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.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
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.
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