Library Loot!

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Marg and Eva that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

When you are a library employee, Library Loot, could be a daily post! I come home with an armful of books nearly every day after work. However, this week is the 1st week of vacation, so I'm at home with my children, resulting in quite a hefty library bag when we went this morning because I had things on HOLD to pick up.

Children's Picture Books:

Fanny and Annabelle, by Holly Hobbie

Princess Party by Joy Allen

Go-Go Gorillas by Julia Durango

My Father Knows the Names of Things by Jane Yolen (my favorite kids author!!)

The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan

Juvenile Fiction:

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (Mother Daughter June Book Club choice)

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Tate

Adult Fiction:

Shanghai Girls, by Lisa See (June Book Club choice)

What's in your library bag this week?

Book Review -- Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Turner is bullied, beaten, struck out, and left out on a raft.

Not a pleasant welcome for the preacher’s kid to Phippsburg, Maine.

I adored author Gary Schmidt’s juvenile novel, The Wednesday Wars, and wanted to follow it up with another of his offerings. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, did not disappoint.

From the moment Turner moves to Phippsburg, it seems that everything that can go wrong does: he irritates an elderly resident to the point where he must serve his “time” reading to her and playing the organ on a regular basis; he can’t seem to hit the baseball or jump into the local swimming hole, thus becoming the kid that everyone picks on; and then, after being taunted by local bully, Willis Hurd, he lands a punch on his face, only to get Willis’s much harder right hook that lands squarely on his nose.

The one thing that does go right for Turner is his friendship with Lizzie Bright Griffin, an outsider (because she is a Negro) who lives on Malaga Island across the bay from Phippsburg. Lizzie’s family and ancestors have inhabited Malaga Island for years, but that is about to change when the local establishment in Phippsburg wants them removed, so they can create a tourist attraction.

Based on actual historical events from Malaga and Phippsburg – Mr. Schmidt has created a novel worthy of adult readers as well as adolescents.

Turner is a young man every parent would be proud of – but somehow that is lost on Mr. Buckminster, who seems more concerned with pleasing his congregation than trusting his own son.

The relationship between Turner and Lizzie is honest and fresh and mature beyond their years -- but without being romantic. They see beyond their differing skin color and into the depths of their hearts. Their devotion to one another is Shakespearean, and somehow, that plays out in the end. 

Ultimately this is a book about love, trust, integrity, friendship, loss and forgiveness.

And when my boys grow up, I want them to be just like Turner Buckminster.

For a brief history of Malaga Island, check out this clip:

Book source: Public library

View all my reviews >>

Book Review -- My Name is Mary Sutter

My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How many things did you want to be when you grew up? It’s a common refrain from my daughter – “When I grow up, I want to be a waitress at IHOP!” Her love of pancakes currently outweighs her long term life goals. But at least, heaven forbid, it’s an option.

For Mary Sutter, her dream of becoming a surgeon was not an option. Prepared as a midwife by her mother, Mary has midwifery in her veins. But she dreams of something more. Her solicitations to train at the hands of other doctors are turned down. That doesn’t stop Mary. On the eve of the Civil War, Mary travels from her home of Albany, NY, to Washington DC, where she begs and pleads with every medical professional she encounters to give her a chance, they all tell her to go home. Even Dorothea Dix, a woman who is in charge of organizing nursing for the anticipated onslaught of war casualties, tells her she isn’t wanted. Thus, Mary’s courage and stubbornness take over, and she witnesses and participates in the horrible suffering that the Union is about to encounter.

I was very skeptical of this book at first. The first 60 pages were slow to develop. We meet Mary in Albany where she lives a privileged life with her mother, sister and brother. The author also introduces Thomas Fall, a potential suitor for Mary, but who ends up falling in love with her sister Jenny. It was all very awkward and one dimensional for me, and I nearly gave up on this book.

However, my patience paid off, and once Mary decides to make the break from the safety of home to pursue her dreams, the book really takes off and the author finds her groove.

