Overbite Meg Cabot
it's been 6 months since the action at the end of Insatiable. Meena and Alairic are just collegues. Lucien has completely disappeared. Meena's on to a theory that Lucien can still be good but Lucien has found the Minetta stream under Manhattan and is drawing evil power from it. He's been too weak, but he feels it's time to full embrace his title of Prince of Darkness. Meena's can't deal with all of that right now though, because a rising star new priest has arrived from South America and the politics and policies of the Palatine Guard are about to explode in a major way.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as Insatiable-- not as much sexual tension (which Cabot tends to do really well) and not as much of Meena using her gift of death prediction, or as much of the supporting cast. It's also just a lot shorter--it focused mainly on one plot and I missed some of the side stuff that could have been fleshed out more. THAT SAID, I still really did like it. It was a nice end to the story (I don't think there will be anymore) and I liked the working in of the Minetta Stream (a real thing!) and the book of days. It just all seemed a bit... rushed. I almost wish that she would have stretched the story out more, added some more major battles and made it a trilogy.
Book Provided by... my wallet
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Your Daily Dose of WTF?
Today's Daily Does of WTF is big enough to last a lifetime.
So... remember Republic, MO? Where they banned Slaughterhouse-Five: A Novel and Twenty Boy Summer? Where Speak was accused of being soft-core porn? (But luckily the Vonnegut Memorial Library is sending Republic students copies of Slaughterhouse Five.
Well... in 2009 a female middle school student accused a fellow student of rape. The school district made her write a letter of apology to the guy who raped her. Made her hand-deliver it, and then kicked her out for the rest of the year.
The next year, when she returned, her mother asked for special protection. Nope. She still had to take classes with the guy who raped her. So he raped her again. In the school library. And plead guilty to the charges, so was CONVICTED OF THE CRIME.
Let me repeat that-- HE ADMITTED HE RAPED HER. HE IS A CONVICTED RAPIST FOR THIS CRIME.
So, the girl sues the school. The school says the lawsuit if "frivolous".
I just... what? I mean, really, WHAT THE FUCK?
Honestly, the DA should be looking at criminal charges against the school district.
Hat tip to Pam for pointing this out to me.
Jezebel article about all this.
Springfield News-Leader article about this.
News-Leader article about the book banning.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
So... remember Republic, MO? Where they banned Slaughterhouse-Five: A Novel and Twenty Boy Summer? Where Speak was accused of being soft-core porn? (But luckily the Vonnegut Memorial Library is sending Republic students copies of Slaughterhouse Five.
Well... in 2009 a female middle school student accused a fellow student of rape. The school district made her write a letter of apology to the guy who raped her. Made her hand-deliver it, and then kicked her out for the rest of the year.
The next year, when she returned, her mother asked for special protection. Nope. She still had to take classes with the guy who raped her. So he raped her again. In the school library. And plead guilty to the charges, so was CONVICTED OF THE CRIME.
Let me repeat that-- HE ADMITTED HE RAPED HER. HE IS A CONVICTED RAPIST FOR THIS CRIME.
So, the girl sues the school. The school says the lawsuit if "frivolous".
I just... what? I mean, really, WHAT THE FUCK?
Honestly, the DA should be looking at criminal charges against the school district.
Hat tip to Pam for pointing this out to me.
Jezebel article about all this.
Springfield News-Leader article about this.
News-Leader article about the book banning.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Monday, August 15, 2011
SLJ Nonfiction Round-Up
Because this is a record of everything I read, occasionally I link to reviews I write elsewhere. Here's a list of recent nonfiction reviews I've written for School Library Journal.
The New Cultural Atlas of China ed. Tom Cooke
From my review:
...tends to treat the more than 2000 years of the history of imperial China as one political, economic, and cultural monolith...The strongest feature of this atlas is the collection of maps... Unfortunately, even these are problematic, as maps of the "modern People's Republic of China" are woefully out of date. Hong Kong and Macau (returned to China in 1997 and 1999, respectively) are shown as European possessions, and Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are labeled as belonging to the USSR
Other notes-- Awesome for the maps, but the text isn't helpful. Only for people who know what bits to ignore.
The Chinese Cultural Revolution (Milestones in Modern World History) Louise Chipley Slavicek
From my review:
Slavicek clearly explains this complex and confusing time for readers with little to no background in modern Chinese history, covering the social, economic, and political aspects of the era. The book is at its best when explaining Mao's political maneuvering. Numerous pull-out boxes provide context about and excerpts from primary sources.
Other notes-- a really excellent introduction to a very confusing time period. Unlike most introductory books about the Cultural Revolution, it clearly explains everything to a novice without simplifying a very complex time without simplifying it to the point of no longer being entirely accurate.
Multicultural Programs for Tweens and Teens ed. Linda B. Alexander and Nahyun Kwon
From my review:
They outline several programs that librarians can use with their patrons to introduce different cultures. Each entry lists objectives, target age ranges, costs, activities, and a reading list. Within these parameters, there is a wide range of programs and quality.
Other notes: This is a collection of student projects. Some work really well in a real library, some are great in theory, some only work for inspiration, and some should just be ignored.
Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire (World History (Lucent)) Don Nardo
From my review:
Using new scholarship, Nardo paints a more nuanced and sophisticated picture of a man who united several nomadic clans and then went on to found history’s largest empire...Several detailed examples are given of Genghis Khan’s bravery, ingenuity, and compassion, drawing readers in and showing more depth to the man than they may be used to.
Other notes: For the type of book this is (series book usually used for reports) it had a surprisingly large amount of browsability and reader appeal.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (Landmarks of the American Mosaic) John Soennichsen
From my review:
Short chapters are clearly organized and well sourced. Nearly half the text is back matter, including biographies of key figures, several primary-source documents, and an annotated bibliography. The methodical analysis of the events leading up to the passage of the Exclusion Act helps students discover how the passage of such a law could happen.
Other notes:
So many primary sources in the back matter, it made my nerdy heart giddy with joy.
