My Reading Frenzy

Some End of Summer (Sob) Reading

So, I have been reading furiously these past two weeks to get in all the books I wanted to read this summer.  I have managed to get through all but two of the middle school Virginia Readers Choice books so I can book talk them with the 6th graders during library orientation.  Besides those I have read Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones, The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner, The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty, The Kill Zone by James Dashner and am partway through The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields.  I read all of these for myself even though some of them are middle grade or YA novels.

Castle in the Air is actually the second book in the Howl's Moving Castle series by Diana Wynne Jones, but I got mixed up and read them out of order.  It turns out not to have mattered much because Howl and Sophie are not the main characters and do not put in an appearance until the last quarter of the book.  Their son Morgan is just born in this one and was a toddler in the 3rd book, House of Many Ways but that was the only significant confusion, though it wasn't, in reading them out of order.  Jones is a wonderful story-teller.  I have quite a few more of hers in my TBR pile.  They will be great for winter time in front of the crackling fireplace that does not work.  

 

The day James Dashners' The Kill Order came out I went out to get it.  Because it was also a rainy day, I read it the whole book.  I was excited to read more about the world Dashner created in The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure.  The story takes place just after the world has been changed by the sun flares.  Both the prologue and epilogue take place just before Thomas is dropped into the maze.  The book was exciting with many new characters and a close up look at the way the world deteriorated and much of humanity was overtaken by the Flare.  However, there really was not much in this book that we do not already know.  While I am glad to be "shown" what happened, rather than "told," about this time period, there is nothing really revealingly new, so it was a bit of a disappointment for me.  I am wondering if this is the last prequel book, or if we will get a closer look at Teresa and Thomas as they do whatever it is they do to help WICKED plan the maze and what they hope it will accomplish. 

Next, I read The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner.  I enjoy Weiner's books: they are always entertaining, generally realistic, and usually have a happy ending.  (There is nothing wrong with a solidly happy ending.)  I also like that they usually take place in the Philadelphia area.  This one did not.  I am going to give Weiner a pass on the location....this time.  The novel is the story of Ruth Saunders who lost both her parents and was seriously injured in a car accident when she was very young.  Since then she has lived with her grandmother, who raised her and then moved with her to California when Ruth wanted to try writing for TV.  The heart of this story is Ruth's chance to produce a show she has written.  If Weiner's details are correct, which I suspect they are, getting a TV show made is about 80% - right place, right time and 20% - talent, good writing, and quality show.  The novel is about family, love, and that ever important search-for-self.  While I could feel the happy ending coming a long way from the end, I really did not know how it would all work out and was carried along by my desire to see Ruth triumph. 

 

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty, is historical fiction about the 1920s silent film actress Louise Brooks, but Louise is not the main character, instead, Cora Carlisle, the chaperone is.  Using Cora in the setting of New York City, with a forward thinking and somewhat shocking future star, Moriarty illustrates the turbulence of the time.  Just after women have won the right to vote, before the end of Prohibition, and in the heart of a time when conservative, Victorian mores are getting dusty Cora must deal with this flamboyant and decidedly un-traditional teen.  Aside from caring for Louise, Cora has agreed to this trip in order to find out more about her own life which began in NYC before she was put on an orphan train and taken to Kansas.  While the story of Cora in NYC and after she returns to Wichita is plenty full of interest, the historical details are what drew me in.  I love a well-research snapshot of a time period. 

Finally, I began reading The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields yesterday.  It is historical fiction about the life of Edith Wharton, who is one of my all-time favorite authors.  It mainly covers the time in her life in 1907-1911 when her marriage was falling apart and she began an affair with Morton Fullerton.  I am not quite half-way through, but so far I appreciate the inclusion of actual letters between the two and between Wharton and others.  Though I know how it all turns out, I am drawn in by the author's imaginings of scenes between the two and the details about Paris, Wharton's writing, and her home, The Mount in Lenox, MA. 

Another Wonder from Diana Wynne Jones

Sometimes I read books and am sad that I waited so long to do so....but how am I to know they will be wonderful.  Well, I should know when the other books from the same author are wonderful, so maybe I am just trying to spread out the wonders, or maybe I am just a big dummy sometimes. 

