The description of it being "provocative and hilarious" is 100% accurate! The sad thing is, the people who need to read this bI couldn't put it down!
The description of it being "provocative and hilarious" is 100% accurate! The sad thing is, the people who need to read this book probably won't. This is a book about the evils of book banning, sanitizing history, fearmongering, and prejudice. It's full of swears, shows gay people and drag queens doing good, and shows the evil that can come from being willfully ignorant or fighting to "protect our children and our heritage" without understanding one bit what you're protecting them against.
Do I think every book is every person regardless of age or personal preference? No. Of course not.
Do I think anyone has the right to decide for a school, a community, what they can and can't read? No. Of course not. You don't have the right to decide what I read, or my child reads, any more than I have the right to decide what you read, or your child reads.
Do I think book banning leads to ignorance which leads to evil? Yes, absolutely.
This book was funny, it was tender, it was shocking, and it filled me with rage for all the things that seemed to be ripped from the headlines of my own community, and which I don't think will be fixed if just one more person reads 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.' instead of banning it. This is the perfect book to read this September, in preparation for Banned Books Week. ...more
Finally a book that acknowledges how completely unhinged Grimm's fairy tales are! And does it with romance, lush descriptions (it made me forget that Finally a book that acknowledges how completely unhinged Grimm's fairy tales are! And does it with romance, lush descriptions (it made me forget that wool is itchy!), adventure, and only the amount of cannibalism you could reasonably expect! ...more
The title: Happy Place. The cover: hot pink. The contents: STRESSFUL.
I love Emily Henry's books for their absolute realism. She sees the struggles. ShThe title: Happy Place. The cover: hot pink. The contents: STRESSFUL.
I love Emily Henry's books for their absolute realism. She sees the struggles. She knows the struggles. You feel like her heroines, while sexy and beautiful, have cellulite and get unfortunate zits the morning of important events. People suffer from hangovers, and blisters from dancing at clubs, and need to take ibuprofen and hydrate and can't remember where they left their favorite shirt. It's messy and beautiful and I have read most of her adult books in pretty much the last year, because it's like Thor, smashing his coffee cup: I like it! Bring me another!
I did feel that the parents got off too easy in this one. I don't want to spoil anything, but read it and you'll know exactly which parents and what I'm talking about. Also, I wanted to slap one, if not two of the characters. Not you, Harriet, you know I love you! I really loved the ending of this one, when all was revealed, and some solutions were found but not everything is in a neat little package for the rest of time, because life isn't like that!...more
So cute! And quirky! Exactly what I was expecting from Linda Urban, author of my beloved A Crooked Kind of Perfect!
I saw Kate Messner talking about hSo cute! And quirky! Exactly what I was expecting from Linda Urban, author of my beloved A Crooked Kind of Perfect!
I saw Kate Messner talking about how she has a lot of middle grade level readers who want to read YA rom coms, but aren't ready for some of the content yet, and that this is the answer, and she was so right! The characters are mostly teens, but there's nothing that would keep a younger reader away, content-wise. And it's a romance, but it's not just about the romance: it's also about Francie's family business of running a huge Christmas store and Santa School. It's about family, and loss, and friendships, and dumb kids teasing you, and finding out that people aren't quite what they seem. It's also chock full of Christmas spirit, and what it means to be Santa Claus, which you know I loved! I kind of wanted a big confrontation between Francie and a couple of these people, but I guess in the spirit of the season this was a better option. Sigh. I guess I'm just a lot more petty than Francie! ...more
A gorgeous meditation on words and womanhood, and what both mean at different times and to different people. Both the story of the life of a woman whoA gorgeous meditation on words and womanhood, and what both mean at different times and to different people. Both the story of the life of a woman who worked on the Oxford English Dictionary, and the story of the dictionary as well. From the very first page I saw Esme as precious, as precious as the words she cherished, and I wanted her to be cherished as well, by everyone around her. This was, well, just so gorgeous. ...more
Rather adorable story in the vein of things like the Series of Unfortunate Events or even a less creepy Coraline. At first it was a bit too weird and Rather adorable story in the vein of things like the Series of Unfortunate Events or even a less creepy Coraline. At first it was a bit too weird and madcap for me, but I loved many of the aunts and Bronte's adventures, and the resolution was very satisfying. Bronte is a very real character, and so are the other children she interacts with. Many of the adults come off as a bit too cartoonish, and one aunt in particular stressed me out by being so oblivious and self-centered as to become an actual danger.