I loved Mary’s narrative once she arrives in Washington DC. The author does a fabulous job of intertwining historical figures (Pres. Lincoln, John Hay, Dorothea Dix, among others) with fictional characters. I must admit a bias here, having lived in DC for many years, I love most books dealing with or talking about our Nation’s Capital. This is no exception. The author’s description of 19th century, Civil War-era Washington DC was perfectly swampy and sticky. Even modern day DC hasn’t changed much (except the cows grazing on the Mall are gone).

Mary really blossoms as a character under the worst possible circumstances. She assists a Dr. Stipp in a deplorable hospital, treating patients with very few supplies. She witnesses the butchery the doctors are reduced to perform on the wounded in an attempt to save their lives. But she preservers. This is what she wants to do, and she goes to the White House herself in order to obtain the necessary supplies to help the wounded.

The Civil War back drop was also well done. The author’s research was evident as she describes military maneuvers, battle formations, leadership conflicts and the devastation of war. I also appreciated the author’s ability to bring to light how the Civil War really changed the medical field. So much of what we know now about infection and sanitation was learned as a result of this awful war.

Finally, there was an interesting love triangle the author deftly wove throughout this book. It was always in the shadows, never taking away from the seriousness of Mary’s goal of taking care of the injured. And it left you guessing until the end. It was a pleasant surprise.

I ended up adoring Mary and her bravery. I truly enjoyed the author’s writing and appreciated her comprehensive research.

For the sensitive reader: There are many detailed battle scenes, descriptions of remidal surgery and hacking amputations. And one "F bomb."

Although, not one of my original selections, this book qualifies for my Women Unbound Challenge.  A worthy contribution.

Book source: Public library

View all my reviews >>

New Web Address!

I've taken the plunge and have "bought" my own domain name -- http://www.gerberadaisydiaries.com/ -- it should take effect in a couple of days.  I think you will be automatically directed to the new site, but just in case, I didn't want any of you to get lost!

It's Monday -- What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. It's is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week.

If you've been following me for any time, you realize I just finished the monstrous, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  I wanted to follow that up with something a little less daunting, so I'm nearly thru with My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira -- a historical fiction account of a woman named, Mary Sutter (duh?) who is trying to become a surgeon during the Civil War.  It started out slowly, but has picked up speed and interest in the last 100 pages or so.  My review should be posted tomorrow. 

Once that is done, I plan on starting a juvenile fiction selection - Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt (In 1911, Turner Buckminster hates his new home of Phippsburg, Maine, but things improve when he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a girl from a poor, nearby island community founded by former slaves that the town fathers--and Turner's--want to change into a tourist spot).  I read Mr. Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars earlier in May and absolutely adored it.  I wanted to give another one of his works a try and this was on the shelf at the library.  Following that, I'm going to end the week with Embers by Sandor Marai (A brilliantly crafted novel about one man's betrayal of his talent, his friends, and his principles-a work of demon energy, startling imagery, and utter originality).  I friend of mine recommended it to me and said I could finish it in 2 days tops! I'll gladly take that challenge. 

The above is only made possible by the fact that it is the first week of summer vacation and my kids have swimming lessons all week!  I can accomplish major reading goals lounging in a pool chair!

What are you reading? Leave a comment with your current reads.

Bedtime Stories

A few of our favorite picture books to report on this week:

The Pirate Cruncher by Jonny Duddle

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3—The dastardly Captain Purplebeard and his greedy crew are on the track of "…a shipload of treasure!...Diamonds and rubies and gold beyond measure…." They set sail in their ship, The Black Hole, following a mysterious fiddle player who has a treasure map. Heedless of the subsequent verses of the fiddler's song, which warn of some sort of monster "pirate cruncher," the motley crew also disregards certain other strange happenings and perseveres to their ultimate end. Their fate is told mostly in rollicking but sometimes uneven rhymed text. The striking illustrations in bold colors are digitally rendered with great effect, delineating each individual pirate and slyly hinting at the surprise that's coming—visual clues that every self-respecting pirate lover will delight in pointing out knowledgeably after the first reading. An amusing book to savor and enjoy.

