December 9, 2014Unsouled
Oh, the saga continues!! Now I have to get the fourth book...geesh!! I'm seriously going to miss these characters when this is over...
****
November 22, 2014
The Dark Flight Down
I think this story would have worked better as one book instead of two, actually. The start was a bit slow...lots of recapping from the first novel. The ending reminded me of one of my favorite Richard Matheson short stories called "X"....very cool. As always, I enjoy the worlds Sedgwick creates and how he peoples them. The audio version of this was terrific.
***
November 17, 2014Of Mice and Men
My students asked me how many times I've read this book after hearing my voice shake as we discuss the end. And I thought about it, did some quick math in my head, and came up with probably sixteen times that I've read this.
Still love it. It remains -- to me -- one of the more perfect novels. Each section a gem in and of itself. Tragic and representative of a time that was awful for many segments of the population at that time, it nevertheless reflects the very human need to retain a glimmer of hope amid so much despair.
But the love. The love is there, and -- where there is love-- there is always hope
*****
November 16, 2014Partials (Book 1)
If you're really into science and medicine as well as government conspiracies and the potential downfall of the human race, this book is for you. It's part of a series and I listened to it on audio and will probably finish the others, but I don't know many teens that will commit. Sort of a higher level interest idea coupled with a not-so literary presentation.
***
November 13, 2014
Peak
My students suggested this book to me
and it is PHENOMENAL!! I'm a closet wannabe mountain climber, but only do it from the safety of a book. A rugged, real, riveting ride. Peak is a character I won't forget. Crazy good read!
*****
November 4, 2014
Rebel
I loved the premise of *Reboot*, but became frustrated by the romance angle. When I learned a sequel had come out, I decided to give it a go because some of my students were wanting to read it. And I guess I sort of needed to see what would happen with the reboot rebellion, too. This second story line is good and teens who like *Reboot* will like this second book, I think. Still think it would've been a much stronger series without the silly love thing...
***
Don't Let Go
Finishing the last in the series of the tale of Persephone's Army was not a disappointment. Fast paced, fun, suspenseful, this is a good series for reluctant readers or teens who like a page turner. Strong male and female characters -- Peter and Noa -- keep this moving. I was not disappointed with the conclusion.
****
October 22, 2014
The Book of Dead Days
Have I mentioned how much I simply ADORE Marcus Sedgwick??? He creates the coolest words and peoples them with the most evil villains and multi-layered protagonists...Love it. This story is about a magician's helper named Boy and his fight to help his master navigate the "Dead Days" -- that period between Christmas and New Years in order to outsmart his destiny with death...But, just like magic, what you see isn't always real....Can't wait to read #2!
****
October 20, 2014
Unwholly
I ordered the next book in the series in the same minute I finished reading this one. I'd read *Unwind* a couple of years back, maybe even three. At the time, the sequel wasn't out and I got busy reading other great stories. But the novel stayed with me and I always book-talked it to my kids and it made the rounds successfully. So I bought *Unwholly* and -- swear to you -- I think this is even better than *Unwind*. LOVE the themes, love the Frankenstein allusion, love the suspense and multiple viewpoints and can not WAIT to read the last two in the series...SO powerful and relevant: what we create today with our technology can easily spiral out of control...Careful what you wish for!*****
October 15, 2014
One Man Guy
Hilarious and important. This book tackles big issues around identity and culture and what it means to accept yourself, and it does so with humor and wit while not taking itself too seriously. Since the protagonist is in ninth grade, I feel this is a good middle grade to ninth grade read, though the themes are certainly more mature. It'll be interesting to see where this goes because this is the first LGBTQ book I've read that isn't a blatant knock-you-over-the-head message vehicle. My only criticism is that has a pretty tidy happily-ever-after-type resolution, but I guess we all need that once in a while.
And this mother? You will LOVE the opening restaurant scene, I promise!
****
October 3, 2014
The Tyrant's Daughter
This is a phenomenal novel. It offers the reader the ability to see the world through this young woman's eyes, to realize the horror and brutality of her past life, to witness the hypocrisy of the U.S. culture right alongside of her. Laila is 15 and in the U.S. under political asylum. Her mother's character is beyond powerful, too -- one of the best developed adult characters I've ever read in YA. And it doesn't detract from Laila's struggle, in fact, her power IS a main part of Laila's struggle.
