01/31 K. Elliott gave 5 stars to: The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child by Francisco Jiménez
status: Read in January, 2010
Picked this up from the library on a whim. On the back cover, one reviewer says: "A jewel of a book. The writing is full of sentiment, but not sentimentality. ...A must for the general reader, students, and professors alike. In brief, a joy to read."
Well, I have to disagree about the "joy" for the most part, some of it was very hard. But it was worth the glimpse into the life of an illegal-immigrant-migrant-worker family. The author really knew how to put it on to paper.
Some of it was agonizing, some sweet, some just made me cry in pity. He didn't describe much of their life in Mexico, but I had to wonder if it really was any better here. Perhaps it was since they stayed. ?
The ending was horrible, just too abrupt. Obviously things worked out as the author is a professor in California now, but it just felt...well, I suppose it felt a lot like the characters felt--uprooted again right at the beginning of something good.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Master Skylark: A Story of Shakespeare's Time by John Bennett
01/31 K. Elliott gave 5 stars to: Master Skylark: A Story of Shakespeare's Time by John Bennett
recommended for: History and adventure lovers
status: Read in January, 2010 — I own a copy
Picked this up a long time ago at DI, just felt like reading it--so glad I did!
This was a fabulous book! I think I'll read it aloud to my kids sometime. Young Nick is endearing for many reasons, but most of all for the love he has for his mother.
The author dedicates the book this way:
"All that Nicholas Attwood's was to him, and more, my own mother has been to me. And to her here I inscribe this book with a never failing love."
Isn't that sweet? It sets the whole tone for the book.
An adventure tale set in Shakespeare's time, it was a great and detailed story of life in that time. I love the descriptions and the characters are interesting and compelling. One think I appreciated was that the author didn't see fit to make the characters speak in Elizabethan English :) I loved the descriptions of Shakespeare and others.
recommended for: History and adventure lovers
status: Read in January, 2010 — I own a copy
Picked this up a long time ago at DI, just felt like reading it--so glad I did!
This was a fabulous book! I think I'll read it aloud to my kids sometime. Young Nick is endearing for many reasons, but most of all for the love he has for his mother.
The author dedicates the book this way:
"All that Nicholas Attwood's was to him, and more, my own mother has been to me. And to her here I inscribe this book with a never failing love."
Isn't that sweet? It sets the whole tone for the book.
An adventure tale set in Shakespeare's time, it was a great and detailed story of life in that time. I love the descriptions and the characters are interesting and compelling. One think I appreciated was that the author didn't see fit to make the characters speak in Elizabethan English :) I loved the descriptions of Shakespeare and others.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Goodreads members have spoken!
Goodreads members have spoken! Thousands of votes were cast in the first-ever Goodreads Choice Awards. A few books dominated their categories, such as The Girl Who Played with Fire in the Mysteries/Thrillers genre. But many races came down to a photo finish. Catching Fire narrowly edged out The Help to become the all-time favorite book of 2009. The zombies of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies put up a good fight, but were bitten back in the final days of voting by the vampires of Dead and Gone. Here are the winners in each category! See the full results »
Disagree with these popular picks? Make your voice heard by voting for your favorite books of 2009 on our Listopia list, The Best Books of 2009! You can nominate and vote for any book published last year. Vote now »
Goodreads Favorite of 2009
Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Fiction
The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
(Goodreads Author)
Nonfiction
Columbine
by Dave Cullen
(Goodreads Author)
Mystery/Thriller
The Girl Who Played with Fire
by Stieg Larsson
Fantasy
Dead and Gone
by Charlaine Harris
Science Fiction
Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld
Chick Lit
The Last Song
by Nicholas Sparks
Romance
An Echo in the Bone
by Diana Gabaldon
Graphic Novel
Batman
by Neil Gaiman
(Goodreads Author)
Young Adult Fiction
Along for the Ride
by Sarah Dessen
(Goodreads Author)
Young Adult Series
Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Children's
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
by Jeff Kinney
Picture Book
Blueberry Girl
by Neil Gaiman
(Goodreads Author)
illustrated by Charles Vess
Disagree with these popular picks? Make your voice heard by voting for your favorite books of 2009 on our Listopia list, The Best Books of 2009! You can nominate and vote for any book published last year. Vote now »
Goodreads Favorite of 2009
Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Fiction
The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
(Goodreads Author)
Nonfiction
Columbine
by Dave Cullen
(Goodreads Author)
Mystery/Thriller
The Girl Who Played with Fire
by Stieg Larsson
Fantasy
Dead and Gone
by Charlaine Harris
Science Fiction
Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld
Chick Lit
The Last Song
by Nicholas Sparks
Romance
An Echo in the Bone
by Diana Gabaldon
Graphic Novel
Batman
by Neil Gaiman
(Goodreads Author)
Young Adult Fiction
Along for the Ride
by Sarah Dessen
(Goodreads Author)
Young Adult Series
Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Children's
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
by Jeff Kinney
Picture Book
Blueberry Girl
by Neil Gaiman
(Goodreads Author)
illustrated by Charles Vess
Sunday, January 10, 2010
INSPIRING BOOKS AT THE LIBRARY
INSPIRING BOOKS AT THE LIBRARY
Literacy
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
Frederick Douglass
Inspiring books I have read lately
"The Great Serum Race" by Debbie S Miller
A children’s book about the Iditarod Trail
The Iditarod Race in March is in commemoration
of the race in 1925 to carry Diphtheria vaccine to Nome Alaska to save children’s lives. Beautiful pictures by Jon Van Zyle a musher himself. Now at the library..
