65. 12/9/12
The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 2 by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and wirrow
What a cool concept-- tell a story in just a few words and a small illustration. It's amazing how much can be conveyed in such a short time, for many of these "tiny stories" can leave the reader with a swirl of thoughts and questions. I'd like to get the first volume to have as well, and these would make unique and interesting stocking stuffers!
64. 11/30/12
The Panem Companion: An Unofficial Guide to Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games, From Mellark Bakery to Monckingjays by V. Arrow
Outstanding analysis and reflections on the influences and deeper meanings of THE HUNGER GAMES series. I loved the author's approach of breaking down symbols and events in the books, from mapping Panem based upon the textual clues combined with logic and knowledge of North American geography and resources, to considering the sources of the names of characters throughout the books and their places in history and literature. This thoughtful volume encourages the kind of action that I absolutely love-- breaking down a meaningful piece of literature to discuss its parts, influences, and meaning. I wish I could have a long, drawn-out conversation with this author about one of the most thought-provoking series that I've ever read!
63. 11/13/12
The Sex-Wise Parent: The Parent's Guide to Protecting Your Child, Strengthening Your Family, and Talking to Kids about Sex, Abuse, and Bullying by Janet Rosenzweig
Fabulously frank and open guide for parents on important topics that are too often not addressed in parenting books. I appreciated Rosenzweig's candor and straightforwardness, something that I think is much needed in this subject. I highly recommend this title for all parents.
62. 11/3/12
Astray by Emma Donoghue
I was completely blown away by these tales-- many horrifying-- of real-life events, though fictionalized to varying degrees to fill in missing pieces of history. I found Donoghue's writing to be intense and concise, quickly setting the time and tone of the story, and bringing the characters to life with fully descriptive depictions of their longing, pain, and hopes.
61. 10/27/12
Charlotte Street by Danny Wallace
I couldn't help but like the protagonist of this one, for even though he's quite flawed and he continues to make decisions that aren't necessarily the most mature, at least he's up front about himself. A bit of self-deprecating humor adds to his appeal, and I hoped against the odds that he would actually find "The Girl" he was searching for. Wallace seemingly writes with a wink and a nod, and that cheeky tone makes this a fun read overall.
60. 10/17/12
The Giant and How He Humbugged America by Jim Murphy
I don't read much nonfiction for older kids, but this one was really cool. In 1869, a "petrified man" was discovered in upstate New York, causing a crazy public stir. As the story unfolds, the questions begins to surface and as the book describes, the evidence mounts against the folks who 'discovered' it. This true story of a wacky scam and the masses of people who feel for it is entertaining and informative.
59. 10/15/12
Sad Desk Salad by Jessica Grose
I was entertained by this story of a woman whose job it is to assemble multiple pop culture-related pieces for a women's entertainment website, but I have to admit that it made me even less inclined to click on the links that I see in my Facebook feed after reading it. The protagonist Alex is a sad example of a writer, someone shilling celebrity "news" for a buck, but caring very little about the actual content that she's creating. Her boss makes her keep a crazy schedule, and she lives for page views and comments. As much as I would love to have a job where I could be at home writing all day and make even a reasonable salary, this is clearly not the job for me, for I was in a constant state of irritation for Alex as I read this somewhat-fluffy read.
58. 10/13/12
The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Oh yes, a modern-day Catcher in the Rye is the perfect description of this touching little book of letters from Charlie, a boy so deep in his own thoughts he has difficulty "participating" in life, to a person he refers to simply as "friend." Charlie is troubled, and though he has swells of emotion that cause him to cry easily and often, he doesn't seem to be terribly aware of his own troubles. As that 'wallflower,' Charlie is deeply aware of others, though he is no better at understanding how they truly feel than he is at understanding his own feelings. I do want to see the new movie that has been made from this book, only to see if the actors can really portray these affecting characters.
57. 10/12/12
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
Oh, Rick Riordan, you might be writing for 10 year olds, but you've got me completely hooked. I LOVE THESE BOOKS. I love the way you masterfully weave together Greek and Roman mythology with the experiences of these modern-day demigods. I love the way you write teenagers. I love the interpersonal experiences of these characters and how they support each other in the face of certain death. I love that you are energizing kids to read books that are hundreds and hundreds of pages long, contain mythology and history, and are crazy-entertaining. In this book, Annabeth gets to take a more prominent role than in times before, and her character is so well-developed that we readers can easily anticipate how she will react to the situations thrown at her. Can't wait for fall 2013!