Dastardly indeed! (Dastardly is such a great word, isn't it?!)
In this . . . not steampunk . . . electro-punk? . . . adventure, young Molly Pepper and Dastardly indeed! (Dastardly is such a great word, isn't it?!)
In this . . . not steampunk . . . electro-punk? . . . adventure, young Molly Pepper and her mother Cassandra are trying to get one of Cassandra's inventions into the upcoming World's Fair. But they will be foiled time and again by various villains! Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and Chester A. Arthur all make appearances, as do many other luminaries of the age. This was very, very fun, it reminded me of Philip Reeve's Larklight series. ...more
Well, this was positively delightful! Amie has created a very fascinating new world, reminiscent of medieval Scandinavia but with a very diverse cast Well, this was positively delightful! Amie has created a very fascinating new world, reminiscent of medieval Scandinavia but with a very diverse cast of characters and complete with a unique magic system. Not to mention the shapeshifting that is . . . well, very unique!
Really enjoyed this, and the only drawback is that, since I was sent an ARC from a giveaway here on Goodreads, I have to wait even longer for the next one!...more
At long last, we have an heir to the Princess Diaries throne! Rachel Hawkins (whose Twitter feed, might I add, is sheer delight) has given us a modernAt long last, we have an heir to the Princess Diaries throne! Rachel Hawkins (whose Twitter feed, might I add, is sheer delight) has given us a modern day story about the ups and downs of being a teen . . . and what happens when those ups and downs clash with royal protocol! I shan't say any more, but if you love the Princess Diaries and/or are obsessed with the British royals (check and check for me!), this is your book....more
As a mom who is just starting to get some gray hairs, it is very, very pleasing to read a fantasy book starring a mom who is starting to get gray hairAs a mom who is just starting to get some gray hairs, it is very, very pleasing to read a fantasy book starring a mom who is starting to get gray hairs. It is very, very pleasing to read about a "Chosen One" who is like, "No. I didn't want this. I don't want fame or glory. I don't even care about saving the world. I only care about my family, MY life."
I was like, YEAH. You go, girl!
Too often moms in books are relegated to being the kindly farm lady who raised the Chosen One, taught them manners and how to deal with recalcitrant goats, which comes in handy later. They are always strong women, "handsome," and with a sense of humor . . . and always not around by chapter 2, except as flashbacks or internal voices. But here's a mom who is the star of the show, along with other characters of various ages and genders, even another mother who, by contract, is quite horrifying. Added to that we've got a layered and fascinating plot, plenty of action, more creepy spirits, and yet more super intelligent wolf sidekick awesomeness.
Also, a dumbwaiter. This is the second book I've read recently that featured a dumbwaiter. They seem handy, I should get one!...more
If Margaret Atwood ever decides to pursue a rap career (which, having read this book, she totally could), I humbly suggest she use the name @Magz. C'mIf Margaret Atwood ever decides to pursue a rap career (which, having read this book, she totally could), I humbly suggest she use the name @Magz. C'mon, you know that's great!
But The Tempest. What a weird play. So props to her for taking it on, and for taking it in such a different direction. (For those who do not know, this is part of a series where modern novelists retell Shakespeare plays.) Here we find our deposed duke, our mad sorcerer, living in a hut on the back of someone's property in rural Canada, and teaching literature at a prison as part of an inmate education program. And when his old nemesis, the politicians who fired him from the Shakespeare festival he founded, come to observe the inmate's progress . . . well, it's time for some Shakespearean vengeance.
