I loved Restoring Harmony! Restoring Harmony had great characters, all strong and with their own quirks. Even the bad guys had good qualities that made you like some of them, though you didn't want to admit it. The story was very believable, and a good study of what could be. Molly, the main character goes from Canada to the United States in an attempt to bring her Grandfather home.
The year is 2041, and there is almost no oil. Molly is strong but naive, which is to be expected from a farm girl going to a big city alone. Some of the plot was predictable but there were several twists I didn't see coming, especially at the end. All the characters grew a substantial amount in the story and it was a lot of fun reading about that growth. Molly's music was especially unique to the story. I don't remember another dystopian type book with music, or at least not any with the main character so musically inclined. It really enhanced the story, and made it more real. Ms. Anthony created a historical feel for a futuristic novel, including the music and the market for whiskey, the farming, cobbling, and open markets. This one is a 4 star book!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Life As We Knew It, book review
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Life As We Knew It is a cold hard look at what could happen in our future. It’s the story of one family’s struggle for survival after a meteorite hits the moon and knocks it out of it’s orbit and much closer to the Earth. Life as we Knew It is a study in cause and effect: because of the moon’s effect on the Earth, our world is turned upside down in a matter of days. The gravitational pull has changed since the moon is closer and causes massive tidal waves, earthquakes, and volcanoes which in turn causes millions to die immediately, and more to die later from famine, sickness, and starvation.
At first the main character, Miranda, seemed whiney to me, but I could also understand her feelings. The author used journal entries written by Miranda to tell the story through Miranda's eyes. The journal entries did a good job at showing the emotion of what it would feel like if something so apocalyptic happened. Ms. Pfeffer did a good job of showing the growth and strength of Miranda as the story progresses. It shows the types of sacrifices someone might make in that situation, but also the hardships of making those sacrifices. This was a very grim book, but it ended with hope. This one is a 3.5 star book because it made me cry so much, but the story is a good one to read and contemplate.
Life As We Knew It is a cold hard look at what could happen in our future. It’s the story of one family’s struggle for survival after a meteorite hits the moon and knocks it out of it’s orbit and much closer to the Earth. Life as we Knew It is a study in cause and effect: because of the moon’s effect on the Earth, our world is turned upside down in a matter of days. The gravitational pull has changed since the moon is closer and causes massive tidal waves, earthquakes, and volcanoes which in turn causes millions to die immediately, and more to die later from famine, sickness, and starvation.
At first the main character, Miranda, seemed whiney to me, but I could also understand her feelings. The author used journal entries written by Miranda to tell the story through Miranda's eyes. The journal entries did a good job at showing the emotion of what it would feel like if something so apocalyptic happened. Ms. Pfeffer did a good job of showing the growth and strength of Miranda as the story progresses. It shows the types of sacrifices someone might make in that situation, but also the hardships of making those sacrifices. This was a very grim book, but it ended with hope. This one is a 3.5 star book because it made me cry so much, but the story is a good one to read and contemplate.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Summer Reading Begins!
This past Saturday we kicked off our summer reading programs. This year I'm doing an Adult and teen summer reading program, so if I look a little more frazzled than usual, that's why. It's a lot of work but it's fun and rewarding so it's worth it. We had a great turnout for this past Saturday's party, with over 100 people attending. We've got lots of things planned this summer including Dungeons and Dragons Game days, travel programs, gardening programs, book clubs, murder mystery parties, scavenger hunts, and even a "literary" speed dating program for the adults. It should be lots of fun!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
blue plate special
blue plate special by Michelle D. Kwasney
I'm still trying to decide exactly how I feel about this book. If I took anything away from this novel, it would be an appreciation of family. The girls in this book all have horrific experiences that no one should have to go through. blue plate special was a difficult book to read because of all the pain the girls endure. The title and the book’s cover don’t really give you any idea of what the book is about, but at the end, you find that they do tie in to the plot, and they both end up being an important part of the story. My emotions ran the gamut while reading this one. I went from shock to pure outrage with lots of other emotions thrown in as well. I couldn't help but think of my daughter and mother while I was reading blue plate special.
The main characters of blue plate special are three girls, Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel, who live in different decades. blue plate special is the story of their years as teenagers, and the issues each girl faces. Ms. Kwasney does a good job of creating the imagery associated with each girl, where each girl lives and what it's like to be each girl living in a specific time. The writing styles that Ms. Kwasney used made it very easy to keep track of who was who; each girl had a very distinct voice that was not easily confused with the others. Some may say that Ms. Kwasney tried to include too much in her book but I don't think so. She did a very good job of tying everything together. I was really surprised when I found out that the girls were all connected. I won’t tell you how but I will tell you that when I figured out who was who in each story I was baffled and just plain mad about one character in particular. However, by the end I came to understand the reasons behind what happened, and like one of the main characters, began to forgive one of the other characters. I'm going to give this book 3 stars, because in the beginning it was so depressing, I'm not sure I would have finished it if it wasn't a book club book, however as far as writing and imagery goes I give it a 5. blue plate special's intended audience will eat this one up, and it has a lot of good discussion topics as well.