56. 10/7/12
Forgotten by Catherine McKenzie
Eh. I was disappointed, though I kind of expected it when I began this book. McKenzie's characters are beginning to blend into each other, and I could have laid out the arc of this book's plot about 15 pages in. The protagonist in this one, Emma Tupper, is as uncertain about her life and what she wants from it as the other lead female characters in CM's books. Unfortunately, I'm a bit tired of the weak characters, so she bugged me the most-- her inability to say what she means to say, her acceptance of being treated like crap, all even though she's apparently a high-powered lawyer who rocks the house in a courtroom. It didn't add up, and I simply plowed through the pages to get to the ending that I fully expected so I could call it a day. Not enough original here to make me seek out future books.
55. 10/5/12
Tilly's Moonlight Garden by Julia Green
This subtly sweet story of a young girl in a time of transition provides a bit of magic for young middle grade readers. Tilly's character, unsure of herself in a new town and new school, is also at an "in-between" age, thinking it the time she should begin to shed some of her childhood interests and ways but not quite ready to do so. This theme is important in literature, for what better way for young readers to explore it safely than in a book?
54. 9/28/12
Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women's Literary Society by Amy Hill Hearth
I loved the storytelling vibe of this book, opening with one of the main characters as an elderly woman setting the stage for her to tell the tale of the year that a Yankee moved to her southern Florida town. Early in the 1960s, the decade's changes hadn't yet reached as far south as Naples, but the arrival of Jackie Hart brought some immediate changes to the town, especially for the group of six other residents who join Jackie in forming the Collier County Women's Literary Society. Written with humor, even in dark moments, this novel portrays a particular time in a particular place with believable details and engaging characters. The voice of the narrator conveys a feeling of reminiscing, with both sadness and hope evident in the telling.
53. 9/14/12
The Motion of the Ocean: 1 Small Boat, 2 Average Lovers, and a Woman's Search for the Meaning of Wife by Janna Cawrse Esarey
While I could never even imagine sailing alone with anyone for two years, there was still so much in this memoir that I could relate to. Esarey speaks honestly and openly about relationships, and when she opens the book by calling her husband an asshole, I knew I was going to laugh a lot. Take the usual challenges married couples experience and enclose them on a sailboat, and you've got a true story full of adventure, love, frustration, elation, and a whole lot of heart.
52. 9/6/12
Skinny by Donna Cooner
I appreciated the raw voice of the protagonist, who constantly wishes to be invisible in public but speaks honestly and openly in her story narration. I had a hard time, though, buying the change of heart of the side characters in the story when the main character begins to lose weight following her gastric bypass surgery. Then I remind myself that this was a YA novel intended for readers younger than me, so the neat-and-tidy components to the story make more sense in that mindset.
51. 9/2/12
Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon
Wow. I've never read anything by Chabon before, but if this book was anything like his others, I'll be better prepared for the experience if I ever read him again. This man clearly has the English language under a magical spell, for the words will do whatever the hell he wants them to, in ways that most folks would never have imagined possible. Even as I struggled to make sense of some passages, I couldn't help but be awed by his brilliant mastery of the words. The cast is huge here and the stories are nothing less than sagas, with heavy topics at the heart of it all. Coming in at over 400 pages, including one chapter that, no joke, is twelve pages long but only ONE SENTENCE, this is not a light read by any means, but is undeniably entertaining.
50. 8/29/12
Horten's Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery, & Another Very Strange Adventure by Lissa Evans
Another hit, in my opinion! As in the first of the Horten's series, the magical adventures are fun and suspenseful without being frightening, and the characters continue to delight. This time around, Stuart has the opportunity to figure out the secrets behind each of his Great-Uncle Tony's mechanisms, and in turn, go on even more unimaginable trips that defy logic. These are the types of books that will capture young independent readers' minds and keep them turning the pages!
49. 8/24/12
The Dangers of Proximal Alphabets by Kathleen Alcott
Oh, I loved this one! The vague ominous feeling that was apparent from the opening paragraph kept me intrigued the entire time. There was a timeless feeling to the storytelling, the way memories can feel both immediate and so distant in time. The protagonist's voice was compelling and riveting, and even as characters' flaws and hurtful mistakes were unveiled, I still couldn't help but root for all of them, hoping for peace and resolution.