Anyway, House of Many Ways is the sequel to Howl's Moving Castle, though neither Howl, nor Sophie are main characters.  Of course Calcifer and the castle are back as well, but also not the main characters.  Instead we have Charmain (who is fittingly, but mistakenly called Miss Charming by the residents of the Great Mansion), Peter, and a sweet doggy named Waif.  The residents of the Great Mansion are searching fruiously for either the King's gold or the Elfgift, preferably both.  They bring in Charmain who is currently house sitting for her Great Uncle William, the Wizard of Norland while he is away being healed by the elves, to help sort through documents in the libray that may have a clue about the whereabouts of both items.  Peter comes along to apprentice to the Wizard not knowing he is away.  Much magical tomfoolery and experimentation ensue.

This book is delightful and I will not wait so long to read Castle in the Air.

 

Frankenstein, Chimaera, and Wolves Oh My

In the spirit of full disclosure I must admit that I deeply disliked the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, I realize it is one of the great works of classic literature, however that does not mean I have to like it.  I needed to read it to teach it to my AP English 12 students in September.  From the beginning, I thought Victor Frankenstein was an annoying whiner.  When he created the monster, then surprise surprise it all went awry all he could manage to do is whine about it.  "Oh, woe is me, I created a horrible, destructive monster, whom I have treated terribly and now all I can think to do about it is....NOTHING!"  All this being said, I really liked Kenneth Oppel's This Dark Endeavor, a prequel to Frankenstein.  It takes us back to Victor and his family when he was only 16 an just beginning to be interested in medicine and dark magic which were somewhat intertwined at the time.  Victor is a much more interesting and likable person as a teen than he will be as a whiny adult.  I look forward to the next installment in the series. 

I also read Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor this weekend which turned out to be fantastic.  I wish that whoever writes book cover blurbs would do a better job....I cannot pinpoint exactly how they could be better, just better.  Actually what I would like is for the blurbs to stop making good books sound like they will be stupid.  I realize they do not want to give away major elements or key twist, but surely the blurb can more accurately capture a book's awsomeness without giving anything away.  The blurb on this book made it sound ridiculous, so why did I read it...because other bloggers I respect and often agree with about books loved it.  I did not love it, it reminded me too much of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices  series, and those I loved.  As much as I liked this one, the struggle here between angels and devils was just a bit less compelling, however, I would still recommend it without reservation. 

A very different experience was reading Brian Selznick's Wonderstruck.  I love his artwork and have bought quite a few books with his illustrations since The Invention of Hugo Cabret came along.  Hugo was so very unique that of course Wonderstruck cannot hope to replicate its groundbreaking-ness, but it is still a wonderful book.  The story is completely unique and the way he weaves the two stories together is masterful.  

As you can tell, I had a wonderful reading weekend.  Next up is Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James.  It has been at least a few weeks since there was any Jane Austen in my life (since I read The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen by Lindsay Ashford, a fictionalized account of the non-fiction possibility that Jane Austen was murdered.)  

Excellent books from my Cybils reading

Ok, so I have been a bit lax on my posting.  I have been so busy reading books for the Cybils, I have not been writing about books, but I am going to remedy that now.  If you know a middle grade reader who is into science fiction and fantasy, all of these books are good reads. 

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris  This one is a nice retelling of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."  It has some good messages about honor and honesty but is not off-puttingly moralistic. 

The Flint Heartby Katherine and John Paterson  In ancient times an evil man has a magical flint heart made that will harden his heart and bring him power.  100s of years after his death the heart is found and wreaks havoc in the human and faery worlds. 

 **Both of these books are for younger readers.  3rd - 5th grade I would imagine.**

Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier  More birds in this one as major characters, but a really interesting metaphor with Peter's eyes.  Peter is blind and therefore has excellent hearing and touch senses, but he finds sets of eyes that give him special powers.  This serves to remind us all about needing to see the world from different perspectives sometimes. Aside from the messages it is a rollicking good adventure story.  It would appeal to fans of Cornelia Funke's The Thief Lord. 