Books and ARCs provided by... School Library Journal for review for their publication
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
The New Cultural Atlas of China ed. Tom Cooke
From my review:
...tends to treat the more than 2000 years of the history of imperial China as one political, economic, and cultural monolith...The strongest feature of this atlas is the collection of maps... Unfortunately, even these are problematic, as maps of the "modern People's Republic of China" are woefully out of date. Hong Kong and Macau (returned to China in 1997 and 1999, respectively) are shown as European possessions, and Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are labeled as belonging to the USSR
Other notes-- Awesome for the maps, but the text isn't helpful. Only for people who know what bits to ignore.
The Chinese Cultural Revolution (Milestones in Modern World History) Louise Chipley Slavicek
From my review:
Slavicek clearly explains this complex and confusing time for readers with little to no background in modern Chinese history, covering the social, economic, and political aspects of the era. The book is at its best when explaining Mao's political maneuvering. Numerous pull-out boxes provide context about and excerpts from primary sources.
Other notes-- a really excellent introduction to a very confusing time period. Unlike most introductory books about the Cultural Revolution, it clearly explains everything to a novice without simplifying a very complex time without simplifying it to the point of no longer being entirely accurate.
Multicultural Programs for Tweens and Teens ed. Linda B. Alexander and Nahyun Kwon
From my review:
They outline several programs that librarians can use with their patrons to introduce different cultures. Each entry lists objectives, target age ranges, costs, activities, and a reading list. Within these parameters, there is a wide range of programs and quality.
Other notes: This is a collection of student projects. Some work really well in a real library, some are great in theory, some only work for inspiration, and some should just be ignored.
Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire (World History (Lucent)) Don Nardo
From my review:
Using new scholarship, Nardo paints a more nuanced and sophisticated picture of a man who united several nomadic clans and then went on to found history’s largest empire...Several detailed examples are given of Genghis Khan’s bravery, ingenuity, and compassion, drawing readers in and showing more depth to the man than they may be used to.
Other notes: For the type of book this is (series book usually used for reports) it had a surprisingly large amount of browsability and reader appeal.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (Landmarks of the American Mosaic) John Soennichsen
From my review:
Short chapters are clearly organized and well sourced. Nearly half the text is back matter, including biographies of key figures, several primary-source documents, and an annotated bibliography. The methodical analysis of the events leading up to the passage of the Exclusion Act helps students discover how the passage of such a law could happen.
Other notes:
So many primary sources in the back matter, it made my nerdy heart giddy with joy.
Books and ARCs provided by... School Library Journal for review for their publication
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday Salon: Monstrumologist
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey was a ALA Printz honor book when it came out in 2010 and was a finalist for the NCTE/ALAN Amelia Elizabeth Walden award. It was named a Booklist Editor's choice and won numerous state awards.The sequel,
The Curse of the Wendigo was named an ALA Best Books for Young Adults, a Booklist Editor's Choice, and a Kirkus Best Children's Book. The third and final book,
The Isle of Blood comes out this fall and then there are no more. Which would be fine, if it were a trilogy, but it's not. Simon and Schuster just isn't happy with the sales. I can't talk much about the book because I haven't read it yet, but this is a series we've held up time and again as what quality literature that teens will enjoy looks like. But apparently quality lit with reader appeal isn't what we want.I'm not going to fault Simon and Schuster. They're a business and have to go where the money is. So... let's save the series by putting the money there. If you have $10, but a copy. If you have $20, but two copies and give one away. If you have $30, give two copies away, or all three. You get the idea. If you don't have any money, check it out from the library. (How many times a book is checked out lets us gauge popularity. It tells us if we need more copies, if we should replace worn-out copies, or if it's just taking up limited shelf-space.) But it goes beyond that. Book blog readers are book pushers. Some of us are librarians, teachers, book sellers or other people who are professional book pushers. But those of you who read book blogs just because you like books, I bet you're book pushers among your friends. I bet your family and friends turn to you for recommendations and ideas. So, try pushing this one and let's see what happens.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Special Topics in Calamity Physics
Special Topics in Calamity Physics Marisha Pessl
From Goodreads:
Marisha Pessl's mesmerizing debut has critics raving and heralds the arrival of a vibrant new voice in American fiction. At the center of this "cracking good read" is clever, deadpan Blue van Meer, who has a head full of literary, philosophical, scientific, and cinematic knowledge. But she could use some friends. Upon entering the elite St. Gallway school, she finds some - a clique of eccentrics known as the Bluebloods. One drowning and one hanging later, Blue finds herself puzzling out a byzantine murder mystery. Nabokov meets Donna Tartt (then invites the rest of the Western Canon to the party) in this novel - with "visual aids" drawn by the author - that has won over readers of all ages.
My comments:
Ugh. I know that everyone loved this book but... ugh. I will say I really got into the last 100 pages, but the 300 pages that it took to get there weren't worth it. It was boring and overworked. I kept reading, waiting for it to get better, because so many people loved it so much... what was I missing?
Seriously, what did I miss? Because I really dislike it.
I never understand Blue. I never understood why she wanted to be friends with the Bluebloods (although I like Coleen from Catching Ray's theory on this, and not just because of the Buffy/Angel references). Also, we were told over and over and over again how smart she was, but we never saw it. She didn't seem that smart at all. And the "visual aids" didn't add anything to the text and weren't that great. They looked like portraits I would draw. And I don't draw well.
Overall the story didn't do anything for me and the structure was pretentious and gimicky and didn't add anything.
Blargh.
But, I did get some questions about it:
Bybee asks:
People seem to either love or hate the Pessl novel. Which side do you fall on, or is your view more moderate? Why?
Severe dislike. See above. I think I'm more angry about the time and energy wasted on reading it than actual hate towards the book.
Bibliolatrist asks:
I'm curious about Special Topics in Calamity Physics, about which I've read a lot of varying reviews. Some people hated it, others loved it. Where did you fall and why?
See above.
Book Zombie asks:
What I would like to know is whether you considered reading or re-reading the books she lists as her chapter titles? I know that many book groups have suggested this for furthering the enjoyment of the book, what are your opinions?
