Sunday, January 29, 2012
Long live print books
I highly recommend The Bookstore's Last Stand from today's issue of the New York Times (Sunday, January 29th).
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
January Mother Daughter Book Group -- Theater Shoes
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My enjoyment rating: 2 of 5 stars
Book source: Public library
Genre: Juvenile fiction
Life’s a bummer – Sorrel, Mark, and Holly’s mother is dead (although we never learn when or how), their father is missing in action during WWII, they are living with their paternal grandfather, who also dies, then they are shipped to London to live with their maternal grandmother (whom they have never met) only to learn they are a part of a theatrical dynasty (think Barrymore or Fonda) and are required to follow in their familial footsteps.
Theater Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild (1895-1986) was a fussy, confusing, mess. I’m usually endeared by tales of orphaned children and their tales of survival – which are usually quaint and surrounded by nannies and other caregivers. However, I found nothing likeable in the book. I had to re-read passages over and over again, just to get the gist of what was going on. In fact (insert confession here), I didn’t finish the last 6 chapters, because, well, I. Couldn’t. Read. Another. Word.
But regardless of how I felt – the girls loved it. Daisy Daughter (I mean Rosie Girl) was like her mother and fought thru this book (and this was her book choice!), but the other girls loved reading about Sorrel, Mark, and Holly’s theater classes, their experiences on stage, their relationship with their grandmother, and their life during the war.
Which is why it’s about the daughters, not about the moms. In fact, if it had been left up to me, I would have given the book 1 star – but after our discussion I’m giving it 2, because the discussion made up for what the book lacked. And Daisy Daughter came up with some really good discussion question, of which I am proud.
Haven’t decided on our February choice yet…will post soon!
Friday, January 20, 2012
January Book Club -- The Forgotten Garden
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
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The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Personal copy
January Book Club choice
Child abandoned on a ship, two continents, a lost identity, an English estate, creepy relatives, a “forgotten garden” -- the perfect equation for a luscious, twisty novel!
Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden has all the elements for a cozy read, in a big chair, by the fire (OK, I didn't have a fire, but read it anyway!). She beautifully weaves elements of Gothic tradition with brilliantly described landscapes and characters.
Nell is surprised by her father with a secret on her 21st birthday – she is not his. This sets in motion a spiral downfall of memories which Nell tries to put back together like a jigsaw puzzle. She nearly attains her goal – but the arrival of her granddaughter, Cassandra, puts an end to her search, and she dies without the knowledge of the origins of her birth.
The author, in alternating chapters of past, recent past and present, tells Nell’s story and that of Cassandra, who takes up Nell’s quest to determine their combined heritage. It leads Cassandra to a forsaken cottage on the grounds of and English estate, and there she finds her answers.
This was the perfect book club choice! Our group devoured it and had a tremendously fun discussion! One of the few books in recent memory that kept me guessing until quite literally the last page. Bravo to the author for keeping me on the edge of my page until the very end.
My only complaint was the alternating time periods was a bit confusing in the beginning – enough that I had to make a list of characters and what century they came from.
Highly recommended for book groups.
Our February choice: The Pact by Sampson Davis et. al.
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Summary: They grew up on the streets of Newark, facing city life's temptations, pitfalls, even jail. But one day these three young men made a pact. They promised each other they would all become doctors, and stick it out together through the long, difficult journey to attain that dream. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt are not only friends to this day-they are all doctors. This is a story about the power of friendship. Of joining forces and beating the odds. A story about changing your life, and the lives of those you love most...together.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Book Review -- War Horse
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My enjoyment rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Personal copy
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sensitive reader: Descriptions of battlefields and war, but nothing particularly graphic.
Joey works on a farm. But on the eve of WWI, Joey’s responsibilities change…he must train for the battlefields and trenches in France. We learn from Joey about of the horrors of war, the power of friendship, the basic necessities of food, shelter and rest. Joey is an integral part to those around him, and they depend on his strength and endurance. And even in the darkest depths of despair, Joey provides a light to those with whom he comes in contact. Joey is often mistreated, but he doesn’t hold a grudge. He has been trained for a job – and he perseveres.
Oh, did I mention, Joey is a horse.