 

This was a delightful pirate tale -- with a twist!  My 7 year old had to explain the "moral" to me at the end.    And the illustrations are fantastic!

 

Achoo:  Good Manners Can be Contagious by Mij Kelly

 

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1—"This is the story of Suzy Sue, and the fateful day when she went…Achoo!" So starts this amusing tale of good manners and hygiene. Suzy Sue doesn't know the proper etiquette for sneezing and covering her mouth and nose. Thank goodness for her bevy of farm animals that can teach her all about it. The book covers a few of the big items, such as bathing, polite eating, sharing, and kindness, and highlights "the golden rule" in the process. The painted illustrations complement the text well. The author tries to tell the story in rhyme, but it doesn't always pan out. Still, the story is mildly humorous, and younger children will find the pictures of the animals appealing. The size and layout of the pages make this title appropriate for group sharing. While it's not the most complete book in this genre, it does hold its own.

Nothing like being taught manners by a bunch of farm animals! When my son burped at the table tonight, he immediately sited this book.

Finally,

A Small Brown Dog with a Pink Nose by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3—Amelia wants a dog. When her persistent requests are repeatedly denied, she begins to pretend that she has a dog named "Bones," and gradually her mother and father go along with the game. Then, when her pet "gets lost," there is nothing for them to do but help Amelia find him. The search leads to an animal shelter and a real Bones to take home. The final spread, "Amelia's Guide to Getting Your First Dog," dispels any doubt that the child's actions were deliberate. Amelia is an endearing character, and Hunter's portrayal of her perfectly matches Stuve-Bodeen's text. The digitally enhanced, cheery pictures are airy and use simple shapes and colors. The almost comic-book format takes the eye quickly from one part of the page to another, leading readers through the story. This title is a good choice for a one-on-one read-aloud or for children to enjoy on their own.

Even I, the most ardent of "we are NEVER having a dog" mothers, was tempted by this delightful, persuasive, little girl and her quest for a family pet.

What bedtime/picture books were your favorites this week?

My best impersonation of Homer Simpson!

Mmmmm....Donuts!!

OK that was lame -- but -- it's not too late to take advantage of National Donut Day!

Most national donut chains (Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts) are offering free donuts to patrons.  At DD, I think you have to buy a beverage to get your free glazed treat.

For more information -- check out Krispy Kreme's website and their participating stores. We are headed there after school for our "last day of school" treat!

I'm a purist and prefer glazed.  How about you?

Oh, and is it DONUT or DOUGHNUT???

Book Review -- Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Henry VIII needs an heir – he needs Katherine of Aragon out and wants Anne Boleyn in. It’s up to Thomas Cromwell to figure out how to make it happen.

Thus begins the tumult of the English reformation.

Reams of paper have been devoted to this historical time period. I have not read much of it other than what was required in high school and college. But Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, makes this chaotic and violent event, modern and fresh.

She has brought to life characters lost to history books. Thomas Cromwell could walk off the page and become a modern day lobbyist or presidential advisor. Henry and Anne could be the precursor to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (or any other dysfunctional reality TV couple). He could also be a distant caricature of Elvis – a man of immense talent and judgment, but loses himself in gluttony and the influence of his advisors.

The brilliance of Mantel’s book is her dialogue. Never have I read a book where the dialogue was so rich, authentic, shrewd and, ultimately, witty. She has created living, breathing, individuals who seem as modern as the news in today’s paper. I would reach the end of a sentence or paragraph and often gasp, “Wow.”