I'm still trying to decide exactly how I feel about this book. If I took anything away from this novel, it would be an appreciation of family. The girls in this book all have horrific experiences that no one should have to go through. blue plate special was a difficult book to read because of all the pain the girls endure. The title and the book’s cover don’t really give you any idea of what the book is about, but at the end, you find that they do tie in to the plot, and they both end up being an important part of the story. My emotions ran the gamut while reading this one. I went from shock to pure outrage with lots of other emotions thrown in as well. I couldn't help but think of my daughter and mother while I was reading blue plate special.
The main characters of blue plate special are three girls, Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel, who live in different decades. blue plate special is the story of their years as teenagers, and the issues each girl faces. Ms. Kwasney does a good job of creating the imagery associated with each girl, where each girl lives and what it's like to be each girl living in a specific time. The writing styles that Ms. Kwasney used made it very easy to keep track of who was who; each girl had a very distinct voice that was not easily confused with the others. Some may say that Ms. Kwasney tried to include too much in her book but I don't think so. She did a very good job of tying everything together. I was really surprised when I found out that the girls were all connected. I won’t tell you how but I will tell you that when I figured out who was who in each story I was baffled and just plain mad about one character in particular. However, by the end I came to understand the reasons behind what happened, and like one of the main characters, began to forgive one of the other characters. I'm going to give this book 3 stars, because in the beginning it was so depressing, I'm not sure I would have finished it if it wasn't a book club book, however as far as writing and imagery goes I give it a 5. blue plate special's intended audience will eat this one up, and it has a lot of good discussion topics as well.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Squire's Quest by Gerald Morris
**Contains one small spoiler**
The Squire’s Quest is the ninth in a series of books by Gerald Morris called The Squire's Tales. Even though I haven't read the rest of the series I was still able to enjoy the book. This one made me want to go back and read the other books in the series, and there was enough background information that it was easy to catch up. The Squire’s Quest had enough magic to make it interesting to someone who likes to read fantasy, but not so much that a historical fiction fan would turn away from it. Some parts were predictable, but there were other parts that really surprised me, and the end was especially jaw dropping. Although the lovers lived, it reminded me of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but even more tragic. The writing was easy to follow but there was some language that may not be appropriate for younger ages. The women characters in the book were very strong while the men were both charming and devious, a good combination in any book.
I laughed out loud in parts of the book and cried in others. When I first began reading this book I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. I’m not usually a fan of King Arthur type books but this one grabbed my attention relatively quickly and held on. This is a great “boy book” with lots of fighting and intrigue, but it also has just enough romance that girls will enjoy it as well. The only part that didn’t seem to flow well was when a couple of the main characters disappeared for over a month and no one seemed too worried when they finally reappeared. Mr. Morris did mention some of the changes that took place while they were missing, but I would think the characters would have been missed a little more than they were. I’ll give this one 4 stars. Well-done Mr. Morris.
The Squire’s Quest is the ninth in a series of books by Gerald Morris called The Squire's Tales. Even though I haven't read the rest of the series I was still able to enjoy the book. This one made me want to go back and read the other books in the series, and there was enough background information that it was easy to catch up. The Squire’s Quest had enough magic to make it interesting to someone who likes to read fantasy, but not so much that a historical fiction fan would turn away from it. Some parts were predictable, but there were other parts that really surprised me, and the end was especially jaw dropping. Although the lovers lived, it reminded me of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but even more tragic. The writing was easy to follow but there was some language that may not be appropriate for younger ages. The women characters in the book were very strong while the men were both charming and devious, a good combination in any book.
I laughed out loud in parts of the book and cried in others. When I first began reading this book I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. I’m not usually a fan of King Arthur type books but this one grabbed my attention relatively quickly and held on. This is a great “boy book” with lots of fighting and intrigue, but it also has just enough romance that girls will enjoy it as well. The only part that didn’t seem to flow well was when a couple of the main characters disappeared for over a month and no one seemed too worried when they finally reappeared. Mr. Morris did mention some of the changes that took place while they were missing, but I would think the characters would have been missed a little more than they were. I’ll give this one 4 stars. Well-done Mr. Morris.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
This month's Kindred Connections book club book
Ghost Huntress: The Guidance by Marly Gibson
The Guidance was a fun read. This one is great for reluctant readers, but it is aimed more for girls than boys. It could be read as a stand alone book, however I feel the reader would enjoy the series more if it was read in order. Ms. Gibson put enough background information in the second book so that it would still be a good read. As a southerner, I can say the language Ms. Gibson used was right on for the south. The dynamics of the relationships between the friends and the adults were very good, and were presented in a true to life manner. I really liked all the characters; the main character was sassy, smart, and a good heroine.
