strangely comforting - like a fairy tale voice, this tells of 3 sisters coming home and dealing with life.
The father has spouted shakespeare all their lives, so full of quotes and echoes. Really, it reminded me of the Penderwicks, except grown up, less honourable and a little harder to love.
Narrated by a plural 3rd person POV, which is odd, but somehow strangely comforting - like a fairy tale voice, this tells of 3 sisters coming home and dealing with life.
The father has spouted shakespeare all their lives, so full of quotes and echoes. Really, it reminded me of the Penderwicks, except grown up, less honourable and a little harder to love.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Scumble
Author: Ingrid Law
The sequel to Savvy - following cousin Ledge as he busts a part all manner of mechanical device while trying to scumble his savvy.
Somehow, I liked the first book better. The adults seemed more multi-dimensional and emotions rang truer. Noble was not believable - too much of a boogeyman to buy into for me.
The sequel to Savvy - following cousin Ledge as he busts a part all manner of mechanical device while trying to scumble his savvy.
Somehow, I liked the first book better. The adults seemed more multi-dimensional and emotions rang truer. Noble was not believable - too much of a boogeyman to buy into for me.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Summer Sherman Loved Me
Author: Jane St. Anthony
Lovely book about the confusing first love and all the painful uncertainty surrounding it. Great characters, especially the mothers, the Underwoods and the other kids, peripheral but still key.
I wish I'd written it.
Lovely book about the confusing first love and all the painful uncertainty surrounding it. Great characters, especially the mothers, the Underwoods and the other kids, peripheral but still key.
I wish I'd written it.
The Girl From the Sea
Author: James Aldridge
This is written in such a way that I was convinced that it really happened. At times hard to read (blunt and painful) but still absorbing characters that compelled you to read on. Enjoyed immensely.
This is written in such a way that I was convinced that it really happened. At times hard to read (blunt and painful) but still absorbing characters that compelled you to read on. Enjoyed immensely.
I am the Only Running Footman
Author: Martha Grimes
This must be one of her earlier works, the ending and resolution were unexpectedly abrupt. Otherwise, underused some of the stock characters, but still a very enjoyable read.
This must be one of her earlier works, the ending and resolution were unexpectedly abrupt. Otherwise, underused some of the stock characters, but still a very enjoyable read.
Francesca's Rake
Author: Lynn Kerstan
It was bound in the same volume with Marry in Haste, so naturally I read it. A better book. Still pretty unbelievable, but characters were more interesting.
It was bound in the same volume with Marry in Haste, so naturally I read it. A better book. Still pretty unbelievable, but characters were more interesting.
Marry in Haste
Author: Lynn Kerstan
Wealthy girl with scarred face meets dissolute returning soldier, sparks fly, etc.
Only OK (too lazy to get out of the bath).
Wealthy girl with scarred face meets dissolute returning soldier, sparks fly, etc.
Only OK (too lazy to get out of the bath).
The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
Moved to tears more than once. Well-written and fascinating look into Jackson, Mississippi's black help for white women.
Now I can go see the movie.
Moved to tears more than once. Well-written and fascinating look into Jackson, Mississippi's black help for white women.
Now I can go see the movie.
A Royal Pain
Author: Rhys Bowen
Another tale of Georgiana, 34th in line to the throne, who cleans houses so she can eat during the depression. Saddled with a possible princess for David (of the infamous abdication) murders abound.
Enjoyable romp, amid stiff upper lips.
Another tale of Georgiana, 34th in line to the throne, who cleans houses so she can eat during the depression. Saddled with a possible princess for David (of the infamous abdication) murders abound.
Enjoyable romp, amid stiff upper lips.
Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution
Author: Robert C. Atkins, M.D.
Finally read it, still haven't tried it.
Finally read it, still haven't tried it.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Daddy's Girl
Author: Debbie Dreschler
Dark memoir of abuse at her father's hands. Graphically powerful, showing just how ugly her father was as he abused her. Also, very dark, lots of ink on the page and textured backgrounds.
Dark memoir of abuse at her father's hands. Graphically powerful, showing just how ugly her father was as he abused her. Also, very dark, lots of ink on the page and textured backgrounds.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Savvy
Author: Ingrid Law
I love it when librarians group the award winning books on a separate shelf. I always discover great authors there. This Newbery Honour book was no exception, funny, emotionally real and delightfully off-kilter this was a great road trip story, taken as a 13 year old comes into her special power or 'savvy'.
I love it when librarians group the award winning books on a separate shelf. I always discover great authors there. This Newbery Honour book was no exception, funny, emotionally real and delightfully off-kilter this was a great road trip story, taken as a 13 year old comes into her special power or 'savvy'.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Trouble with Harry
Author: Katie MacAlister
Funniest romance I've ever read. A shamed woman weds a man with 5 devilish children, each of them keeping secrets from the other. She wrote 'The Guide to Connubial Calisthenics' and he's a former spy and their lives are threatened by their pasts.
Loved that the couple was mature (40 & 45), randy as all get out and capable of great fun.
Funniest romance I've ever read. A shamed woman weds a man with 5 devilish children, each of them keeping secrets from the other. She wrote 'The Guide to Connubial Calisthenics' and he's a former spy and their lives are threatened by their pasts.
Loved that the couple was mature (40 & 45), randy as all get out and capable of great fun.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Here Lies Bridget
Author: Paige Harbison
First person POV of a nasty girl, who finally nearly dies and is sentenced to experience herself through her friend's eyes. Weighed more on Bridget's side than on the others, and she was so self-absorbed and mean-spirited, it was hard to care for her. Her turnaround wasn't as convincing as it needed to be for me.
First person POV of a nasty girl, who finally nearly dies and is sentenced to experience herself through her friend's eyes. Weighed more on Bridget's side than on the others, and she was so self-absorbed and mean-spirited, it was hard to care for her. Her turnaround wasn't as convincing as it needed to be for me.
The Enchanted Castle
Author: E. Nesbit
A 1907 classic with an honest-to-goodness enchanted castle, statues that come a live in moonlight, secret passages and a wishing ring. And the obligatory British complement of two boys and two girls. And ginger beer. Despite the age of the book, I didn't see most of the plot twists coming and absolutely loved the Ugly-wuglies. Especially the one that just kept on living and investing. Brilliant.
A 1907 classic with an honest-to-goodness enchanted castle, statues that come a live in moonlight, secret passages and a wishing ring. And the obligatory British complement of two boys and two girls. And ginger beer. Despite the age of the book, I didn't see most of the plot twists coming and absolutely loved the Ugly-wuglies. Especially the one that just kept on living and investing. Brilliant.
Jamaica Inn
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Written in the thirties, this is a historical romance/suspense set in the days after pirates, but before law and order on the coast of Cornwall. Wreckers lure ships onto reefs and rocks, murder the passengers & sailors and make off with the loot.
Not sure if I was unhappy with her choice of villain or not - it seemed a bit gothic to make the albino vicar the bad guy.
Written in the thirties, this is a historical romance/suspense set in the days after pirates, but before law and order on the coast of Cornwall. Wreckers lure ships onto reefs and rocks, murder the passengers & sailors and make off with the loot.
Not sure if I was unhappy with her choice of villain or not - it seemed a bit gothic to make the albino vicar the bad guy.
Seduce me at Sunrise
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Classic bodice ripping title & cover art, but another interesting chapter in the Hathaway family dramas. I like authors that explore all of their characters in the same world via different books - it prolongs the pleasure of acquaintance.
Classic bodice ripping title & cover art, but another interesting chapter in the Hathaway family dramas. I like authors that explore all of their characters in the same world via different books - it prolongs the pleasure of acquaintance.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
On the Way to Fun
Author: Roberto Dillon
'An emotion based approach to successful game design'
Actually readable and to some degree, applicable. Mostly case studies from the early days of gaming. The analytic part is hard to wrap your head around, but makes sense, especially in terms of engaging the player.
'An emotion based approach to successful game design'
Actually readable and to some degree, applicable. Mostly case studies from the early days of gaming. The analytic part is hard to wrap your head around, but makes sense, especially in terms of engaging the player.
Our Lady of the Lost and Found
Author: Diane Schoemperlen
The Virgin Mary takes a week off at the home of a reclusive writer. Loads of research and intriguing histories of visions and visitations. Something I'd like to still know more about.
And I love this writer's voice.
The Virgin Mary takes a week off at the home of a reclusive writer. Loads of research and intriguing histories of visions and visitations. Something I'd like to still know more about.
And I love this writer's voice.
What the Dog Saw
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Collection of essays - all fascinating and weird. More than one was a reread for me. Also troubling. An unexpected keeper from the $1 pile at a garage sale.
Collection of essays - all fascinating and weird. More than one was a reread for me. Also troubling. An unexpected keeper from the $1 pile at a garage sale.
Encore Edie
Author: Annabel Lyons
Great tween angst novel, so superior to the Dork Diaries and their ilk. Intelligent, caring and emotionally engaging and a good cathartic story.
Great tween angst novel, so superior to the Dork Diaries and their ilk. Intelligent, caring and emotionally engaging and a good cathartic story.
The Return of the King
Author: JRR Tolkien
Best moment in the trilogy for most of my life was the moment Eowyn removes her helmet and declares that she is no man's son, and slays the Ringwraith.
Now, with age, best moment is when Sam gets home from the Grey Havens to Bag End, and is back again.
Best moment in the trilogy for most of my life was the moment Eowyn removes her helmet and declares that she is no man's son, and slays the Ringwraith.
Now, with age, best moment is when Sam gets home from the Grey Havens to Bag End, and is back again.
The Two Towers
Author: JRR Tolkien
New cure for the common cold, rereading Lord of the Rings. Cheated and skipped Book 1, since we've just watched the film version (introducing our 11 year old to the story).
Still love Treebeard best.
New cure for the common cold, rereading Lord of the Rings. Cheated and skipped Book 1, since we've just watched the film version (introducing our 11 year old to the story).
Still love Treebeard best.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Atkins for Life
Author: Robert Atkins, M.D.
Too soon. Recipes look like it'd be worth a future purchase.
Too soon. Recipes look like it'd be worth a future purchase.
Peril at Somner House
Author: Joanna Challis
A young Daphne du Maurier is solving murders and nearly getting killed herself. Good work with the brittle upper crust of society in the 20's or 30's (not exactly clear).
Now I am looking for a biography of du Maurier
A young Daphne du Maurier is solving murders and nearly getting killed herself. Good work with the brittle upper crust of society in the 20's or 30's (not exactly clear).
Now I am looking for a biography of du Maurier
Love is a Many Trousered Thing
Author: Louise Rennison
More Georgia Nicolson. I just pray that she gets together with Dave the Laugh and ends the series. More shallow, foolish adventures.
