I enjoyed this short story by Weiner. It's more serious than the books of hers that I've read previously. Thought it offered thoughtful insiInsightful
I enjoyed this short story by Weiner. It's more serious than the books of hers that I've read previously. Thought it offered thoughtful insight into the pain of teenage girls. She showed the insecurity of self and the gratitude for small kindnesses. Definitely worth reading....more
This YA book is very well written and full of surprises. Listening to the audio version was enjoyable because of the pace, reader's tone, and African This YA book is very well written and full of surprises. Listening to the audio version was enjoyable because of the pace, reader's tone, and African accent(s). It's the story of a young Zimbabwean girl who lives in England and is coping with her mother's death, mostly by concentrating on how her sister and father aren't coping. Can't say much more because I don't want to ruin the surprises....more
Great YA book that will keep adults engaged as well. Darcy tries to negotiate high school life with a secret at home that she can't reveal. Her best fGreat YA book that will keep adults engaged as well. Darcy tries to negotiate high school life with a secret at home that she can't reveal. Her best friend Marisol is lively and wise and caring. The typical teen stuff seems authentic, but Darcy's problem is not one that readers usually encounter. (I'm being careful here to avoid spoilers.) She has a great part time job at a bookstore working for an old grouch. She befriends the bookstore's next door neighbor, a quirky wig shop owner. And then, of course, there's the local handyman, cool Asher Fleet, every girl's dream, who begins to spend every afternoon break in the bookstore. You know, of course, where that is going, but seeing how it happens is poignant and touching. How close can she let Asher get without divulging the dark secret at home? And there are more surprises. Excellent treatment of a teen trying to be the adult in her family....more
I enjoyed this children's book. Other reviewers talked about how bratty Moxy was in this novel. I thought she acted like a typical 10 year old who is I enjoyed this children's book. Other reviewers talked about how bratty Moxy was in this novel. I thought she acted like a typical 10 year old who is told that she won't be going on a long-anticipated trip. I loved the chapter titles and chuckled several times while listening. I thought the ending added a real life twist to what seemed like a childish book. Kudos to Mom and kudos to Moxy for recognizing Mom's willingness to protect her children's feelings....more
Really funny chapter book for young readers. I think it would make a great read-aloud, too. I wish I had this book when my kids were young. I'll definiReally funny chapter book for young readers. I think it would make a great read-aloud, too. I wish I had this book when my kids were young. I'll definitely share with my great granddaughter....more
I picked this book because of the fantasy/apocolypse topic. I was not aware it was a Christian allegory. If that appeals to you, you might enjoy this I picked this book because of the fantasy/apocolypse topic. I was not aware it was a Christian allegory. If that appeals to you, you might enjoy this YA novel. Personally, I thought the allegory was heavy-handed. and I felt as if I'd been beaten over the head with the point. It's the first in a series. It is a quick read....more
Great middle grade/young adult fantasy about a young boy who can't come to terms with his father's death. He stops speaking entirely and endures constGreat middle grade/young adult fantasy about a young boy who can't come to terms with his father's death. He stops speaking entirely and endures constant bullying at school. Through his friendship with a strange girl and a mysterious footprint, he enters the world of a legend and finds himself....more
Cute children's book about not giving up. The author was a mirror reader/writer who overcame that and survived numerous manuscript rejections.Cute children's book about not giving up. The author was a mirror reader/writer who overcame that and survived numerous manuscript rejections....more
I enjoyed the variety of these classic stories. I hadn't read any of them in a long time.I enjoyed the variety of these classic stories. I hadn't read any of them in a long time....more
This is one of those double novels where we have a character in the present (Izzy, a foster child who has a hard time settling in at her new high schoThis is one of those double novels where we have a character in the present (Izzy, a foster child who has a hard time settling in at her new high school) and the past (Clara, a young woman unfairly committed to an insane asylum by her father because instead of marrying her father's choice--his partner's arrogant son--she fell in love with an Italian immigrant.) The chapters alternate between the characters, a technique I often find annoying. Just when I get caught up in the life of one character, the novel switches to the other. That's supposed to engage the reader and keep you hanging on. Mostly it just makes me mad.
Izzy is in a foster home because her mother shot her father when Izzy was much younger. Mom is in prison, but Izzy thinks she is insane and fears she has inherited mental illness. She cuts herself to feel pain that takes her out of her inner pain. And the mean girls at her new school are brutal.
Clara keeps a journal in which she describes meeting Bruno, her father's reaction, her commitment to an inhumane "asylum", the birth of her daughter, and her failed escape attempt.
Of course the two stories merge at some point. I let you discover how. The Clara story seemed better written to me. The high school scenes in Izzy's story didn't ring as true.
The author had done extensive research on the treatment of the insane in the early 1900's and, while she took liberties in placing the various treatments in different years, her description of life at the asylum was more compelling....more
The beginning of the novel didn't grab me. I was in head shaking mode for many pages. Characters in a book talking to the reader? Well, yeah, they do,The beginning of the novel didn't grab me. I was in head shaking mode for many pages. Characters in a book talking to the reader? Well, yeah, they do, but not like this. Gradually, just like Edgar, I got sucked into the fairy tale.