Reading or re-reading the chapter title books would be a good idea, just because they're good books. Being familiar with them will let you pick up some of Blue's references and asides but it's not worth it. And if a book is fresh in your mind, hearing Blue harp on about it might make her more annoying than usual.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
From Goodreads:
Marisha Pessl's mesmerizing debut has critics raving and heralds the arrival of a vibrant new voice in American fiction. At the center of this "cracking good read" is clever, deadpan Blue van Meer, who has a head full of literary, philosophical, scientific, and cinematic knowledge. But she could use some friends. Upon entering the elite St. Gallway school, she finds some - a clique of eccentrics known as the Bluebloods. One drowning and one hanging later, Blue finds herself puzzling out a byzantine murder mystery. Nabokov meets Donna Tartt (then invites the rest of the Western Canon to the party) in this novel - with "visual aids" drawn by the author - that has won over readers of all ages.
My comments:
Ugh. I know that everyone loved this book but... ugh. I will say I really got into the last 100 pages, but the 300 pages that it took to get there weren't worth it. It was boring and overworked. I kept reading, waiting for it to get better, because so many people loved it so much... what was I missing?
Seriously, what did I miss? Because I really dislike it.
I never understand Blue. I never understood why she wanted to be friends with the Bluebloods (although I like Coleen from Catching Ray's theory on this, and not just because of the Buffy/Angel references). Also, we were told over and over and over again how smart she was, but we never saw it. She didn't seem that smart at all. And the "visual aids" didn't add anything to the text and weren't that great. They looked like portraits I would draw. And I don't draw well.
Overall the story didn't do anything for me and the structure was pretentious and gimicky and didn't add anything.
Blargh.
But, I did get some questions about it:
Bybee asks:
People seem to either love or hate the Pessl novel. Which side do you fall on, or is your view more moderate? Why?
Severe dislike. See above. I think I'm more angry about the time and energy wasted on reading it than actual hate towards the book.
Bibliolatrist asks:
I'm curious about Special Topics in Calamity Physics, about which I've read a lot of varying reviews. Some people hated it, others loved it. Where did you fall and why?
See above.
Book Zombie asks:
What I would like to know is whether you considered reading or re-reading the books she lists as her chapter titles? I know that many book groups have suggested this for furthering the enjoyment of the book, what are your opinions?
Reading or re-reading the chapter title books would be a good idea, just because they're good books. Being familiar with them will let you pick up some of Blue's references and asides but it's not worth it. And if a book is fresh in your mind, hearing Blue harp on about it might make her more annoying than usual.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Weekly Geeks
Lots of questions this week about books and school:
What's your favorite bookish school memory?
I love love love the way my elementary school did its reading rewards program (Right to Read). You had to give so many book reports and then you got a certificate. And then you did more and you got a white ribbon. Then a red one. Then a blue one. Then a HUGE pink one. (The colors might be off, and I can't remember if there were 4 or 5 ribbons total, except I'm sure about that huge pink one. It was the final reward and HUGE. Well, the old skool ones were. I think it wasn't as awesome when I finally got mine.) The thing is, the school kept all of them until you left the school or graduated. You started in 1st grade and if you read enough to get the pink ribbon, you were in 6th grade by the time it happened. All the classrooms had their Right to Read stuff displayed, usually in the hallway, so when you walked through the school, you could see what was coming next. Every few months the principal or someone came to hand out Right to Read rewards. In addition to the certificate/ribbon, you got some trinkets and THE BEST PART OF ALL-- The free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.
As a kid, I loved the goal of that huge pink ribbon and all that yummy yummy pizza.
As an adult, I love that the program lasted all 6 years and continued on and built throughout your school years.
Did your teacher read aloud to you? Do you remember what book it was?
Some did. I remember Mrs. Wisneski read us Where the Red Fern Grows. Someone also read us Hatchet.
Do you remember what books you checked out at the school library?
In junior and senior high, I only used the school library for research. But I remember getting a lot of Shel Silverstein poetry from my elementary school library.
What was one of the first book reports you did for school?
Hop on Pop
Do you have a favorite book or author that you first heard about from a teacher or school project?
My favorite author is Mo Yan, who I first discovered when I was assigned Red Sorghum: A Novel of China in college. High school English classes are where I discovered Steinbeck, Vonnegut, and Fitzgerald. That's also where I discovered one of my favorite books of all time, As I Lay Dying.
Do you have a not-so-pleasant bookish memory from your school days?
Lord of the Flies. Let's just leave it at that.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
What's your favorite bookish school memory?
I love love love the way my elementary school did its reading rewards program (Right to Read). You had to give so many book reports and then you got a certificate. And then you did more and you got a white ribbon. Then a red one. Then a blue one. Then a HUGE pink one. (The colors might be off, and I can't remember if there were 4 or 5 ribbons total, except I'm sure about that huge pink one. It was the final reward and HUGE. Well, the old skool ones were. I think it wasn't as awesome when I finally got mine.) The thing is, the school kept all of them until you left the school or graduated. You started in 1st grade and if you read enough to get the pink ribbon, you were in 6th grade by the time it happened. All the classrooms had their Right to Read stuff displayed, usually in the hallway, so when you walked through the school, you could see what was coming next. Every few months the principal or someone came to hand out Right to Read rewards. In addition to the certificate/ribbon, you got some trinkets and THE BEST PART OF ALL-- The free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.
As a kid, I loved the goal of that huge pink ribbon and all that yummy yummy pizza.
As an adult, I love that the program lasted all 6 years and continued on and built throughout your school years.
Did your teacher read aloud to you? Do you remember what book it was?
Some did. I remember Mrs. Wisneski read us Where the Red Fern Grows. Someone also read us Hatchet.
Do you remember what books you checked out at the school library?
In junior and senior high, I only used the school library for research. But I remember getting a lot of Shel Silverstein poetry from my elementary school library.
What was one of the first book reports you did for school?
Hop on Pop
Do you have a favorite book or author that you first heard about from a teacher or school project?
My favorite author is Mo Yan, who I first discovered when I was assigned Red Sorghum: A Novel of China in college. High school English classes are where I discovered Steinbeck, Vonnegut, and Fitzgerald. That's also where I discovered one of my favorite books of all time, As I Lay Dying.