48. 8/13/12
Floors #2: 3 Below by Patrick Carman
I have to admit that I wasn't as taken in by the magic of this one as I was with the first book, but it's still a delightfully wacky story with wholly lovable characters. There's still the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory feeling to the crazy hotel setting, and the trust that's put into a young boy's hands to manage it all. This is a fun series for older elementary school readers, with vivid imagery and a ton of silly fun and adventure.
47. 8/11/12
Year Zero by Rob Reid
Oh, this was simply hilarious. Clever, clever, clever. The riffs on Microsoft alone were worth the wacky ride. After reading a review by a fellow 5MinutesforBooks.com writer, I knew I had to check this one out, but I wasn't sure if I would stick with it or if it would get too science-fictiony for me. The entire book had a tongue-in-cheek feeling to it, so it never got to be too sci-fi for me, and it was full of laughs throughout. This was definitely my favorite FUN read of the summer!
46. 8/7/12
Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill
Totally light fare, this one. Supposedly this is Jane Austen meets reality television, but it's definitely not more substantive than fluff. It's highly predictable, but if you go in knowing that, it can still be a fun read. I read much of it poolside, which it was perfect for-- I could keep one eye on Pudge splashing around in the water and one eye following the ridiculously silly storyline of Bliss, one of four sisters, unlucky in love, as she watches her younger sister star in a reality tv show called The Virgin. Oh yes, she'll be giving herself (in more ways than one) in marriage to the lucky winner, and all Bliss can do is fume by the sidelines that her family has become caught up in such an offensive concept. The matriarch of the family is just plain awful, though I think Fales-Hill tried to write her so that readers would be amused by her... I couldn't stand her. There's a lot going on here in the background, with Bliss's failed marriage, another sister's desperate cries for attention, and the other sister's struggles with her own relationships, but all of it goes along as one might expect it to. Cue happy ending.
45. 8/3/12
I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson
I'm by no means an executive working mom, but even us teachers have long commutes, way longer days, and nights that don't end until the next morning. This book was entertaining in one sense, but utterly depressing and sad in another. Unfortunately, the sadness overtook the entertainment for me. I hate that it reaches the conclusion that there is simply no way to balance work and motherhood and make everybody-- including yourself-- happy. I long for the days when I can once again become a stay-at-home mom, but I also kind of hate admitting that I want that, too. Sigh.
44. 7/31/12
Gone to the Dogs by Mary Guterson
Fluffy stuff, for sure, but a great fit for a couple of sittings over the course of a day. Though the formula has already been established-- single girl getting up in age, surrounded by family members and friends who all think she needs a guy to get over the bad break-up she's still harping on, meets boy when she's not looking but doesn't see that he's the right kind of boy-- this one had some unique flavors in the side stories. The stolen dog, to start with, but also the sister who longs to ease the Orthodox ways her husband insists on in their Jewish family.
43. 7/27/12
Up From the Blue by Susan Henderson
Man, this was tough to read. When the protagonist goes into labor early in Washington, DC, the city to which she and her husband have just relocated, her husband is away and she is utterly alone. Except that her father lives in the same city and with no other option, Tillie reaches out to him for help. His presence sends her back to her memories of an awful year of her childhood, a year filled with the mental collapse of her mother and the less-than-stellar decisions of her father in reaction. Eight-year-old Tillie as narrator is as misguided as young children can be, but readers will fully understand the scenarios and feel nothing but compassion for this poor child.
42. 7/26/12
Hope in Small Doses by Nikki Stern
Though this is a slight book coming in just around 130 pages, it wasn't a quick read for me because every section had me trying to wrap my head around another deep thought on the topic of hope and its relationship with faith and religion, happiness and expectations. What I thought at first was a simple concept-- hope-- turns out to be quite nuanced and thought-provoking, and I appreciated the author's openly non-deistic perspective.
41. 7/23/12
Triburbia by Karl Taro Greenfield
Less of a cohesive novel and more of a collection of oddly intertwining short stories, this book is high on literary quality but low on redeemable characters. Honestly, I want fictional characters to be a bit messy and realistically flawed, but this group? Jesus, they were a hot mess. Is this social commentary? Is this even realistic in this cultural subset? If so, remind me never to move to an urban enclave like the one described here, because these folks are just a bunch of selfish, self-serving assholes.
