Still fantastic. This is, honestly, a vital book that I think every teen should read. It says so much about friendships, about rela...moreReread Spring 2013.
Still fantastic. This is, honestly, a vital book that I think every teen should read. It says so much about friendships, about relationships, about how our choices affect those around us. Just brilliant.
Robert Lawson won a Newbery for RABBIT HILL, a fine book. He won accolades for BEN AND ME (which became a charming Disney cartoon) and for MR. REVERE...moreRobert Lawson won a Newbery for RABBIT HILL, a fine book. He won accolades for BEN AND ME (which became a charming Disney cartoon) and for MR. REVERE AND I, another childhood favorite of mine. But the out-of-printness and lack of appreciation for MR. WILMER will baffle me to the end of my days. This, in my opinion, is Lawson's best book. The story of a lonely, painfully shy young man who discovers the ability to talk to animals on his birthday is hilarious and tender by turns. I find it no coincidence that the cover picture looks like Danny Kaye, I wish that they would have made a movie of this starring Kaye. The book has a very "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" feel. The book is dated . . . but in a good way. I just read it aloud to my kids, and they loved it. They were interested in comparing Mr. Wilmer's weekly wage ($32 at the start of the book!) with my husband's, there are references to the fact that it's the Depression and work is hard to find, Mr. Wilmer lives in a boarding house and uses an adding machine at his office. Altogether, a fabulous read, illustrated by Lawson, and a treasure to cherish if you can find a copy!(less)
This is one of my all-time favorite books, and one of Pinkwater's best (and that's saying something, in my opinion!). Images from this book will be fo...moreThis is one of my all-time favorite books, and one of Pinkwater's best (and that's saying something, in my opinion!). Images from this book will be forever burned in my mind, like their school's notebook system, the cigar-smoking, and the various ways to trip people. This book is just simply fantastic, a joyous, strange, wonderful book.(less)
It's sad to me that everyone reads THE CHOSEN in school, and not this amazing gem of a book. I barely remember THE CHOSEN, but I could rhapsodize for...moreIt's sad to me that everyone reads THE CHOSEN in school, and not this amazing gem of a book. I barely remember THE CHOSEN, but I could rhapsodize for hours about DAVITA'S HARP. The characters are wonderful and real, and Davita's search for truth, for knowledge, and for family is heartbreaking and lovely. The daughter of two left-wing activists, Davita's sudden fascination with the Hasidic world her mother abandoned is baffling to her parents and their friends. But to a child whose life contains too many paradoxes and too many tragedies, the comfort of the rituals and faith of the Jewish religion have an obvious appeal. It's, quite simply, a shining jewel of a book, and it makes me want to both hold Davita close to my heart to comfort her, and to have a deep philosophical conversation with her. (less)
This is the first Marion Chesney book I ever read. I was instantly hooked. Here were the best elements of Jane Austen: the fashions, the social mores,...moreThis is the first Marion Chesney book I ever read. I was instantly hooked. Here were the best elements of Jane Austen: the fashions, the social mores, the romance, the historical detail of the Regency, but it was all in modern language by a modern author. I think I was fourteen or fifteen at the time, I had never HEARD of Regency romances. I was blown away. It was romantic, it was interesting, but above all, it was FUN. I love Delilah, the hardened flirt, and the Tribble sisters, so much!(less)
I started reading these books in jr. high when the third one had just been released and people started to realize that it wasn't a trilogy. I have rea...moreI started reading these books in jr. high when the third one had just been released and people started to realize that it wasn't a trilogy. I have read every. single. book. The early ones I've read several times. I feel like I grew up with these characters, loved them, cherished them, and yes: wanted a few of them to die or at least just go away. Robert Jordan wasn't the most phenomenal writer in the world, but there was always something gripping, something grand, and certainly something engaging about the tale he spun of good versus evil. When I found out he was dying a few years ago, I went into full panic mode. How would we get to the Last Battle without him? And yes, I admit that I was nervous when Brandon Sanderson was tapped to finish the series. I knew Brandon personally, but hadn't read his books . . . What if he couldn't "stick the landing?" I mean, I was worried that Jordan himself wouldn't be able to pull it off!
Oh, he stuck the landing.
I may be hung in effigy for saying this, but I don't care: I think that Brandon has a better writing style, and I have loved, loved, loved his additions to the series. Loved. He has a way of describing battles that just cannot be beat, and he's fantastic with dialogue. He's taken the wonderful characters and the epic struggle that Jordan introduced and made them truly great.
So. The ending. I always imagined that when the last Wheel of Time book came out, I would race home from the bookstore and just devour it, staying up late, eschewing all housework. I didn't know, of course, that it would be over twenty years later, and that I would have three kids and a writing career of my own. So, y'know, it's taken me a while to make my way through this incredible and massive book. And it is both: incredible. And massive. All the loose ends are nicely tied up. The Last Battle is truly magnificent. We've been gearing up for it for 13 and a half books, there are about fifty MAJOR characters, and it fittingly takes up a good chunk of the book. I loved it. Even as I bawled my eyes out. So many friends dead! (They're fictional friends, but still!) I won't say who, but I will say that two people died while I was on the elliptical at my gym and I may have been noticeably crying. Several people are horribly crippled, and I'm still not sure about that.