Do you have a not-so-pleasant bookish memory from your school days?
Lord of the Flies. Let's just leave it at that.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Pretty pretty book covers
I couldn't help myself. I've been admiring this for months and it's available for pre-order, so I went ahead and bought it. Does it matter that it will be my 4th copy of the book? No, not at all!
It's so pretty! I like that they're embossing and adding other texture to the cover to better mimic the original embroidery.
While purchasing, I also saw this new cover for a classic:
Now, in my mind, Quentin Blake should be Dahl's only illustrator, but, but, but... this is very cool.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
It's so pretty! I like that they're embossing and adding other texture to the cover to better mimic the original embroidery.
While purchasing, I also saw this new cover for a classic:
Now, in my mind, Quentin Blake should be Dahl's only illustrator, but, but, but... this is very cool.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Ten Things I Hate About Me
Ten Things I Hate About Me Randa Abdel-FattahJamilah's dyed her hair blonde, wears colored contact lenses, and goes by Jamie at school. It's easier that way, if no one knows who she really is. Her school is full of racists and passing makes her life nicer--people see her instead of a Muslim stereotype. But she likes her Lebanese culture. She likes playing her darabuka drums in her band at Madrassa. Sadly, in hiding her heritage, she's hidden everything about herself. She thinks that people see the real her, but they see a girl with no self-esteem, a pushover.
I loved Jamilah's struggle with herself, her family, her friends at school and her friends at madrassa. I also really loved her family-- her activist sister, her slacker brother, her awesome aunt, and her father who is trying so hard to do the best he can as a single parent. (I especially loved her sister.)
It's a great book about self-acceptance against the odds. While I loved the look into Lebanese-Australian culture, I think Jamilah's struggles with defining and presenting herself are universal teen struggles.
Book Provided by... my wallet
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Looking Hard? or Hardly Looking?
So remember te WSJ article that started with the mother at the Barnes and Noble in Bethesda, completely unable to find anything suitable for her 13-year-old? Because it was all too dark and YA lit is a monolithic genre (instead of an age range with many genres) is sending horrible messages to our kids and making them depressed? And then suggested that we read Ship Breaker because apparently that one's light and cheery? (Did they miss the whole drunk and drugged murderous father? And the exploited children? And EVERYTHING ELSE in that book?)
Anyway, I went to the Barnes and Noble here in Arlingon, just on the other side of DC to see how dark and scary their YA section is!
SO HARD to find non-depressing, non-dark books for 13-year-old girls. SO HARD!
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Anyway, I went to the Barnes and Noble here in Arlingon, just on the other side of DC to see how dark and scary their YA section is!
SO HARD to find non-depressing, non-dark books for 13-year-old girls. SO HARD!
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Heartless
Heartless Gail Carriger
No one's entirely sure what Alexia's about to give birth to, but the supernatural set fear it. The only solution to stop the vampires from killing it (and as it hasn't been born yet, Alexia) is for Lord Akeldama to adopt it. Meanwhile, a threat has been made against the Queen. Alexia's investigating (despite her enormous size) but the clues keep pointing to a dark time in pack history and the werewolves aren't happy about where she's headed. Meanwhile, something odd is going on with Madame Lefoux and something even odder is happening with Alexia's sister-- she's wearing knitwear.
This one started a bit slowly for me. I had a hard time getting into it, but about halfway though something turned for me and it ended up being my favorite in the series (so far). I really enjoy the backstory of Woolsey pack history and things that have only been hinted at are finally explained. There wasn't a lot of Ivy in this one, but when she was around, she had more than a few surprises up her sleeve, not just for the reader but for Alexia as well. I continue to enjoy her more and more. This one's a bit different in that we also occasionally get first person narration by a ghost. Lots of little things come together in this one to solve the mystery, and lots of twists and turns kept me on my toes. Like I said, it started a bit rough-- I was actually rather disappointed and bored (!) with it, but it drew me in and held me-- I never saw where it was going. Like I said, it's my favorite so far.
Book Provided by... my wallet
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
No one's entirely sure what Alexia's about to give birth to, but the supernatural set fear it. The only solution to stop the vampires from killing it (and as it hasn't been born yet, Alexia) is for Lord Akeldama to adopt it. Meanwhile, a threat has been made against the Queen. Alexia's investigating (despite her enormous size) but the clues keep pointing to a dark time in pack history and the werewolves aren't happy about where she's headed. Meanwhile, something odd is going on with Madame Lefoux and something even odder is happening with Alexia's sister-- she's wearing knitwear.
This one started a bit slowly for me. I had a hard time getting into it, but about halfway though something turned for me and it ended up being my favorite in the series (so far). I really enjoy the backstory of Woolsey pack history and things that have only been hinted at are finally explained. There wasn't a lot of Ivy in this one, but when she was around, she had more than a few surprises up her sleeve, not just for the reader but for Alexia as well. I continue to enjoy her more and more. This one's a bit different in that we also occasionally get first person narration by a ghost. Lots of little things come together in this one to solve the mystery, and lots of twists and turns kept me on my toes. Like I said, it started a bit rough-- I was actually rather disappointed and bored (!) with it, but it drew me in and held me-- I never saw where it was going. Like I said, it's my favorite so far.
Book Provided by... my wallet
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
WIldwood Dancing
A review that originally ran in the Edge of the Forest:
Wildwood Dancing Juliet Marillier
Jena and her four sisters live in a Transylvanian castle, on the edge of the Wildwood. Villagers have always told stories about the Wildwood and who lives there. Jena has seen them herself—that awful day, years ago, when the creatures in the deadwash took her cousin. She also sees them every full moon when she and her sisters joint the fairy court for their revels. But this is a hard winter. Jena’s father has taken ill and gone to the coast, leaving Jena in charge of the household and his business. Jena’s cousin, Cezar, starts taking over, slowly but surely wresting all control from Jena, leaving the family completely at his mercy.
