Kids will love this picture book. There are so many things to look at and little labels to read. And the story itself is fun as well as thoughtful. Th...moreKids will love this picture book. There are so many things to look at and little labels to read. And the story itself is fun as well as thoughtful. Theodora teaches us that it's ok to be different and that friendship can occur with the unlikeliest of odd ducks. (less)
Gaiman has a real talent for drawing the reader into a story. Enn, the young man in this short story, is realistic in all his awkwardness. The story i...moreGaiman has a real talent for drawing the reader into a story. Enn, the young man in this short story, is realistic in all his awkwardness. The story is all at once humorous, mysterious and creepy. But I especially enjoyed the preview for The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I had wanted to read the book based on some early reviews, but now I am caught up in the Hempstock's, the "pond" and a friendless little 7 year old boy. Can't wait to get the book!(less)
My third grade teacher read this book to my class back in 1972, but for some reason I never heard the end of the story. I found the book recently and...moreMy third grade teacher read this book to my class back in 1972, but for some reason I never heard the end of the story. I found the book recently and decided to find out how it ended. This story, although a bit dated, gives kids an idea of what it might be like to have to learn to live without sight. Jimmy needs to learn how to move around indoors, outdoors with a cane and finally with a guide dog. While the subject is serious, the story is mostly uplifting and hopeful. I'm glad I finally read to the end. It only took me 41 years!(less)
There was a lot to like about this book and in many ways it is the type of book I would normally love. I love Jack as a character and really became in...moreThere was a lot to like about this book and in many ways it is the type of book I would normally love. I love Jack as a character and really became interested in his story. However, as a children's book I felt that the deaths that take place in the book were really trivialized and that many of the characters in the book act in ways that are really unacceptable, which is fine when it is easy to see that these behaviors are wrong, but this isn't always the case in Gantos' book. I would urge parents to read and discuss the story with their kids.(less)
As an adult I was intrigued and a little bit creeped out by this book. Gaiman has quite the imagination. I can't imagine reading it as a kid. It would...moreAs an adult I was intrigued and a little bit creeped out by this book. Gaiman has quite the imagination. I can't imagine reading it as a kid. It would have been frightening!(less)
I listened to the audio version of the book. It's a quick read, but a lot of fun and full of adventure. I imagine most kids would love to spend some t...moreI listened to the audio version of the book. It's a quick read, but a lot of fun and full of adventure. I imagine most kids would love to spend some time on Nim's Island. Nim is adventurous and resourceful, but she has her vulnerable moments, which makes this much more than a far-fetched kid's story. I really enjoyed it!(less)
I really enjoyed Flora. This is definitely my type of book - older protagonist writing about her younger self during an especially dark time in her li...moreI really enjoyed Flora. This is definitely my type of book - older protagonist writing about her younger self during an especially dark time in her life, The reader is given enough clues about where the story is going that there are no major surprises, but it's definitely a wonderful character study. In fact, there are some characters that I would have loved to read more about. The ending was a bit abrupt for me, but I really loved the story overall. (less)
Informative but depressing novel that takes place during the two recent Chechen wars. Marra does a nice job defining characters and describing the war...moreInformative but depressing novel that takes place during the two recent Chechen wars. Marra does a nice job defining characters and describing the war-torn environment. It's well-written but often confusing as events jump forward and back in time and Marra constantly chimes in with information about a character's past or future. (less)
Well, I've seen all of the episodes, so the scripts were interesting only because they included portions that were cut. I really enjoyed the notes by...moreWell, I've seen all of the episodes, so the scripts were interesting only because they included portions that were cut. I really enjoyed the notes by Julian Fellowes. He included a lot of historical information as well as personal anecdotes related to particular scenes. I'll have to take a look at the book for Season Two next.(less)
I picked this up in the library while waiting for my daughter to pick out her books. Beautiful illustrations and an interesting story. I'll have to re...moreI picked this up in the library while waiting for my daughter to pick out her books. Beautiful illustrations and an interesting story. I'll have to read more about the inspiration behind this picture book. (less)
I loved this book! This is the story of 6 different families over many generations. While the story is fiction, history comes alive on every page. You...moreI loved this book! This is the story of 6 different families over many generations. While the story is fiction, history comes alive on every page. You are there at the assembly of the Statue of Liberty, building of the Eiffel Tower, Victor Hugo's memorial procession, in Versailles with Louis XIV, experience parts of the French Revolution, both World Wars, and much more. Fantastic!(less)
I know I'm in the minority, but I found this book depressing and repellent. While the protagonist's situation warrants compassion and understanding, t...moreI know I'm in the minority, but I found this book depressing and repellent. While the protagonist's situation warrants compassion and understanding, the writer's words did not invoke these feelings in me as they should. Rather the prose seemed distant and jarring, designed to shock the reader rather than tell a story or provide food for thought. At least the title is apt.(less)
This was a difficult story to get into and a bit disjointed and hard to follow at times. The 3rd star was given for a unique outcome, but I almost fee...moreThis was a difficult story to get into and a bit disjointed and hard to follow at times. The 3rd star was given for a unique outcome, but I almost feel like the muddled plot was just a means to an end. (less)