And the ending?
I'm still processing.
It wasn't bad. It was actually pretty awesome, but so far from what I've speculated would happen for the last twenty plus years, that I'm just . . . still processing.
If you've never started this series because it's really long, or you were waiting to see what people thought of the ending, etc. Just go. Start the series. Do it now. I have to say it's one of the best, most fun, and most satisfying fantasy series I've ever read.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this before! I just reread it, and it is probably my all time favorite book of Dr. Seuss's! Yes, that's right: Dr....moreI can't believe I haven't reviewed this before! I just reread it, and it is probably my all time favorite book of Dr. Seuss's! Yes, that's right: Dr. Seuss wrote a book about seven naked ladies, each tasked with finding out a "horse truth" before she can marry her true love. The true loves are seven brothers, Peeping Tom, Dick, and Harry, etc. It plays off the legend/history of Lady Godiva (and yes, that IS where the term "Peeping Tom" came from) and also old adages like, "Don't put the cart before the horse." This is a fantastic, fun book, and while yes, the ladies are naked, I don't think it's all THAT scandalous. (Not by today's standards, anyway!)(less)
I love this book so hard. It was magnificent. I am not even sure what to say about it. I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to drown in it. It was as...moreI love this book so hard. It was magnificent. I am not even sure what to say about it. I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to drown in it. It was as beautiful and delicate as the truly gorgeous cover art. And, how lovely and perfect was that cover?!(less)
History is written by the victors, which is why I have to give the finger to Mr. Shakespeare and his "Richard III." In reality, Richard III and his be...moreHistory is written by the victors, which is why I have to give the finger to Mr. Shakespeare and his "Richard III." In reality, Richard III and his beloved Anne were two of the most charming, sweet, and tragic lovers in history. This is a beautiful version of their story, if you aren't familiar with it, start here. Anne of York was the only queen of England to have also been a kitchen maid, a gentle, intelligent lady who saw her happiness ripped away time and again, and her story (and Richard's) is utterly fascinating.(less)
This beautifully illustrated Christmas story is one of my favorites! An exciting adventure to the North Pole to help out Santa turns into a poignant (...moreThis beautifully illustrated Christmas story is one of my favorites! An exciting adventure to the North Pole to help out Santa turns into a poignant (but not saccharine) message about the importance of family. The pictures have a sort of 1940's "Vision of the Future!" feel, if that makes sense, and the final pages feature two letters that you open and read to discover the secret behind why Santa called!(less)
This is a true work of art. The writing, the characterization, the combination of mundane settings like Motel 6's and fast food restaurants with wonde...moreThis is a true work of art. The writing, the characterization, the combination of mundane settings like Motel 6's and fast food restaurants with wonderful, bickering, real gods and devils, genii, leprechauns and a host of other mythological creatures is wonderful. Shadow continues to be on my list of literary crushes, and this continues to be one of my favorite books!(less)
Even more delightful than the first, I think. And also quite bittersweet, as Christopher Robin essentially has to grow up, and his Hundred Acre Wood f...moreEven more delightful than the first, I think. And also quite bittersweet, as Christopher Robin essentially has to grow up, and his Hundred Acre Wood friends struggle to understand what is happening. Reading this aloud, I have to fight not to break down in the final chapter.(less)
I know THE BOOK THIEF is the one that all kiddies rave about, and don't get me wrong: that is a brilliant book and I love it. But then I d...moreMagnificent!
I know THE BOOK THIEF is the one that all kiddies rave about, and don't get me wrong: that is a brilliant book and I love it. But then I discovered GETTING THE GIRL, which led me to find FIGHTING RUBEN WOLFE, which brings us here, to the first US publication of THE UNDERDOG, contained in this omnibus of all three Wolfe brothers books. If you don't, from the first chapter of THE UNDERDOG (or any of the other two, really), fall madly in love with the endearingly awkward and yet strangely beautiful Cameron Wolfe, then something is terribly wrong with you. Cameron's voice is so clear, so poetic, and so raw, that I could literally read about him all day, every day. Cameron feels like a friend, an intimate friend, like your brother even. The things that happen in these books are heartbreaking, yet not without humor, and not without (most importantly) hope. So many authors (particularly in YA) don't seem to understand that human beings need that ray of hope to carry on. The characters need it to feel real, and like their lives will continue beyond the pages of the book, and the reader needs it in order to feel good about the book after they close the covers.
These books are proof that Zusak is a born writer. Each book here is separate, and yet each is a part of the same magnificent story. THE UNDERDOG, has a beautiful, clear naivete. FIGHTING RUBEN WOLFE is raw and powerful, and GETTING THE GIRL is like a burst of light. Read them separately, read them all at once, I don't care! JUST READ THEM!