More Georgia Nicolson. I just pray that she gets together with Dave the Laugh and ends the series. More shallow, foolish adventures.
Knocked Out by My Nunga-Nungas
Author: Louise Rennison
Confessions of Georgia Nicolson, a self-obsessed teen and her big red bottomed adventures. Very flip and slangy, often funny.
Confessions of Georgia Nicolson, a self-obsessed teen and her big red bottomed adventures. Very flip and slangy, often funny.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Author: Carson McCullers
Couldn't resist the melancholy author photo on the cover and I've been meaning to read this forever. Pretty sad and without hope, and a bit heavy on race relations and economic theory, but loads of horrid inescapable humanity.
Couldn't resist the melancholy author photo on the cover and I've been meaning to read this forever. Pretty sad and without hope, and a bit heavy on race relations and economic theory, but loads of horrid inescapable humanity.
Why We Get Fat and What to Do About it.
Author: Gary Taubes
More anti-carb information. Again, had to choose my chapters, as there's too much research to really enjoy.
More anti-carb information. Again, had to choose my chapters, as there's too much research to really enjoy.
Malice in Miniature
Author: Jeanne M. Dams
Nosy American, married to a British Chief Inspector (or something) investigates odd happenings around the the 'Dollhouse Museum' and two murders.
Why the hats? Finding Americans in Britain kind of annoying right now.
Nosy American, married to a British Chief Inspector (or something) investigates odd happenings around the the 'Dollhouse Museum' and two murders.
Why the hats? Finding Americans in Britain kind of annoying right now.
Love in the Afternoon
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Beatrix, youngest child and animal lover, takes pity on a soldier in the Crimean war and writes to him, pretending to be the beautiful girl down the road. Good Crimean detail and believable post-traumatic shock.
Beatrix, youngest child and animal lover, takes pity on a soldier in the Crimean war and writes to him, pretending to be the beautiful girl down the road. Good Crimean detail and believable post-traumatic shock.
Married by Morning
Author: Lisa Kleypas
The governess with a secret falls for the Lord of the manor and vice versa.
The governess with a secret falls for the Lord of the manor and vice versa.
Devil in Winter
Author: Lisa Kleypas
One of the tales of a wallflower in Victorian England, a girl who offers herself in marriage to a rake, to avoid marrying her cousin and her family's continuing control.
One of the tales of a wallflower in Victorian England, a girl who offers herself in marriage to a rake, to avoid marrying her cousin and her family's continuing control.
Tyranny
Author / Illustrator: Lesley Fairfield
Graphic novel about the author's experience with anorexia / bulemia. Remarkable personification of the 'other self' that ruled her eating decisions. The use of line was so expressive.
Wept over the kindness of a stranger to her.
Graphic novel about the author's experience with anorexia / bulemia. Remarkable personification of the 'other self' that ruled her eating decisions. The use of line was so expressive.
Wept over the kindness of a stranger to her.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Where Dreams Begin
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Another regency romance. Somehow this author keeps it fresh and entertaining in a tale of a brash nouveau riche who hires a genteel widow to teach him the finer points of the ton.
Another regency romance. Somehow this author keeps it fresh and entertaining in a tale of a brash nouveau riche who hires a genteel widow to teach him the finer points of the ton.
Wither
Author: Lauren DeStefano
A world where girls live to 20 and men to 25, where girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population going, Rhine is trapped.
Rhine and her sister wives are trapped in the cossetted world of her husband's Florida mansion. Waited on hand and foot by young orphans, Rhine refuses to give up on escaping and returning to her twin brother, back in Manhattan. She talks Gabriel, another orphan attendant, into joining her.
A world where girls live to 20 and men to 25, where girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population going, Rhine is trapped.
Rhine and her sister wives are trapped in the cossetted world of her husband's Florida mansion. Waited on hand and foot by young orphans, Rhine refuses to give up on escaping and returning to her twin brother, back in Manhattan. She talks Gabriel, another orphan attendant, into joining her.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Way is Made by Walking
Author: Arthur Paul Boers
One man's tale of the Camino Santiago - an interesting perspective from a Minister/priest from Ontario. Sounds a bit like a journey of souls seeking something. Sounds challenging, but also sounds like a great thing to do.
One man's tale of the Camino Santiago - an interesting perspective from a Minister/priest from Ontario. Sounds a bit like a journey of souls seeking something. Sounds challenging, but also sounds like a great thing to do.
Women Food and God
Author: Geneen Roth
Somehow the title seems to be missing a comma...
Read this before, and forgot all about it. Disagree with Oprah about the life changingness of it. Too anecdotal, although the guidelines make sense.
Somehow the title seems to be missing a comma...
Read this before, and forgot all about it. Disagree with Oprah about the life changingness of it. Too anecdotal, although the guidelines make sense.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Walls within Walls
Author: Maureen Sherry
Brooklyn family moves to Manhattan to a strange apartment with loads of hidden clues. Pretty engaging. Some characters needed more, like Brid - the sister. Also, some of mystery solving depended on a dyslexic and lucky comments by a friend. Great bits about New York and Guastavino's vaulted buildings.
Brooklyn family moves to Manhattan to a strange apartment with loads of hidden clues. Pretty engaging. Some characters needed more, like Brid - the sister. Also, some of mystery solving depended on a dyslexic and lucky comments by a friend. Great bits about New York and Guastavino's vaulted buildings.
Down to Earth
Author: Melanie Rose
Micheala parachutes from a plane and lands 6 years, 6 months and 6 days later to a changed life.
A few noticeable moments of telling and a bit too heavily foreshadowed in parts, but otherwise a light read.
Micheala parachutes from a plane and lands 6 years, 6 months and 6 days later to a changed life.
A few noticeable moments of telling and a bit too heavily foreshadowed in parts, but otherwise a light read.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A Wallflower Christmas
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Lightweight romance about four happily married former wallflowers helping another young woman find love.
Lightweight romance about four happily married former wallflowers helping another young woman find love.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Huge
Author: Sasha Paley
Two roommates at fat camp fall for the same jerk. They love, they hate, they wreak vengeance, they celebrate, they fight, they make up.
Two roommates at fat camp fall for the same jerk. They love, they hate, they wreak vengeance, they celebrate, they fight, they make up.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
State of Wonder
Author: Ann Patchett
Really interesting journey of a doctor/researcher travelling to the amazon to find the truth about a 'dead' colleague. Beautifully written, especially liked the ending which led me to imagine the possible future the main character would be living.
Really interesting journey of a doctor/researcher travelling to the amazon to find the truth about a 'dead' colleague. Beautifully written, especially liked the ending which led me to imagine the possible future the main character would be living.
Princess of Glass
Author: Jessica Day George
Princess Poppy is shipped off to her mother's homeland to find a husband and repair goodwill between nations, as is Prince Christian of Daneclaw. A maid (formerly wealthy, now fallen on misfortune) is enchanted by 'the Corley' to ensnare the Prince in marriage. Again, minor characters are interesting, and Poppy, who was worth knowing in the last book comes into her own here.
Princess Poppy is shipped off to her mother's homeland to find a husband and repair goodwill between nations, as is Prince Christian of Daneclaw. A maid (formerly wealthy, now fallen on misfortune) is enchanted by 'the Corley' to ensnare the Prince in marriage. Again, minor characters are interesting, and Poppy, who was worth knowing in the last book comes into her own here.
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Author: Jessica Day George
Retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, involving knitting, herbs and kindness.
Somehow, enough of the princesses have character to be memorable and the evil princes are notable, but the hero easily the most intere3sting of all.
Retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, involving knitting, herbs and kindness.
Somehow, enough of the princesses have character to be memorable and the evil princes are notable, but the hero easily the most intere3sting of all.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Goose Girl
Author: Shannon Hale
One of my favorite authors, in one of my favorite worlds. And I've always had a soft spot for the Goose Girl from way back. Hard to put down and sorry when it's over.
One of my favorite authors, in one of my favorite worlds. And I've always had a soft spot for the Goose Girl from way back. Hard to put down and sorry when it's over.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
It holds up well despite high school English. Felt very much of its time, but still reads like it might have been written yesterday.
Meretricious didn't refer to Daisy's beauty - but something else entirely.
May need to reread it again.
It holds up well despite high school English. Felt very much of its time, but still reads like it might have been written yesterday.
Meretricious didn't refer to Daisy's beauty - but something else entirely.
May need to reread it again.
Radiant Shadows
Author: Melissa Marr
Another faerie / modern story about the Queen's assassin falling in love with a half-human member of the hunt. Easy to read and enjoy. Not the first of this series that I've read - settings and characters were familiar.
Another faerie / modern story about the Queen's assassin falling in love with a half-human member of the hunt. Easy to read and enjoy. Not the first of this series that I've read - settings and characters were familiar.
C'mon Papa
Author: Ryan Knighton
Another intriguing memoir from a man slowly going blind. Parenthood was tough enough with sight, the story is very compelling.
Another intriguing memoir from a man slowly going blind. Parenthood was tough enough with sight, the story is very compelling.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Authors: Barbara Boughton & Micheal Stefanek
Interesting, concise and useful. Surprisingly quick read (did skip irrelevant chapters).
Links to some risk assessment tests.
http://www.diseaseriskindex.harvard.edu/update/hccpquiz.pl?lang=english&func=home&page=cancer_index
http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/
Interesting, concise and useful. Surprisingly quick read (did skip irrelevant chapters).
Links to some risk assessment tests.
http://www.diseaseriskindex.harvard.edu/update/hccpquiz.pl?lang=english&func=home&page=cancer_index
http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/
Belle
Author: Cameron Dokey
A re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. Beautifully done, only weakness was the skill link to love through wood. Apart from that very enjoyable.
Apparently, she's doens a number of fairytales, must find more.
A re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. Beautifully done, only weakness was the skill link to love through wood. Apart from that very enjoyable.
Apparently, she's doens a number of fairytales, must find more.
703: How I lost more than a 1/4 ton and gained a life
Author: Nancy Makin
Remarkable memoir of a woman who was so large she couldn't leave the apartment, then when she got connected on-line, found friendships and a life of greater interest than food.
Remarkable memoir of a woman who was so large she couldn't leave the apartment, then when she got connected on-line, found friendships and a life of greater interest than food.
A Turn in the Road
Author: Debbie Macomber
More of the people from the Knitting shop on Blossom Street. A road trip with Grandma, her daughter in law, and granddaughter, all looking for love and finding it, more or less.
More of the people from the Knitting shop on Blossom Street. A road trip with Grandma, her daughter in law, and granddaughter, all looking for love and finding it, more or less.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Emotional House
Authors: Kathryn L. Robyn & Dawn Ritchie
How redesigning your home can change your life.
How redesigning your home can change your life.