Loved the book, and the characters, but again, it's a hard story. Felix/Prospero isn't a very likable protagonist (is he, in fact the protagonist?) There are elements that indicate either madness or magic, and well, it feels hard to root for someone who wants vengeance at all costs. But still, it's MARGARET ATWOOD, so you know, it's fab. ...more
Connie Willis's novels come in two flavors: Incredibly Serious and You'll Love it Even As It Traumatizes You, and Madcap Science Fiction Screwball ComConnie Willis's novels come in two flavors: Incredibly Serious and You'll Love it Even As It Traumatizes You, and Madcap Science Fiction Screwball Comedy. I cannot get over how she can go back and forth between them so well! Since her last big project was the Best. WWII. Book. Ever. (Blackout/All Clear, come for the time travel, stay for the heartbreak!) Crosstalk is of the Madcap Screwball Comedy flavor, obviously.
And it's wonderful!
It reminded me so much of my beloved Bellwether, but here we've got Briddey, whose close knit Irish American family won't leave her alone, and who is dating an upper level exec at the cellphone company where she also works. He wants them to get an EED, a brain implant that will allow compatible couples to feel each other's emotions. But everyone is against them: her family, her nosy coworkers, and even some random guy who works in the lab in the basement and wears headphones that aren't attached to anything. Adventures ensue, unexpected consequences abound. Aunt Oona talks in a fake Irish accent. Libraries are used as hiding places. A psychic is called in. And the shapes of the Lucky Charms marshmallows are earnestly discussed.
Well, well, well. Just when I thought I couldn't love the world of the Grisha more, Bardugo goes and writes an Ocean's 11 style heist set in that worlWell, well, well. Just when I thought I couldn't love the world of the Grisha more, Bardugo goes and writes an Ocean's 11 style heist set in that world. I do love a good heist. I also love these characters so much, and was very fascinated by the shifting POV. It was nice to get more into the heads of the whole team, and I also really loved seeing a broader picture of society, not just the Grisha world.
I did not realize this was a cliffhanger, though! And here I am, on vacation, with no sign of the sequel in sight! ...more
A nice mix of happy and sad stories, supposedly Herriot's favorites, from his work with dogs. I read it aloud to my kids, and had to pick and choose aA nice mix of happy and sad stories, supposedly Herriot's favorites, from his work with dogs. I read it aloud to my kids, and had to pick and choose a bit, as the sad stories were too upsetting for them (they still grieve over the loss of our little Maltese, and so do I). But this slim little edition is beautifully illustrated with watercolors, and would be a lovely gift for a dog loving friend!...more
No one is denying that David Mitchell is a great writer. He is quite possibly one of the greatest authors living today. But let's be honest: his booksNo one is denying that David Mitchell is a great writer. He is quite possibly one of the greatest authors living today. But let's be honest: his books are not all that fun to read. Most of his characters are deeply flawed, and you both loathe and pity them at the same time, but rarely like them. There were a few characters in THE CLOUD ATLAS who made me think, I wish I knew this person in real life! But in THE BONE CLOCKS I was sincerely glad that all of them were people on the page and not in real life.
Yet I still could not put it down. As with CLOUD ATLAS, Mitchell has created a layered story, or perhaps we should say it's a collection of stories all tied together, all building on each other until the finale. And I loved it, until the finale. Until I found myself lying there in bed, feeling tense and stressed, thinking, No! NOT AGAIN. He is NOT going to leave us with another bleak, post-apocalyptic world! A world where the only glimmer of hope is that the two remaining people will be able to build a Stone Age civilization from the ruins! No! I can't take it!
Because the thing is: this could happen. A future with melted ice caps wreaking havoc on the environment, most non-domestic animals extinct, and governments falling left and right? Yep, that could happen. Which makes it all the more horrifying. Zombie books can be bleak and violent and scary, but you close them and go, Thank heavens that will never happen! But environmental decay and revolution? It's Sloosha's Crossin' from CLOUD ATLAS all over again.
