Picks and Pans

The Rag and Bone Shop

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:02:31 GMT

The Rag and Bone Shop
Robert Cormier
Laurel-Leaf
2001

I wasn't sure what to expect by the description on the back of the book. Was it going to be a mystery? A look into the mind of a murderer? All I knew was that I was bound to find it interesting, like I have all of Cormier's novels that I have read.

I wasn't disappointed. Instead of a "Who-done it", this is an intense look at the interrogation process when procuring a confession is the only acceptable outcome, whether or not the suspect is innocent or guilty.

Cormier melds together the voices of the two main characters effortlessly and fully fleshes them out with a minimum of verbiage. He can fit into a 154 page novel what it takes other writers 1000 pages to deal with.

I was drawn into the story immediately and it continually held my interest. By the end I was producing fear sweat in sympathy with the character. A masterful job.

4 stars.

A Journey to the Center of the Earth

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:59:29 GMT

A Journey to the Center of the Earth
Jules Verne
Scholastic
1965 (originally published 1864)

I had not previously read this novel, so I was happy to find the time to finally immerse myself in it. "Journey" is the story of a professor, his nephew, and a native Icelandic guide who explore the interior of a volcano in the hopes of finding the center of the earth. Their adventures are many, and young readers (middle school age) will probably enjoy the excitement of discovery.

What this story lacks, is any real character development. The characters are flat and two-dimensional. They do not grow and change.

Many of Verne's predictions about the center of the earth and natural history have since been found to not be true in the real world, but it was still a fun read.

2 1/2 stars.

current books

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:20:35 GMT

Just a note to let you know what I am currently reading. My husband and I are currently reading aloud "Moby Dick", chapter by chapter, We probably won't be finished till sometime in the first half of 2010. I am also finishing up "A Journey to the center of the Earth" by Jules Verne and will be reading "The Rag and Bone Shop" by Robert Cormier next week. Expect reviews for those two novels in the next week.

Shannon: A Novel

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:52:20 GMT

Shannon: A Novel
Frank Delaney
Random House
2009

Shannon is an epic novel of hope and recovery set in post WWI Boston and Ireland.
Father Robert Shannon is suffering from Shell Shock (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after serving as a cleric during the battle of Belleau Wood. In order to aid his recovery, he is walking the length of the Shannon river to discover his families roots and to heal his soul.
Unbeknown to him, there are those who do not wish him to recover and will do anything to prevent it.
Shannon is filled with Irish history, WWI history, PTSD, church politics, an assassin, and even romance. What more can anyone want?

4 stars.

rabbit, run

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:12:53 GMT

rabbit, run
John Updike
Fawcett Books
Copyright 1960

I'm sure that when this book first came out it talked to many readers who were stuck in similar situations, but as a reader today, I was disappointed in this "Modern Classic". The only character that I could remotely relate to was the part-time prostitute/other woman that Rabbit lured into his dysfunctional life. And even she had serious issues.

The writing was well done, and I kept hoping for something positive to happen in the story. I mean, come on, there are sequels, I thought it would get better, otherwise, why the sequels. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

So here is my review:

rabbit, run is a story of unhappy men and women, repressed emotionally and sexually, who have bad sex, give bad advice, and live unhealthy lives.

And oh yeah, the sex scenes. I can't forget to mention the sex scenes. They are awful. The characters do not handle sex well and reading about it is like reading about a train wreck. One line that just clinched it for me was, "Wobbly Bubbles" when he is describing a pair of breasts. Ugh.

2 stars.

Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Volume 4

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:22:15 GMT

Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Volume 4
Archive DC Editions
1994

It was nice to see in this volume that The Legion started to have multi-issue stories and were working on continuity. Unfortunately, I believe this volume contains some of the worse Legion writing that I have ever read. Jerry Seigel (Co-creator of Superman) was at his worst with the stories: Secret of the Mystery Legionnaire and The Triumph of the Legion of Super-Villains.

Edmund Hamilton's stories were much better and I am looking forward to the better writing that will be found (I hope) in Volume 5.

2 1/2 stars.

Heroes

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:57:12 GMT

Heroes
Robert Cormier
Delacorte Press
1998

Francis, an underage war vet with a silver star and with out a face, returns to his hometown to perform one final deed, murder the man who was his hero.

This book is sad and frightening at the same time. Especially while our country is again involved in a war that is crippling and killing American soldiers.

I enjoyed this brief trip through francis's mind.

4 stars.

The Graveyard Book

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:02:35 GMT

The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman
Illustrations by Dave McKean
Harper Collins
2008

What can be said about this Newbery Award winner that hasn't already been said?

The Characters are wonderfully written and suitably creepy. The plot is smooth and exciting. And while this reader was left wanting more when I finished reading the book, I was satisfied that the plot was completed, even though I am hoping that there will soon be another volume about Nobody Owen's life.

4 stars.

The Brocaded Slipper

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:42:39 GMT

The Brocaded Slipper and Other Vietnamese Tales

Lynette Dyer Vuong, illustrations by Vo-Dinh Mai

Addison-Wesley

1982

This must be my year for reading myths, legends and fairy tales. This volume contains the following tales: The Brocaded Slipper, Little Finger of the Watermelon Patch, The Fairy Grotto, Master Frog, and The Lampstand Princess. The author includes notes in the back of the book and a section on pronunciation.