In the Other Kingdom, Night People have come to the valley. Jena’s older sister, Tati, has fallen in love with one of them and is wasting away. Cezar is growing suspicious of the sisters’ relationship with the Wildwood and threatens to embark on a campaign to destroy it, and all who live there. Old promises are coming due, and and it’s going to take all of Jena’s strength and courage to see her family to spring.
A wonderful and complex retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Marillier has kept the feel of Transylvanian folk lore and written an excellent addition to the genre. It is sure to be enjoyed by fans of such books as Robin McKinley’s Beauty and Shannon Hale’s Goose Girl. It also includes excellent historical notes, as well as a glossary and pronunciation guide.
Updated to add: This might be my favorite fairy tale retelling ever. It's more than just Twelve Dancing Princesses, but telling you the other story involved is a massive spoiler. It's so lushly done and Mariller adds so much to the story, it's so much more than just Twelve Dancing Princesses and there is real meat to this story, especially with the power struggle between Jena and Cezar. I can't go on enough about how well done this is.
Book Provided by... Edge of the Forest, for review.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Wildwood Dancing Juliet Marillier Jena and her four sisters live in a Transylvanian castle, on the edge of the Wildwood. Villagers have always told stories about the Wildwood and who lives there. Jena has seen them herself—that awful day, years ago, when the creatures in the deadwash took her cousin. She also sees them every full moon when she and her sisters joint the fairy court for their revels. But this is a hard winter. Jena’s father has taken ill and gone to the coast, leaving Jena in charge of the household and his business. Jena’s cousin, Cezar, starts taking over, slowly but surely wresting all control from Jena, leaving the family completely at his mercy.
In the Other Kingdom, Night People have come to the valley. Jena’s older sister, Tati, has fallen in love with one of them and is wasting away. Cezar is growing suspicious of the sisters’ relationship with the Wildwood and threatens to embark on a campaign to destroy it, and all who live there. Old promises are coming due, and and it’s going to take all of Jena’s strength and courage to see her family to spring.
A wonderful and complex retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Marillier has kept the feel of Transylvanian folk lore and written an excellent addition to the genre. It is sure to be enjoyed by fans of such books as Robin McKinley’s Beauty and Shannon Hale’s Goose Girl. It also includes excellent historical notes, as well as a glossary and pronunciation guide.
Updated to add: This might be my favorite fairy tale retelling ever. It's more than just Twelve Dancing Princesses, but telling you the other story involved is a massive spoiler. It's so lushly done and Mariller adds so much to the story, it's so much more than just Twelve Dancing Princesses and there is real meat to this story, especially with the power struggle between Jena and Cezar. I can't go on enough about how well done this is.
Book Provided by... Edge of the Forest, for review.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me?
Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? Louise RennisonThis is the last Georgia Nicolson book! The very last one!
The band is making it big and going off to London to be proper rock stars. Masimo wants Georgia to move with them! Yes, she's only 15, but he's a Luuuuuuuuuuuuurve God. But first she must survive another Shakespearean extravaganza.
Their production of Romeo and Juliet is hysterical. Although this is the LAST AND FINAL book in the series, it doesn't read like one. YES I like how it ended but... this is Georgia, Rennison could totally write another book starting the next day where Georgia pantses is all up. Which has happened on many, many occasions. To the point where I almost don't *trust* this ending. But I guess I must because (a) I like it (b) there will be no more fabnosity.
Oh Georgia, even though you'd have so much less drama in your life if you just chilled out a bit, I will miss you dreadfully. I love you and the mad gang dearly. I love your crazy family and your demented cat and your array of boys in the cakeshop of life. You have changed my vocabulary forever. You have made me snort all manner of liquids out my nose. You made many, many people stare at me oddly as I laughed loudly at this book flying back from London.
Speaking of, even though I had the US edition pre-ordered and everything, a few weeks before it came out I was walking through Heathrow and saw a giant display of this book and couldn't help myself. It not only entertained me wonderfully on the flight home, but I'm happy to say that the British edition still has the glossary in back. HUZZAH!
Book Provided by... my wallet
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Junie B Jones: Dumb Bunny
A book from 2007:
Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny Barbara Park
From GoodReads:
For Junie B., this year's Easter Egg Hunt at Lucille house holds extra allure. She's learned that winner of the egg fest wins a play date in Lucille's cool beyond cool heated indoor swimming pool. Before the race has even begun, though, Junie's ambitions trip over her own big rabbit feet: She's obliged to attend the event wearing an outlandish -- and incredibly awkward -- dumb bunny outfit. Sometimes the entire universe seems pitted against the world's unluckiest six-year-old! An endearing story about a truly sympathetic little girl.
What I remember: Poor Junie can only attend if she plays the Easter Bunny, but it's worth it to try to win the play date. I also remember that in this book it becomes unbelievably obvious that although Lucille and her family are richy-rich, they're really classless.
I've read a lot of Junie B, but most of it clocks in at just under 100 pages, so I haven't reviewed any of it. She exhausts me. Reading one of her books is like spending the afternoon with a hyper 6-year-old. I need a nap afterwards. That's how well Parks captures her voice and emotions. Every so often, Weekly Geeks will do a meme where you can post all of your unreviewed books and people can ask questions to help you write the review. Here are some questions I got for this book:
Chris asks:
My girl who is 5 loves Junie B. How old is she in Dumb Bunny?
She's in first grade, so 6?
Julie asks:
Junie B. Jones is written for kids who are just starting to get into reading, say, kindergarten or first grade. Does it bug you that the author makes deliberate grammar mistakes?
NO. The author writes in an authentic voice. There aren't grammar mistakes in the narrative, just when Junie B. or other kids are talking or writing. We demand authentic dialogue and voice from books written of older readers, why don't we hold books for younger readers to the same standard? I also think it's important for beginning readers to find books they can relate to. Do you know many kindergarteners or first graders who speak perfectly all the time? Kids need to see themselves and their peers reflected in books-- it's what's going to keep them reading.
Interestingly enough, Lucille's father also has horrible grammar.
Puss ReBoots asks:
I enjoy the Junie B Jones series. How does the Cracked Egg hold up against the others in the series?