The Inquisitor's Apprentice by Chris Moriarty  This was an odd book and it took me awhile to decide if I liked it or not.  It takes place in NYC of the early 1900s, but not a NYC we know.  Instead it takes place in a world where people with magical ability are commonplace, but must keep their magic in check as not all forms of magic are legal.  This is where Sacha, the main character, comes in.  He has the ability to tell if someone, who may not be known to the authorities, has magical abilities.  He is therefore recruited by the police to become an apprentice inquisitor.  The story has great detail about New York of this time as well as various ethnicities and social classes which each have their own type of magic.  But once Thomas Edison and Harry Houdini come in I was less charmed.  This is a book with high interest for fantasy lovers, maybe boys especially, but I did not love it. 

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby  Solveig is the king's daughter who finds she has great storytelling ability.  This however is not the focus of the story, though her abilities become increasing relevant as the tale progresses.  Solveig and her beautiful older sister Asa and her younger brother Harald have been sent away while their father the king is immersed in a war.  They anticipate returning home until their father's berserker warriors are sent to them for added protection.  When the enemy king arrives to carry Asa away as his wife, Solveig must leave her middle child insecurities behind and become a leader and storyteller.  It is really a wonderful story with much more depth and detail than this would indicate.  This ended up being one we put on our short list. 

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy  This book is chock full of historical details to temper the magic.  It takes place in London where Janie and her TV writer parents have just moved to avoid the House Un-American Activities Committee.  Janie becomes friends with Ben whose father is not a modern apothecary, but rather someone who protects and practices the old ways.  Together they endeavor to stop Russian nuclear activity and other nefarious goings-ons.  Interesting story with superb historical detail.

Dragon Castle by Joseph Bruchac  Bruchac writes a great deal using his Native American background.  This time he turns instead to his Czech roots and comes up with a wonderful piece of traditional folklore that he has adapted for this story. 

The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin  This is an interesting adventure in which the main characters find their way into a painting where there are layers of life going on beyond what is seen by visitors to the museum where it hangs.  An interesting concept that is reasonably well done.  I wish there had been a little less going on that was better developed, but ultimately it was a good adventure. 

The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud  I listened to this book and fell in love with Simon Jones' voice.  I also found myself seriously charmed by djinni Bartimaeus.  This is the 4th book in the series, but unlike the other three, it takes place in Bartimaeus' past with King Solomon in  Jerusalem.  I think therefore this novel can be read alone, but may be enhanced by having read the other three, which I have plans to do.  Bartimaeus is arrogant and sarcastic and clever, three of my favorite qualities.  In this story he tries to gain his own freedom from the evil magician Khaba while simultaneously trying to help Asmina steal the ring for her Queen.  A fun and quick read that I really enjoyed. 

The Coming of the Dragon by Rebecca Barnhouse As an adult familiar with the Beowulf story I really enjoyed how this story took off from the adventures of Beowulf. Rune is a young man when the dragon who is responsible for King Beowulf's death terrorizes the land.  Young readers will experience this story now and someday in a high school English class will remember and feel more comfortable with the Old English poem from already knowing some of the plot points.

Boy at the End of the World by Greg van Eekhout  When the boy wakes up he finds himself alone with a droid whose mission is to protect him.  Awakened from a deep sleep in an ark the boy must find other arks in order to restart the human population.  This is an interesting take on a world destroyed by humans leaving a legacy for other creatures and a new group of humans to fix.  There a some overtones of Wall-E here. 

The Only Ones by Aaron Starmer  In a world in which all but a few people have disappeared, a group of young teens struggles to discover what has happened and how to get everyone back.  This one has overtones of Lord of the Flies.

The Silver Bowl by Diane Stanley  When she is only six, Molly is sent away from home to serve in the household of the king of Westria.  Molly's magical abilities show themselves when she polishes a silver bowl that gives her the ability to see visions of the past and future.  Molly finds herself helping the royal family break the curse that has plagued them for generations. 

Aliens on Vacation by Clete Smith "Scrub" visits his grandmother in her home where she runs a hotel for aliens on vacation on Earth.  Much hilarity and high jinks ensue as "Scrub" adjusts to this strange place while trying to maintain relationships with kids who have no idea what is going on with all of the strange visitors to their town. 

3 Cybils Books I REALLY Liked

These are three books I have read as a panelist for the middle grade science fiction and fantasy committee for this year's Cybils Awards. 