The stories in this book are unlike traditional western fairy tales, except they do seem to be populated with lots of fairies and lots of princes and princesses. The first story, The Brocaded Slipper, is similar to Cinderella, but a lot longer and darker than the traditional version I was accustomed to. All the stories were entertaining, and I recommend Master Frog as a humorous story with a happy ending.

3 ½ stars.

Inuyasha Vol. 2

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:41:35 GMT

[InuYasha Vol. 2] by Rumiko Takahashi

This is the second vol. in the series. The main characters continue their fight with the hair ogre and face off with Inuyaha's 1/2 brother.

This vol. was rather violent and bloody.

3 stars.

The Face on the Milk Carton

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:33:08 GMT

The face on the Milk Carton

Caroline B. Cooney

Delacorte Press

1990

Oooohh… Freaky book!

Most of us have seen the missing children pictures on the back of milk cartons. Sometimes we notice them. Most of the time we just ignore them. But what happens if it turns out the face on the milk carton is yours? That’s what happens to Janie in this novel. Was she really kidnapped? Janie spends “The Face on the Milk Carton” trying to discover the truth about who she is, who her real parents are, and what she should do with her new knowledge.

This was a wonderful story and a very freaky, scary compelling read in a psychological thriller way. A small warning, it ends on a cliffhanger that leads into it’s sequel, “Whatever happened to Janie?”.

4 stars.

Inuyasha Vol. 1

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:06:02 GMT

InuYasha Vol. 1

Rumiko Takahashi

Viz Media

2003

In this volume, modern girl Kagome falls down a “Well of Legend” and travels to the warlord era of Japan. There she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon boy. Together they are given a mission to collect the shattered pieces of a gem that gives demons and humans immense power.

This is definitely NOT Ranma ½! While humor is still present in the story, there is a firm action/adventure plot and there are only two main characters (so far).

3 stars.

Of Norwegian Ways

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:56:55 GMT

Of Norwegian Ways

Bent Vanberg

Harper & Row

1970

One of the dangers of raiding the long untouched books in someone else’s basement is that the books you find are probably old. In regards to non-fiction books, it generally means that they are outdated. I found this to be the case with “Of Norwegian Ways”. While the historical sections could still be useful, the chapters on tourism, and modern life are unfortunately useless and obsolete.

I did enjoy the section on food, which not only includes recipes, but also a witty explanation on how to properly enjoy a smorgasbord. Some of the anecdotes are both amusing and educational, but, as a whole, this tourism guide, disguised as a book on the Norwegian culture is ready to be retired and replaced by a new/modern/ up-to-date volume.

2 stars.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:08:25 GMT

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman Alexie, art by Ellen Forney

Little, Brown and Company

2007

(2008 Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults)

The main character in this novel is tragic. If something bad could happen to him, it did. Physically, he’s a mess. He has seizures, wears glasses, is fragile, lisps and stutters. Did I mention he lives on a reservation and that his family is dirt poor? And that’s just the start of his problems.

But this novel is not a dark depressing look at the life of the modern Native-American, instead it is a story about hope and rising above adversity while cherishing what you have.

This novel is light hearted, even when the character wants to cry. It was an excellent read.

4 stars.

Boy Meets Boy

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:41:24 GMT

Boy Meets Boy

David Levithan

Alfred A. Knopf

2003

Paul is a sophomore in high school and gay. He has always known he was gay and doesn’t hide it. This is not a problem, since his town must be the most gay friendly town in the United States. Heck, the star quarterback is also the Homecoming Queen. The only problem that perfect Paul in his perfect town has is…. Love.

If you can suspend your disbelief, this is a really cute and likeable story. There are no bad guys, just lots of good guys on different sides. It also is a quick read and ideal for lunchtime perusal, even if it is not a deep work of art.

3 ½ stars.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:53:01 GMT

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain

Modern Library

1985 (original Copyright 1884)

In this classic by Mark Twain, events pick up immediately after “Tom Sawyer” and are narrated by the character of Huck who has recently become a man of means and is being civilized and educated by the widow who has taken him in. During the story, Huck wrestles with his mean and drunk father, running away, flim-flam men, murderers, and his own beliefs in regards to slavery and the runaway slave, Jim.

While “Tom Sawyer” was light comedy, this novel has a darker and more serious feel to it. But, in the end, the good guys still win and Huck has a new understanding of the world around him.

I enjoyed the read, but the dialects can occasionally be hard to decipher and the racist language can be a bit much for some readers.

4 stars.

Masters of Networking: Building Relationships for Your Pocketbook and Soul

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:39:30 GMT

Masters of Networking: Building Relationships for Your Pocketbook and Soul

Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D. and Don Morgan M.A.

Bard Press

2000

It took me forever to work my way through this collection of essays, but I finally forced myself to finish them today. Why did it take me so long? This book isn’t really my cup of tea, instead it was self-assigned homework.

