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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Part II
This is it! My last post for May. What a month! I can’t believe
it went by so fast and it’s almost June. First things first, I need
to take a moment and give a shout out to my amazing Teen Advisory
Group (TAG). They inspire me and keep me motivated and I love them to
pieces! OK, my cheesy, sappy moment is over.
So, up next…I’m getting ready to start Conspiracy 365: January
by Gabrielle Lord. This is the first book in a series of 12, one is
published each month. It’s a serialized novel. So cool! The last
book I read like this was the Green Mile by Stephen King. But,
back to Conspiracy 365, think of the TV show 24, but with a
teenage boy in the lead role. This has been pretty popular with a lot
of library patrons, especially boys. I’m very proud of myself from
taking a break from all my girly books to read this series! Hopefully,
I’ll finish it this weekend and give you my review on Tuesday. Have
a great Memorial Day Weekend.
Saturday, May 29
Finished The Art of Racing in the Rain. It was excellent! But,
a caution, there is some strong language and there are some adult
themes explored in the book.
 I
also started (and finished!) Dull Boy by Sarah Cross. Now, here
we have something interesting to talk about. I had read some reviews
of this book, and they were mostly positive. However, the title and
the cover (I know, I know. Don't judge a book by its cover, but I
can't help it!) weren't really speaking to me. So, what did I do?
Well, before buying it for our library, I got is sent here from
another library in the network. So great how that works, isn't it?
Anyway, here's my review.
Overall, I did like the book. The best part of it were the characters,
especially the main character, Avery. He has these superpowers, flying
and super-strength, that he is trying to hide. He figures if he can
come off as a "dull boy" no one will take interest in him,
and he won't get into trouble. As you can imagine, Avery certainly is
not dull, and his plan to go unnoticed definitely doesn't work. He
eventually meets up with other teens his age, struggling with powers
of their own. They are all being pursued by an adult with powers of
her own, who promises them a safe place to live, and a way to explore
and learn about their powers. Of course, it's too good to be true, and
trouble ensues. The action is pretty good, and the relationships
between the characters is especially well written.
Now, things that I didn't like about this book. Well, we've already
covered the name and the cover. But that's just me being shallow. I
didn't like the hasty and half-baked explanation of why and how these
kids got their superpowers. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt,
clearly there is a sequel to this book planned. Or is there? Great
question, because I couldn't find any indication of a sequel anywhere.
At least not yet. I also felt like some of the secondary characters
could have been flushed out a little better. However, I did find
myself caring about them, and wanting to know what is going to happen
to them.
So, in closing. If you like action, adventure, and superheroes,
definitely give this book a try. I do think it would make a good
movie!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Finished Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund. I really liked it. I
also really hope its part of a series! It wasn’t super heavy on the
sci-fi, so if you’re a little apprehensive about getting into
sci-fi, this might be a good place to start. There is some romance,
but it never overshadows the plot. So, yes, another enjoyable book.
Changing directions, I started The Art of Racing in the Rain by
Garth Stein. This is another adult book, but one that could easily be
enjoyed by young adult readers. It is told from the point of view of
Enzo, a terrier mix, who even as a dog is already wiser than most
humans. I am only about a third of the way into it, but it’s a quick
read. The chapters are short, and the story is captivating. I will
warn you sensitive types, the first chapter is kind of a tearjerker!
Even if you are not an animal, or dog lover, I think you would still
enjoy this book.
And…drumroll please!! Guess what came out? That’s right, Spirit
Bound, the 5th book in the Vampire Academy series. I
can’t wait to read it! Has anyone out there read it yet?
May 20, 2010
Hello Readers! I must apologize. I have just been all about me,
me, and me! Several of you have sent me comments that I neglected to
post, so here goes, in no particular order.
“I HIGHLY recommend the book Marcelo in the
Real World by Francisco X. Stork.” - Amy
Amy, you’re two steps ahead of me! I’ve heard amazing things about
this book, and it has been lurking on my “to read” list for quite
some time now. I am hoping to tackle it this summer. Has anyone else
out there read this book? I’ve heard comparisons to The Curious
Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon. Is this true?
“I think Graceling is an amazing book.
It is feminist without being obsessively or obnoxiously so,
incorporating both strong willed female characters and male
characters. The main character, Katsa, is almost like a puzzle that is
really fun to piece together. The action in the book, coupled with the
romance, is completely satisfying. I can see this book as an amazing
movie, if done correctly! I hope to see more from this new author!”
- Julia
Julia, I couldn’t agree more!!
“I read Maximum Ride though and thought
it was really good!!” – S. Blu
Oh, Maximum Ride. I need to bite the bullet and read the rest
of that series. So many books, so little time…..
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Into the Woods: An Echo Falls Mystery- done. So, I half
take back my post yesterday. While this series is written very well,
and they are enjoyable, I was frustrated by how long it took Ingrid to
connect events, and figure out what was going on. I think though, my
frustration is slightly unfair. Especially as how I am not an
eight-grader. If anything, the author, Peter Abrahams, deserves credit
for not making his heroine too unbelievably clever or smart for her
own age.
I do think some of the action in the end was overdone, but overall,
still an enjoyable read. The relationship that Ingrid has with Grampy
is especially poignant and well-written, and I liked how this book
integrated some history into the plot.
Switching gears, I’ve started Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund.
This book is a departure from my usual fare; it’s a science fiction
novel. I know! But, fear not, there is still some romance in there, so
I think I can handle it. I’m not anti sci-fi; I just haven’t read
a lot of it. I used to be hooked on the Star Wars books, but
not much else in that field really grabbed my interest. So you tell
me. Am I missing something great? Are there sci-fi titles out there
that I’ve missed? That are must reads? Let me know!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
I feel so accomplished. Kind of. I did finish The Joy Luck Club.