That being said, I did enjoy reading their stories, oddly enough. I find Greenfield's writing sharp, and even when the events he laid out made me terribly uncomfortable or unable to withhold my judgment, there was never any doubt that I'd keep on reading. Maybe I kept on keeping on in hopes that one meaningful and respectful relationship between romantic partners, spouses, or parents and children would surface. Even though I was disappointed on that front, I still felt wowed by the storytelling.
40. 7/23/12
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
Three years after reading this with then 9 year old JAM, I opted to read this with 6 year old Red and 4.5 year old Pudge. Some of the content was over their heads-- specifically the storyline of Rosalind's crush on Cagney-- but the action and relationships that made this story simply delightful worked perfectly for them. This marked the first long children's lit novel that we've read together and it took half the summer to do in bits and pieces, but the children retained the flow of the story between readings incredibly. I love the characters as much the second time as the first. We'll be waiting a bit before we share book two, allowing the kids to get a little closer in age to the characters, and I know they'll love it, too.
39. 7/21/12
Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans
Oh, the cleverness and the rich language and the delightful characters. These are what I love in middle grade fiction, and the comparisons to a certain series (Mysterious Benedict Society) are well founded for these exact reasons. The mystery here is lighthearted yet profound in its depth which isn't fully revealed until the close. Hints of what might come in the second book are just enough to keep young readers eager for the next. (And old readers like me, too!)
38. 7/21/12
What I Did by Christopher Wakling
Casting the precocious and talkative six year old as both the protagonist and the narrator makes for a unique read that can often be quite challenging for adults who must decipher some of his frequently misused/misstated words and phrases. But, the spirit of a six year old is perfectly portrayed, even as the story is harrowing and frightening for any parent who has ever lost their temper with a child. This wasn't an easy read, and perhaps it works best as a modern cautionary tale for parents of young children.
37. 7/9/12
Capture the Flag by Kate Messner
Call it the middle grade version of THE DA VINCI CODE, for this is a mysterious romp with secret societies and a grand theft written for 8-12 year olds! Messner is a great storyteller, laying down pieces of the mystery deftly in a way that I imagine young readers will begin to pick up on as they go along, feeling proud to put some pieces of the puzzle together. The action and danger levels are appropriate for this age group, building a level of suspense that is just right. I love the idea of the secret society of descendants of important historical figures, especially for the mini history lessons provided! This is just book one of a projected three-book series, which I'll have to keep my eyes open for!
36. 7/8/12
The Girl Below by Bianca Zander
Fans of magical realism enjoy literary scenes that don't make much logical sense, and they are able to suspend their disbelief as reality blends with the fantastical. I wasn't prepared for the MR bend in this novel, so I was confused a bit with the first bits of bizarre time-bending action and kept waiting for the character to be diagnosed with a mental illness! In hindsight, reading the interview with the author at the end of the book helped put things into the right perspective to understand the novel better. The protagonist is extremely flawed, to the point where some might be completely turned off because she can be so unlikable, but even though I understand where that criticism comes from, I found myself still rooting for her to grow and change through the whole book. The ending definitely isn't neat and clean, but I did find some hope there, leaving me with a positive feeling.
35. 7/5/12
Gone by Cathi Hanauer
Can a marriage become broken so gradually and quietly that no one really notices? Perhaps you could say that's what happened to Eve and Eric's marriage, but maybe "broken" isn't quite the right word. Faded? Disintegrated? Whatever label you give it, something is obviously wrong when Eric makes a spontaneous decision to just leave one night when he takes the babysitter home. It's not as simple as an affair with her, but she does act as the catalyst for his decision. I found this novel painful to read at times, partly because some observations or reflections on marriage hit close to home, and at other times because I just couldn't believe that a wife would respond to the situation the way in which Eve does. This marriage and family drama makes for a compelling read, though you may find yourself squirming a bit as you go along.
34. 6/29/12
Guys Read: The Sports Pages edited by Jon Scieszka
Any opinion I offer must be preceded by the statement that I am very far out of the target audience. That being said, I still enjoyed some of these stories a whole lot, especially the first and last ones that incorporated humor and fallible characters who grew on me. If I was a ten year old sports fanatic, my assessment would be more of the "OMG this was awsome!!" type. I do think the Guys Read crew work hard to put together a wide variety of stories in their collection to build broad appeal among 8-12 year old readers, and they've succeeded again with this third volume.