Riveting, timely, important. DO not miss this book!
*****
September 20, 2014
Don't Look NowThe second in the Persephone trilogy did not disappoint. Both books I listened to on audio and appreciated the narrator's character interpretation. Multiple viewpoints added a cool dimension and heightened suspense. Noa and Peter are not finished with their quest, despite the crazy price they pay. Looking forward to the third book and can't WAIT to see Mason get his due...Dude is EVIL!!
****
September 7, 2014
My Beloved World
****
September 3, 2014
We Were Liars
Read this book. Immediately. Finish whatever you are currently reading, or just put it down for a while and get this book. Then read it. And plan to give yourself some time to recover, because it will be tough to start another book after finishing this one. Freaking wow.
*****
August 31, 2014
Reality Boy
I saved this to be the last book I read over summer vacation. I began it last night, and finished it just now. Maybe it was the immediacy of the read, but this book is something special. More of a 4.5 star for me (not quite a 5, but I liked it more than a 4)...I've read other A.S. King books and LOVED *Everybody Sees the Ants* (now THAT was a 5)...This shares that crazy cool magic realism and spot-on dialogue. And the characters are so flipping REAL! King remains daring in her tackling of tough topics and never shies away from brutal truths. Just so good. Gerald will remain one of my favorite characters.
****.5
August 24, 2014
Twelve Years a Slave
Solomon Northrup is the quintessential voice exposing the travesty and injustice of slavery. The audio book is incredible, as Louis Gossett Jr. narrates an epic journey from freedom to slavery and back that is truly remarkable.
*****
The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die
Fast paced, suspenseful thriller that will keep teen readers who love a good mystery turning the pages.
***
August 17, 2014
The Running Dream
While I did enjoy this story and appreciated the themes of labeling and isolation based on the perception of others regarding disabilities, I struggled with the fact that Jessica never seemed that terribly traumatized about being in a deadly crash that resulted in the loss of her leg. Each obstacle felt a little too easy to me, many of these characters just a little too nice and perfect. 3.5 for me. ***.5August 15, 2014
Fences
A short, tragic story arc of a life not fully realized due to societal constraints. While Troy is the main character, I can't help but feel that Rose's story of a life interrupted was even more devastating.
****
August 12, 2014
White CrowThis is pretty dark and somewhat confusing at first, but I'm a new fan of Sedgwick and trusted he would bring it all together and he most certainly did. Three different points of view (kind of) and two different time periods weave a layered tale of evil and darkness. It's probably really more of a four star book, but it is so unique and creepy, I had to bump it up. Be sure to read the notes at the end for the inspiration for the book: even creepier because it's based on a real experiment!
****.5
August 11, 2014
Navigating Early
This was a very interesting book, though I am not sure how many midgrade readers would be drawn to this story of a post World War II boarding school friendship between a Kansas farm boy and a savant obsessed with Pi...I like stories that have quirky connections and layers and this certainly had that.
****
August 9, 2014
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass
Wish there was a 3.5 rating...the story line held me, but the writing felt flat a lot...I had a tough time connecting to the characters, but loved that real options for bullying and assault were offered. My students will like this for sure.
***
August 3, 2014
Freak the Mighty
I really, REALLY liked this book. Not usually a mid-grade fan because the stories and writing feel too simple, but Max was a phenomenal narrator and the story was funny, insightful and powerful. Good read!
****
July 29, 2014
Where She Went
The sequel to 'If I Stay', Adam continues Mia's story three years after she woke from the coma just like he begged her to. But they're not together, just as he promised. It's a good follow up: different, new voice, whole new story that stands alone on its own. Despite the male protagonist, I'm not sure if boys would like this book, but it was good.***
July 26, 2014
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
I remembered loving this book when I read it 20+ years ago and the film is one of my favorites...To listen to the audio version was an absolute delight -- to hear the familiar voice and themes, to bring my more experienced reader self to the text was a gift. I loved it even more, especially, since living in the NW, I am able to connect my personal experience to all of the places referred to. Fabulous!*****
July 21, 2014
Bad Monkey
Classic Hiaasen: over the top characters, hilarious scenarios, laugh out loud lines and unfathomable plot twists. His ongoing crusade to get people to recognize the precious beauty that is Florida mixes with his warped sense of humor and wit. Always a fun ride! ****
July 15, 2014
Airframe
Story line was cool -- airline and journalist conspiracies abounded -- but nothing spectacular about the writing. I've been a fan of Crichton so thought I'd check this out for some fun suspense reading. I dig reading from the point of view of a strong, smart female protagonist, too. Not bad if you're looking for an audiobook to listen to while walking and gardening.