It's a strong addition to the series. I especially loved seeing how money doesn't buy class or manners. Lucille's family really is a trip.
Sherrie asks:
I have never read a Junie B. Jones book. Would you recommend these books for an adult reader?
Eh. Not really. This is one that appeals a lot to kids, and a lot of older kids who read it when they were younger continue to read the series, but it's not one that has a lot to offer the adult reader.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny Barbara Park
From GoodReads:
For Junie B., this year's Easter Egg Hunt at Lucille house holds extra allure. She's learned that winner of the egg fest wins a play date in Lucille's cool beyond cool heated indoor swimming pool. Before the race has even begun, though, Junie's ambitions trip over her own big rabbit feet: She's obliged to attend the event wearing an outlandish -- and incredibly awkward -- dumb bunny outfit. Sometimes the entire universe seems pitted against the world's unluckiest six-year-old! An endearing story about a truly sympathetic little girl.
What I remember: Poor Junie can only attend if she plays the Easter Bunny, but it's worth it to try to win the play date. I also remember that in this book it becomes unbelievably obvious that although Lucille and her family are richy-rich, they're really classless.
I've read a lot of Junie B, but most of it clocks in at just under 100 pages, so I haven't reviewed any of it. She exhausts me. Reading one of her books is like spending the afternoon with a hyper 6-year-old. I need a nap afterwards. That's how well Parks captures her voice and emotions. Every so often, Weekly Geeks will do a meme where you can post all of your unreviewed books and people can ask questions to help you write the review. Here are some questions I got for this book:
Chris asks:
My girl who is 5 loves Junie B. How old is she in Dumb Bunny?
She's in first grade, so 6?
Julie asks:
Junie B. Jones is written for kids who are just starting to get into reading, say, kindergarten or first grade. Does it bug you that the author makes deliberate grammar mistakes?
NO. The author writes in an authentic voice. There aren't grammar mistakes in the narrative, just when Junie B. or other kids are talking or writing. We demand authentic dialogue and voice from books written of older readers, why don't we hold books for younger readers to the same standard? I also think it's important for beginning readers to find books they can relate to. Do you know many kindergarteners or first graders who speak perfectly all the time? Kids need to see themselves and their peers reflected in books-- it's what's going to keep them reading.
Interestingly enough, Lucille's father also has horrible grammar.
Puss ReBoots asks:
I enjoy the Junie B Jones series. How does the Cracked Egg hold up against the others in the series?
It's a strong addition to the series. I especially loved seeing how money doesn't buy class or manners. Lucille's family really is a trip.
Sherrie asks:
I have never read a Junie B. Jones book. Would you recommend these books for an adult reader?
Eh. Not really. This is one that appeals a lot to kids, and a lot of older kids who read it when they were younger continue to read the series, but it's not one that has a lot to offer the adult reader.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Monday, July 25, 2011
My Forever Friends
My Forever Friends Julie Bowe
I'm a big fan of the middle grade Friends for Keeps series. It's realistic and although I love my feisty MG heroines (Ramona, Clementine, Allie Finkle) I love Ida's quietness. She's an observer but still has a lot of friends and energy. If that makes sense. I also like that the series deals with small problems instead of big drama, but they're the small problems that we all have in 4th grade as we try to navigate friendships.
This one has slightly bigger drama, but it's still drama that most of us went through at one point or another. Jenna and Brooke used to be best friends, but now they're in a huge fight. No one knows what happened (but them) but everyone's dealing with the fallout. Things come to a head when Brooke decides to not go along with one of Jenna's plans for all the girls and demands that everyone else follow her. What happens is a split and now everyone is fighting, at least they are when they're talking to each other--including Stacey (who went with Brooke) and Ida (who stayed with Jenna.)
It's a strong addition to the series that looks at changing friendships and allegiances and how that doesn't have to spell absolute doom.
One touch I really enjoyed was how no one was looking forward to the trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder cabin. That's the type of thing that book characters are really excited to see, but even Ida thinks it's going to be boring, especially because it's just a replica, not the real cabin. It's almost children's literature sacrilege, but dude, it's true! It's a teeny tiny cabin in the woods. There's not a lot to see! Little touches like these make me think that Bowe probably took that same field trip in elementary school.
Book Provided by... the author, for review consideration
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
I'm a big fan of the middle grade Friends for Keeps series. It's realistic and although I love my feisty MG heroines (Ramona, Clementine, Allie Finkle) I love Ida's quietness. She's an observer but still has a lot of friends and energy. If that makes sense. I also like that the series deals with small problems instead of big drama, but they're the small problems that we all have in 4th grade as we try to navigate friendships.
This one has slightly bigger drama, but it's still drama that most of us went through at one point or another. Jenna and Brooke used to be best friends, but now they're in a huge fight. No one knows what happened (but them) but everyone's dealing with the fallout. Things come to a head when Brooke decides to not go along with one of Jenna's plans for all the girls and demands that everyone else follow her. What happens is a split and now everyone is fighting, at least they are when they're talking to each other--including Stacey (who went with Brooke) and Ida (who stayed with Jenna.)
It's a strong addition to the series that looks at changing friendships and allegiances and how that doesn't have to spell absolute doom.
One touch I really enjoyed was how no one was looking forward to the trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder cabin. That's the type of thing that book characters are really excited to see, but even Ida thinks it's going to be boring, especially because it's just a replica, not the real cabin. It's almost children's literature sacrilege, but dude, it's true! It's a teeny tiny cabin in the woods. There's not a lot to see! Little touches like these make me think that Bowe probably took that same field trip in elementary school.
Book Provided by... the author, for review consideration
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz
The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz Laura Toffler-CorrieWhen her best friend Callie moves from Manhattan to Kansas for the year, the only friends Amy has left are two girls she finds horrendously boring. After being given the diary of a nineteenth century Jewish immigrant for a school project, Amy teams up with her elderly neighbor Miss Sophia and her Hassidic Jewish nephew, Beryl, to explore New York and solve a mystery found within the diary’s pages.