1.  Floors by Patrick Carman

Reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Floors is the story of Leo's quest for the four boxes left behind by the Whippet Hotel's inventor (yes, the inventor) Merganzer Whippit when he mysteriously disappears.  If Leo can find all the boxes before the hotel manager Ms. Sparks can stop him and take over the hotel herself. 

2.  The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky

Louise loves vintage clothes.  So much that when she receives an invitation to a special vintage sale she does not hesitate to go.  Marla and Glenda the shop's proprietors help her into a beautiful early 1900s gown which whirls her away to a voyage on the seas.  Louise returns to her life happy to be herself, but with a new appreciation for the lives lived in vintage clothes.  The illustrations add a wonderful layer to the story.  I also appreciate the light fantasy element after having read so many stories layered with magic and science fiction. 

3.  Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Of all the members of the royal family, only Princess Celie truly understands the castle and in return it cares for her when her parents disappear, leaving her, her sister Princess Lilah, and her brother Crown Prince Rolf alone to deal with the usurping Prince Khelsh.

Breadcrumbs - Anne Ursu

I liked this book, though I am finding it difficult to put in to words why.  It has a female heroine, she is a girl of color, she was adopted, though none of these is what the book is about.  Instead it is about friendship and growing up and dealing with the hard stuff in life when you are a kid. The whole tone of the second half of the book is lulling like the snow can be if you are out in it too long, unfortunately this feeling in snow can be one's doom, but the smooth feeling of the prose just leads the reader through the story.  Hazel is confronted with many soothing moments when she can choose the comfortable, soothing, warm path, instead of moving toward the cold to save her friend.  The question is not whether she saves him or not, but if the world to which they must return is better than the one they leave behind?

The Aviary - Kathleen O'Dell

This is a middle grade fantasy novel I have read as part of my role as a panelist for the Cybils.  I liked it for a few reasons:

1.  Non-traditional female heroine.  She is a home-schooled 12 year old at the turn of the century.

2.  The plot involves birds, a magician, a mesmerist, and a 50 year old mystery.

3.  All the main characters and most of the secondary characters are smart females, yet I do not think boys would dislike the book. 

4.  It feels ever so slightly Nancy Drewish, without all the ridiculous plot contrivances. 

5.  If the reader accepts the fantasy elements without question, there is only one plot element that challenges credulity and middle grade readers would not probably notice it. 

6.  Overall, fun and quick read. 

A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness

This is the first book by Patrick Ness I have read.  I will be reading more.  Apparently the idea for this book originated with Siobhan Dowd, however she passed away before she could write the story.  Patrick Ness was asked to do so....he did, with great success.  I do not want to say anything about the plot because I think it might lessen the emotional impact to have any expectations.  I really had no idea what this would be about when I began...it was a powerful story.  READ IT!

Wildwood - Colin Meloy

Generally I find it pretty irritating when people who already have fame and fortune in one arena feel the need to seek it in another.  Really, must singers/actors/artists also be famous as writers/fashion designers/perfumers?  Wouldn't it be nicer to leave those spots open for someone who is not already famous, spread fame and fortune around a bit.  Case in point: Madonna and Ethan Hawke had no business writeing books.  I am a humble librarian and normal person and I would love to be a writer, but the chances of getting my fabulous book (which I have yet to write) published is almost nil, whereas someone who already has name recognition in another area can slap some crap on a piece of paper and in a few weeks it has its very own display at big box book stores.  THIS IS NOT FAIR! (John Grisham, with your Theodore Boone debacle, I am talking to you!)

Happily I can say the above does not apply to Wildwood by Decemberists songwriter and lead singer Colin Meloy, despite his double whammy of fame, as his wife is a children's book illustrator. 

One day as Prue takes her baby brother Mac out for a stroll he is carried away by crows.  Thus begins Prue's adventure in the "Impassable Wilderness" to get him back.  As it turns out, both Prue and her brother, as well as her friend Curtis are significantly connected to the magical world of the Woods, where coyotes are soldiers for the Dowager Governess Alexandra, rats can be good friends, and bandits may not be so bandity after all.  The action is pretty steady with moments of introspection for our main characters to reflect on the amazing sights and their role in this world and home.  Really a lovely story, well-written and illustrated aptly for this fantasy world.