Also:"Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ" by Brother Andrew ( recommenced by an institute teacher)
Posted by CLEO & MIKE at 3:27 PM 0 comments
Literacy
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
Frederick Douglass
Inspiring books I have read lately
"The Great Serum Race" by Debbie S Miller
A children’s book about the Iditarod Trail
The Iditarod Race in March is in commemoration
of the race in 1925 to carry Diphtheria vaccine to Nome Alaska to save children’s lives. Beautiful pictures by Jon Van Zyle a musher himself. Now at the library..
Also:"Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ" by Brother Andrew ( recommenced by an institute teacher)
Posted by CLEO & MIKE at 3:27 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
JanWhen You Reach Me
201004
JanWhen You Reach Me
Ratings by: Jennifer
Language: 2
Violence: 1
Sexual Content: 1
Adult Themes:0
Title: When You Reach Me
Author: Rebecca Stead
Ratings Explanation
Language: Around 10 instances of profanity. “Hell” used a hand full of times.
Violence: Sal is punched in the stomach and nose. A man is hit and killed by a truck.
Sexual Content: An innocent kiss.
Synopsis
Sal and Miranda, Miranda and Sal. That’s how it always was, until one day it wasn’t anymore. Best friends since early childhood, Sal and Miranda are inseparable, but one day Sal gets punched by another boy on the way home from school and he walks out of Miranda’s life with no explanation. Then she starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. The first note tells her that someone is coming to save her friend’s life, but which one of her friends is in danger? How do all of the dots connect? Filled with emotion, this realistic representation of a 6th grader’s life in 1979 New York City will touch the heart of all kinds of readers.
I heard Nancy Pearl review this book on NPR one morning, voicing her opinion that it should win the Newbery Medal. With such an enthusiastic endorsement I checked it out from the library and my 12-year-old promptly commandeered it and read it in a few hours. It took me longer, of course, as I have much less discretionary reading time than she, but it was worth every minute. I thoroughly enjoyed this exceptional book.
Categories: Grades 4-5, Grades 6-7, Grades 8-9
Comments:
JanWhen You Reach Me
Ratings by: Jennifer
Language: 2
Violence: 1
Sexual Content: 1
Adult Themes:0
Title: When You Reach Me
Author: Rebecca Stead
Ratings Explanation
Language: Around 10 instances of profanity. “Hell” used a hand full of times.
Violence: Sal is punched in the stomach and nose. A man is hit and killed by a truck.
Sexual Content: An innocent kiss.
Synopsis
Sal and Miranda, Miranda and Sal. That’s how it always was, until one day it wasn’t anymore. Best friends since early childhood, Sal and Miranda are inseparable, but one day Sal gets punched by another boy on the way home from school and he walks out of Miranda’s life with no explanation. Then she starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. The first note tells her that someone is coming to save her friend’s life, but which one of her friends is in danger? How do all of the dots connect? Filled with emotion, this realistic representation of a 6th grader’s life in 1979 New York City will touch the heart of all kinds of readers.
I heard Nancy Pearl review this book on NPR one morning, voicing her opinion that it should win the Newbery Medal. With such an enthusiastic endorsement I checked it out from the library and my 12-year-old promptly commandeered it and read it in a few hours. It took me longer, of course, as I have much less discretionary reading time than she, but it was worth every minute. I thoroughly enjoyed this exceptional book.
Categories: Grades 4-5, Grades 6-7, Grades 8-9
Comments:
Sunday, December 27, 2009
"Lost Symbol"
Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word.
The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters.
Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal. --Daphne Durham
The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters.
Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal. --Daphne Durham
Baldacci (First Family
From Publishers Weekly
This promising first in a new series from bestseller Baldacci (First Family) introduces Beth Perry, chief of the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police, and Beth's younger sister, Mace Perry, a former police officer dubbed the Patty Hearst of the twenty-first century after she was seized by bandits, drugged and taken along on a series of armed robberies around Washington. Mace, who's just getting out of prison after serving a two-year sentence, is willing to risk everything to clear her name and reclaim her life as a cop by cracking a big case on her own. The rape-murder of a powerful lawyer as well as the killing of a prominent U.S. attorney provide Mace an opportunity to vindicate herself. While Baldacci draws his characters in bright primary colors, and some of the action reaches comic book proportions, he delivers his usual intricate plotting and sets the stage nicely for highly competent Beth and impulsive, streetwise Mace to take on more bad guys. (Oct. 27)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights
This promising first in a new series from bestseller Baldacci (First Family) introduces Beth Perry, chief of the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police, and Beth's younger sister, Mace Perry, a former police officer dubbed the Patty Hearst of the twenty-first century after she was seized by bandits, drugged and taken along on a series of armed robberies around Washington. Mace, who's just getting out of prison after serving a two-year sentence, is willing to risk everything to clear her name and reclaim her life as a cop by cracking a big case on her own. The rape-murder of a powerful lawyer as well as the killing of a prominent U.S. attorney provide Mace an opportunity to vindicate herself. While Baldacci draws his characters in bright primary colors, and some of the action reaches comic book proportions, he delivers his usual intricate plotting and sets the stage nicely for highly competent Beth and impulsive, streetwise Mace to take on more bad guys. (Oct. 27)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights
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