The books are somewhat predictable, but there are still enough twists to keep the attention of the reader. There were some plot elements that did not get finished, such as who is Emily and where did she come from? I'm pretty sure I've guessed the answer but there's always a chance I'm wrong. I'm sure Ms. Gibson will answer that one and the other questions left hanging in her third book. I give this one 4 stars.
The Guidance was a fun read. This one is great for reluctant readers, but it is aimed more for girls than boys. It could be read as a stand alone book, however I feel the reader would enjoy the series more if it was read in order. Ms. Gibson put enough background information in the second book so that it would still be a good read. As a southerner, I can say the language Ms. Gibson used was right on for the south. The dynamics of the relationships between the friends and the adults were very good, and were presented in a true to life manner. I really liked all the characters; the main character was sassy, smart, and a good heroine.
The books are somewhat predictable, but there are still enough twists to keep the attention of the reader. There were some plot elements that did not get finished, such as who is Emily and where did she come from? I'm pretty sure I've guessed the answer but there's always a chance I'm wrong. I'm sure Ms. Gibson will answer that one and the other questions left hanging in her third book. I give this one 4 stars.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Another one from Sarah! Thanks again.
I just read Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony (due for release in May), and I must say I really liked reading this book. I hate to also say that I have some complaints about it, but I do. I think Anthony is a promising writer. She paces her writing well and she has gotten the art of creating suspense down. At the end of each chapter is a hook to pull the reader on, and she plants plot elements throughout her story that surprise the reader later.
I liked her protagonist, Molly, instantly, and if it weren’t for that I probably would have found the futuristic world Anthony creates a bit too derivative; her world seems like any other dystopia I’ve ever read – perhaps more boring though. Molly is forced to navigate this futuristic America, a hostile place, and I liked that as a Canadian traveling to the states to find her grandparents, she is as new to the corrupt order as the reader is.
I was disappointed in Anthony’s treatment of Molly at times. Molly ultimately reaches her goal in the story by selling alcohol on the black market, and this fifteen-year-old girl – who seems completely inexperienced with men – ends up in a relationship with the twenty-one-year-old man she meets. Without giving too much away, I’ll just tell you that Anthony doesn’t reach hard for emotions when Molly has to part with her most precious possession. The moment calls for more and she just doesn’t deliver. Molly is very family-oriented, though. Her heart is with her pregnant mother who needs a doctor to deliver the baby, and she is devoted to the task of bringing her grandparents (her grandfather, a doctor) to live in Canada with them.
I’ll tell you that overall I liked this story. For all the problems I found with Molly’s character, I like a heroine who puts her family first, and this story is all about sacrificing for the people you love. It’s fast-paced and an interesting read that I think teens will get lost in. I know when I had to put it down I looked forward to getting back to the story. I’ll give it three out of five; a heartfelt dilemma and a strong protagonist on a sometimes mediocre background.
I liked her protagonist, Molly, instantly, and if it weren’t for that I probably would have found the futuristic world Anthony creates a bit too derivative; her world seems like any other dystopia I’ve ever read – perhaps more boring though. Molly is forced to navigate this futuristic America, a hostile place, and I liked that as a Canadian traveling to the states to find her grandparents, she is as new to the corrupt order as the reader is.
I was disappointed in Anthony’s treatment of Molly at times. Molly ultimately reaches her goal in the story by selling alcohol on the black market, and this fifteen-year-old girl – who seems completely inexperienced with men – ends up in a relationship with the twenty-one-year-old man she meets. Without giving too much away, I’ll just tell you that Anthony doesn’t reach hard for emotions when Molly has to part with her most precious possession. The moment calls for more and she just doesn’t deliver. Molly is very family-oriented, though. Her heart is with her pregnant mother who needs a doctor to deliver the baby, and she is devoted to the task of bringing her grandparents (her grandfather, a doctor) to live in Canada with them.
I’ll tell you that overall I liked this story. For all the problems I found with Molly’s character, I like a heroine who puts her family first, and this story is all about sacrificing for the people you love. It’s fast-paced and an interesting read that I think teens will get lost in. I know when I had to put it down I looked forward to getting back to the story. I’ll give it three out of five; a heartfelt dilemma and a strong protagonist on a sometimes mediocre background.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)