It's Monday -- What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila 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.

A very slow reading week -- lots of PTA prep work to get ready for our BOOK FAIR!  I will be in literary nirvana all week...hope you aren't jealous!

But a few books read (or partially so) are better than nothing!

COMPLETED:

The Rosewood Casket by Sharyn McCrumb (3 out of 5 stars -- entertaining historical fiction/mystery/ghost story)

CURRENTLY READING:

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (absolutely LOVING this book -- if I could just find the time to read more than a few pages before I fall hopelessly asleep).

UP NEXT:

February is Black History Month, so I think I'm going to start either:

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

OR

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (juvenile fiction)

What are you reading this week?

Book Review -- The Rosewood Casket

The Rosewood Casket by Sharyn McCrumb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book source:  Loaned to me by a friend

The Stargill boys have all returned home at the news that their father, Randall, is dying. During the time they wait for “the end” they confront past sibling conflicts, rivalries, and unanswered family questions. They must also solve the mysterious appearance of a “box of bones” given to them by a neighbor. Thus begins a story of ghostly legends, family secrets, and a dying man’s shrouded history.

The Rosewood Casket was a nice blend of historical fiction (the history and botany of Appalachia, and Daniel Boone), ghost stories, and family strife.  And the prologue had me shaking in my slippers!

I thought the author got a little heavy handed with characters -- too many wives, sisters-in-law, girlfriends, past girlfriends, children of girlfriends – to keep track of. And although I was completely immersed in the story until the end, when the mystery was finally solved, the author only devoted a brief two paragraphs to its resolution, which was very disappointing.

But, overall, an entertaining book.

I would NEVER have read this book on my own, so I was glad it passed along to me by a friend.

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My version of crack....

Today was the first day of our Scholastic Book Fair:

I wish someone would wheel carts of books into my house...

I purchased several from this cart already...

My two boys (and a friend) sampling the many offerings....

A very familiar literary character and me....

When I'm done being PTA president, I'm secretly hoping the book fair chair will be open!

(Photos courtesy of Mandy Shoptaw)

January Book Club -- Part 2

Last week we were snowed out -- this week it was 60 degrees -- what a difference a week makes!

We were few in number because of the schedule change, but that didn't lessen the discussion.

The consensus:  Everyone LOVED True Grit!!  As is always the case, we all thought it was better than the movie -- funnier, bloodier, "grittier" -- but that the Coen Brothers did an excellent job with their adaptation.

My girlfriend, Becca, who led the discussion did a great job, so good in fact, she tracked down Mr. Portis' phone number and was determined to get him on the phone for his comments during our discussion. Luckily, we persuaded her that it wasn't such a good idea!

Even though it's been a month since I read the book, I still felt energized by his writing -- while talking about some of the scenes (especially when Mattie was in the snake pit) the images were still so vivid, it was like I had read it yesterday.  So many fabulous visuals and dialogue -- it was a joy to talk about them all.

Even though I'm sure most have seen the movie -- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the book.  In fact, I insist!

Our February selection: (our original selection, Outliers, was not available)

The Coral Thief by Rebecca Stott

Summary from B&N:

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST AND BOOKLIST

Paris, 1815. Daniel Connor, a young medical student from Edinburgh, has arrived to study anatomy at the Jardin des Plantes—only to realize that his letters of introduction and precious coral specimens, on which his tenure with the legendary Dr. Cuvier depends, have been stolen. His thief turns out to be a beautiful woman who lives in a shadowy realm of outlaws, philosophers, and émigrés. As Daniel falls in love with her, he discovers a radical theory of evolution that irrevocably changes his conception of the world.

It's Monday -- What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila 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.

Vomit and diarrhea have invaded our house...I've been up since 3am with my 4yr old standing over the toilet. Oh. Joy.

With being home all day, and him on the couch, you would think I could get a lot of reading done...but I'm afraid if I crack the cover of a book I will fall hopelessly asleep.

But here are my reading accomplishments from the past week:

FINISHED READING:

Candy Bomber by Michael O. Tunnell (juvenile fiction: a perfect primer on WWII and how the power of one person can make a difference -- 4 out of 5 stars)



Early Candlelight by Maud Hart Lovelace (historical fiction: an adult work by the children's author; lovely, poetic, romantic -- 3 out of 5 stars)



Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery (vintage fiction:  another wholesome tale by the author of the Anne of Green Gables series -- 3 out of 5 stars -- my first book read on my NOOK!)



CURRENTLY READING:

The Rosewood Casket by Sharyn McCrumb (I'm REALLY enjoying this!  This was passed along by a friend...I would NEVER have picked this to read otherwise.  It involves legends, ghosts, family strife, and a great historical account of Appalachia.  Quite a pleasant surprise!!)




UP NEXT:

Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (This won the 2011 Newbery Medal for juvenile fiction - so excited to start it!)

 

Summary from B&N:

Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was.  Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it’s just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone.”  Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest’s history is full of colorful and shadowy characters—and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest’s secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.

I'm off to start another load of icky laundry.  Here is hoping for a vomit-free remainder of the day.

What are you reading this week?

Book Review -- Kilmeny of the Orchard



 

Book: Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery

Enjoyment rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Book Source: e-book from Project Gutenberg (the first book read on my Nook™!)