- The bathroom must always be clean.
- Dishes, countertops & stove must be wiped down every night before going to bed.
- Sheets must be washed weekly in hot water.
The Bird Sisters
Author: Rebecca Rasmussen
The tale of Twiss & Milly, who at the end of their days wander in and out of memory. Well-told, with intriguing characters and some amazing moments.
The tale of Twiss & Milly, who at the end of their days wander in and out of memory. Well-told, with intriguing characters and some amazing moments.
Venetia
Author: Georgette Heyer
Such comfortable regency romances! Enjoyed this with a bath. Sheltered girl falls for supposed rake. Happy ending. No surprises.
Such comfortable regency romances! Enjoyed this with a bath. Sheltered girl falls for supposed rake. Happy ending. No surprises.
Wild Ride
Author: Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer
Very funny, demon fighting romance/drama set in a theme park. Loved it. Utterly unexpected.
Very funny, demon fighting romance/drama set in a theme park. Loved it. Utterly unexpected.
A Grave in the Cotswolds
Author: Rebecca Tope
Lovely British murder mystery told from the POV of an underdog undertaker who falls in with a lonely housesitter. Many others in this series, but I wonder what POV they are all told from?
Must investigate.
Lovely British murder mystery told from the POV of an underdog undertaker who falls in with a lonely housesitter. Many others in this series, but I wonder what POV they are all told from?
Must investigate.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Cloud Atlas
Author: David Mitchell
Albeit a bit heavy on the message, a spell binding sequence of stories that are barely linked, but tell of slavery, biogenics and people using people.
Hard to put down in spite of the weight of the content.
Love his writing. Looking for more titles.
Albeit a bit heavy on the message, a spell binding sequence of stories that are barely linked, but tell of slavery, biogenics and people using people.
Hard to put down in spite of the weight of the content.
Love his writing. Looking for more titles.
The Exile
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Illustrator: Hoang Nguyen
Basically, Outlander from Jamie's point of view. Haven't read Outlander but this was OK, not spectacular.
Illustrator: Hoang Nguyen
Basically, Outlander from Jamie's point of view. Haven't read Outlander but this was OK, not spectacular.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Three Shadows
Author / Illustrator: Cyril Pedrosa
Incredible, sensitive graphic novel about a child's death. Illustrations were amazing.
Incredible, sensitive graphic novel about a child's death. Illustrations were amazing.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dream on It: Unlock your Dreams, Change your Life
Author: Laura Quinn Loewenberg
Didn't read through but found some sections fascinating. Good gift for Margaret - the kind of reference you want to consult on an as needed basis rather than reading for pleasure.
Didn't read through but found some sections fascinating. Good gift for Margaret - the kind of reference you want to consult on an as needed basis rather than reading for pleasure.
Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron
Author: Stephanie Barron
I love these novels because the characters are fairly worn in and comforting to hang with. Now I'm curious about George Gordon, Lord Byron and looking for a juicy biography.
I love these novels because the characters are fairly worn in and comforting to hang with. Now I'm curious about George Gordon, Lord Byron and looking for a juicy biography.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Moomin: Vol. 4
Author / Illustrator: Tove Jansson
Delightful comic strip from the 50's. Surprisingly long story lines.
Now I crave Pogo.
Delightful comic strip from the 50's. Surprisingly long story lines.
Now I crave Pogo.
The Four Hour Body
Author: Timothy Ferriss
Fast read from the library, so due back before I'm past the weight loss chapters.
Will purchase soon, as I've started the 'slow-carb' diet and am feeling pretty good, more energy and less hunger. Way more information than needed, but it's good to have it handy to save time researching if something really twigs an interest.
Fast read from the library, so due back before I'm past the weight loss chapters.
Will purchase soon, as I've started the 'slow-carb' diet and am feeling pretty good, more energy and less hunger. Way more information than needed, but it's good to have it handy to save time researching if something really twigs an interest.
Time to Write
Author: Kelly Stone
Writing schedules, time and word quotas and many other helpful bits of advice. Should have read this after the Procrastination Equation instead of before.
Worth buying.
Writing schedules, time and word quotas and many other helpful bits of advice. Should have read this after the Procrastination Equation instead of before.
Worth buying.
Good Calories, Bad Calories
Author: Gary Taubes
Detailed survey about weight loss science in the last 200 years. Concludes that carbohydrates (especially refined ones) are the culprit behind the obesity and diabetes epidemic.
Reassuring and makes sense, even though it means turning my back on some favorite foods.
Only skimmed parts of it based on personal relevance, readable but dense.
Detailed survey about weight loss science in the last 200 years. Concludes that carbohydrates (especially refined ones) are the culprit behind the obesity and diabetes epidemic.
Reassuring and makes sense, even though it means turning my back on some favorite foods.
Only skimmed parts of it based on personal relevance, readable but dense.
Dancing with Mr. Darcy
Stories inspired by Jane Austen and Chawton House
The Best of Jane Austen Short Story Competition
Interesting collection. Each author included a note about what they were going for in the story or how it was relevant. The most effective stories for me were set in contemporary times.
The Best of Jane Austen Short Story Competition
Interesting collection. Each author included a note about what they were going for in the story or how it was relevant. The most effective stories for me were set in contemporary times.
The Procrastination Equation
Author: Piers Steel
Expectancy x Value
_________________
Impulsiveness x Delay
It made complete sense at the time of reading. Had good advice for implementation as well, but somehow it seemed too far away from day to day to take on. Although, I have been getting things done with less stress since reading it, so perhaps it's helped subliminally.
Expectancy x Value
_________________
Impulsiveness x Delay
It made complete sense at the time of reading. Had good advice for implementation as well, but somehow it seemed too far away from day to day to take on. Although, I have been getting things done with less stress since reading it, so perhaps it's helped subliminally.
Writing Jane Austen
Author: Elizabeth Aston
A different take on Jane fanfiction, an author is given the first 3000 words of a lost manuscript of Austen's and told to finish it. Mocks the genre while fully embracing it. Enjoyed very much.
A different take on Jane fanfiction, an author is given the first 3000 words of a lost manuscript of Austen's and told to finish it. Mocks the genre while fully embracing it. Enjoyed very much.
Indecent Proposal
Author: AC Arthur
Soft porn between romance covers with an unstable point of view. 'Urban Romance Fiction' indeed.
Soft porn between romance covers with an unstable point of view. 'Urban Romance Fiction' indeed.
The Ladie's Man
Author: Elinor Lipman
Funny and sad and slightly surreal. The schmuck returns from the coast to apologize to the woman he jilted 30 years ago, and sleeps and charms his way around Boston.
Some great female characters.
Funny and sad and slightly surreal. The schmuck returns from the coast to apologize to the woman he jilted 30 years ago, and sleeps and charms his way around Boston.
Some great female characters.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
American Rose: The Life & Times of Gypsy Rose Lee
Author: Karen Abbott
Biography with a slightly confusing structure, leaping back and forth in time. Great context of what was happening all around burlesque, corruption, speakeasies, dance marathons etc.
Biography with a slightly confusing structure, leaping back and forth in time. Great context of what was happening all around burlesque, corruption, speakeasies, dance marathons etc.
Seven Steps on a Writer's Path
Authors: Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott
Interesting, worthy of a place on the shelf for those days when I don't know why I bother or what I want to do.
Interesting, worthy of a place on the shelf for those days when I don't know why I bother or what I want to do.
Mrs. Jeffries Forges Ahead
Author: Emily Brightwell
Same old cast investigating the murder of a young wife, by poison during a ball. Always fun and British and crusty.
Same old cast investigating the murder of a young wife, by poison during a ball. Always fun and British and crusty.
Dogs and Goddesses
Authors: Jennifer Crusie, Anne Stuart and Lani Diane Rich
Romp across a college town where a Mesopotamian temple and a google search has given rise to an ancient goddess. Fun, sexy and easy to read - loved the talking dog personalities.
Romp across a college town where a Mesopotamian temple and a google search has given rise to an ancient goddess. Fun, sexy and easy to read - loved the talking dog personalities.
Delusions of Gender
Author: Cordelia Fine
This book totally screws the scientific notion that boys and girls are wired differently in the the brain. It's all cultural. Even asking the sex of a test writer will cause the test taker to perform to gender stereotypes. Lots of bad science out there posing as truth.
This book totally screws the scientific notion that boys and girls are wired differently in the the brain. It's all cultural. Even asking the sex of a test writer will cause the test taker to perform to gender stereotypes. Lots of bad science out there posing as truth.
Up Close: Harper Lee
Author: Kerry Madden
Biography of Nelle Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird. Clearly, access to the author was not allowed, so content gathered from townspeople, old interviews etc. Not half as fascinating as Mockingbird.
Biography of Nelle Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird. Clearly, access to the author was not allowed, so content gathered from townspeople, old interviews etc. Not half as fascinating as Mockingbird.
Same Difference
Author / Illustrator: Derek Kirk Kim
Collection of short stories. Same difference (title story) is briiliant, subtle and unafraid of dragging out awkward moments. Lots to learn from this - almost unchanging sequence of panels.
Collection of short stories. Same difference (title story) is briiliant, subtle and unafraid of dragging out awkward moments. Lots to learn from this - almost unchanging sequence of panels.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Berlin: City of Stones / City of Smoke
Author / Illustrator: Jason Lutes
Fascinating, rich portrait of Berlin as the Weimar republic crashes down, communists march in the streets, the elite parties and intellectuals discuss.
Details in the art of clothing are so carefully rendered and the multiple story lines weave together and contrast the starving poor with the wealthy.
At the end of City of Smoke, the National Socialists are elected into parliament.
Fascinating, rich portrait of Berlin as the Weimar republic crashes down, communists march in the streets, the elite parties and intellectuals discuss.
Details in the art of clothing are so carefully rendered and the multiple story lines weave together and contrast the starving poor with the wealthy.
At the end of City of Smoke, the National Socialists are elected into parliament.
Memories, Dreams, Reflections
Author: C.G. Jung
(But recorded and edited by Aniela Jaffe)
Possibly more interesting than reading his other works, here he remembers his life and what he learned. Interesting historical and cultural record. It's also as if the two wars never happened or passed unnoticed, which I find strange.
Very slow read, couldn't take more than a few chapters a night.
(But recorded and edited by Aniela Jaffe)
Possibly more interesting than reading his other works, here he remembers his life and what he learned. Interesting historical and cultural record. It's also as if the two wars never happened or passed unnoticed, which I find strange.
Very slow read, couldn't take more than a few chapters a night.
Vancouver: Then and Now
Author: Frances Mansbridge
Historical photos are places side by side with contemporary shots of the same locale, generally at the same angle. How reassuring to see tall weeds on the boulevard across from Heritage Hall, just like another small town.