***
Shutter IslandI seriously love this author. Writing is so damn tight. Characters spot on, story lines crazy compelling. I need to see that they did with the movie. Freaking Lehane, thank you, man. I can't say too much without the whole review being a spoiler alert, but -- let's just say -- expect the unexpected.
*****
July 9, 2014
Chasing Shadows
I really wish there was a 4.5 star rating...This didn't quite hit my five-o-meter, but -- man -- it was pretty freaking cool. I loved the graphic novel portion and the Random Capitalization from Holly's point of view as well as the steady and sturdy pace of Savitri's voice. Unique and, while very different from her debut *Split* (which I loved), I think there's a lot of great stuff here. I look forward to Avasthi's next book!****.5
July 7, 2014
Panic
A young adult version of Truth or Dare (but more just dare) in this small, working class town of Carp. I couldn't quite buy into the premise that kids would risk their literal LIVES to play a game for a max reward of under 70 grand...Teens may be risk takers, but they're not that desperate. And the 'neat and tidy, happily ever after ending' is not my cup of tea...
July 6, 2014
Revolver
A tightly written, suspense gem of a novel. With a unique setting -- the gold rush in the Arctic Circle -- this 2011 Printz Honor book is definitely worth your time. It's one of those stories-within a story-within a story and is filled with vivid imagery and some great lines.
July 1, 2014Eleanor and Park
This was a wonderful YA novel: funny, amazing voices (listen to the audio version!!!!) These two characters are real, imperfect, and brilliant. I love some the scenes with Park and his family -- the one where Park is waiting for Eleanor to call him that first time? Hilarious!! One of my students told me I needed to read this and I'll be definitely getting a copy for class.
Always a sucker for a funny story with real emotion and will never turn down a non-sappy love story.
****
June 26, 2014
Moonlight Mile
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To get technical, probably the weakest of the series...BUT. It's Lehane and it's the last book with Kenzie and Gennaro (and Bubba!), so that makes it worth it...There are "more blessings than regrets", that's for sure..
Thanks for the ride, folks :)
****
June 25, 2014
Dandelion Wine
****
Girl in TranslationThis became more of a love story than a cultural exploration, but I enjoyed it. What I thought was cool in the beginning was how the author showed the perspective of an immigrant child new to English in the public school system: italicizing words she heard phonetically, but not understanding what she was hearing. Made me think more deeply about my own students new to learning English... If you're looking for a good read about acculturation and becoming an independent young woman tossed with a splash of romance, this is a good one :)
***.5
June 23, 2014
All the Broken Pieces
Wonderfully lyric, haunting book of poems about an adopted child from war-torn Vietnam...I need to see a physical copy so I can see how the poetry was placed on the page, but -- as an audio book -- it sounded like a simple, lyric novella. Middle school age and level, but the metaphors and story line carry weight.****
June 22, 2014
And the Dark Sacred Night
Maybe if I'd read Glass' other books where I'd had some history with these characters, this novel would have moved me more...I was interested enough in these folks to finish the book, but it wasn't stellar...If I'd been reading it, I probably wouldn't have finished it. But the audio version kept me tuned in...
**
June 16, 2014
Ripper
This was a wickedly fun mystery ride. If you've read Allende, this will feel crazy different: not the same rhythmic, lyric writing, but a tight, fast paced suspense ride. I'm not a big mystery fan, so I can't compare it to the 'rules' of mystery writing, but I thought it was really good!