It was really well done. However, it's definitely a book that you have
to pay attention to when you're reading. It weaves together the
stories of four mothers and daughters, and several times I had to go
back and make sure that I was following the right story. Now, I need
to watch the movie!
 So,
I only feel kind of accomplished because I didn't get a lot of other
reading done this weekend. I was able to start Into the Dark: An
Echo Falls Mystery by Peter Abrahams. I love this series! They are
just so well written, and I don't think there are that many series out
there that are just straight-up mysteries for teens. There's no
supernatural or paranormal angle to these books, they're just a good
old-fashioned mystery. In fact, Ingrid (who is the main character in
the series) is a big fan of Sherlock Holmes. She is also an actress,
so there are a lot of literary and theater references in these books.
Even though Ingrid is only an eighth grader, these books are written
with a maturity that can be appreciated by an older audience. I grew
up loving Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey twins, The Three
Investigators, Trixie Belden (I know, you're thinking, who?
guess I'm showing my age now!), any mystery series that I could get my
hands on, so I'm loving these books. And, as if I needed it, I feel
totally validated, because even Stephen King likes them!
May 15, 2010
Buttons for Eyes
OK, so I didn’t get The Joy Luck Club finished in time
for my book club meeting, and then, I got wrapped up in Coraline.
So, at this very moment, I still have not finished The Joy Luck
Club. That is my main goal this weekend. But, back to Coraline.
I read both the original novel, and then the graphic novel adaptation.
Then, to complete the trifecta, I watched the movie. Whew. After all
that, what word comes to mind? Creepy! All I have to say is Neil
Gaiman; your mind must be a strange place to live. I don’t know what
freaked me out more. The buttons for eyes, Mr. Bobo and the rats
(especially in the movie), or the slimy cocoon thing in the theater of
Ms. Spinks and Ms. Forcible. Wait, I almost forgot about the blob of
melting man her “other” father becomes. Seriously. I’m still
digesting it all, but part of me hopes Stephen King and Neil Gaiman
never team up for anything. I might never get a good night’s sleep
again!
In the grand tradition of checking out too many books, lots of new YA
books hit the shelves today. There were so many I wanted to read. I
resisted at first, but I lost the battle. I finally checked out The
Lonely Hearts Club (cutest cover ever!) by Elizabeth Eulberg, Heist
Society by Ally Carter, and The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie
Ryan, it’s the sequel to the Forest of Hands and Teeth. So,
now, I just want to hibernate and read! Wish me luck. TTYS!
Monday, May 10, 2010
 Suzanne
Collins. You are a genius. Just thought you should know that. Catching
Fire does not disappoint at all. If you’ve read The Hunger
Games and loved it, perhaps you, like I, were also worried. How
would the sequel compare? Well, I am here to put your mind at ease.
Compare it does. I’m not even sure which one I liked better. It’s
been a long time (I guess Harry Potter springs to mind), since I have
been so impressed with a series. I find myself really caring about
these characters and their fate. I must know what happens! Mockingjay,
the third book in the series comes out in August. Coincidentally, also
my birthday month….anyway, there is so much to this series, romance,
action, adventure, social justice, but don’t just take my word for
it. Read it yourself!!
Let’s switch gears here and talk about The Joy Luck Club by
Amy Tan. I must confess, I did not finish this book (yet!), I’m
about halfway through, but I like it a lot more than I thought I
would. I’m not sure why I’ve never read it or even seen the movie
before now. Anyway, I’ll still go to my book club tonight, even if I
don’t finish it, but it’s a book that I will definitely finish. It
reminds me a lot of Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, which I read
recently. Both books deal with mother/daughter issues, and immigrating
to America during China’s war with Japan in the late 1930’s-early
1940’s. Joy Luck Club spans a much wider time period, as the
mothers were the ones who had to flee China, while their daughters
were born and raised in America. Even though this book is about
Chinese and Chinese-American women, many of the issues raised and
discussed are universal. As always, I’ll keep reading, and keep you
posted!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Despite my best efforts, I’m back to sequel mania! I finished The
Sea of Monsters, the second book in the Percy Jackson series by
Rick Riordan. I actually think I liked it better than the first.
And…the cliffhanger ending! Of course I’m going to read The
Titan’s Curse ASAP! There I go, sucked in by another series.
Thanks Rick Riordan! Speaking of sequels and cliffhanger endings,
I’ve finally started Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, the
second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. And, what do I have to
say? AMAZING! If you haven’t read this series, where have you been?
Stop reading my blog and go pick up these books ASAP! That means now!
They are unbelievable. Amazing. Oh wait, I already said that. You get
the idea though. I can’t wait to finish it, but I’ve heard through
the grapevine it has a crazy cliffhanger at the end. The third book in
the series, Mockingjay is due to come out in August. I’ll let
you know what I think about the end of Catching Fire as soon as I
finish it.
I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m in a few book clubs, in
addition to the YA book club that we have here. Well, I am supposed to
be reading The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan for my book club, which
meets on Monday. Yikes! I still haven’t started it. Why do I wait
until this last minute? But, I will read it, and I will share my
thoughts with you all. I know that this title is often assigned in
schools, or in summer reading. Has anyone out there read it? Or seen
the movie? Let me know what you thought about it! Speaking of book
clubs and books that have been made into movies….
Book Club Update! So let’s take a minute and talk about Book Club.
This month, our series of YA movies, “Books that have been made into
movies” continues with Coraline. I’m excited because I’ve
never seen Coraline or read the book. Which gave me an idea.
Why not combine reading the book and watching the movie into one
event? So, on Thursday, May 13, we will meet at 6:00pm to discuss the
book, you can read either the Graphic Novel, or the regular book
format. Then, at 6:30pm, we will start watching the movie. Hope to see
you there!
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