Told entirely in email written by Amy to her best friend, as well as short plays that Amy uses to illustrate her points, the reader sees how Amy masks her loneliness in extreme humor and sarcasm. Through initially forced to work with them, Amy comes to enjoy her time with Miss Sophia and Beryl as they explore such corners of the city as Houdini’s grave on Halloween, the Tenement Museum, and the Coney Island. Amy's incredibly self-centered and is a bit annoying, but you understand *why* she feels that way. If you're at home missing your best friend and counting down the days until she moves back, you're not exactly going to be happy to hear that she's made a bunch of new friends and is thinking of staying where she is. And yes, you shouldn't care what other people think, but it's hard to stand up for the weird kid when you don't entirely understand why he's so different in the name of religion, even though you are also Jewish.
In addition to the great story of evolving friendship and self-discovery, I really liked the tour of New York and the mystery. It focuses on a unknown period of Jewish history in the US. (I'd want to talk more about it, because I think people need to know about it, but at the same time it's a major a spoiler alert. SO JUST READ IT, ok?)
ARC Provided by... publisher at ALA
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Gamma Glamma
Who else really misses The Edge of the Forest?
Seems it has gone away, I'm reposting the reviews that were originally published over there. Now, what I'm posting is what I submitted, but the beauty of having an editor is that things got changed. But I don't have a record of how the review originally appeared, so you're just getting my final draft.
Gamma Glamma Kim Flores
Luz Santos is a scientific genius, but she only tries to use her skills for good—like creating a shampoo that will make your hair grow (ok, that backfired and she had to give herself a haircut between periods) or cupcake frosting that will make everyone happy and agreeable (ok, it also gave them some serious gas.)
Her freshman year at Gamma High (Dallas’s ultimate magnet school) is going pretty well until she’s forced to enter the science fair. Normally, being asked to do such a project would be Luz’s dream, but the regional competition is the same day as Homecoming, and there’s no way she would be back in time for the dance. Her only solution is to come up with a project that’s so insane, there’s no way it would win. Project Gamma Glamma would take three regular students and use science (jelly beans that make you tan, bubble gum that helps your conversational skills, and specially formulated perfume) as well as more conventional make-overs to boost their popularity. Results would be based on homecoming court elections. Dr. Hamrock, however, finds the idea intriguing and Luz is stuck. To make matters worse, a reality show is recording the homecoming election process and Luz, as well as her subjects, are caught in the middle.
What Luz never counted on was whether or not her friends ever wanted to be popular. She also never counted on the fact that if she catapults her friends into the social stratosphere, that means she’s eating lunch all alone.
Gamma Glamma is laugh-out-loud hilarious and it’s refreshing to see a Latina leading character in a story where ethnicity isn’t a plot point. It’s also great to see a super-smart science queen be cool and not the uber-dork. Luz has friends, style, and a brain and knows how to put all three together. Flores has a good ear for high school drama and reality show flair, as well as crazy technology that we can only dream of. She also reminds us to take a deep look on the consequences of what we do—even if experiments do what they were supposed to, that doesn’t make them successful.
Book Provided by... the author, for review consideration
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Seems it has gone away, I'm reposting the reviews that were originally published over there. Now, what I'm posting is what I submitted, but the beauty of having an editor is that things got changed. But I don't have a record of how the review originally appeared, so you're just getting my final draft.
Gamma Glamma Kim Flores Luz Santos is a scientific genius, but she only tries to use her skills for good—like creating a shampoo that will make your hair grow (ok, that backfired and she had to give herself a haircut between periods) or cupcake frosting that will make everyone happy and agreeable (ok, it also gave them some serious gas.)
Her freshman year at Gamma High (Dallas’s ultimate magnet school) is going pretty well until she’s forced to enter the science fair. Normally, being asked to do such a project would be Luz’s dream, but the regional competition is the same day as Homecoming, and there’s no way she would be back in time for the dance. Her only solution is to come up with a project that’s so insane, there’s no way it would win. Project Gamma Glamma would take three regular students and use science (jelly beans that make you tan, bubble gum that helps your conversational skills, and specially formulated perfume) as well as more conventional make-overs to boost their popularity. Results would be based on homecoming court elections. Dr. Hamrock, however, finds the idea intriguing and Luz is stuck. To make matters worse, a reality show is recording the homecoming election process and Luz, as well as her subjects, are caught in the middle.
What Luz never counted on was whether or not her friends ever wanted to be popular. She also never counted on the fact that if she catapults her friends into the social stratosphere, that means she’s eating lunch all alone.
Gamma Glamma is laugh-out-loud hilarious and it’s refreshing to see a Latina leading character in a story where ethnicity isn’t a plot point. It’s also great to see a super-smart science queen be cool and not the uber-dork. Luz has friends, style, and a brain and knows how to put all three together. Flores has a good ear for high school drama and reality show flair, as well as crazy technology that we can only dream of. She also reminds us to take a deep look on the consequences of what we do—even if experiments do what they were supposed to, that doesn’t make them successful.
Book Provided by... the author, for review consideration
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A Crooked Rib
Old Reviews! I have a backlog of about 100 reviews to write. Books don't always get reviewed right away for various reasons. Even books I really liked. And then it's been so long it's hard to write the review, because I can't remember them well. So, we're going to take a Good Reads summary and I'll say what I remember and call it a day.
A book from 2007:
From a Crooked Rib Nuruddin Farah
From GoodReads:
Written with complete conviction from a woman’s point of view, Nuruddin Farah’s spare, shocking first novel savagely attacks the traditional values of his people yet is also a haunting celebration of the unbroken human spirit. Ebla, an orphan of eighteen, runs away from her nomadic encampment in rural Somalia when she discovers that her grandfather has promised her in marriage to an older man. But even after her escape to Mogadishu, she finds herself as powerless and dependent on men as she was out in the bush. As she is propelled through servitude, marriage, poverty, and violence, Ebla has to fight to retain her identity in a world where women are “sold like cattle."