Not what I expected...

when I started The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell.  Retellings of fairy tales are quite popular now, but they have to have a significant twist for me to be interested.  I am glad the book jacket blurb did not do this book justice because I do not think I would have read it if the description had really summed up the story.  I thought I was reading a charming, little story based on "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" or whatever the title of the original fairy tale is, but with the heroine Reveka the story is much more.  A little bit of herb lore, some good old fashioned bravery, a foray in the Underworld and this story is an adventure I really enjoyed. 

Troubletwisters

Troubletwisters by Garth Nix and Sean Williams

Action : Check

Kids with powers: Check

Bad guys in the form of a nebulous power: Check

Inane title: Check

Not enough background because they are going to put it in the sequel: Check

I did not hate this book, but I did think it was lacking.  It left too much out in anticipation of books to come and the characterization of the hero and heroine was shallow for perhaps the same reason.  But it left too many holes, and not the kind I want to fill with the next book.

A Tale Dark and Grimm

Adam Gidwitz, the author of A Tale Dark and Grimm, has managed to make me think "Hmmm, that is quite original."  I have a difficult time with books sometimes, I have read enough in both YA and adult to see similarities everywhere.  This cynically makes me wonder if there are any new ideas left out there or will all the books I read from now on be imitations of each other?  So reading this novel made me happy because while it is clearly a take-off on the Grimm brothers' fairy tales, it did so in a clever way. 

The main characters are Hansel and Gretel.  They live their own tale, but also become significant in some of the Grimms' lesser know stories like "The Seven Swallows" and "The Three Golden Hairs."  I like how Gidwitz wove the stories together so we got the essence of the originals with Hansel and/or Gretel as the protagonists.  Really well done. 

The part of the novel that seemed familiar to me was the narrator addressing the reader, which reminded me a bit of the same device used by Lemony Snicket.  This is not a criticism, just a familiarity I felt. 

The Cheshire Cheese Cat - Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright

Since my time these days in encumbered by reading for the Cybils, my reviews are going to have to be proportionally shorter.  I finished The Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright with drawings by Barry Moser last night.  I was tempted to blog about it right away, but I try not to do that to give myself time to mull over a book first.  I found this novel delightful, though a bit reminiscent of The Tale of Despereaux.  Not in a bad way though, I loved Despereaux.  Talking mice are a nice plot device.  A few talking cats in the mix helps too.  Throw in Charles Dickins, William Makepeace Thackery, and Queen Victoria and you have a sweet and charmingly unpredictable tale.

Cybils Nominations

The Cybils or Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards nominations are open from now until October 15th.  I have been selected for the middle grades science fiction and fantasy Round 1 panel.  This means I get to read a TON of books, always a great responsibility to have, and recommend with my fellow panelists a few to proceed to the judging. 

The comic genius of Tom Angleberger

I have read two books by Tom Angleberger, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, and Horton Halfpott or The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor or The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset. Both are comic children's or YA novels, but are quite different from each other.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a casebook of anecdotes from the adventures of Origami Yoda. Dwight has created Yoda, but Yoda's advice is too wise, too apt, and too perfect to have come from the socially inept Dwight.  Because yes, while the advice's wisdom may not always be immediately evident, Yoda is always right.  Tommy, who is the casebook author seeks an explanation for Yoda's wisdom as he asks gathers the stories of Yoda's triumphs over evil as evidence of his powers.  I am sooooo looking forward to Darth Paper Strikes Back.

Horton Halfpott, as should be obvious from its extensive title is a wonderful romp around Smugwick Manor, where the family are horrors and the servants are heroes (except perhaps for the evil cook, Miss Neversly, who wields a dangerous spoon.)  This is a great way to introduce children to the grand tradition of the English farce.  Angleberger is a master of witty word-play, some of which will go over the heads of young readers who will still find much to chuckle about.  As the narrator describes M'Lady Luggertuck's perfume he claims, "The thick stone walls of Smugwick Manor once, long ago, held up against an assault by Belgian Crusaders, but they were no match for 'Eau d'Peccary,' which stormed the old castle like a berserker."  This would really be a great book for parent and child to read together so the parent can explain why he is convulsed in laughter once a page. 