33. 6/21/12
The Red House by Mark Haddon
I'll admit it, this book confused the hell out of me at times. On more than one occasion, I had to go back and re-read whole segments, trying to figure out which of the eight-character ensemble was the focus. A few times, I never did figure it out. Some passages consisted of twenty or so sentences made up of lists, essentially, and I had no idea what was going on. Sounds like I hated it, right?
Not at all, oddly enough. Once I got familiar with the unique manner of storytelling, I began to be able to focus more on the content of the story, specifically the deeply emotional insights each character experiences in turn. This is family drama presented intelligently, with all perspectives shared and expressed individually.
32. 6/15/12
Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos
Wow. Just wow. I checked this book out of the library after hearing Jack Gantos interviewed on NPR's Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me shortly after he had been awarded the Newbery Medal this year. He told an abbreviated version of the outrageous story of his arrest and time in federal prison. Then he went on to write major award winning fiction for children. How could I not read this? I intended to pass it along to my almost-12 year old son if the content was not too much, but... well, the dude was in federal prison, so the stories that he shares, though not glorified or gratuitous, are still not quite appropriate for a child my son's age, in my opinion. I found his story to be terrible, but also lucky at several turns, and it's easy to imagine what his life could have become after serving time. Tough memoir to read, but happy to know that he was able to make a change in his life.
31. 6/11/12
Among the Cloud Dwellers by Giuliana Sica
Here's what I had to say when I first read this book in pre-publication manuscript form. (Yeah, I'm cool like that, apparently!) "First of all, it's amazing to be able to say that I've had the chance to read a book in its manuscript form, before it's gone to final printing and publication. This is listed as one of the upcoming titles with Gemelli Press, a self-described "small, boutique press." This is one helluva story-- it resonates with a magic and mysticism that isn't normally a feature of books that I opt to read, but even as the mystical parts confused my realism-craving reader's soul, I still found myself pulled in. Sica clearly has a grip on sensual writing- from the tastes and smells described in deep detail to the tantalizing and passionate scenes of love, this is a most definitely a novel that employs one's imagination along with all the senses. It calls for a suspension of disbelief, as well as perhaps a small inclination to entertain the previously unbelievable, in order to fully experience the ride."
Upon reading the final published book, I feel very much the same, though I wonder if there was even more sex added since I first read it! That felt a little more tiring the second time around, but that's just me. Overall, it's a very different book than I would normally read, but I found myself not wanting to put it down. "Mystical" is the perfect word to describe it, and it definitely drew me in. Looking forward to finding out what happens next, as this is a planned trilogy.
30. 6/5/12
The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen
I found this piece of historical fiction to be informative and entertaining, which is saying something coming from me, as this is not my usual genre of choice. The characters gave a variety of perspectives about a time period that may not have been what readers would expect. The author does go a bit heavy by placing Mary Bowser in the middle of more than one key event in the Civil War, making the story likely a bit different than reality, but the few references there are in the history books about Bowser make it interesting to imagine, what if?
29. 5/20/12
What to Expect When Your Wife is Expanding by Thomas Hill
Silly joke book that pokes fun at the slew of books aimed at pregnant women. I bet some dads-to-be would laugh at the format, and I found it funny enough to keep in the bathroom. :)
28. 5/18/12
Arranged by Catherine McKenzie
Fluffy fun that makes readers think about the traditional aspects of courtship and marriage. Could an arranged marriage set up by an agency actually work for two regular old folks in today's day and age? Anne Blythe is about to find out, but even she is somewhat in disbelief at the whole thing. When things seem to be working out, is it all just too good to be true? I thought there were more than a few similarities between the storyline and characters in this one and McKenzie's previous novel SPIN, but it was entertaining enough to make it a great summer read.
27. 5/11/12
I, Iago by Nicole Galland
Brilliantly written! Galland takes the arguably most evil of all of Shakespeare's villains and fleshes him out to the extent that I started to feel for his lot in life. Sympathy for a conniving, self-serving murderer? Somehow, yes, I did feel badly for Iago in the beginning, and I was intrigued by his perspective of the course of events we all know from Shakespeare's Othello. I marked this a 5-Star Read in my 5 Minutes for Books review, and I'm highly recommending it to everyone!