Historical photos are places side by side with contemporary shots of the same locale, generally at the same angle. How reassuring to see tall weeds on the boulevard across from Heritage Hall, just like another small town.
Death in a Scarlet Coat
Author: David Dickinson
Lord of the Manor dies, doctor bullied into saying natural causes, and Lord Powerscourt investigates with his wife's help. Set before WWI, equipped with a 'Silver Ghost' motorcar and connections, a good cosy that held suspense until close to the end.
Lord of the Manor dies, doctor bullied into saying natural causes, and Lord Powerscourt investigates with his wife's help. Set before WWI, equipped with a 'Silver Ghost' motorcar and connections, a good cosy that held suspense until close to the end.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wilson
Author / Illustrator: Daniel Clowes
One page vignettes of a very depressing character add up to a life story. Interesting experiments with the art work that didn't interrupt the story flow.
One page vignettes of a very depressing character add up to a life story. Interesting experiments with the art work that didn't interrupt the story flow.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Venice Chronicles
Author / Illustrator: Enrico Casarosa
A sketchbook of Venice and of love. Sweet, great illustrations. Annoying angels and demons (but they were supposed to be) and lovely watercolours.
A sketchbook of Venice and of love. Sweet, great illustrations. Annoying angels and demons (but they were supposed to be) and lovely watercolours.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Homeopathy Bible
Author: Ambika Wauters
Good reference book, great info at front and back with materia medica in between. Many remedies new to this reader.
Should buy as companion to other wordier books. This has many photos and easily distilled information.
Good reference book, great info at front and back with materia medica in between. Many remedies new to this reader.
Should buy as companion to other wordier books. This has many photos and easily distilled information.
Cancer made me a shallower person
Author / Illustrator: Miriam Engelberg
Wry look at the realities of experiencing cancer. She's funny and makes you stop to think before ramming your foot in your mouth next time you talk to a cancer survivor.
Wry look at the realities of experiencing cancer. She's funny and makes you stop to think before ramming your foot in your mouth next time you talk to a cancer survivor.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Big Skinny
Author / Illustrator: Carol Lay
How to get thin and look fabulous (count calories and exercise) in comic book form.
Includes tables and recipes.
Kind of inspiring and grumble inducing.
How to get thin and look fabulous (count calories and exercise) in comic book form.
Includes tables and recipes.
Kind of inspiring and grumble inducing.
The Stargazey
Author: Martha Grimes
Another pub titled murder mystery about Jury and his cronies. Interesting penciled in note in this one by an annoyed ex-pat. Apparently, she gets just enough details wrong to make the brits batty, but not enough to trouble a canadian.
Another pub titled murder mystery about Jury and his cronies. Interesting penciled in note in this one by an annoyed ex-pat. Apparently, she gets just enough details wrong to make the brits batty, but not enough to trouble a canadian.
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet
Author: David Mitchell
Historical novel set in Deijima, an island connected by a land bridge to Nagasaki, and Japan's only trading post with the world in 1799. Jacob is a clerk with the Dutch East India Company, and falls in love with Orito, a burn scarred midwife. Fascinating cultural study and lots of details.
Now I want to read The Cloud Atlas. Promising title.
Historical novel set in Deijima, an island connected by a land bridge to Nagasaki, and Japan's only trading post with the world in 1799. Jacob is a clerk with the Dutch East India Company, and falls in love with Orito, a burn scarred midwife. Fascinating cultural study and lots of details.
Now I want to read The Cloud Atlas. Promising title.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Disaster Preparedness
Author: Heather Havrilesky
Memoir about growing up with parents that didn't sugarcoat the bad news (kind of like mine).
Enjoyed the cultural references (ahh, the 70's) and the style of writing. If I see her name again, I'll definitely pick the book/article up and expect to enjoy it.
Memoir about growing up with parents that didn't sugarcoat the bad news (kind of like mine).
Enjoyed the cultural references (ahh, the 70's) and the style of writing. If I see her name again, I'll definitely pick the book/article up and expect to enjoy it.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
You dropped a blonde on me
Author: Dakota Cassidy
Trophy wife gets dumped and left with nothing, struggling jobless while at her mother's retirement home.
Pretty funny, conveniently wealthy new love interest.
Trophy wife gets dumped and left with nothing, struggling jobless while at her mother's retirement home.
Pretty funny, conveniently wealthy new love interest.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The 100 Thing Challenge
Author: Dave Bruno
Not the best written book, sometimes you can tell when a blogger's been picked up. Also, in light of Freeconomics, it's a bit too bourgeois philosphically. But I might try it, because it's easy and I can make up the rules and keep all my books, conveniently called 'my library'.
Not the best written book, sometimes you can tell when a blogger's been picked up. Also, in light of Freeconomics, it's a bit too bourgeois philosphically. But I might try it, because it's easy and I can make up the rules and keep all my books, conveniently called 'my library'.
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Knitting Diaries
Authors: Debbie Macomber / Susan Mallery / Christina Skye
Romance compilation involving knitting. Just what the burnt-out web warrior needed.
Romance compilation involving knitting. Just what the burnt-out web warrior needed.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Ghost a la Mode
Author: Sue Ann Jaffarian
I love ghost stories and I love the gold rush era, so this was fun, a divorcee being haunted by an ancestor until the ghost's name could be cleared for murdering her husband. And some light romance as well.
I love ghost stories and I love the gold rush era, so this was fun, a divorcee being haunted by an ancestor until the ghost's name could be cleared for murdering her husband. And some light romance as well.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Flaw in the Blood
Author: Stephanie Barron
She also writes the Jane Austen mysteries.
This one had Queen Victoria, and access in to Queen Victoria's head. Scary place to be, since she was out to murder the hero & heroine of the story, a young woman doctor and an Irishman.
The flaw refers to haemophilia, and it seemed to be suggested that perhaps Victoria wasn't truly heir, that her father had been someone else. Not really clear on that, perhaps a biography of Victoria is in order.
She also writes the Jane Austen mysteries.
This one had Queen Victoria, and access in to Queen Victoria's head. Scary place to be, since she was out to murder the hero & heroine of the story, a young woman doctor and an Irishman.
The flaw refers to haemophilia, and it seemed to be suggested that perhaps Victoria wasn't truly heir, that her father had been someone else. Not really clear on that, perhaps a biography of Victoria is in order.
The Lost Conspiracy
Author: Frances Hardinge
This author is one of the best namers I have ever read. Mistleman's Blunder, the Wailing Way,
Jealousy (due to poor translation), Hathin, a name that sounded like dust settling.
Also a great book, fast paced, lots of great characters and situations, and a heroine easy to empathize with.
Must find Well Witched, the only book she's written that I haven't yet read.
This author is one of the best namers I have ever read. Mistleman's Blunder, the Wailing Way,
Jealousy (due to poor translation), Hathin, a name that sounded like dust settling.
Also a great book, fast paced, lots of great characters and situations, and a heroine easy to empathize with.
Must find Well Witched, the only book she's written that I haven't yet read.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Moonwalking with Einstein
Author: Joshua Foer
The Art & Science of Remembering Everything.
It sounds like a fair bit of work. I like the memory palace idea, that you walk through a place and put things down (but make them really crazy and stick in your brain visual) and then you can come back and pick them up later when needed.
Techniques for memorizing numbers were too much trouble to consider.
The Art & Science of Remembering Everything.
It sounds like a fair bit of work. I like the memory palace idea, that you walk through a place and put things down (but make them really crazy and stick in your brain visual) and then you can come back and pick them up later when needed.
Techniques for memorizing numbers were too much trouble to consider.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Fadeaway Girl
Author: Martha Grimes
Yay!
Emma of Spirit Lake again, with Ulub and Ubub and all the rest of the gang, wondering whatever happened to the baby that was kidnapped from Bell Ruin 20 years earlier.
The population and locations are so rich that I want to time travel and viosit. Funny that 12 year old myustery solving girls seem to inhabit the 50's more than any contemporary time.
Yay!
Emma of Spirit Lake again, with Ulub and Ubub and all the rest of the gang, wondering whatever happened to the baby that was kidnapped from Bell Ruin 20 years earlier.
The population and locations are so rich that I want to time travel and viosit. Funny that 12 year old myustery solving girls seem to inhabit the 50's more than any contemporary time.
Crazy for You
Author: Jennifer Crusie
Light reading, an beige boyfriend who doesn't understand no, a best friend who won't sleep with her and a stray dog that needs love.
Rather long, but full of echoing repercussions that affect the people all around, I enjoyed.
Light reading, an beige boyfriend who doesn't understand no, a best friend who won't sleep with her and a stray dog that needs love.
Rather long, but full of echoing repercussions that affect the people all around, I enjoyed.
The Woefield Poultry Collective
Author: Susan Juby
Even though Susan's well known for her YA fiction, I've always just thought she was a damn good writer. She manages to take a character like Prudence, an urban greenie and drop her on a tragic farm, and keeps her human and humane in dealing with the misfits that surround her.
Written in four POVs each character with a voice and heart of their own, shines a light on the tenuous strands that link us together.
Even though Susan's well known for her YA fiction, I've always just thought she was a damn good writer. She manages to take a character like Prudence, an urban greenie and drop her on a tragic farm, and keeps her human and humane in dealing with the misfits that surround her.
Written in four POVs each character with a voice and heart of their own, shines a light on the tenuous strands that link us together.
A Treasury of Regrets
Author: Susanne Alleyn
Another tale of the french revolution, based on a historical case where a maid is accused of poisoning her employer.
Well-written, great characters and an absorbing mystery and relationships.
Another tale of the french revolution, based on a historical case where a maid is accused of poisoning her employer.
Well-written, great characters and an absorbing mystery and relationships.
Friday, April 8, 2011
A Reliable Wife
Author: Robert Goolrick
An interesting story, but too full of the author's presence. I hate being addressed directly in the first few pages, and found that the style was far from my favorite - too much lolling around in words. I made it through though, because the story was interesting.
An interesting story, but too full of the author's presence. I hate being addressed directly in the first few pages, and found that the style was far from my favorite - too much lolling around in words. I made it through though, because the story was interesting.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Dear Toni
Author / Illustrator: Cyndi Sand-Eveland
Hackmatack winner.
A journal assignment in class - to write for 100 days to a grade 6 student 40 years in the future.
Great story, dogs, best friends, gifts and a little brother.
Hackmatack winner.
A journal assignment in class - to write for 100 days to a grade 6 student 40 years in the future.
Great story, dogs, best friends, gifts and a little brother.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Maybe Later
Author / Illustrator: Philippe Dupuy & Charles Berberian
A comic book journal about the lives of two guys collaborating on a comic book. Grateful for the insight to the insecurity and especially grateful for this quotation:
"I came to believe, like an archer with closed eyes, that thought is both the arrow and the target and that worrying about the nature of the arrow and the target is useless and distracting, because it's enough to draw the bow, without releasing the arrow."