The downfall to this book is the immense character list.  I guess every mother in the 16th century was fond of the name THOMAS. It proved complicated to keep them all straight. The majority of the time, she used the personal pronoun, HE, to refer exclusively to Thomas Cromwell. But even that was hard to follow. Additionally, the Suffolks , Norfolks, Richmonds – any number of suffixes added to a name was difficult to place.

Ultimately, this was an historically rich and engaging book, for Anglophile and novice alike.

Sensitive reader:  There is some foul language (including the F bomb), but it is few and far between.

Book Source:  Personal copy

(This portrait of Thomas Cromwell by portrait artist Hans Holbein was mentioned often in the novel.)

View all my reviews >>

FINAL -- Wolf Hall Wednedays

I can't believe we are done!

Our intimate journey with every Thomas in 16th century England (or so it seemed), Henry, Anne and her ever meddlesome family (those Boleyn's had their hands in everything!)and an additional cast of characters I'm still trying to sort out, has come to an end. But luckily, none of us were beheaded or burned at the stake in the process. It was a great journey, one I couldn't have accomplished with out Leah at Amused by Books or Elise at Once, oh marvelous once. Poor Elise -- she has the Australian version of Wolf Hall which taps out at over 600 pages! The US version is only 530+. Do US publishers think we Yanks can't read that many pages? I'm curious. Needless to say, we've short changed Elise a bit by finishing this week, but I hope she has the determination to see it through to the end.

We hope you enjoy our thoughts and last discussion of Wolf Hall:

1. What did you think of Elizabeth Barton? Her visions and prophecies?

Gerbera Daisy Diaries – One of the things I found most interesting was that at a time when women couldn’t aspire to anything on their own, here was a woman who actually made a name for herself! Anne certainly couldn’t claim that – she needed to sleep with someone to gain recognition. This woman was a 16th century superstar –with a huge following. And was largely left on her own to continue her “preaching” and prophecies, that is until she started to rub Henry and Anne the wrong way. In a sick and twisted way, I was hoping one of her prophecies would come true –just to make them squirm! I also liked when Cromwell was interrogating her and he asked, “Where is Wolsey?” I can’t remember her exact remark (and I didn’t mark it in my book) but it was something about “he is where I left him.” Then one final comment, when Cromwell was going over the list of her last possessions, it lists 4 shillings – and he makes a comment, that she gets to keep that because she has to pay the executioner! Can you imagine?

Amused By Books - I really liked this character. I get that her visions were against the 'new' order and so Anne wanted to get rid of her. I also find it interesting that Cromwell, as it seemed so often in a lot of these situations, tried to give these people many chances to repent and be free. He offered to let her go among the country and say that she was making it all up, and although she remained locked up for, I think another year before actually being executed, eventually she wouldn't let it go and she was. I think it was interesting also because she appeared to be more popular or just as popular as the King. I am sure that pissed him off.

Once Oh Marvelous Once - I found her really interesting. I love the comparison of the then and now. People who make claims such as these today are sanctioned under mental health acts or appear on morning TV but are rarely taken seriously. I love that a woman (!) was able to make such an independent name for herself. I found her predictions really interesting, and also wanted some of them to be true because I am not a real fan of old Henry and Anne!

2. Page 396: “…At the moment of impact, the king’s eyes are open his body braced for the atteint (hit); he takes the blow perfectly, its force absorbed by a body securely armored, moving in the right direction, moving at the right speed. His color does not alter, His voice does not shake.” This is Henry’s reaction to the birth of Princess Elizabeth – any thoughts?

GDD – This was one of the more memorable passages for me. Where Mantel really shows her brilliance. How she uses battle terms -- fighting terms – to show how terrible and tragic it was to have a daughter. Can you imagine a modern day father in a hospital delivery room reacting the same way?? It’s comical to compare! And to know what Henry eventually did to Anne, and to think that this daughter he is taking a “beating” for ruled England for over 40 years – longer than any man, I think, to that point!