26. 4/27/12
The Singles by Meredith Goldstein
Oh, the humor in this book just slayed me. Really, Bee Fee? That set the tone early on in the story, and I knew I'd end up loving the entire thing. The characters were distinct and interesting, and as the drama was laid out, I couldn't help but feel like grabbing a glass of champagne and sitting back to watch it all, as if I were another guest at the wedding, too. As I read this highly entertaining novel, I could see the story playing out as a movie in my head. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the pace is perfectly suited to cinematic scenes. It should have come as no surprise to me to then find out that this story has already been optioned for film and is currently in script development. The characters will undoubtedly be as engaging on screen as they were in the pages.
25. 4/22/12
Raising Boys with ADHD: Secrets for Parenting Healthy, Happy Sons by James W. Forgan, Ph.D., & Mary Anne Richey
This is, by far, the best of the many books I've read about parenting children with ADHD, being the most comprehensive and easiest to immediately apply to real life. It's focus on boys with ADHD made it 100% applicable to my life as a parent, and it was eerily on target with describing our experiences at home and with our son in school. I appreciated the fact that it addresses how ADHD can manifest itself throughout a child's life, from preschool through the late teen years. This book has shot to the top of my list of recommendations on the topic.
24. 4/19/12
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart
Oh my, there's not a way in which this story could have been improved. I adore the pacing of the storytelling, and 9-year-old Nicholas Benedict is incredibly endearing. It's clear that he would have been childhood friends with all of the children in the subsequent MBS books if they'd been kids together. With terrifically rich language and a level of suspense and intrigue that's just right for kids, this makes for the perfect type of book that I would have loved as a ten year old myself. Apparently, 36 year old me still agrees. I can only hope there will be more!
23. 4/12/12
Girl Unmoored by Jennifer Gooch Hummer
A young narrator makes for some earnest and emotion-filled storytelling in this novel. Tackling several large issues from the small-scale perspective of a seventh grade girl, the book gives a nice snapshot of some common views in the 1980s as AIDS was first making headlines. Apron, in addition to possessing an odd first name, also unknowingly possesses a wisdom beyond her years, and an innate kindness that the reader keeps hoping will be recognized and somehow rewarded. Though it took me a couple chapters to get into the feel of the writing, once I did, it was a wholly engaging story.
22. 4/7/12
The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch
A plane crash with only two survivors, one afflicted with amnesia and surrounded by family members who are all holding back the whole truth from her make for an entertaining, if a bit "fluffy" read. I truly liked the protagonist Nell, but her supposed "loved ones" all pissed me off. There were times that I huffed out of frustration that Nell couldn't intuit the dishonesty around her, but I kept on reading to find out what would happen next.
21. 4/2/12
What Teachers Make by Taylor Mali
Eh. Sure, I'm a teacher, so I inherently agree with some, if not much, of what Mali says here. I just find him a bit too... full of himself in this book. His self-congratulatory tone seems to be the norm, and then it seems that he tries to shrug that off with a self-deprecating remark here and there. Meh.
Oh, and the whole "I don't let my students leave my room for a drink of water or to use the bathroom, because I know they're just trying to get out of work" attitude? Yeah, you lost my respect at that point. Would you ever tolerate being told that you could not leave a meeting if you had to take a pee? Not a chance.
20. 4/2/12
Confessions of a Scary Mommy by Jill Smokler
I love this style of brash honesty, with a few bits of profanity thrown into the mix, all revolved around the "joys" of motherhood. Smokler tells a good story, and the short chapters each focus on a different topic that moms today most definitely will relate to. I appreciate her honesty, and it doesn't hurt that she adds a fair share of self-deprecation lest we begin to break one of her rules about avoiding competition in parenting by feeling jealous of her success!
19. 4/1/12
Spaceheadz Book #3 by Jon Sciezka
I'm not sure I liked book 3 as much as the first two, but I'm looking forward to finding out, with my son, what happens to the SPHDZ now that the plot has officially thickened. I appreciate Sciezka's subtle humor in the side pages that speak to themes happening in the story. More crazy silliness, which is what we've come to expect from this series!
18. 3/22/12
Further Interpretations of Real-Life Events by Kevin Moffett
I don't know what to say about this collection of short stories. Really. They were odd little vignettes of strange, and often sad, lives. The stories conveyed here seemed to come in at the middle of a story in progress, and the final words came before much resolution. In a way, that was frustrating or at least disquieting. But, it also made it interesting to wonder what will become of these characters. That component really distinguished these short pieces of fiction from longer narratives, and the writing kept me on my toes, often surprised at a turn of phrase or curious about the origination of the author's ideas.