Michael Pollan's books are always personal, well-researched and interesting. I especially enjoyed the sections on Water ( I just recently started cook...moreMichael Pollan's books are always personal, well-researched and interesting. I especially enjoyed the sections on Water ( I just recently started cooking and using a dutch oven) and Air (I am taking a class on whole wheat sourdough bread). I'm going to have to try Pollan's recipe for bread, using my dutch oven. :) I got this book at the library but wouldn't mind having it in my collection. (less)
I had this on my shelf for years but for some reason I had never read it. I was a big Facts of Life fan as a young girl and always thought highly of L...moreI had this on my shelf for years but for some reason I had never read it. I was a big Facts of Life fan as a young girl and always thought highly of Lisa Whelchel. However, the more I read about Lisa's life, the more alienated I felt from her. Maybe it's just me, but some of her stories seem a bit contrived. Quick read, only somewhat interesting. (less)
The prose is beautiful and the juxtaposition of the three women's stories is a wonderful idea and masterfully done. The writing style is not unlike th...moreThe prose is beautiful and the juxtaposition of the three women's stories is a wonderful idea and masterfully done. The writing style is not unlike that of Virginia Woolf. One might wonder why I have given The Hours 3 stars and only 2 to poor Mrs. Dalloway. I struggled with this, but despite the similar styles I felt that The Hours had more story to it and overall was a more enjoyable read. Unfortunately I couldn't really relate to any of the characters and the plethora of suicidal and homoerotic thoughts and/or actions. I love how things came together at the end, although I would have liked a bit more information. This too is reminiscent of Woolf.(less)
I kept reading to the end because I was interested in how the cases would intersect and of course, wrap up. The cases were fairly interesting, but a l...moreI kept reading to the end because I was interested in how the cases would intersect and of course, wrap up. The cases were fairly interesting, but a lot of the topics really turned me off. I probably won't look for anything else by this author.(less)
The Chaperone started off ok and I really enjoyed it for a while, but at some point the plot shifts, the protagonist, Cora, changes dramatically and a...moreThe Chaperone started off ok and I really enjoyed it for a while, but at some point the plot shifts, the protagonist, Cora, changes dramatically and alters her life in unbelievable ways,and the story keeps going (and going, and going...) long after you expect it to end. I felt like the second half of the book focused more on topics like morality and racism (with some facts about Louise Brooks thrown in for good measure)and less on plot, just skimming along and highlighting various points in Cora's life. Cora's early life and experience as chaperone were detailed and vivid but once the trip to New York wraps up, the story just flounders. Interesting to a point, but I wouldn't recommend it.(less)
I loved this book! Lately I've been choosing books to read based on recommendation from Shelf Awareness and other blogs. I read only the smallest blur...moreI loved this book! Lately I've been choosing books to read based on recommendation from Shelf Awareness and other blogs. I read only the smallest blurb about the book, so I really have no idea what it is about. Ordinary Grace was definitely a pleasant surprise! I can't help but make comparisons to my favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Both are stories of small town life, family, childhood adventures, mystery and death. Both are told from a now grown child's point of view. Both involve fathers of faith and integrity. I can't say that Ordinary Grace lives up to the greatness that is Mockingbird, but it is a wonderful story and one of the best books I've read in recent months. (less)
I'm in the minority, I guess, but this book wasn't really my thing.The author started with a great story idea and touched on some important themes but...moreI'm in the minority, I guess, but this book wasn't really my thing.The author started with a great story idea and touched on some important themes but I was turned off by the exaggerated characters and situations. The only character who didn't seem like a stereotype or caricature was Billy. Too crude for my taste, too, but I could have overlooked the language and sexual humor had the story seemed more real or had the satire worked for me. I'm not a great fan of Catch-22 either, but only because the satire and quirky characters got old after a while. Fountain's characters never grabbed me in the first place. (less)
The prose is excellent, the characters all very reticent and the story is bleak. It kept my interest but I'm not sure what I got out of it now that I'...moreThe prose is excellent, the characters all very reticent and the story is bleak. It kept my interest but I'm not sure what I got out of it now that I've read the entire book. There is promise in the writing. I will look for more by the author, but hope that the next book offers something a bit more uplifting.(less)
The story is a bit disjointed but quite an accomplishment considering that the book was typed by thumb on an iPhone. The author is fairly unsentimenta...moreThe story is a bit disjointed but quite an accomplishment considering that the book was typed by thumb on an iPhone. The author is fairly unsentimental and positive, considering the circumstances, and I'm glad that she has chosen to focus on finding joy with her family rather than dwelling on the many negatives of such a debilitating illness. In the same situation, who knows how I would react - I don't know that I would exhibit such strength or determination. The author and I seem worlds apart in our thoughts and attitudes, and the book was so unsentimental overall that I found it a little shallow and difficult to connect with at times, but it was definitely an eye-opener to the life-changing and crippling effects of of ALS. (less)
It seems the little lord touched a lot of lives with his thoughtfulness and kindness. I wonder if his sweet personality would have been enough to win...moreIt seems the little lord touched a lot of lives with his thoughtfulness and kindness. I wonder if his sweet personality would have been enough to win everyone over if he hadn't been so "pretty"? I read where this book had the popularity of Harry Potter in it's day. In this day and age they don't compare, but this was a nice story anyway. (less)
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