ABB - I just find it so fascinating that men, for centuries, assume it was the women's fault that they had female children. That these female children could not be loved as much or could not rule as well. How different society could have been and what a wonderful job his daughter Elizabeth did end up doing running England. I don't know, what an awful stress to put on something they have no control over. Geez Henry!

OOMO - I haven't read this bit yet, but agree with both of you that it is so sad and yet so interesting that women were blamed for the sex of the child. I can see both sides of that situation, women must determine the sex of the child because they carry it! And I find Elizabeth so fascinating, more so than Henry. Good for her being such a powerful and influential ruler!

3. Once Henry divorced Katherine, his daughter with his first wife Mary also seemed to be banished, even though she appeared to have a good relationship with her father. Did this surprise you?

ABB - The whole scene when Cromwell goes and visits the teenage Mary and the new Princess Elizabeth made me very sad. Mary was on a hunger strike and didn't want to be anywhere near the new princess. She had been the princess her entire life and all of a sudden had been usurped. Her dad was still alive. Did he not love her? As far as she was concerned he did. All Anne could produce was another female heir so Mary had more rights to the throne in Mary's eye than Anne did. Cromwell seemed to also really feel for Mary too. I don't know, that whole scene gave me a bad taste for Henry.

GDD – I guess nothing surprises me when it comes to Henry. But honestly, I think it was all Anne. I don’t think he would have sent her so far or so isolated if it hadn’t been for Anne. What was harder for me to deal with was that he split up Katherine and Mary.

OOMO - Again, the way families worked then (royal or otherwise) fascinates me! Surely they loved their children regardless. I agree, I think a lot of the estrangement was Anne's doing (she's a feisty minx isn't she?) and possibly also Catherine's. I do find it sad that she lost all claim to the throne, and subsequently all claim to her father.

4. The only other thing I might be willing to discuss are the last negotiations between Cromwell and More re his oath of succession. I thought Mantel wrote a beautiful “chess match” between all the players trying to persuade, cajole, empower, tempt, More to take this oath – even to cross his fingers! I thought it was brilliant.

GDD – This section of the book was one of my favorites. How easy it would have been for More to say, yes, I take the oath, it’s just words. No one wanted More to die. At one point, Cromwell even asks him if he remembers him at 7 years old – and More says, “you didn’t serve me then?” Just shows how long these two had been associated. They all were between their own “rocks and hard places.” No one had the ability to maneuver out of their positions. Very tragic.

ABB - I agree, this was a great building of tension within the book. More wanted to prove his point and was not going to back down. Cromwell, and Henry and Anne want to show that their new religious order is the right way, whereas More says he has centuries of saints and popes ands religious writings to back him up, they just have the Parliament. More is willing to die for his beliefs - what's more powerful than that?

5. How did you like the ending? Did you think it was fitting?

ABB - I honestly thought it was going to end with the death of Anne! Oh well! Towards the end it definitely did really build towards the death of More and that seemed to be the real point. More's view of religion versus Henry/Cromwell's interpretation. It's just, when you pick up and read an historical fiction book and expect it to end one way it just kind of surprised me.

GDD – I did too! But it certainly left it open for another 600 page sequel! And life seems so tranquil for Cromwell. He and Rafe are riding off the meet the King – with a stopover at Wolf Hall. Cromwell has NO idea what he has to face in the future -- what goes around, comes around!

Book Wrap Up

1. Using whatever rating system you use on your own blog, what you rate 'Wolf Hall'?

ABB - Ok if it wasn't for this read along I probably would have given up on this book awhile ago. I haven't put this much effort into finishing a book since school! It's not to say I didn't appreciate it, there was just so much superfluous information, I felt, and so so many characters. It was hard to wade through it all. I also had a hard time with the fact that quotes weren't always used and that 'he' was used too much when pretty much every conversation was with a group of men. So, in the end, I would have to say that I would give this a middling Grade C.