****
June 11, 2014
The Bean Trees
Another re-read....Am I being lazy? Sort of...it's the end of the school year and I'm busy in the garden, so I'm re-visiting some books I've read in past in print on audio. Like my other re-reads, I'm remembering some vivid images and scenes, but -- again -- I'm realizing that my second read years later, I'm not as happy with the story as I was the first time around. I like Kingsolver a lot, but this isn't my favorite. My reading tastes are changing a bit, I'm realizing....Not a bad thing.
****
Maybe if I'd read Glass' other books where I'd had some history with these characters, this novel would have moved me more...I was interested enough in these folks to finish the book, but it wasn't stellar...If I'd been reading it, I probably wouldn't have finished it. But the audio version kept me tuned in...
**
June 16, 2014
Ripper
This was a wickedly fun mystery ride. If you've read Allende, this will feel crazy different: not the same rhythmic, lyric writing, but a tight, fast paced suspense ride. I'm not a big mystery fan, so I can't compare it to the 'rules' of mystery writing, but I thought it was really good!
****
June 11, 2014
The Bean Trees
Another re-read....Am I being lazy? Sort of...it's the end of the school year and I'm busy in the garden, so I'm re-visiting some books I've read in past in print on audio. Like my other re-reads, I'm remembering some vivid images and scenes, but -- again -- I'm realizing that my second read years later, I'm not as happy with the story as I was the first time around. I like Kingsolver a lot, but this isn't my favorite. My reading tastes are changing a bit, I'm realizing....Not a bad thing.
****
May 27, 2014
Firestarter
Some of my students have been reading King, so I decided to re-read one from my high school days...Funny, the image I remember seared on my brain was that comma-shaped blood stain on the wall in the room where they gave the college students -- including Charlie's future parents -- Lot 6. And it was still there. The story wasn't as 'deep' as my high school brain remembered, but the writing and dialogue: tight as ever. ***
May 17, 2014
172 Hours
**
Maybe because of the translation from Norwegian or the audio book narrator, but the language felt a bit stiff and unrealistic. The story, though, kept me listening: three teens sent to the moon for a follow-up attempt by NASA to get back in the space exploration game...and -- of course -- there's something on the moon that is not supposed to be there and the race against time and the fight for their lives begins...I couldn't really connect to the characters, but it was a cool premise.
Maybe because of the translation from Norwegian or the audio book narrator, but the language felt a bit stiff and unrealistic. The story, though, kept me listening: three teens sent to the moon for a follow-up attempt by NASA to get back in the space exploration game...and -- of course -- there's something on the moon that is not supposed to be there and the race against time and the fight for their lives begins...I couldn't really connect to the characters, but it was a cool premise.
May 12, 2014
Lauren Oliver's Requiem
Nice job, Lauren Oliver! Your final book in the series was NOT a disappointment...Characters stayed true; ends were gathered, but not neatly tied...I'm going to miss Lena. I know that a lot of people were upset about the 'non-ending' and the ;not-so-happily-ever-after', but -- to me -- that was SO much more realistic than a Nicholas Sparks-type ending...Life is messy, especially post-apocalyptic life
***
May 7, 2104
The Impossible Knife of Memory
Man, I needed this book. I'd started and stopped two others before I found this. Too many books out there to read stuff I don't like. But THIS, I loved! Anderson is at the top of her game with this latest contemporary YA story of teenage girl taking care of a dad suffering from PTSD. The symbols and layers artfully weave throughout. Again, a wonderful reminder of craft. But the story is compelling, too; I definitely need copies for my classroom. Hayley is real: she's strong, she's weak, she's funny, she's frustrating. And Ramos? I'm in love with this kid. How can you not be? Great work, Laurie Halse Anderson!!
*****
April 30, 2014
Feed by M.T. Anderson
Liked it even better ten years later, after the second read. The audiobook was fantastic! Powerful, prophetic warning to the 'feed' that has become our norm...I still say it has one of the best first line of a YA novel!
The main character is tragically flawed, but redeemable...just like our society. One can hope.
****
Love You, Hate You, Miss You
I really, really liked this book. My usual 5-star rating is reserved for books that change the way I think or that will impact the way I write...and this will do the latter. Not that it will necessarily change HOW I write, but it is a strong reminder that less is more, that staying true to a character is paramount and that not 'cheating' by making the ending all tidy and perfect is ALWAYS the way to go. The voice of Amy is very real and consistent, even as she evolves and figures out if she'll let herself 'be happy' again. The secondary characters and, especially, the adults, are VERY real as well. Solid writing, true voice, powerful story. Good stuff!