What I remember: This was a hard book to read. Elba's entire life is lived at the mercy of the men in her life. Every time she gets out of one bad situation, she's taken advantage of by another man. At the same time, I loved the language and structure. I also really loved the contrast between country life in a nomadic tribe and city life in Mogadishu. I will also note that this book takes place around the time of Somali independence, so it's not a portrait of modern-day life in the country. There were some themes hinted at, mainly by the men in the city, that dealt with the changing political landscape.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
A book from 2007:
From a Crooked Rib Nuruddin FarahFrom GoodReads:
Written with complete conviction from a woman’s point of view, Nuruddin Farah’s spare, shocking first novel savagely attacks the traditional values of his people yet is also a haunting celebration of the unbroken human spirit. Ebla, an orphan of eighteen, runs away from her nomadic encampment in rural Somalia when she discovers that her grandfather has promised her in marriage to an older man. But even after her escape to Mogadishu, she finds herself as powerless and dependent on men as she was out in the bush. As she is propelled through servitude, marriage, poverty, and violence, Ebla has to fight to retain her identity in a world where women are “sold like cattle."
What I remember: This was a hard book to read. Elba's entire life is lived at the mercy of the men in her life. Every time she gets out of one bad situation, she's taken advantage of by another man. At the same time, I loved the language and structure. I also really loved the contrast between country life in a nomadic tribe and city life in Mogadishu. I will also note that this book takes place around the time of Somali independence, so it's not a portrait of modern-day life in the country. There were some themes hinted at, mainly by the men in the city, that dealt with the changing political landscape.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Withering Tights
Withering Tights Louise RennisonYAY! Louise Rennison has a new series! YAY!
Tallulah is Georgia's cousin (Georgia's mentioned, as is some of her advice on boys, but she doesn't really play a role in the book) and is off to performing arts summer camp. Only, when she gets there, she discovers that small town Yorkshire is not what she expected. Everyone else is boarding at the school, but Tallulah has to do a home stay with an overly nice family obsessed with owls. There are grotty boys who play in angry bands and interesting boys at the boys reform school down the road. But Tallulah's big worry is that she wants to be accepted into the year-round program, but, unlike her friends, she's not that talented and isn't sure what to do...
Tallulah is a little less mad than Georgia, but just as funny. I like that some of her problems are real, and not entirely her own invention, unlike her cousin. But, if you thought Georgia's rehersals and performances of Shakespeare (MacUseless anyone?) were hilarious, wait until you see what Tallulah does as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. To top it all off, this is a novel that very much plays with the conventions of British novels set in the rural England-- complete with references to Cold Comfort Farm. Seriously. The grotty boys are named Ruben, Seth and Cain.
Cannot wait for more.
ARC Provided by... publisher at ALA midwinter
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Weekly Geeks
I haven't participated in a Weekly Geeks Meme in a long time (too long!)
This week's question asks:
What book/novel would you suggest for someone like me, someone interested in learning about your state, city and/or country? What book do you think is perfect for presenting the history and culture of your place of residence in the most perfect and interesting way?
My problem is that most novels that take place in DC are political thrillers. Exciting, yes, but not the most accurate portrayal of life in the area. I mean, I've lived here for 6 years and I've never stopped a spy plot, blown anything up, or brought down a corrupt politician. My day-to-day life experiences that tend not to happen elsewhere involve being late to work because I'm caught behind someone's motorcade. Or seeing random politicians and talking heads while walking down the street. Even more common are being pissed off by clueless tourists or having my plans messed up because protests are closing down streets I want to drive on.
But I have lived other places.
For a great look into life in urban China, check out Peter Hessler's Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China or Michael Meyer's The Last Days of Old Beijing: Life in the Vanishing Backstreets of a City Transformed.
When I lived in Manchester, I lived in a largely Pakistani neighborhood. Coupled with current events at the time made me think a lot about the changing notions of British identity in the UK today. I think White Teeth by Zadie Smith captures these issues really well. Although it's historical fiction, Small Island by Andrea Levy explores these same issues even better.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
This week's question asks:
What book/novel would you suggest for someone like me, someone interested in learning about your state, city and/or country? What book do you think is perfect for presenting the history and culture of your place of residence in the most perfect and interesting way?
My problem is that most novels that take place in DC are political thrillers. Exciting, yes, but not the most accurate portrayal of life in the area. I mean, I've lived here for 6 years and I've never stopped a spy plot, blown anything up, or brought down a corrupt politician. My day-to-day life experiences that tend not to happen elsewhere involve being late to work because I'm caught behind someone's motorcade. Or seeing random politicians and talking heads while walking down the street. Even more common are being pissed off by clueless tourists or having my plans messed up because protests are closing down streets I want to drive on.
But I have lived other places.
For a great look into life in urban China, check out Peter Hessler's Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China or Michael Meyer's The Last Days of Old Beijing: Life in the Vanishing Backstreets of a City Transformed.
When I lived in Manchester, I lived in a largely Pakistani neighborhood. Coupled with current events at the time made me think a lot about the changing notions of British identity in the UK today. I think White Teeth by Zadie Smith captures these issues really well. Although it's historical fiction, Small Island by Andrea Levy explores these same issues even better.
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Heist Society
Heist Society Ally CarterEvery time Kat thinks she gets out, they pull her back in. Her family's business isn't the mob, but art thievery. She thought she had pulled the perfect con, getting into an elite boarding school and out of the life. But then her friend Hale frames her for the perfect prank and gets her kicked out, because they need her for one last job.
A major art collection has been stolen and the owner wants it back. The only suspect is Kat's father and the owner won't stop at anything to get it back. Only problem is that Kat's father was doing a different job when the collection was stolen-- he didn't do it. The only way to keep her father alive is to find out who did steal the art and steal it back. But, it's a lot easier to walk out on your family than it is to walk back into it. Kat needs a crew, but who will listen to her now?
Fans of Carter's Gallagher Girl series will recognize and enjoy her blend of adventure, highly unlikely elite skills, and sexual tension. Kat's ragtag team of teen thieves hopscotch around Europe as they try to unravel the mystery of who really did steal the paintings and how they're going to get them back. It's a fun adventure and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Uncommon Criminals.
ARC Provided by... a friend
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
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