GDD – Although it was major confusing at times (the personal pronoun HE was a nightmare) – and I was still looking up characters at the end of the book – I loved it. I thought Mantel’s dialogue was some of the most brilliant I have ever read. It was authentic, powerful and the best part – witty! If I didn’t know better, I would have thought she’d discovered some long lost transcripts of these peoples conversations. Or she’d developed a time machine to go eaves drop on their conversations. We have no idea what personalities any of these individuals had – but I thought she was spot on in her descriptions. 4 out of 5 stars.

OOMO - I am confused and haven't finished, but I can't help really enjoying this book! I think that Hilary Mantel writes so beautifully and I am completely captivated by the book, if not often baffled by that damn 'he' pronoun!! Aargh! Even though I am super behind I am really enjoying it. I anticipate that I will be giving this a 3.5-4 stars.

2. Do you think this book was deserving of the Man Booker Prize?

ABB- Well, um, since so many books have been written about this time period I am not sure what is so different about it to make it deserving of the award besides the fact that it is written from Cromwell's perspective. I will say when it comes to the British Awards, I seem to like the Orange Prize for Fiction more than the Man Booker but I continue to read these in hopes that I will like them too!

GDD - Can’t answer that since A) I haven’t read any of the other books nominated with this one. Although, I wanted to read The Children’s Book by A. S. Byatt. Or B) I haven’t read any other Man Booker prize winner ever!! I agree, this topic is fairly saturated, but she made it modern and tangible to the 21st century.

OOMO- I have read half of The Children's Book and I (so far) think it deserved it more. However I haven't read any other of the shortlist nominees. I think it is extremely well written and appropriately epic, however I am often surprised by the winner of this prize.

3. What did you think of the read along?

ABB - I loved the experience of my first read along! Like I said above, I don't think I would have gotten through this book if it hadn't been for the read along. Also, I really wanted to read this book and I think this was the perfect format. It let me get to know Melissa at Gerbera Daisy Diaries better and to get to meet Elise at Once Oh Marvelous Once. I really hope we do one again, be it with next year's Man Booker winner or some classic that we want to re-read or something like that!

GDD - Absolutely LOVED the read along. Couldn’t have done this any other way. This book would have sat on my shelf for years. Agreed – loved being able to discuss it with Leah and Elise.

OOMO - I have really enjoyed the read along!! It has been so nice having weekly discussions with Leah and Melissa and getting to know them! I am very keen for further read alongs.

Ladies:  It's been so much fun!  I'm already going thru Wolf Hall withdrawals.  What am I going to post on Wednesday?

Thank you too to Hilary Mantel for writing such a marvelous book.  I've heard thru the book blogging grape vine that she is writing a sequel -- I will be 1st in line to buy it!

May -- Mission Accomplished!

On May 1st, Leah from Amused by Books and I set out to read Hilary Mantel's Man Booker Prize winning novel, Wolf Hall.  We gave ourselves 31 days to read it -- and we did!  We both finished last night in Cinderella fashion -- a huge task that we are both very proud of.  Our last read along discussion with Elise will be posted on Wednesday with my final book review on Thursday.  Just as a teaser -- I loved it.  I think Hilary Mantel is brilliant.

In addition to the main goal, I was able to finish the following:

The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Wolf Hall was such a massive task that I chose to off set 16th century England with some EXCELLENT juvenile fiction. Indeed, all of my juvenile fiction choices are adult worthy reads.  Some of the best books I've read this year.  The romance novel by Mary Balogh, on the other hand, was chase down the garbage truck-worthy.

I look forward to a very prolific literary summer.  My work schedule has been reduced due to my kids being home, so I plan on devoting that time to the traditional "summer reads."  First summer read of the season, My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveria.  The bloggersphere has heaped high praise on this book -- I hope it holds true.

Others I hope to read this summer:

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (this was our book club choice for May -- but we had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict)

The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross

Evangeline by Ben Farmer

What is on your summer reading list?