*****
April 10, 2014
I'm a huge Matt de la Pena fan: I've been to see him speak twice, have had books signed by him and even taught his novel *Ball Don't Lie* to my students. But his new novel*The Living* did not do it for me at all. And it garnered a ton of awards, too! Honestly, though, I feel this book is -- dare I say it -- flawed. There are about five novels happening at once: devastating earthquakes, record breaking tsunamis, big-business conspiracy to create a disease to eradicate poor people, survival at sea, a love story...Too much was implausible (how do you talk rationally about potential business conspiracy when you've discovered your family is probably buried under earthquake debris and you're dehydrated, starving and close to being shark food on a sinking life raft?) and other parts downright cliche (to the bad man holding a gun on our protagonist telling the whole story just before...well, don't want to add spoilers to cliches...**
April 10, 2014
This was definitely my favorite book by Sachar...I have absolutely no interest in Bridge (the card game) but you can sort of 'glaze over' those parts as he warns you he'll be going into detail about the game. Despite my skimming, I couldn't help but learn something anyway. The story is what I loved, and the voice of Alton is subtly hilarious. Nicely played, Sachar :)****
April 5, 2014
Why We Broke Up
A Printz Honor book of 2012, I stumbled on this in my library's audio book collection and thought I'd check it out....I think I would've preferred to read it since the narrator's voice was a bit grating to me, but I really thought the story was cool. You know from the start the love doesn't last, but you don't know why, so the story is told via the items in a box she is returning to the cad and she weaves the relationship and breakup as she sifts through the tokens one by one.
Creative and funny, Why We Broke Up is one I know some of my students will enjoy.
****
March 31, 2014
I absolutely love Benjamin Alire Saenz and was crazy excited for this new, award winning novel. And while I loved some of the writing, I was actually disappointed as the story grew closer to the end...I felt the "loose ends" were too conveniently "tied up". I feel like Saenz is braver than this novel shows...
But, I do agree: dogs DO hold the secrets to the universe :) ***
March 24, 2014
It's not *Eleventh Plague*, but it was good. Hirsch is great at creating a very real landscape where hope is able to thrive despite the bleak options facing the protagonist. And he always has kick-butt chick characters...I wish he'd write a book with one of these girls :)***
March 20, 2014
Bryson never disappoints...This book is funny, smart and interesting. Admittedly, this wasn't a 'riveting' tale, but it was a unique opportunity to take a close look at a specific time period in American history -- namely the summer of 1927 -- and see how this was such a pivotal year for so many aspects of our society.
****
March 16, 2014
Alas, I have come to the close of the Newsflesh Trilogy, yet I do not close the book disappointed. Never in my life have I devoted nearly 2,000 pages to the same characters and story line, and -- while *Feed* remains the top o' the heap -- the story needed to finish and finish it did...
Rise up when you can, my friend. And good luck with that moose :)
****
March 3, 2014
Okay, so --admittedly -- I went into this not expecting as good a story as its predecessor Feed, and my expectations were spot on: it wasn't as amazing. But it was good. And, as it went on, it got better. I began to 'let go' of the past and embrace the new peeps and then....THE ENDING HAPPENED! So, now I need to finish the series or I will not be able to rest.
Like the say at After the End Times, "Rise up while you can"...there's a third book to be read!
****
March 2, 2014
Book #5, my friends. It's kind of crazy how consistent he is with these characters, yet there's still room for growth and development. It makes me wonder if he re-reads the previous novels before penning the next in the series. And I loved how Grace makes an appearance in this, and how they talk about the little girl who'd been missing in an earlier book. Just so good.
I finally bought the first and am looking forward to see how it all began :) And then I have one more, the final one, to go....