I am in love...

with the works of Diana Wynne Jones.  I have only read two so far: Enchanted Glass and Howl's Moving Castle, I have the entire Chrestomanci Series waiting on my shelf and the second two in the Howl series on the way from Powell's (used versions), as well as A Tale of Time City.  So far all the books have been wonderful and charming.  Her characters are interesting and believable fantasy characters.  The books are appropriate for children, young adults, and adults.  I did not feel like I was reading kids books because they are not dumbed down by explaining every little nuance, Wynne clearly trusts her readers to figure it out, whatever "it" may be.  Nor do they avoid using specialized vocabulary, again relying on the reader's ability to use the context clues.  If a child really wants to read a book, and children want to read her books, he will do what he has to to be successful.  Easily frustrated readers will give up if a book is boring, but something fascinating like these books will work even with readers who have to put a great deal of effort in.  

Because the books are fantasy, the plots are somewhat difficult to summarize without giving anything away, but I will give it a shot.  Enchanted Glass, which I read quite a while ago and commented on briefly takes place at Melstone House with a protective, enchanted window.  Why do the inhabitants of the house need protection?  Well, since Andrew Hope inherited the house he knows there is something odd about it, but it is not until foster child Aidan arrives that everything starts to get exciting.  That is about all I can say except it is a lovely read for the backyard in a hammock or cuddled up on a comfy chair on a rainy day.   

Howl's Moving Castle is one of Jones' most well-known and highly regarded novels, for good reason.  Howl is a terrifying magician, or so he wants people to believe, who lives in a castle he has moved from place to place to avoid angy mobs and other undesirable interactions.  He spends his time looking for love and training his apprentice Michael.  Amazingly, as interesting as Howl is, he is not even the main character.  This instead is Sophie Hatter, who is a teen turned into an old lady after an unfortunate encounter with the Witch of the Waste.  Sophie seeks Howl because she believes he can remove the enchantment.  Adventures ensue and a lovely tale unfolds.  I am soooo looking forward to the next two books.  

Yet again the temptation to quit my job and read full time overwhelms me, but then I think of eating and back to work I go. 

What I Have Waiting

Soooo many of the blogs I read have some sort of a "What is coming" or "Books out soon" or "On our Radar" type of post either weekly or more randomly.  I am just a lowly, independent blogger with no connection to any sort of booksellers or publishers.  This would make it difficult for me to do any sort of post about what is coming up aside from books you can find out about from the same places I do....booksellers ads, other more "in the loop" bloggers, and e-mails I get because I am a librarian who supposedly has loads of money to spend on books for middle-schoolers (Has no one heard about the dire straits schools are in these days?). 

Bottom line...I am just going to bring to your attention a few books I have waiting on my shelves, some are new, some are old, some are really old, whatever the case they are books I own and intend to read...someday, maybe when I am rich and can quit working, or if there is another hurricane and I am stuck in the house for 18 hours.  I have no plans for a regular posting about this, but I could, that's how many books I own that I have not read.

1.  Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick  This was just released yesterday, and I loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret and was looking forward to this one, so I bought it, I am hoping to read it this weekend.  Maybe after I finish the three books I am currently read, maybe not.

2.  American Rose by Karen Abbott This is a biography of Gypsy Rose Lee.  I directed a high school production of Gypsy quite a few years ago and always thought it would be nice to read more about her, most especially because I want the real story, not the musicalized story.  I really enjoy biographies, but I do find it difficult to stay interested unless the subject is fascinating and the writing is stellar.  We will see how this one goes, someday.

3.  Seven Sorcerers by Carol King All I can say about this one is, I like fantasy, I liked the cover (Yes, I judged a book by its cover) so I picked it up.  I still think it looks like it will be good, but I almost always choose sleep over reading in the wee hours on school nights, which severely cuts in to my reading time. 

Three titles seems like enough for today.  Check back, maybe I will read these soon now that I have reminded myself why they are here, and I will have posted a witty and insightful review. 

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Well, that was certainly a title-full and it is a book-- full of adventure.  One evening while she is washing the dishes the Green Wind whisks September away to Fairyland. She is so ready for adventure she does not even spare her home or her mother a backward glance.  When September arrives  she finds there are pitfalls galore, deals to be made, and rules to follow, besides just the one about not eating fairy food.  At every turn September must acknowledge she is less clever than she thought but stronger and more resilient that she could have known in her "regular" life.  Not so much fantasy as the realization all little girls must accept.  