The essays vary in style and usefulness, but all revolve around the same theme, networking – how to do it and why do it. The cover of the book is misleading: Bill Gates, Ed Asner, and Colin Powell have not contributed essays. Others have contributed essays about them. (The one about Ed Asner is actually interesting and entertaining.) The other fault I have with the book is that it is a vehicle to recruit readers to the “Pyramid” networking club that produced the book.

3 stars.

Archie’s War: My Scrapbook of the First World War, 1914-1918

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:43:44 GMT

Archie’s War: My Scrapbook of the First World War, 1914-1918

Marcia Williams

Candlewick Press

2007

This is an oversized “picture book” that I found in the Juvenile section of the public library. The attracted by the interesting cover and when I saw the topic, I decided it was my next “Must Read”.

The book is presented as the scrapbook of budding artist, Archie Albright, a ten-year-old British boy at the start of World War I. The pages are filled with ephemera and Archie’s personal stories and recollections. While aimed at educating and entertaining children, I believe this book would work quiet well in middle and high school classes as supplemental reading. The book is entertaining enough to keep most non-readers’ interest.

I enjoyed the writing and the art. I was also pleased by the letters, notes, and postcards that the reader is able to open or turn over to finish reading, just like a real scrapbook.

4 ½ stars.

Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:27:46 GMT

Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern

Anne McCaffrey

Del Rey

1983

This is the 4^th book set in Pern and takes place in the distant past in relationship to the Dragonriders of Pern trilogy.

Moreta is a story of loss, sacrifice, and heroism that sets the stage for the other Pern novels. It was filled with exciting adventure, long periods of anticipation, and devastating sorrow. A wonderful book.

Please read the trilogy before Moreta, even though Moreta takes place earlier in time. Reading Moreta first would spoil secrets that help drive the other 3 novels.

4 stars.

Lords and Ladies

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:15:03 GMT

Lords and Ladies

Terry Pratchett

Harper Prism

1992

This is the fourth book in the Witches’ arc of Pratchett’s Discworld series. In this novel, our three favorite witches (Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick) return home from their foreign travels (see Witches Abroad) and discover that they have crop circles, a wedding, upstart young “witches”, and the, ahem, Lords and Ladies to deal with.

This was a quick read and was filled with Pratchett’s well-known tongue in cheek humor and social commentary. This novel also has some more serious moments and the reader will learn more about the personal history of the witches.

All in all, another fun read.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:54:51 GMT

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance – Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem

By Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Quirk Books

2009

Bwahahahahahaha!

This is a hilarious parody of Pride and Prejudice that should be read by every fan of Jane Austen’s work. The humor and zombie images are so over the top that I couldn’t help snerking and guffawing as I read them.

My husband, also enjoyed the book greatly, and he had not read Pride and Prejudice, previously.

This is a definite keeper in the Humor category.

4 ½ stars

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Sun, 31 May 2009 23:06:24 GMT

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Alan Bradley
Delacorte Press
2009

Advanced Reading Copy.

I have a new favorite detective, 11 year old Flavia De Luce. She’s smart, energetic, and has a passion for chemistry and poisons. She also, in this book has to find the real villain before her father is found guilty of murder.

I really enjoyed this mystery. I was deeply impressed by the author’s use of language and could see his 1955 rural England quite clearly. I hope Mr. Bradley writes more books with Flavia. It would be nice to see some attention given to the other characters in the book.

4 stars.

Charmed Life

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:51:03 GMT

Charmed Life
Diana Wynne Jones
Greenwillow Books
1977

Charmed Life is the first book in the Chrestomanci series. The book follows the life and adventures of orphaned siblings, Gwen and Cat. Gwen is a powerful witch in training and Cat is her put upon younger brother. Together they are sent to live with cousins they have never met.

This was a fun book to read. I never knew quite what to expect and if characters were as they seemed or had secret facets. This was a suspenseful fantasy.

3 stars.

Creative and Thoughtful Gift Giving

Thu, 21 May 2009 18:24:52 GMT

Creative and Thoughtful Gift Giving: Easy Ideas for Making Gifts Special
Leah Ingram
Hallmark
2007

This is basically a book of pictures of creatively wrapped gifts and packages. It can be useful in the future when I am wrapping presents, even if some of the ideas inside don't exactly appeal to me.

2 1/2 stars.

Orcs

Sun, 17 May 2009 23:36:06 GMT

Orcs
Stan Nicholls
Orbit
2004

Orcs is a bound trilogy containing: Bodyguard of Lightning, 1999; Legion of Thunder, 1999; and Warriors of the Tempest, 2000. The story follows a band of orcs as they inadvertently rebel from the queen they serve and set out on their own heroic path.

I enjoyed Orcs. The orc characters were well written and not the stereotypical orcs that can be found in other fantasy novels. What I did not like was Nicholls’ writing of Queen Jenestra; it was way over the top. I wanted to yell at him and say, “Enough already, I get that she is EVIL! You can stop telling me how EVIL she is, with a capital E!” In addition, Nicholls also seems to hate elves. But if you can get past a few flaws, you might really enjoy this book.

4 stars