This is not a typical Jodi Picoult book, but she and her daughter inserted a lot of wisdom in the plot and between the chapters. Now that I've finished reading, I'm going to go back and reread the parts between the chapters.
Teenage Delilah feels like an outcast at school and finds comfort in rereading a fairy tale book she's had forever. Oliver, the prince in the story, falls in love with her and is able to talk with her. They figure out how to get Oliver into the real world by trading places with Edgar, the author's son, who is also unhappy with his life. It sounds stupid, but after the first 40 pages, it was a compelling read and brought up a lot of "thoughty" questions....more
I taught this book for many years to 7th graders. A few days ago, a former student reminded me of it. It seems he and a friend had been talking about I taught this book for many years to 7th graders. A few days ago, a former student reminded me of it. It seems he and a friend had been talking about the book--which they read in my class over 30 years ago--and remembered the details but not the title. I was shocked that they remembered it and that they would still be talking about it so long after. The truth is that I remembered it vividly, as well. I've read some other Robb White books, and I feel this is the best. So I went home and reread it. Imagine leading an overeager hunter through the desert in search of bighorns--and instead becoming the hunted! It's a great book. It's been around forever, but is timeless....more
This novel is rated 12+. I'm guessing that's due to the language as well as the nuances of mental illness than a younger person might not understand. This novel is rated 12+. I'm guessing that's due to the language as well as the nuances of mental illness than a younger person might not understand. Be prepared for the f-bomb--often. In any case, it is an excellent book. It's very well-written, thoughtful. and pertinent. The main character is a 15 year old named Ronney, who becomes the adult in his family after his father's failed suicide attempt and prolonged depression. He can't fix his father, but he is determined to fix all he can fix in his deteriorating home. Throw in a horde of zoo animals unloosed on the small community, a noisy animal rights group, the gun control lobby, the guns rights citizens, and a young boy, Sam, whose brother ran away and who stalks Ronney, eventually worming his way into Ronney's conscience. In many ways this is a coming of age novel, but not in the usual sense. Ronney is, in many ways, already grown up. Despite a look into two very dysfunctional families (Ronney's and Sam's), the book is still funny in many parts. I really enjoyed this books, even the uncomfortable parts, and I'll be looking for more of Chan's books....more
Somehow, although I had this book on the shelf in my classroom, I had never read it. I wish I had read it before reading all the Harry Potters. I coulSomehow, although I had this book on the shelf in my classroom, I had never read it. I wish I had read it before reading all the Harry Potters. I couldn't help make unfair comparisons between the two. It was good--typical Bellairs--but not Harry Potter good. Funny, scary, and of course magical. ...more
Okay, Michael Scott, you suckered me in for the last time. I read the Alchemyst and was really disappointed at the ending--because there wasn't one. YOkay, Michael Scott, you suckered me in for the last time. I read the Alchemyst and was really disappointed at the ending--because there wasn't one. You had to read the Magician to find out what happened to Sophie and Josh and the world at large in the fight among the evil necromancers and the good magicians and alchemists.
So I read The Magician, and darn if he hasn't done the same thing. But he p'ed me off for the last time I'm not reading the next book and the next and the next. I understand the concept of a series. You want to hook the reader so they go on to read subsequent books. But most authors also understand that you have to offer a little closure to the reader at the end of each book (Think Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.
So I liked the fantasy, but I'm aggravated by Scott's neverending story....more
Michael Scott's YA fantasy was engaging. We have 15 yr-old twins (of prophesy, of course), who blunder (or are fated) into a huge battle among the darMichael Scott's YA fantasy was engaging. We have 15 yr-old twins (of prophesy, of course), who blunder (or are fated) into a huge battle among the dark elders and the good guys. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy reading about Nicholas Flamel and the Codex, which contains the recipe for the Philosopher's Stone. The twins escape the first magical battle and then are whisked into Hecate's magical kingdom in a shadowrealm outside San Francisco. Mythical and legendary beings abound as the twins are shuttled from place to place to protect them.
I enjoyed the book, but I was not happy to discover that the end wasn't the end. You have to read the second book. So I am, but it made me mad....more
I loved this book about two teens with separate issues who come together to form a strong brotherhood. Adam is a senior with ADHD but he's one of the I loved this book about two teens with separate issues who come together to form a strong brotherhood. Adam is a senior with ADHD but he's one of the most popular kids in school. Julian is a freshman, who lost his parents when he was 5 or so. Julian lived with Adam and his mom for a short while following his parents death until his surly and uncommunicative uncle retrieved him and banned all further contact. So the boys haven't seen each other for 8 or 9 years.
Julian's gone through hell living with Russell, and there's more hell to follow, shaping his personality. Adam, however, is undeterred by Julian's avoidance and drags him into his circle of friends, changing them all.
It's one of the better YA books I've read lately. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the tone is light in most parts, and I loved meeting all the characters. It's a quick read and well worth your time....more
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