****
February 20, 2014
Kind of ironic I was reading two books at the same time with nearly identical titles, huh? But, for as much as I was uninterested in the book below, I absolutely DEVOURED this novel by Mira Grant. HolyFreakingZombies, this was incredible! My eyes literally never stopped moving over the nearly 600 pages and I read it in less than a week. I could not STOP reading: funny, smart, thought-provoking, heart wrenching and just plain suspenseful, my margins are filled with a ton of smiley faces and huge exclamation points (yes, I'm THAT kind of reader.) And I'm RELIEVED to know I have two more shots at this great series. I began Deadline last night and felt like I was back with old friends...Damn, this was one good book!
*****
Not as good as Variant by a long shot. I just went to his website and even his published didn't want a third. So, there you go. I felt like the ideas were good: parallel world, robots at the school, real kids in the town, outside 'experimenters' playing God with kids' lives....But it was too soft, not edgy, not daring, not anything new...
I gave it a ** rating on Goodreads, though my kids who like Variant will probably like this, too.
**
February 11, 2014
This is Book 3 in what is currently a 6-book series following Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro's private investigative adventures and totally hot off and on love affair. Good stuff, each one. I've read them out of order (of course), starting with #4, then reading #2 and now #3. But they're straight in my mind, a ton of fun and a great time. Lehane knows how to make some pretty despicable characters, but he also makes some of my favorite sidekicks: Richie, Bubba...They're becoming like really good, albeit somewhat demented, friends :)****
February 10, 2014
Wow. This is one crazy memoir. I don't want to say too much and give anything away, but this is terrifically powerful and touched something in me that I'm still thinking about days later. My favorite line in the book is her recognition that she "survived racism and religion". And that's exactly what this oftentimes hard-to-read book is all about. The power of family -- however you define that -- and the ability to survive circumstances far beyond your control. Definitely a unique read that left me with lots of questions... ****
February 6, 2014
This is an interesting history of crime in New York during the tumultuous decade between the early '60s through the early '70s. English explores the institutional racism that permeated New York City's streets, police precincts and courtrooms through the lens of three different men: two who suffered from these injustices and one who triumphed...for a while, anyway. Told through a detached, journalistic eye, English captures a crazy time in our country's history with a focus on what was once known as a Savage City. Personally, I like a bit more emotional connection to non-fiction, but this was still a good read.
This is an interesting history of crime in New York during the tumultuous decade between the early '60s through the early '70s. English explores the institutional racism that permeated New York City's streets, police precincts and courtrooms through the lens of three different men: two who suffered from these injustices and one who triumphed...for a while, anyway. Told through a detached, journalistic eye, English captures a crazy time in our country's history with a focus on what was once known as a Savage City. Personally, I like a bit more emotional connection to non-fiction, but this was still a good read.
***
February 5, 2014
I absolutely LOVE the airplane passenger idea and 'Frank' Socrates ala "Plato's Cave" connection provides a cool bit of magic realism (which I've come to expect and appreciate from King)....I feel this book is more message heavy than it should be, though. The main story and the support of the plane/philosophy subplot are strong enough to support the theme without the 'oh-by-the-way-if-you-don't-get-it-here-is-the-message'...King should know today's young adults are WAY smart and don't need that sort of obvious guidance. But I liked it and think some of my students will, too.
***
January 30, 2014
What I love about Lehane is that (1) he never disappoints and (2) I never get bored. This is honestly the first adult-series I've ever read and I am admittedly addicted to these two characters. The themes of following one's moral compass, allegiance to 'the neighborhood' and the attachment to personal history are once again prevalent in this saga about a vicious serial killer. I've already put book 3 and 5 on hold and need to find the first one from the library...An intervention may be on order when he stops writing these :)
****
January 29, 2014
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| ***** |
January 20, 2014
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| ***** |
January 19, 2014
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| *** |
January 10, 2014
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| **** |
January 9, 2014
Finished on the same day as the above, this in-my-hand copy is one that I will be returning to Powell's for credit on some used YA novels that I will keep. Yeah, I know you can't go home again and I KNEW this would not be The Shining -- how could it be? The author penning this follow-up is not the same man who stumbled about in Jack Torrance's tortured mind. But, like Dan himself, I needed to go back to Overlook once more time. To travel to Sidewinder and face those demons that I encountered when I read the book for the first time in 7th grade. Still love some of his 'good guy' characters to death, but his 'bad guys' were too easy to beat this time around. Oh, well....
***
***
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