Author Michael Morpurgo has written a tender story about the love of a horse and his keeper, Albert, who loses Joey to the British Army, but pledges his life to find him again.
It was a concise, but powerful story that follows Joey’s journey through his “tour” of duty. It shows the heart and power of an animal during arduous circumstances.
I loved reading this from Joey’s point of view. It made the story that much more special.
Highly recommended.
*(I have not seen the movie -- will be interested to see how Spielberg transforms Joey's story for the cinema).
View all my reviews
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Book Review -- So Big
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My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Library Copy
What's in a Name Challenge 4 (Size)
“Cabbages are beautiful!”
Once these words are uttered, you are intimately aware of Selina Peake DeJong’s view of life and the world around her.
Raised by a father who taught her that life was an adventure – Selina takes a job as a country teacher in High Prairie, a farming community that serves the bustling metropolis of Chicago at the turn of the century. She meets Dutch settlers who work the rich earth south of Chicago to feed the expanding population. The adventure she envisioned for herself did not manifest itself, as she marries a local widowed farmer, Pervus DeJong, gives birth to her son, Dirk (nicknamed “So Big”) and lives a demanding life trying to make their small farm profitable.
Author Edna Ferber then masterfully weaves an amazing story of a working mother, who does everything within her ability to make the life of her son better than her own.
This was an AMAZING book and so beautifully written. For a piece that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1924, I was surprised at how “modern” it felt: struggling families, the plight of the single mother, the importance of a good education, following your dreams, being true to yourself, and finding the beauty in everyday life.
It was also a visually precise book – I quite literally mapped the entire Chicago area of that time period in my head, based on her descriptions and narrative.
And the ending – one of those that make you want to scream, “no – you can’t end it there!” But knowing it was the PERFECT way to end it. It was just right.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Book Review -- Devil's Cub
Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer
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My enjoyment rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Book source: Library copy
Book Challenge: What's in a Name (EVIL in title)
The Marquis of Vidal is a brute, spoiled, selfish, boorish, and has anger management issues. Not the kind of guy any decent young lady would want to associate with. However, because he is a “marquis” all of the available society girls are lined up to win him over. All but one, that is. Mary Challoner doesn’t want anything to do with him, and is trying to save her younger sister from any association with Marquis to keep her honor intact. Mary goes to such extremes that she dons a disguise to keep the Marquis far, far away. Thus begins a comic traipse across England and France that includes the Marquis’s parents, cousins, and a cast of servants that concludes with the Marquis’ marriage – but to whom?
This was my first Georgette Heyer (pronounced HAY-er) regency romance. Needless to say, I was expecting more.
The first third of the book was a jumble of counts, dukes, and relatives that I had a difficult time keeping them all sorted out. Granted, this was the sequel to “These Old Shades,” so I suppose if I’d read the first one, I would have had an easier time with the characters. But I was confused from the beginning.
The Marquis (sometimes Dominic, sometimes Dominique?) was a jerk and had no redeeming value. He wasn’t’ even handsome! (Because, at the very least, if you are a looser, you might as well be cute.)
Mary was ridiculous! I suppose the reader should consider her admirable for trying to save her sister, and in reality, once the wheels of her future were in motion, she could do very little to help herself. But in the end, I could not for the life of me figure out WHY she would have anything to do with him!
The author had a huge issue with the word “devil.” She used it on nearly every page to describe the Marquis. Seriously, after the first dozen uses, I got it already. Another overused word – plaguey. And I’m not even sure what that means. But Heyer liked it a lot.
The final third of the book redeemed itself. Once the Duke of Avon (the Marquis’ father) arrives and meets Mary, it was quite witty. Otherwise, I didn’t get the romance or the repartee.
One thing I did appreciate was Heyer’s immense detail in the clothing and dress of the time period. It was amazingly luxurious!
I have a stack of Heyer books on my book shelf, so I’m still willing to give her another try. But this was a bit silly.
Monday, December 19, 2011
A Presidential Signature!
I was treated to a pre-birthday present when I managed to snag 4 VIP armbands to see him:
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I'm not sure who was more nervous -- me or my daughter! He was incredibly kind to my kids and spent a few minutes with each of them, in spite of the HUGE line waiting.