From Rezvani: The Painter's Second Thoughts
(he gave up painting for writing 30 years ago, he took up 17 unfinished canvases to complete them now)
'It's that we don't do things for practical reasons only, but also for the beauty of the act.'
A comic book journal about the lives of two guys collaborating on a comic book. Grateful for the insight to the insecurity and especially grateful for this quotation:
"I came to believe, like an archer with closed eyes, that thought is both the arrow and the target and that worrying about the nature of the arrow and the target is useless and distracting, because it's enough to draw the bow, without releasing the arrow."
From Rezvani: The Painter's Second Thoughts
(he gave up painting for writing 30 years ago, he took up 17 unfinished canvases to complete them now)
'It's that we don't do things for practical reasons only, but also for the beauty of the act.'
Masterpiece
Author: Elise Broach
A beetle that lives behind a kitchen cupboard plays with a lonely boy's ink and paper and ends up copying a Durer masterpiece, to allow it to be stolen to help the F.B.I. track the theft ring.
All beetle POV, a great story.
A beetle that lives behind a kitchen cupboard plays with a lonely boy's ink and paper and ends up copying a Durer masterpiece, to allow it to be stolen to help the F.B.I. track the theft ring.
All beetle POV, a great story.
Tam Lin
Author: Pamela Dean
Fantasy meets coed college in this tale of mortals that knew Shakespeare, wandering the campus of Balckstock College. Loads of references to reading things that I've never touched, and better still reading in the original language, greek or latin.
Still the story comes round and the old ballad is lived through again, with a hint of dark foreboding that should have spawned a sequel.
Fantasy meets coed college in this tale of mortals that knew Shakespeare, wandering the campus of Balckstock College. Loads of references to reading things that I've never touched, and better still reading in the original language, greek or latin.
Still the story comes round and the old ballad is lived through again, with a hint of dark foreboding that should have spawned a sequel.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Heart and the Bottle
Author / Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
First read this as an iPad app and was dissatisfied with the ending, so found a paper copy in the library.
Gorgeous illustrations and much better uninterrupted flow of text and image on paper.
The app is great, except for one misstep at the end.
First read this as an iPad app and was dissatisfied with the ending, so found a paper copy in the library.
Gorgeous illustrations and much better uninterrupted flow of text and image on paper.
The app is great, except for one misstep at the end.
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Creative License
Author / Illustrator: Danny Gregory
A guidebook for the creatively inhibited, bought for the simple pleasure of illustration and text sharing the page and filled with useful exercise and inspiring quotes and art.
A guidebook for the creatively inhibited, bought for the simple pleasure of illustration and text sharing the page and filled with useful exercise and inspiring quotes and art.
Cockeyed
Author: Ryan Knighton
I heard the author reads from this years ago, so knew it would be funny and wry. Really well written, with a great sense of the absurd and of story, his memoir of becoming blind and coping was well worth reading.
Looking forward to the sequel about parenthood.
I heard the author reads from this years ago, so knew it would be funny and wry. Really well written, with a great sense of the absurd and of story, his memoir of becoming blind and coping was well worth reading.
Looking forward to the sequel about parenthood.
The Year of the Dog
Author: Grace Lin
The fact that I've read this book before is why I started this record. Small library, inevitable rereads.
Still enjoyed very much and recommend it to Sky. Taiwanese-american and the only chinese girl in her school until her new best friend moves in, Pacy tries to find herself.
The fact that I've read this book before is why I started this record. Small library, inevitable rereads.
Still enjoyed very much and recommend it to Sky. Taiwanese-american and the only chinese girl in her school until her new best friend moves in, Pacy tries to find herself.
Raven Summer
Author: David Almond
I love his work even when it gets too violent and savage for my taste as this one did, albeit with purpose.
It started in one place and went somewhere else altogether, the found baby at the start, the child soldier at the end confronted by the real soldiers. Great writer. Even when I don't like the content, I can't put it down.
I love his work even when it gets too violent and savage for my taste as this one did, albeit with purpose.
It started in one place and went somewhere else altogether, the found baby at the start, the child soldier at the end confronted by the real soldiers. Great writer. Even when I don't like the content, I can't put it down.
Envious Casca
Author: Georgette Heyer
A murder mystery, better than most, since I had not a clue until the murderer was revealed. Great characters for the most part, in a Great Depression setting in the English country house.
A murder mystery, better than most, since I had not a clue until the murderer was revealed. Great characters for the most part, in a Great Depression setting in the English country house.
Too Far
Author: Rich Shapiro
This was given to me outside the UBC student union building to promote literacy? or reading?
The story is a parable about two six year olds exploring the forest of Alaska. Lots of chilling scenes, and definitely not for kids. Hated that it ended as a parable instead of as a story.
Some brilliant descriptions of place, particularly a bog.
This was given to me outside the UBC student union building to promote literacy? or reading?
The story is a parable about two six year olds exploring the forest of Alaska. Lots of chilling scenes, and definitely not for kids. Hated that it ended as a parable instead of as a story.
Some brilliant descriptions of place, particularly a bog.
The Eternal Smile
Author: Gene Yang
Illustrator: Derek Kirk Kim
Three graphic short stories in one book. Stylistically, each story is so astoundingly different that it's hard to believe that one artist did them.
Loved the last two stories, found the first to be a bit of a cautionary tale. Influences of Scrooge McDuck were visible.
Illustrator: Derek Kirk Kim
Three graphic short stories in one book. Stylistically, each story is so astoundingly different that it's hard to believe that one artist did them.
Loved the last two stories, found the first to be a bit of a cautionary tale. Influences of Scrooge McDuck were visible.
Trixie Belden and the Mystery Off Old Telegraph Road
Author: Kathryn Kenny
Good old Trixie Belden. Childhood trip down memory lane (remember Honey?).
This time forgers are at work in an abandoned house. Trust Trixie to get in deep trouble, only to be rescued by her friends, again.
Good old Trixie Belden. Childhood trip down memory lane (remember Honey?).
This time forgers are at work in an abandoned house. Trust Trixie to get in deep trouble, only to be rescued by her friends, again.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Whatever Happened to the World of Tomorrow?
Author / Illustrator: Brian Fies
A look at the world's fair of 1939 and the future it predicted, through the decades with a father / son pair. Beautiful. Includes comic book antics of the world's fair hero in retro style.
Nice combination of non-fiction and fiction.
A look at the world's fair of 1939 and the future it predicted, through the decades with a father / son pair. Beautiful. Includes comic book antics of the world's fair hero in retro style.
Nice combination of non-fiction and fiction.
Vij's at Home
Authors: Meeru Dhalwala & Vikram Vij
Cookbook with too few recipes and too many stories.
Cookbook with too few recipes and too many stories.
Madame Tussaud
Author: Michelle Moran
I've loved reading about the Terror ever since A Tale of Two Cities as a teenager. This is a great historical novel. Views of both street and palace, Madame Tussaud saw it all.
I've loved reading about the Terror ever since A Tale of Two Cities as a teenager. This is a great historical novel. Views of both street and palace, Madame Tussaud saw it all.
Bone: Ghost Circles
Author / Illustrator: Jeff Smith
I wish I was reading these in order. I always enjoy them, but I'm always somewhere I don't expect to be in the plot and story world.
I wish I was reading these in order. I always enjoy them, but I'm always somewhere I don't expect to be in the plot and story world.
Royal Flush
Author: Rhys Bowen
20's girl, the 34th heir to the throne, broke and in trouble, goes home to the highlands, doesn't enjoy Wallace Simpson, and solves the mystery of who is trying to kill the heirs to the throne.
20's girl, the 34th heir to the throne, broke and in trouble, goes home to the highlands, doesn't enjoy Wallace Simpson, and solves the mystery of who is trying to kill the heirs to the throne.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Skipping a Beat
Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Multi-millionaire husband dies for a few minutes, comes back to life and wants to give everything away. His wife's not so sure.
Strange glimpse into lives of uber wealthy. Light read, though it did make me weep.
Sarah was a Deb at the Debutante Ball that I followed. Still need to read The Opposite of Me, her debut.
Multi-millionaire husband dies for a few minutes, comes back to life and wants to give everything away. His wife's not so sure.
Strange glimpse into lives of uber wealthy. Light read, though it did make me weep.
Sarah was a Deb at the Debutante Ball that I followed. Still need to read The Opposite of Me, her debut.
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Backyard Homestead
Editor: Carleen Madigan
A good book for a book shelf, but not very in depth in any one subject. Exhausted from trying to imagine growing the number of pounds of produce they say is possible.
Not buying soon, but worth considering.
A good book for a book shelf, but not very in depth in any one subject. Exhausted from trying to imagine growing the number of pounds of produce they say is possible.
Not buying soon, but worth considering.
Borrowed Names
Author: Jeannine Atkins
Poems about Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madam C.J. Walker and Marie Curie and their respective daughters.
Learned quite a bit. Enjoyed more than expected. Must read more verse novels.
Poems about Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madam C.J. Walker and Marie Curie and their respective daughters.
Learned quite a bit. Enjoyed more than expected. Must read more verse novels.
Chalice
Author: Robin McKinley
Beautiful, well-wrought tale of a bee-keeper who becomes the Chalice, a priestess-like figure in an imagined fantasy demesne. Responsible with the Master for keeping the land together, she heals with honey.
The world and culture is so well-built and consistent it was easy to inhabit.
Beautiful, well-wrought tale of a bee-keeper who becomes the Chalice, a priestess-like figure in an imagined fantasy demesne. Responsible with the Master for keeping the land together, she heals with honey.
The world and culture is so well-built and consistent it was easy to inhabit.
No Moon
Author: Irene Watts
A young girl becomes nursemaid, and is taken aboard the Titanic with her employers. I wanted to read it for the Titanic, but found the girl's story of life as a maid to be pretty fascinating and didn't mind that the Titanic was only part of the story.
A young girl becomes nursemaid, and is taken aboard the Titanic with her employers. I wanted to read it for the Titanic, but found the girl's story of life as a maid to be pretty fascinating and didn't mind that the Titanic was only part of the story.
The Bride's Farewell
Author: Meg Rosoff
This was a good book. Girl runs away from home with her mute younger brother and a horse. Trades her skills in horse judging for money, loses brother and money and spends most of the book surviving and searching. Yet, when Meg Rosoff writes it, it's hard to put down, unstoppable fiction.