Catherynne M. Valente has created a unique world that feels part Oz and part Wonderland but is truly all unique and fabulous.  Just as Dorothy wants to go home, so does September, but not until she has helped those in need and released Fairyland from the wicked rule of the Marquess.  But sometimes little girls do not get to decide when they will return home, it is just time to go.  September make life-long friends who she knows she will see again, because she did eat in Fairyland.  Here's hoping Valente has more tales of September on the way. 

Independent Book Stores in New England

I was lucky enough recently to take part of my summer vacation in New England.  Really we only made significant stops in Connecticut and Vermont, but that was enough to visit a plethora of independent book stores. 

Connecticut:

We stopped in a series of six small towns in Connecticut along Long Island Sound, not all of them have bookstores, but usually there was an antique store or two to sate my browsing needs instead.

Guilford - Breakwater Books: This was the first we visited.  It was small, but that is part of the charm of independent bookstores.  They had a relatively large children's section that had been stocked by someone with significant knowledge.  Overall there was a large variety with some new publications as well as older favorites.  I bought God on the Rocks by Jane Gardam.  This is an adult novel I have had on a wishlist, but have not found in person.  Certainly I could order it on-line, but I appreciated the opportunity to support a local bookstore. 

Madison - RJ Julia Booksellers: Next we made our way to this town.  By this time though it had started to rain and many of the main street shops had closed, but not this one.  I could have moved right in to this bookstore and stayed for the rest of my life, or more realistically until closing time.  It is a two story shop with a huge selection in a variety of well-chosen and organized categories.  The booksellers were fantastically helpful and friendly.  If I could stand the snow and find a job I would move to CT to live near this bookstore where I would be a regular.  Here I bought The God of the Hive by Laurie King which I reviewed the other day and The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books we Shared by Alice Ozma. 

Vermont:

Stowe - Bear Pond Books: I did not love this store.  It was not peaceful and was inside a larger and touristy Stowe store, but it did have a section of Vermont authors where I found Snowflake Bentley a Caldecott winning picturebook from Vermont illustrator Mary Azarian. 

Burlington - Crow Bookshop:  This shop was mainly a used bookshop with some new items.  There was a quite good picture book section where I found The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Gris Grimly.   We did not spend too much time here as it was a girls shopping trip and we were on the hunt for fashion!

Shelburne - The Flying Pig Bookstore: Here were more superb YA and children's sections.  I could have spent hours browsing, but this is rarely good for my wallet and usually upsetting to the people I am with who have less interest in just sitting and looking at books for hours.  I was on a mission this trip to find Sarah Ockler's Twenty Boy Summer, since there has been some controversy over it.  Sadly they did not have it, but the wonderful bookseller recommened Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock, which I got along with The 10 PM Question by Kate De Goldi, and Howl's Moving Castle by Diane Wynne Jones. 

Johnson- Ebenezar Books (which does not seem to have a website).  Because this was a small shop I was able to give the whole place a good going over.  There was a nice selection, a mix of genres and interests.  I did not buy anything here because quite honestly I felt like I had already bought enough books to keep me busy for a while to add to my extensive collection of TBR titles. 

 

I also went to one library, in Waterbury, VT where they were having a book sale.  I did not purchase any books, but found a puzzle for 50¢, that upon completion turned out to have all the pieces...what a coup!

If you are an independent bookshop junkie and are traveling make a point to find a few shops to support!

 

Megan Whalen Turner - Part II

I read The King of Attolia and A Conspiracy of Kings one right after the other, after having taken a break after the second book in the series, The Queen of Attolia.  I am glad I took a break, but also thrilled I had books 3 & 4 available without having to wait.  Again, Turner trusts to the nimble-mindedness of her reader by crafting a tale of political intrigue and power plays.  I loved all four books.  I have heard rumors that she is not done with the series, but A Conspiracy of Kings ended so tightly I am not sure there are any threads to play with to write a 5th book. 

While these books are intricately plotted, the reading level and the lack of anything "inappropriate" would make these good reading for advanced children, maybe grades 4-6.  They are certainly aimed at young-young adults, grades 7-9.  I would also call these high interest for the high school level or "true" young adults. 