I was very thankful for the Dinosaur Train toy display that kept my 5 yr old entertained while we waited.
We were not allowed any bags, cameras or other items into the signing -- so I'm also thankful for one of the PR folks for taking this with their iPhone and emailing it to me!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Book Review -- An Old Fashioned Girl
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My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Personal Copy
Book Challenge: What's in a Name: Life Stage (Old & Girl)
Polly Milton first visits her “city” cousins when she is an adolescent. Often teased for her “country” and old fashioned ways, Polly must maintain her sense of self even in the midst of relatives and their unfamiliar, sophisticated ways.
Many years later, Polly returns to her urban setting, this time as a music teacher. Her relatives still consider her old fashioned, but her standards, maturity and independence prepare her for the trials she will face, and endear her to a certain beau – but not the one the reader expects!
Louisa May Alcott, in spite of writing during the 19th century – explores very modern and timeless topics: unemployment, economic discrepancy, physical separation from loved ones, family, and romance. She also writes fluidly, without the denseness of writes of her time.
Polly was such kind, selfless, and genuinely real character. A young woman determined to maintain her ideals, her morals, and use them to attain her dreams.
The only disappointing part of this book was the ending. After a marvelously crafted family saga and romance, the author short changed us on Polly’s romantic future.
Overall, though, this was a delightful book.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Book Review by "Rosie Girl" -- Home for the Holidays
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Source: personal copy
Review from "Rosie Girl" formerly known as "Daisy Daughter"
Home for the Holidays is number five in the Mother/Daughter Book Club Series. This realistic fiction novel is about five teenage girls who leave their homes in Concord, Massachusetts for different winter vacations. The girls go on different adventures in Laguna Beach, New Hampshire, and even a Christmas Cruise to the Bahamas. Megan and Becca fight over the captain’s son while Cassidy visits her home state of California. An unexpected sledding accident causes Emma and Jess to change their holiday plans.
Will the girls be happy enough to have a good Christmas?
I give this book five stars and two thumbs up! I relate to this book a lot because my mom (Daisy Mom) and I have our own mother/daughter book club. I have some of my best friends in our book club just like the girls in Home for the Holidays. Another similarity is that my mom is a librarian and so is Emma’s mom, Mrs. Hawthorne. Most young readers will be able to relate to at least one of the book club girls. Even tweens won’t be able to put this book down because it’s filled to brim with adventure, drama and love!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Book Review -- Okay for Now
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My enjoyment rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Source: Personal Copy
Genre: Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction
Consider the following: an author proposes writing a middle grade novel involving John James Audubon’s Birds of America, an emotionally abusive father, a Vietnam veteran brother, the classic novel Jane Eyre, the New York Yankees, an eccentric playwright, a business executive who is both an expert at horseshoes as he is at cultivating orchids – you would probably consider him crazy and usher him out the door. But only author Gary Schmidt could weave all the above in a story so full of heartache and hope that the obvious response would be, “why didn’t I think of that story line?”
Doug Swieteck, a minor character from Mr. Schmidt’s Newbery Honor winner The Wednesday Wars, has moved from Long Island with Holling Hoodhood’s beloved Joe Pepitone’s New York Yankees jacket, to upstate New York to face the uncertainty of his father’s hostility and being the new kid on the block. With the help of multiple friends and teachers, Doug is able to navigate the natural difficulties associated with 8th grade, the increased tension at home, with his newly developed artistic talent studying Audubon prints and the burgeoning relationship with Lil Spicer, daughter of the local grocery merchant.
This was an extraordinary book. Mr. Schmidt was a master in the layering of story lines of Doug’s life. With the introduction of each bird (you’ll notice them immediately at the beginning of each chapter), and at each obstacle that Doug encounters, it was a natural instinct to reach through the pages to give this kid a hug. Additionally, Mr. Schmidt expertly shows how important teachers are to the lives of our children and that no child is out of reach of being nurtured and taught. And without much effort, he TEACHES the reader as well – about classic literature and art and science – it was seamless.
Finally, this was a story about the rebuilding of a family, the strength of a young man, and the beauty of a friendship. Oh, and birds. Lots and lots of birds.
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