This was a good book. Girl runs away from home with her mute younger brother and a horse. Trades her skills in horse judging for money, loses brother and money and spends most of the book surviving and searching. Yet, when Meg Rosoff writes it, it's hard to put down, unstoppable fiction.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Moneyless Man: A Year of Freeconomic Living
Author: Mark Boyle
No money for a year. Lived in a trailer with a wood stove, outdoor shower, rocket stove on the edge of an organic farm, where he bartered labour for rent. Only a bike for transport, could only accept rides if offered.
Dunbar number - 150 people - humans can maintain stable social relationships with approximately 150 people. The community could be a street, suburb or town.
No money for a year. Lived in a trailer with a wood stove, outdoor shower, rocket stove on the edge of an organic farm, where he bartered labour for rent. Only a bike for transport, could only accept rides if offered.
Dunbar number - 150 people - humans can maintain stable social relationships with approximately 150 people. The community could be a street, suburb or town.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Salmon Doubts
Author / Illustrator: Adam Sacks
The life of a low self esteem shy salmon in cartoon form.
Great front page quote:
The first man to discover Chinook salmon in Columbia caught 264 in a day and carried them across the river by walking on the backs of other fish. His greatest feat, however, was learning the Chinook jargon in 15 minutes from listening to Salmon talk.
Oregon's End of the Trail
(WPA's guide to Oregon, 1943)
The life of a low self esteem shy salmon in cartoon form.
Great front page quote:
The first man to discover Chinook salmon in Columbia caught 264 in a day and carried them across the river by walking on the backs of other fish. His greatest feat, however, was learning the Chinook jargon in 15 minutes from listening to Salmon talk.
Oregon's End of the Trail
(WPA's guide to Oregon, 1943)
Brain Camp
Authors: Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Funny novel about 2 losers at a camp that should accelerate their learning. The campers are being used to hatch an alien bird species. Luckily, they get smart in time to save themselves and the other campers.
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Funny novel about 2 losers at a camp that should accelerate their learning. The campers are being used to hatch an alien bird species. Luckily, they get smart in time to save themselves and the other campers.
French Milk
Author / Illustrator: Lucy Knisley
A 22 year old spends 6 weeks in Paris with her Mom and a visit from Dad. Bit of a whiner and a foodie. Almost gave me indigestion, all that Foie gras!
One page panels with some photos scattered within.
A 22 year old spends 6 weeks in Paris with her Mom and a visit from Dad. Bit of a whiner and a foodie. Almost gave me indigestion, all that Foie gras!
One page panels with some photos scattered within.
The Mystery of Mary Rogers
Author / Illustrator: Rick Geary
Another from the Treasury of Victorian Murders. These are always interesting, even when the murder is unsolved.
Another from the Treasury of Victorian Murders. These are always interesting, even when the murder is unsolved.
A Red Herring Without Mustard
Author: Alan Bradley
I love Flavia de Luce! It's got all those great Enid Blytonisms (gypsies, wagons, estates, secrets) and some nasty and human sisters and is such a treat to read.
I love Flavia de Luce! It's got all those great Enid Blytonisms (gypsies, wagons, estates, secrets) and some nasty and human sisters and is such a treat to read.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Tongue in cheek
Author: Fiona Walker
Lots of sex. Lots of people wanting sex, lots of people getting it. Large cast - sometimes hard to track. Lots of horses as well, so very british.
Also, a secret pleasure garden, so hard to resist. Well written characters, each quite distinct.
Lots of sex. Lots of people wanting sex, lots of people getting it. Large cast - sometimes hard to track. Lots of horses as well, so very british.
Also, a secret pleasure garden, so hard to resist. Well written characters, each quite distinct.
Parzival: The Quest of the Grail Knight
Author: Katherine Paterson
I wish I knew the source material better. It's a good story, well told, but full of long absences (separated from your wife for many years) that were probably appropriate to the era.
Parzival, while innocent, also seemed a bit too obedient. I always find every author's interpretation of the knights of the round table varies.
I wish I knew the source material better. It's a good story, well told, but full of long absences (separated from your wife for many years) that were probably appropriate to the era.
Parzival, while innocent, also seemed a bit too obedient. I always find every author's interpretation of the knights of the round table varies.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Mindblind
Author: Jennifer Roy
Nathaniel has asperger's, plays keyboards, obsesses over math and has firends, due in part to his mother's diligence in pushing him out into the world. He wants to be a genius and works hard towards this, and survives teenage experiences first drunk, first kiss, first rock star moment.
Lighter than the remarkable incident of the dog at night.
Nathaniel has asperger's, plays keyboards, obsesses over math and has firends, due in part to his mother's diligence in pushing him out into the world. He wants to be a genius and works hard towards this, and survives teenage experiences first drunk, first kiss, first rock star moment.
Lighter than the remarkable incident of the dog at night.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Liars and Fools
Author: Robin Stevenson
Her mother died in a sailing accident, her father has started dating a psychic, her best friend is losing patience with her sorrow and the sailboat is for sale.
Her mother died in a sailing accident, her father has started dating a psychic, her best friend is losing patience with her sorrow and the sailboat is for sale.
The Landing
Author: John Ibbotson
Muskoka Lake in the depression, a new rich woman, unlike any Ben had ever known takes an island cabin. She treats Ben to worlds and music unknown and leaves. The end came on abruptly, with a steamer accident and his uncle's death, which releases him and his mother to leave the lake.
Enjoyed it, but felt too rushed at the end.
Muskoka Lake in the depression, a new rich woman, unlike any Ben had ever known takes an island cabin. She treats Ben to worlds and music unknown and leaves. The end came on abruptly, with a steamer accident and his uncle's death, which releases him and his mother to leave the lake.
Enjoyed it, but felt too rushed at the end.
Recipe for Disaster
Author: Maureen Fergus
Girl who loves to bake and adores the Fabio-like TV host, enters contests to meet her hero. Ultimately, a band trip allows her to cross paths with his producer. Really liked the nerdy boy character who got the girl in this one.
Girl who loves to bake and adores the Fabio-like TV host, enters contests to meet her hero. Ultimately, a band trip allows her to cross paths with his producer. Really liked the nerdy boy character who got the girl in this one.
A Brief History of Montmaray
Author: Michelle Cooper
Loved this tale of a small island kingdom, with a mad king, a deserted village and the royal few in the castle on the eve of WWII.
Great characters and setting, reminded me of I Capture the Castle.
Loved this tale of a small island kingdom, with a mad king, a deserted village and the royal few in the castle on the eve of WWII.
Great characters and setting, reminded me of I Capture the Castle.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Lucy Unstrung
Author: Carole Lazar
Lucy's parents break up, she gets saddled with a dog that looks just like her, has to change schools and worries that she's losing her best friend and is about to be beaten up by a tough girl in her trailer park.
Lucy's parents break up, she gets saddled with a dog that looks just like her, has to change schools and worries that she's losing her best friend and is about to be beaten up by a tough girl in her trailer park.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Prime Baby
Author / Illustrator: Gene Luen Yang
A 3rd grader thinks his baby sister is an alien and tries to prove it.
Funny and sweet.
A 3rd grader thinks his baby sister is an alien and tries to prove it.
Funny and sweet.
Me & Death
Author: Richard Scrimger
Bad boy goes into coma and is given the chance to make good all his past errors and does so. Great ghosts and characters.
Bad boy goes into coma and is given the chance to make good all his past errors and does so. Great ghosts and characters.
Honeysuckle Summer
Author: Sherrilyn Woods
Agoraphobic survivor of wife abuse meets sheriff raising his two teenage sisters. Anorexia, gardening and big circle of friends in southern small town (somewhere near DC). Easy one night read.
Agoraphobic survivor of wife abuse meets sheriff raising his two teenage sisters. Anorexia, gardening and big circle of friends in southern small town (somewhere near DC). Easy one night read.
The Forgotten Garden
Author: Kate Morton
Airport bookstore buy. Mercifully thick enough to last the entire flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, plus a short bath at home.
Engaging mystery story, a 4 year old girl is put on a ship to Australia and told to hide. No one ever comes back for her or tries to claim her. Ultimately, her grand-daughter solves the mystery of her parentage and what happened to her mother.
Airport bookstore buy. Mercifully thick enough to last the entire flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, plus a short bath at home.
Engaging mystery story, a 4 year old girl is put on a ship to Australia and told to hide. No one ever comes back for her or tries to claim her. Ultimately, her grand-daughter solves the mystery of her parentage and what happened to her mother.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Illyria
Author: Elizabeth Hand
Strange, sad tale of two cousins who blaze briefly on a shared stage and then peter out in their own ways. It seemed a YA novel, but the end was so mature and reflective that I think it must be intended for adults. Magical description of a paper toy theater.
Strange, sad tale of two cousins who blaze briefly on a shared stage and then peter out in their own ways. It seemed a YA novel, but the end was so mature and reflective that I think it must be intended for adults. Magical description of a paper toy theater.
Chicken Feathers
Author: Joy Cowley
Illustrations (too few, but also just enough) : David Elliot
A talking chicken, a fox bent on vengeance, a disapproving grandma and a young teenage boy.
And brown brew and the best drunken chicken sketch I've seen.
Illustrations (too few, but also just enough) : David Elliot
A talking chicken, a fox bent on vengeance, a disapproving grandma and a young teenage boy.
And brown brew and the best drunken chicken sketch I've seen.
The Wives of Henry Oades
Author: Johanna Moran
A man takes his family to New Zealand, the wife and children are captured and held hostage for 6 years, he moves on and remarries in California. The first family catches up to him and moves in, lawsuits follow.
Way better than my synopsis.
A man takes his family to New Zealand, the wife and children are captured and held hostage for 6 years, he moves on and remarries in California. The first family catches up to him and moves in, lawsuits follow.
Way better than my synopsis.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Black Cat
Author: Martha Grimes
This has talking animals - well, communicating animals, at least.
Another Richard Jury mystery - I find I'm getting sick of Carole-Ann (his neighbour) but still enjoying the other regulars. The animals were actually quite compelling.
This has talking animals - well, communicating animals, at least.
Another Richard Jury mystery - I find I'm getting sick of Carole-Ann (his neighbour) but still enjoying the other regulars. The animals were actually quite compelling.
Against the Odds
Author: Marjolijn Hof
A girl tries to reduce the odds of her father being killed while doing humanitarian work in a war zone. She calculates that if she had a dead dog, and a dead mouse, her father would live. Well written with all the clumsy thinking of the young.
A girl tries to reduce the odds of her father being killed while doing humanitarian work in a war zone. She calculates that if she had a dead dog, and a dead mouse, her father would live. Well written with all the clumsy thinking of the young.
Lucy Willow
Author: Sally Gardner
I've loved her other books for older readers (I, Coriander).
This is middle grade with exaggerated characters and situations, kind of reminiscent of Roald Dahl. Actually was supposed to read to Sky, but got interested and just read it through.
Crime, flowers, a train and a wedding.
I've loved her other books for older readers (I, Coriander).