Technically speaking, this is a five star book. Prose that will melt your brain. Concepts you almost feel stupid trying to understand. But as far as personal enjoyment goes? I couldn't wait to pick up Chris Healy's HERO'S GUIDE TO STORMING THE CASTLE, just to try and console myself!...more
I have just typed and deleted three beginnings to this review, but I think I'm just going to have to admit that I won't be able to do it justice.
LandI have just typed and deleted three beginnings to this review, but I think I'm just going to have to admit that I won't be able to do it justice.
Landline is an amazing book. It's an intimate book. A heartfelt look at a woman, her career, her family, her dreams, all the things that make a real, complex human being. All the characters in this book are real and complex, and beautiful in their humanity. This is a book about being a woman, and a mother, and a wife, and having a career. It's about being a daughter and a sister and a friend and a PERSON. I loved Georgie. And Neal. And Seth. I loved the pugs, and the pug sweatshirts. And the pizza deliveries. Fangirl rocked my world last year, and I was almost hesitant to pick this up, because how do you top that book?! Well, with Landline, I suppose.
I want this book to win awards. I want it to top bestseller lists. Because I think every woman should read it. And every man, too. So help me, I'm going to say it: It really makes you think. It's making me think about my own marriage, and my children, and how I communicate with them.
It also makes you stand in the middle of your bathroom with no pants on and your make up half done for four hours because you can't stop reading long enough to apply mascara or find some pants....more
I've read three of Meg Rosoff's books, and they were each extremely different. I'm fascinated by her varied and superb career. Each of her books is a I've read three of Meg Rosoff's books, and they were each extremely different. I'm fascinated by her varied and superb career. Each of her books is a wonderful read, and she is clearly having fun with the writing. HOW I LIVE NOW is still my favorite, though. Not just of her books, but a favorite in general. It's just fantastic.
This book was not as good as that one, but it was still good, and fun. It's about God, whose name is really Bob, and who is just a sullen teenager in the immortal scheme of things. His put-upon assistant Mr. B really does most of the maintenance around the earth, and cleans up the messes when Bob falls in love with a mortal, causes chaos, then gets bored and wanders off . . . as he tends to do every century or two. Bob falls in love with Lucy, floods half the earth and scorches the other and he flails about in passionate abandon . . . and Mr. B decides he has Had Enough.
It was fun, it was not as sacrilegious as I thought it would be, and it had some very intriguing mythology.
And now I want a pet Eck.
I believe this book is YA, but I would not recommend it for younger teens. It's definitely 17 and up, at least for my standards....more
I love Heather Wells, and Cooper. I love the twists in this story, and the added tension of whether or not Heather and Cooper will actually make it doI love Heather Wells, and Cooper. I love the twists in this story, and the added tension of whether or not Heather and Cooper will actually make it down the aisle. So much fun! I could be happy with this being the last book, or more, Cabot has done a great job with this series either way....more
Doc Holliday fan girls (yes, we're out there, and we are legion), here is a book that you must clasp to your bosom and treasure. Here is the story of Doc Holliday fan girls (yes, we're out there, and we are legion), here is a book that you must clasp to your bosom and treasure. Here is the story of Dr. John Henry Holliday that truly does justice to the man himself. Meticulously researched, beginning with his parents and ending with his tragic death from consumption, Russell deftly recounts Doc's life with all its inherent tragedy, humor, and adventure. Yes, it's a novel, but there are times when she cites her sources within the text, quoting letters, journals, and newspaper articles to verify the twists of turns of Doc Holliday's life. Her prose is so graceful, so well-wrought, however, that this never pulls you out of the narrative, but enhances it instead. Hands down one of the best works of historical fiction that I've read since I don't know when, I cruised through this book, unable to put it down, and came away entertained, educated, and edified.
Also: I am fully convinced that, had I lived at that time and been fortunate enough to meet John Henry Holliday, I would have gotten into a cat fight with Big Nose Kate over him, right in the middle of Dodge City.
I am, however, slightly disappointed that he apparently never said, "I'll be your Huckleberry." (Val Kilmer: best Doc Holliday on film? Discuss.) ...more
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