17. 3/21/12
Toys Come Home by Emily Jenkins
While I really love the language of this book, and the others in the sort-of-series, I found parts of it really uncomfortable to read to my children. Perhaps this is intended for an older audience than my preschool (4) and kindergarten (5) aged children, but some of the deep concepts addressed in this otherwise lighthearted story were just too much. And sudden death of a character was a bit extreme, in my opinion. But, I really did like the overall story, and the use of interesting vocabulary and wacky personalities of characters are quite enjoyable. Think I just really preferred Toys Go Out.
16. 3/14/12
The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook by Emily Ansara Baines
Okay, sounds silly, but I was really intrigued by the amount of insight the author had about the role of food in The Hunger Games trilogy. When I re-read THG after browsing most of the way through this book, I was struck by how on target she was about the deeper meanings behind the food served in the story. I can't say that I'll be trying many of these recipes any time soon, but I did find it interesting to read! (Thanks to hubby who pulled it off the library shelf for me!)
15. 3/11/12
How Not to Kill Your Baby: A Slightly Useless Guide by Jacob Sager Weinstein
Oh the hilarity. Parenting books can be so overwhelming, and this parody mocks them all with absolute brilliance. So, so funny, and the perfect gift for an expectant mom. (That's what I'm doing with my copy!)
14. 3/1/12
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This was the third time I read this provocative novel, and I swear that I keep finding new bits of foreshadowing or symbolism or insight on each read. I wanted to refresh the story in my head before the movie, and even more so for the characters. I really, really, really have high hopes for the film adaptation, and I'll be happy if the characters are portrayed in the spirit of the book, even if they have to slightly alter or omit some events. The brilliance in this story, to me, is the complex socio-political issues it raises, as well as a fairly dismal at times portrayal of the basest of human nature tendencies, from the perspective of a character who isn't terribly complex herself. Or perhaps just at first glance. As Katniss gains awareness, her perspective deepens, and as with everything in this trilogy, we get to experience it right along side her. Damn, I love these books.
13. 2/18/12
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
Once again, Sonnenblick has created a couple teenaged characters who are imperfect, likable, upstanding, and wholly realistic. His first-person narration keeps the tone perfect for middle grade/YA fiction, so readers will immediately connect with the protagonist. With his interest split between his love of baseball and a strong relationship with his grandfather, it's particularly tough for Peter when both areas bring pain and uncertainty. The story is touching, but the greatest strength is in Sonnenblick's straightforward writing that conveys emotion and keeps readers hanging on his every word. Even this 36 year old mom!
12. 2/16/12
Agorafabulous!: Dispatches from My Bedroom by Sara Benincasa
No holds barred, that's for sure. This type of memoir takes more than just guts and serious writing chops. Benincasa has put out the ugliest and most terrifying parts of her life, with a wry sense of humor that only time and a solid medication regimen can bring. The anxiety and agoraphobia that she has suffered is conveyed through a series of stories from critical times in her young adult life, and put together, these separate stories come together to show an arc of build-up, a definite crashing to a low point, and the challenge of getting healthy.
11. 2/4/12
The Fourth Stall, Part II by Chris Rylander
While I enjoyed this story, just as I did the first FS, I think this one had a bit less charm than the previous. But, I'm not the target audience, and my 11 year old son did nothing but rave about this book after he read it in a day. The "middle school mafia" feel, on a downgraded scale of course, is still a unique and funny concept, and definitely appealing to young male readers. I chuckled here and there, and was surprised a bit by the ending. I wasn't certain about the possibility of a FS III, but now I'm thinking Rylander is heading in that direction!
10. 2/2/12
The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, Book Two) by Rick Riordan
More of the same adventurous fun, though I have to say that Riordan is portraying the characters' growing maturity very well. Here, Percy has come to think more deeply about the consequences of his actions, and he's making decisions that put his life in danger with full consideration of the possibilities. Yet, he continues to do the honorable thing time and again, and that is why he is a beloved contemporary kidlit character. I love him.