This is middle grade with exaggerated characters and situations, kind of reminiscent of Roald Dahl. Actually was supposed to read to Sky, but got interested and just read it through.
Crime, flowers, a train and a wedding.
Touch Not The Cat
Author: Mary Stewart
A 70's novel that I recalled from teenhood. Reread and enjoyed. Not exactly timeless, but interesting premise (telepathic love interest). Found the bits of historical stuff at the end of each chapter unnecessary and intrusive.
A 70's novel that I recalled from teenhood. Reread and enjoyed. Not exactly timeless, but interesting premise (telepathic love interest). Found the bits of historical stuff at the end of each chapter unnecessary and intrusive.
How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe
Author: Charles Yu
Wish I'd read it straight through, but got bogged down shortly after he killed his future self for reasons I didn't quite believe.
Interesting exercise in semantics and brain exercises in thinking about time, alternate realities, the nature of universes etc.
Wish I'd read it straight through, but got bogged down shortly after he killed his future self for reasons I didn't quite believe.
Interesting exercise in semantics and brain exercises in thinking about time, alternate realities, the nature of universes etc.
Scars
Author: Cheryl Rainfield
Had to read this one straight through. Very unsettling - child abuse and cutting as a coping tool. Lots of suspense.
Had to read this one straight through. Very unsettling - child abuse and cutting as a coping tool. Lots of suspense.
Dear Jo
Author: Christina Kilbourne
A twelve-year-old girl has lost her best friend to an internet predator and helps police capture him.
Written in diary form.
Good for kids and parents - 12 or older.
A twelve-year-old girl has lost her best friend to an internet predator and helps police capture him.
Written in diary form.
Good for kids and parents - 12 or older.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Bellfield aka A Moment of Silence
Author:
Jane Austen era, maiden Aunt, sent to aid a newly engaged niece, stumbles on to a murder and slowly solves it. She stays within her parameters of the era, unaware of why the colonel wants the footman to come to his room, but is well aware of what she'd have known (whether the blue dimity was too good for maid).
Jane Austen era, maiden Aunt, sent to aid a newly engaged niece, stumbles on to a murder and slowly solves it. She stays within her parameters of the era, unaware of why the colonel wants the footman to come to his room, but is well aware of what she'd have known (whether the blue dimity was too good for maid).
House of Mystery: Room & Boredom
Authors and Illustrators: Many - writers, Matthew Sturges & Bill Willingham
Kind of horror, fantasy, sort of reminded me of Sandman, definitely part of a series.
Enjoyed despite some gross moments.
Kind of horror, fantasy, sort of reminded me of Sandman, definitely part of a series.
Enjoyed despite some gross moments.
Help the Poor Struggler
Author: Martha Grimes
Richard Jury mystery with Chief Superintendent Macalvie.
Murdered children, great characters. She writes odd children quite well. This may have been a reread, but my Martha Grimes phase was many years back.
Perfect bath with a head cold kind of book.
Richard Jury mystery with Chief Superintendent Macalvie.
Murdered children, great characters. She writes odd children quite well. This may have been a reread, but my Martha Grimes phase was many years back.
Perfect bath with a head cold kind of book.
Lady Be Good
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Feeling under the weather this and indulging in paperbacks
Texas golf millionaire, impoverished, titled Brit set up by mutual friend.
Feeling under the weather this and indulging in paperbacks
Texas golf millionaire, impoverished, titled Brit set up by mutual friend.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Fishtailing
Author: Wendy Phillips
Winner of the GG's award.
Verse novel with multiple P.O.V.'s. Effective storytelling and narrative that moves forwards. Initially I was skeptical, but by 20 pages or so, I was involved.
Winner of the GG's award.
Verse novel with multiple P.O.V.'s. Effective storytelling and narrative that moves forwards. Initially I was skeptical, but by 20 pages or so, I was involved.
The Talent Code
Author: Daniel Coyle
Greatness isn't born, it's grown. More on ten thousand hours of practice. Some great tidbits, writing and soccer are flexible, so to learn these well, you just have to charge ahead and play and build those flexible-skill circuits. Learning a musical instrument rew=quires correct firing of circuits - consistent-circuit skills.
Basics:
Deep practice - chunk it up, repeat it, learn to feel it.
Ignition - primal cues
Master coaching - matrix (older with skill sets), perceptive, GPS reflex (short information based corrections) and theatrical honesty.
Good book. Might reread. Would even be useful on the parenting shelf.
Greatness isn't born, it's grown. More on ten thousand hours of practice. Some great tidbits, writing and soccer are flexible, so to learn these well, you just have to charge ahead and play and build those flexible-skill circuits. Learning a musical instrument rew=quires correct firing of circuits - consistent-circuit skills.
Basics:
Deep practice - chunk it up, repeat it, learn to feel it.
Ignition - primal cues
Master coaching - matrix (older with skill sets), perceptive, GPS reflex (short information based corrections) and theatrical honesty.
Good book. Might reread. Would even be useful on the parenting shelf.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Secret Supper
Author: Xavier Sierra
It's not often that I lose interest in a book at the 3/4 mark. Usually I read too fast to let it happen. This was a little too puzzling, without enough clarity for me to really grasp or care about the puzzle in Leonardo's Last Supper. Translation maybe?
Having said that, I would read some non-fiction about the same subject. Those were interesting times. I recently read a much more fascinating book about Botticelli's 'Rites of Spring'. Maybe I just related better to the characters (foul-mouthed prostitute and sexy monk).
It's not often that I lose interest in a book at the 3/4 mark. Usually I read too fast to let it happen. This was a little too puzzling, without enough clarity for me to really grasp or care about the puzzle in Leonardo's Last Supper. Translation maybe?
Having said that, I would read some non-fiction about the same subject. Those were interesting times. I recently read a much more fascinating book about Botticelli's 'Rites of Spring'. Maybe I just related better to the characters (foul-mouthed prostitute and sexy monk).
The Lost Child
Author / Illustrator: Tim Broderick
The first in the Diangelo 'Odd Jobs' series. An old man hires Diangelo to find his daughter, who has been missing for fifteen years. Everyone in the small corner he goes to knows the old man and can't help him.
Read online here.
The first in the Diangelo 'Odd Jobs' series. An old man hires Diangelo to find his daughter, who has been missing for fifteen years. Everyone in the small corner he goes to knows the old man and can't help him.
Read online here.
Cash & Carry
Author / Illustrator: Tim Broderick
Diangelo does odd jobs for a living, in this book, he's a courier with an empty briefcase, on his way to Las Vegas. Other people are after the case, and he's saddled with the dummy courier who needs to get to Vegas to get paid.
Engrossing. Really clean style, lots of black. Good headlight reference.
Diangelo does odd jobs for a living, in this book, he's a courier with an empty briefcase, on his way to Las Vegas. Other people are after the case, and he's saddled with the dummy courier who needs to get to Vegas to get paid.
Engrossing. Really clean style, lots of black. Good headlight reference.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Spooky Little Girl
Author: Laurie Notaro
After the worst time of her life, Lucy gets hit by a bus, sent to spook school and assigned her ex-boyfriend and his new woman (her old coworker) to haunt until she completes her unspoken assignment. Humorous and light, good bathtub read.
After the worst time of her life, Lucy gets hit by a bus, sent to spook school and assigned her ex-boyfriend and his new woman (her old coworker) to haunt until she completes her unspoken assignment. Humorous and light, good bathtub read.
Half-broke Horses
Author: Jeannette Walls
Reads like a memoir, but is actually an interpretation of her grandmother's stories told in a consistent voice. Fascinating. Life in the depression on the ranch. Very short bits, easy to digest.
Reads like a memoir, but is actually an interpretation of her grandmother's stories told in a consistent voice. Fascinating. Life in the depression on the ranch. Very short bits, easy to digest.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic
Author / Illustrator: Alison Bechdel
Reread.
Still brilliant. Love the way she unwraps further layers of narrative the deeper you are in the text. Also a genius with line. Will reread many more times.
Reread.
Still brilliant. Love the way she unwraps further layers of narrative the deeper you are in the text. Also a genius with line. Will reread many more times.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Busy Body
Author: M.C. Beaton
An Agatha Raisin mystery.
Love Agatha Raisin, even though I imagine I couldn't stand her in real life.
This takes place in a neighbouring village, Odley Cruesis. The first victim is a safety inspector who has shut out all the joy for many villages at Christmas. Second victim, the american at the Manor House.
Great cast of characters as always.
An Agatha Raisin mystery.
Love Agatha Raisin, even though I imagine I couldn't stand her in real life.
This takes place in a neighbouring village, Odley Cruesis. The first victim is a safety inspector who has shut out all the joy for many villages at Christmas. Second victim, the american at the Manor House.
Great cast of characters as always.
This will all end in tears
Author / Illustrator: joe ollman
Short stories in graphic form. Generally dark and with great characterizations. He's not afraid of letting someone be ugly and/or desperate.
Big boned, my favorite.
Short stories in graphic form. Generally dark and with great characterizations. He's not afraid of letting someone be ugly and/or desperate.
Big boned, my favorite.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress
Author: Rhoda Janzen
Read on a sick day. Just right. Makes me glad to at least be Ukrainian and have some small claim to the glorious feasts emanating from the woman's domain of the kitchen. Upbeat despite all the downs encounted, very loving look at her family, religion and her life.
Read on a sick day. Just right. Makes me glad to at least be Ukrainian and have some small claim to the glorious feasts emanating from the woman's domain of the kitchen. Upbeat despite all the downs encounted, very loving look at her family, religion and her life.
Stitches
Author: David Small
Brilliant, horrific and beautifully drawn.
Genius with line and wash, sensitive understanding of childhood fears and helplessness. His portraits of his mother are so poignant.
Brilliant, horrific and beautifully drawn.
Genius with line and wash, sensitive understanding of childhood fears and helplessness. His portraits of his mother are so poignant.
Before I Fall
Author: Lauren Oliver
Hard to put down.
A teenager dies in a friday nioght crash, only to wake up and repeat the last day of her life seven times. Insights into bullying, popularity and the thin line between outcast and popular.
Hard to put down.
A teenager dies in a friday nioght crash, only to wake up and repeat the last day of her life seven times. Insights into bullying, popularity and the thin line between outcast and popular.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag
Author: Alan Bradley
I wish I'd been Flavia de Luce. Another great mystery. Puppetry, gossip and Flavia flying under the radar.
I wish I'd been Flavia de Luce. Another great mystery. Puppetry, gossip and Flavia flying under the radar.
Plain Kate
Author: Erin Bow
Woodcarver, witches, gypsies and a rusalka (spirit of a drowned woman) and best of all, a talking cat. Not sure I completely followed the plot point at the climax, but enjoyed the book.