I am not sure what I like most about the series, the characters, who are interesting with depth and all the quirks and inconsistencies that make people fascinating and infuriating, or the plot which has completely unpredictable but believable twists and surprises.  Whichever it is, Turner has crafted a brilliant series that I could seriously read again...if I had time, ha!

The Emerald Atlas - John Stephens

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens is the first book in what is meant to be a trilogy.  As much as I hate to wait, I am glad there will be more to the story.  Kate, Michael, and Emma are orphans who find themselves "adopted" after moving from orphanage to orphanage for 10 years.  They find themselves chased by a Countess who seeks the power of the atlas only Kate has the power to retrieve from its long time hiding place.  Aided by magic, magicians, and magical creatures, Kate and her siblings manage to retrieve the atlas and ensure its safety...for now.  As much as I dislike waiting I am glad there will be more to the story.  It seems there are three magical books to be found, and three siblings, so it is likely each of the children will feature in their own adventure.  The kids are likable, the story fast paced, and the minor characters well developed.  I know it all sounds unexciting, but  I promise there are "edge of your armchair" moments throughout the story.

I have seen this book hyped some, but not blogged, at least not in the blogs I read.  I hope it is not going to be overlooked because it is really a good story, well-told (The author used to write for The Gilmore Girls...love it.) with interesting kids who show the importance of resilience, self-reliance, and good old fashioned guts. 

Your Favorite Kids Books..and what they mean

Books

What Your Favorite Kids Book Then Says About You Now

1:31 pm Saturday Apr 9, 2011 by Emily Temple

Everyone had a favorite book as a kid – you know, that tattered old thing you carried from room to room and made you parents read out loud to you over and over again, the one that you quoted until you were, um, a little too old to be doing so. We know our lives were shaped in part by the literature we loved as children, so inspired by this recent list of books every child should read, we got to thinking about what your favorite kids book back then might say about you now that you’re all grown up. Click through for our predictions, and do your best to take it with the grain of salt we intend – don’t worry, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory lovers, we’re not really accusing you of advocating slavery. Be sure to add to the fun and make up your own in the comments!

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via flavorwire.com

Deep Down Popular

This is another by Phoebe Stone, that I picked out after I LOVED the Romeo and Juliet Code.  This one was especially appealing because it takes place in VA, just outside Charlottesville, one of my favorite VA towns.   The story is a sweet look at a middle school crush as well as the hardships of being unique at this age.  Jessie Lou is a tomboy with a crush on Conrad Parker Smith the most popular boy in 6th grade. Jessie Lou is of course a wonderful girl who just wants the freedom to be who she is without judgement or comparisons to her lovely (on the outside) older sister.  The story is a nice break from the angst of so many children's and teen books, as it portrays love, self doubt, and the search for self experienced at this age.  Phoebe Stone's greatest talent is the way she describes normal feelings and experiences in a way that makes them feel special as they do for the individual who experiences them, and not as if this is what EVERYONE goes through.  Being able to identify with Jessie Lou will make a reader feel she is a kindred spirit, but not as if his/her experiences are mundane and insignificant.  I intend to read more of Phoebe Stone for her beautiful portrayals of childhood experiences. 

Freedom to Read Issue

These sorts of things always get me all fired up.  If you do not like a book, do not read it, do not allow your children to read it, but do not try to make those decisions for someone else by removing the book from the library....this is censorship!

Decision made on controversial kids' book

Case closed after weeks of review

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - After weeks of a review process, the Hillsborough County Public Library System has ruled that a controversial kids book will stay on public library shelves.

The book is called My Mom's Having a Baby by an author named Dori Butler based in Iowa. The book was published in 2005. As the story line goes, a little girl named Elizabeth is curious about how her mother became pregnant and childbirth. Throughout the book's 30 pages, little Elizabeth learns about these topics in great detail.

Read All About It!

via www.abcactionnews.com

Doncaster Book Award

 

Yet another book I will have to order from Amazon.uk because it takes too long to be published in the US!

 

THE THORNTHWAITE INHERITANCE wins the 2011 Doncaster Book Award
Gareth P Jones' novel The Thornthwaite Inheritance has won the 7th Doncaster Book Award. The winner was announced at the Finale Event at Doncaster Racecourse on 25 March 2011. Special guests at the event included popular favourites the Two Steves and Tommy Donbavand.

via www.doncasterbookaward.net