9. 1/28/12
The Lost Daughter by Lucy Ferriss
This novel was compelling enough that I wanted to finish it, but on repeated occasions, I was huffing out loud at the ridiculous turn of events. I'm not sure if the author was trying to put a certain spin on the topics of teenage pregnancy, abortion, and consent laws, but it still felt stale and judgmental. I wanted it to be over soon.
8. 1/21/12
The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus, Book One) by Rick Riordan
So happy to have more time at Camp Half-Blood! I enjoyed the usual level of action and unforeseen (by the characters) action. There's definitely a formula at play with the previous series that continues with this one, but that's not to say that it's not fun to follow. At first, I felt that Jason's voice sounded a bit too similar to Percy's, but soon enough he began to stand out as a character of his own. I look forward to seeing Percy again in book two!
7. 1/16/12
Spin by Catherine McKenzie
Imagine an insider's look at Celebrity Rehab without the edits chosen by the producers. That's what you get in this novel, with a fictional starlet who appears to be a hybrid of several real-life celebrities who have gone off the deep end in a very public light. It's hard to like the protagonist, a wannabe author who agrees to go into rehab undercover to report on said starlet, but if you keep the mindset that she is truly ill, her god-awful choices aren't as simple to judge. The story is entertaining, if for no other reason than to find out how this woman going to get out of the situation she has created.
6. 1/13/12
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Never has a book had a more appropriate title. Holy cow was I blown away by this book's emotion and beauty. Selznick has done it again-- created a story that merges images and words in a way like no other. I was happy to make some connections early on in the novel, but I ultimately didn't have it all figured out in the end, which is kind of nice. I love that my 11 year old was excited to see me reading this. "You're reading Wonderstruck? Oh, Mom, it's just so good. You're going to love it!" Yup, he was right!
5. 1/11/12
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book Five) by Rick Riordan
The action level is much higher in this fifth book, and I find it harder to read the fight scenes, since I just can't seem to form the pictures in my head very well. BUT, I know that is why my 11 year old son loved this book best of them all. I was a big fan of the depth of the character development, and I think Riordan skillfully matured these primary characters through the beginning of adolescence. More intense, but still punctured with bits of the humor and lightheartedness that have been present in the previous four. Percy, Annabeth and Grover will all hold a special place in my literary heart!
4. 1/9/12
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book Four) by Rick Riordan
Percy and Annabeth continue to mature in this fourth PJ book, and in addition, they trust each other more than ever. They make a great partnership because of this trust, and they know each other's true selves so well they know how to fight-- and survive-- together. The cast of characters continues to grow in this one, in number and in complexity. This one was perhaps the best cliffhanger ending of them all, and it's going to be painful NOT to immediately begin book five tonight.
3. 1/7/12
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book Three) by Rick Riordan
This was my favorite Percy Jackson so far, for the action level was higher and the relationships Percy has developed grew this time around. As Percy is getting older and experiencing more and more of the world of the gods and Titans, his story is getting more complex. Will he be the half-blood of the prophecy? While I have no doubt that he will be, I'm still a bit unsure of my other predictions at this point. I'm impressed by any writing that can engage young readers AND readers who love a good story, regardless of age.
2. 1/4/12
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book Two) by Rick Riordan
Oh Percy, I gotta stop comparing you to my pal Harry, because you're two very different kids, and I love you both. You are headstrong but unsure of yourself, and humble but so hopeful about what might be in store for you. I love your perspective, the way you've come to just accept the new reality you're now aware of, and you're lucky to be supported by good friends. In Book 2, I was impressed with the new characters, and the plot twists may even have been more fun than Book 1.
1. 1/1/12
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book One) by Rick Riordan
I could understand why JAM was such a big fan of these books after only a few pages in. Here was a character who he could understand, and I so appreciated the frank perspective of a character who has struggled with challenges that my son could understand. (I wonder if he secretly thinks his ADHD is a sign that he's a demigod...) The writing is fast-paced and realistically toned, even though the subject matter is all about bringing the gods of Greek mythology to life in modern day. Having seen the movie version before reading the book, I was surprised by just how much the movie changed the story line, and I liked the more simple aspects of the story, starting with the age of Percy himself. There were plenty of parallels with a certain boy wizard we all know and love, but that outline of the "chosen one" story line was around long before Mr. Potter, too. I think Riordan has created his own magical/real world hybrid unique enough to stand on its own. I look forward to reading the series in coming weeks.
Reading away the year,
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