Woodcarver, witches, gypsies and a rusalka (spirit of a drowned woman) and best of all, a talking cat. Not sure I completely followed the plot point at the climax, but enjoyed the book.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sorta Like a Rock Star
Author: Matthew Quick
Amazing book. Haiku, a rescue dog, an autistic math savant, Korean Divas for Christ, Joan of Old, the list of good things and great characters goes on and on.
Amber Appleton is exuberant and believable and I could not stop reading, even as I wept. Seriously, wept.
Another ALA list find.
Amazing book. Haiku, a rescue dog, an autistic math savant, Korean Divas for Christ, Joan of Old, the list of good things and great characters goes on and on.
Amber Appleton is exuberant and believable and I could not stop reading, even as I wept. Seriously, wept.
Another ALA list find.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Royal Blood
Author: Rhys Bowen
Murder mystery, solved by the thirty-fourth heir to the throne of England, just before Edward abdicated. Fun, outlandish and an easy read.
Murder mystery, solved by the thirty-fourth heir to the throne of England, just before Edward abdicated. Fun, outlandish and an easy read.
Free as a Bird
Author: Gina McMurchy-Barber
Told in the voice of a girl with Down syndrome, the language is filled with misspellings and odd colloquialisms. The character shines through despite this and the language is less jarring than the perfect grammar of overheard conversations. This story takes the reader inside Woodlands, part of the infamous Riverview / BC Pen complex, and out on the streets, before getting Ruby Jean home.
Finalist for the Governor General's awards for children's lit, deservedly so.
Told in the voice of a girl with Down syndrome, the language is filled with misspellings and odd colloquialisms. The character shines through despite this and the language is less jarring than the perfect grammar of overheard conversations. This story takes the reader inside Woodlands, part of the infamous Riverview / BC Pen complex, and out on the streets, before getting Ruby Jean home.
Finalist for the Governor General's awards for children's lit, deservedly so.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Please ignore Vera Dietz
Author: A.S. King
A bit of a mystery novel, info being doled out sparingly though chapter long flashbacks until we find out what happened the night Charlie died. Lots of character growth and change. Mainly Vera's POV, interspersed withPOV's of dead boy (Charlie), Dad and even the view from the Pagoda, an inanimate building.
Another version of best friend = boy = shoulda been love interest
A bit of a mystery novel, info being doled out sparingly though chapter long flashbacks until we find out what happened the night Charlie died. Lots of character growth and change. Mainly Vera's POV, interspersed withPOV's of dead boy (Charlie), Dad and even the view from the Pagoda, an inanimate building.
Another version of best friend = boy = shoulda been love interest
Fat Cat
Author: Robin Brande
Overweight Cat takes on a seven month project of trying to eat and live more like a cave girl than a modern teen. Her body and situation transform, but the central conflict with an old friend takes longer to resolve.
Best childhood friend = boy = ultimate love interest
Overweight Cat takes on a seven month project of trying to eat and live more like a cave girl than a modern teen. Her body and situation transform, but the central conflict with an old friend takes longer to resolve.
Best childhood friend = boy = ultimate love interest
Toads and Diamonds
Author: Heather Tomlinson
Title jumped out at me from the YALSA 2011 top 99 books list. I expected something closer to an old Enid Blyton version of the folk/fairy tale, one girl rewarded for kindness, the other punished, but was delighted to see a story that went far beyond this. Beautiful, detailed world and societies, characters and events.
Was so swept up in the story that I didn't realize how completely made-up the worlds were (I thought I was in old India).
Title jumped out at me from the YALSA 2011 top 99 books list. I expected something closer to an old Enid Blyton version of the folk/fairy tale, one girl rewarded for kindness, the other punished, but was delighted to see a story that went far beyond this. Beautiful, detailed world and societies, characters and events.
Was so swept up in the story that I didn't realize how completely made-up the worlds were (I thought I was in old India).
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Perfect Blend
Author: Sue Margolis
Another bathtub/beach read. No real bad guys, at least not in the centre of the action, instead likable characters muddling through. Single mom trying to break into journalism finally breaks the 'manboob' story.
Another bathtub/beach read. No real bad guys, at least not in the centre of the action, instead likable characters muddling through. Single mom trying to break into journalism finally breaks the 'manboob' story.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Decked with Folly
Author: Kate Kingsbury
A british cozy, set in the Pennyfoot Hotel in Badger's End. Wouldn't you love to be somewhere named Badger's End? Servants and upper class, annoying hotel guests and murder, all post-Victoria pre-war. Satisfying read. Will keep an eye out for more in this series.
A british cozy, set in the Pennyfoot Hotel in Badger's End. Wouldn't you love to be somewhere named Badger's End? Servants and upper class, annoying hotel guests and murder, all post-Victoria pre-war. Satisfying read. Will keep an eye out for more in this series.
A Matter of Class
Author: Mary Balogh
A regency romance novel - excellent bathtub companion and escape. Guaranteed happy ending. What's not to like? It doesn't hurt that this writer creates round characters and mixes up the plot with a series of unexpected flashbacks.
A regency romance novel - excellent bathtub companion and escape. Guaranteed happy ending. What's not to like? It doesn't hurt that this writer creates round characters and mixes up the plot with a series of unexpected flashbacks.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Stumbling on Happiness
Author: Daniel Gilbert
Non-fiction always reads more slowly than fiction for me - probably because it makes me stop and think. There's a lot to digest in this book, but it is very readable and the author interjects a quirky sense of humour that helps. The lies we tell ourselves (without knowing it) are quite amazing.
The book is broken down into sections on:
Non-fiction always reads more slowly than fiction for me - probably because it makes me stop and think. There's a lot to digest in this book, but it is very readable and the author interjects a quirky sense of humour that helps. The lies we tell ourselves (without knowing it) are quite amazing.
The book is broken down into sections on:
- prospection(looking forward in time or considering the future)
- subjectivity(experience unobservable to all but the person experiencing it)
- realism(believing that things are as they seem in the mind)
- presentism(current experience influences views of the past and future)
- rationalization(causing something to be or seem reasonable)
- corrigibility(capable of being corrected, reformed or improved)
The Minstrel's Daughter
Author: Linda Smith
A fifteen year old girl seeks a wizard's help in finding her father, but his apprentice turns her into a cat. Together, they uncover a plot that could bring their land to war.
Great world building. I hope that the sequels will take place in the two other lands touched on in this story.
A fifteen year old girl seeks a wizard's help in finding her father, but his apprentice turns her into a cat. Together, they uncover a plot that could bring their land to war.
Great world building. I hope that the sequels will take place in the two other lands touched on in this story.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Broken Thread
Author: Linda Smith
There was a lot to love in this story - a tapestry that tells the tale of the world and its people, a distant kingdom, a spoiled prince, a feisty teenage girl who changes him.
Was saddened to learn that this was published posthumously. Will definitely seek out her other titles.
There was a lot to love in this story - a tapestry that tells the tale of the world and its people, a distant kingdom, a spoiled prince, a feisty teenage girl who changes him.
Was saddened to learn that this was published posthumously. Will definitely seek out her other titles.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Monsters of Templeton
Author: Lauren Groff
A dead monster surfaces in the lake the day Willie comes home pregnant and broken. She searches for her father (a distant relative) by scouring the family tree, revealing all kinds of messy secrets.
The writer said that this book was a love letter to Cooperstown, NY. I want to go there now. I might even read some James Fennimore Cooper (a character was based on him, and many others on characters he created in his work).
Multiple POV's, including a group mind - the running buds, six men who run daily around t he town.
A dead monster surfaces in the lake the day Willie comes home pregnant and broken. She searches for her father (a distant relative) by scouring the family tree, revealing all kinds of messy secrets.
The writer said that this book was a love letter to Cooperstown, NY. I want to go there now. I might even read some James Fennimore Cooper (a character was based on him, and many others on characters he created in his work).
Multiple POV's, including a group mind - the running buds, six men who run daily around t he town.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Hindi-Bindi Club
Author: Monica Pradhan
Expected a light read, found a lot of information about India and its areas and customs / conventions all wrapped in a story. The recipes have me wanting to cook. 6 main characters makes for a lot of viewpoints, but they bounced off each other and illuminated each other.
Now wanting to read more historic fiction about Partition.
Expected a light read, found a lot of information about India and its areas and customs / conventions all wrapped in a story. The recipes have me wanting to cook. 6 main characters makes for a lot of viewpoints, but they bounced off each other and illuminated each other.
Now wanting to read more historic fiction about Partition.
House of Java Vol. 2
Author / Illustrator: Mark Murphy
Collection of stories. Some gripping, others a bit confusing. Well-drawn, clean black & white, with good use of black (dramatic). Some comix much simpler and wordier, but interesting.
Collection of stories. Some gripping, others a bit confusing. Well-drawn, clean black & white, with good use of black (dramatic). Some comix much simpler and wordier, but interesting.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Mistress of the Art of Death
Author: Ariana Franklin
Favorite time period - thanks to Cadfael, the 1170's in Cambridge. A Jew, a Saracen eunuch and a female doctor who specializes in forensics are sent from Salerno to find a child killer.
Loved it.
Favorite time period - thanks to Cadfael, the 1170's in Cambridge. A Jew, a Saracen eunuch and a female doctor who specializes in forensics are sent from Salerno to find a child killer.
Loved it.
The Squirrel Machine
Author / Illustrator: Hans Rickheit
Twisted, dark and incredibly drawn (reminded me of a lino cut) with great foreground layering. Story was surreal and disturbing.
Twisted, dark and incredibly drawn (reminded me of a lino cut) with great foreground layering. Story was surreal and disturbing.
The Silver Blade
Author: Sally Gardiner
Already a fan of hers for I, Coriander (a beautifully unfolding tale), this book had the french revolution, smuggling aristocrats to safety, magic, catacombs and the devil. Oh, and love.
Already a fan of hers for I, Coriander (a beautifully unfolding tale), this book had the french revolution, smuggling aristocrats to safety, magic, catacombs and the devil. Oh, and love.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County
Author: Tiffany Baker
Small town story of a large woman, a lost herbal record and a few deaths.
enjoyed
Small town story of a large woman, a lost herbal record and a few deaths.
enjoyed
New Year's Resolution
This is the year that I find out exactly how many books I read in 365 days.
It's only the 3rd and I've already been through four books. This doesn't bode well for my postage-stamp sized library around the corner nor for my book budget.
I will post each title as an entry, with a few brief comments to remind myself whether I liked the book or its author.
Wish me luck.
It's only the 3rd and I've already been through four books. This doesn't bode well for my postage-stamp sized library around the corner nor for my book budget.
I will post each title as an entry, with a few brief comments to remind myself whether I liked the book or its author.
Wish me luck.
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