Challenge: L. M. Montgomery Reading Challenge sponsored by Reading to Know

Eric Marshall has accepted a teaching post in the quaint village of Lindsay, with the intent of staying but the few brief months to finish the term of the previous head master. While exploring the surrounding country side, Eric discovers an abandoned apple orchard that so betwixts him, he lingers to enjoy its beauty. After but a few minutes his meditative state is startled by the strings of a violin, played beautifully by an enchanting mistress who is also enjoying the orchard. As Eric approaches this young maiden, she is so started by his presence she runs in fear back to her family’s farm. Eric is immediately mesmerized by this young woman and is determined to find out her identity. What he learns is that Kilmeny Gordon, an orphan who lives with her aunt and uncle, is not what she seems: A woman with immense talent and beauty but without the ability to speak. Eric is determined to woo Kilmeny and is convinced that his love will conquer her muteness.

This was a delightful novel. L. M. Montgomery’s works are wholesome stories about love and survival.

I liked that this book was from a male perspective, where most of Ms. Montgomery’s works are written in the female voice.

She is superb in describing the flora and fauna of Lindsay and the surrounding areas. She also meticulously weaves a story about Kilmeny’s mother and her marital misfortune, that it is believed to have cursed Kilmeny and her future.

Another vintage contribution by L. M. Montgomery.

Book Group CANCELED





When it snows in the South, everything comes to a halt.

Schools closed at Noon.

Grocery store was packed.

The roads are not that bad, but by tonight, they could be snow covered and very slick.

So, we made the decision to postpone.

True Grit, your discussion will have to wait one more week. 

January Mother Daughter Book Club -- The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

Our first mother daughter book club of 2011 was eventful as always. However, after having two months off, I was expecting the girls to be bouncing off the walls -- their calm demeanor surprised me.  I think it must have something to do with the cold weather!

We discussed The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry, a satirical homage to vintage children's literature -- filled with abandoned babies in baskets, nannies, orphans, long-lost children and neglectful parents.  Ms. Lowry does a masterful job of creating these characters and a story with enough adult humor to keep parents in a tickle, all the while entertaining young reader.  Additionally, the vocabulary she uses is fantastic!  She includes a dictionary in the back of the book (thankfully!) with her very own witty descriptions of each word.  In fact, I liked that as  much as the book itself!

I'm always curious as to what "theme" the girls will focus on during their discussion -- because I'm usually wrong!  I thought for sure they would discuss the neglect and "meanness" of the parents -- leaving them alone with a nannie and in a house they have put up for sale.  No, they were far more concerned about "Baby Ruth" the infant left left on the doorstep.  Given the same circumstance, none of them wanted a baby  left on THEIR doorstep, but were thankful that someone took care of this baby.

This was a book that both moms and daughters enjoyed. 

Up for February:

We decided to chose a book for Black History Month -- and had two choices:

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

And

Washington City is Burning by Harriette Gillem Robinet

We chose the later, but after some research (that I should have done in advance) we realized that very few copies exist in the library, and the book is out of print.

So, I'm not sure what we are reading next month -- anyone have suggestions for a good juvenile book to read for Black History Month? 

The WINNER of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter

Justpeachy36

Thanks to all who entered.

Up next:  Follower Love Giveaway Hop is scheduled for
February 8th - 13th! 

True Random Number Generator

Min: 2

Max: 107

Result: 107

(wow...when does the last entry ever get chosen? And witnessed by my husband.)

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Book Review -- Early Candlelight

Early Candlelight by Maud Hart Lovelace

My rating: 3 of 5 stars -- lovely writing, lovely story, less than stellar ending.

Book source:  Personal copy

Sensitive reader:  a wonderful love story without any objectionable material.

My adoration of Maud Hart Lovelace began late in life…as in a year ago when I discovered her juvenile writings (The Betsy-Tacy Series) through numerous book blogs. Our mother daughter book club devoured her first four books in rapid fashion.

After such an introduction, I’ve been eager to explore her other writings. Before Christmas I purchased her recently re-released copies of Carney’s House Party and Winona’s Pony Cart, Emily of Deep Valley, and Early Candlelight.

I’ve been keen on reading nostalgic old fashioned books as of late, so I picked up Early Candlelight last week.

Ms. Lovelace explores life on the Minnesota frontier at the turn of the 19th century. Her characters range from those families who reside within the walls of Fort Snelling, fur traders, local Indian tribes, Canadian settlers and voyageurs.

Deedee Dugay’s French descent family lives on the surrounding lands of Fort Snelling. A large, boisterous family, Deedee is the only girl in the company of many brothers. They have a harmonious relationship with the Indian tribes and with all their neighbors. The only ones they come into conflict with are the military leaders at the Fort who feel their trading of alcohol with the local tribes is creating tension that could escalate to violence, so they force her family to relocate, thus disturbing their family harmony.

Jasper Page is a well respected fur trader, who lives elegantly among the locals and enlists the Dugay sons to be a part of his many expeditions. Thus, Deedee becomes acquainted with Monsieur Page, and develops a lifelong love of him, in spite of his elite social class.

Ms. Lovelace develops a tremendous story of these frontiersmen and women. Her descriptions of Fort life– the parties they planned at the arrival of steamboats and the clothing that they wore – were amazing. Her attention to detail when describing the fashions of the time made me wonder if she had dreams of becoming a clothes designer in addition to a writer!

As she developed the relationship between Deedee and Mr. Page, I was ready to anoint this book the truly American Pride and Prejudice: strong willed, lower class beauty, falls for esteemed, handsome gentleman landowner. Their word play and interaction was enticing and longing. Would they or wouldn’t they end up together?

Then, just when I thought Ms. Lovelace’s story telling couldn’t exceed itself and a cacophony of fireworks were going to explode over these lovers – she ended the story. Flatly. Disappointingly.

So, I loved her writing – I loved the story – I loved the characters that she created – I loved her meticulous descriptions into early Minnesota frontier life – I just was so let down by the ending.

I’m still a huge fan, and can’t wait to read the other books I have, I just wish this one would have met my expectations.

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