And if I ever start a band, our name is going to be Bloody Miffy.(less)
One of my favorite books as a kid! The story of two girls who become friends as they train together in figure skating, the one because she is the daug...moreOne of my favorite books as a kid! The story of two girls who become friends as they train together in figure skating, the one because she is the daughter of a famous skater, the other as a way to recuperate from a long illness. I loved everything about this book, the descriptions of the moves they were learning, their clothes, the dialogue . . . and what little girl hasn't dreamed of being an ice skater?! An utterly charming book!(less)
The consensus: I loved it, as I always do. Boy also loved it, though I had to stop and explain a few parts. There's...moreReading aloud to my son, July 2011.
The consensus: I loved it, as I always do. Boy also loved it, though I had to stop and explain a few parts. There's a lot of names to keep track of, and a lot of geography and a lot of different peoples. Overall, though, fun for all parties concerned.(less)
I have always loved the Rosalind Russell movie, and a few years ago I finally got a copy of the book. I think I still prefer the movie, but the book i...moreI have always loved the Rosalind Russell movie, and a few years ago I finally got a copy of the book. I think I still prefer the movie, but the book is delightful and hilarious. Mame is a fabulous character, and the hijinks that ensue when she takes in her young nephew are priceless.(less)
This book, for the record, is rather pushing the top edge of what I would think of as middle grade. Just FYI: there...moreReading aloud to my son, June 2011.
This book, for the record, is rather pushing the top edge of what I would think of as middle grade. Just FYI: there is a wedding, several fights to the death, and a gooey dragon birth scene. Not sure how much my son really "got" of the ending. He's six, but he really wanted to know what my books were about.(less)
Just finished reading aloud to my son. Don't remember the ending being so romantic! Yay, me! (I have a hard time wit...moreReading aloud to my son, May 2011.
Just finished reading aloud to my son. Don't remember the ending being so romantic! Yay, me! (I have a hard time with the mushy stuff!)(less)
My first published novel, and I have to say: I am pretty DARN impressed with myself! I read it aloud to my son (6 years old) because he wanted to know...moreMy first published novel, and I have to say: I am pretty DARN impressed with myself! I read it aloud to my son (6 years old) because he wanted to know what was in Mommy's books. He liked it as well!(less)
Reread this April 2011, as I get ready to write the third book. Kinda impressed with myself . . . fun characters, and I'm excited to get back into the...moreReread this April 2011, as I get ready to write the third book. Kinda impressed with myself . . . fun characters, and I'm excited to get back into their heads.(less)
I do enjoy Jane Austen's books, I truly do. But I am a Bronte girl, through and through. This is one of my favorite books of all time, and every time...moreI do enjoy Jane Austen's books, I truly do. But I am a Bronte girl, through and through. This is one of my favorite books of all time, and every time I read it, it thrills and delights me all over again. Her writing is effortless, the story is gripping, the characters so real they leap off the page. Every servant, every guest a Thornfield Hall is memorable. I recommended that my church book club read this for March (2011), and ended up rereading it from one of the copies I got to distribute to everyone else! I am simply incapable of putting this down unread!(less)
Patrick Rothfuss has a rare gift. He's not just a writer, he's a storyteller. This isn't a book about a guy who did a cool thing or two, this is the s...morePatrick Rothfuss has a rare gift. He's not just a writer, he's a storyteller. This isn't a book about a guy who did a cool thing or two, this is the story of the life of an extraordinary man. Something exciting doesn't happen every day. Sometimes he doesn't win, sometimes he does stupid things. And sometimes everything goes his way. But Rothfuss puts it all down, the big events and the small, the good and the bad, in order to give you the full portrait of a character who feels all too real. Kvothe will go down in literary history as one of the great characters with Paul Atreides and Valentine Michael Smith, you mark my words!(less)
One of my favorite books from high school, this is the story of childhood sweethearts from Cornwall, a suitably dramatic setting for this gothic tale!...moreOne of my favorite books from high school, this is the story of childhood sweethearts from Cornwall, a suitably dramatic setting for this gothic tale! This book has everything: deaths, ghosts, babies switched at birth, ravishments in old castles . . . and yet it's all very demurely done. I liked that quite a bit, it was very reminiscent of something like Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre. Affairs and other scandalous matters were spoken of with veiled comments and euphemisms that were in keeping with the time period. The mysteries (there are a couple) are well done, as are the romances (there are a couple of those, too).(less)
Breathtaking. And, let's face it, part of the reason why I was crying at the end wasn't just because the ending was so perfect, but because I know tha...moreBreathtaking. And, let's face it, part of the reason why I was crying at the end wasn't just because the ending was so perfect, but because I know that I will never write a book as amazing as this.
Not only has Willis crafted an intricately layered time travel novel, but it's also an outstanding piece of historical fiction. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of WWII, and makes you feel the horror and hardship of life in England during the war in a way that no other author can. (At least none in my experience.) Her characters, both the time travelers and the "contemps" are real and completely engaging. Even when a random shopgirl or crabby landlady gets killed in the Blitz, you feel their loss. And how Willis kept track of each of the characters, some of them with multiple aliases and existing in multiple threads, I will never know.
There were surprises and twists, humor, romance, adventure, mystery, history, and science all wrapped together into one fabulous package. This review, by the way, also applies to the first half of the story, BLACKOUT, which you must read first. And you must read them, yes, you must.(less)
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