This book totally blew me away. For some reason it took me a little while to get into it, but then I was totally swept up and could not stop reading t...moreThis book totally blew me away. For some reason it took me a little while to get into it, but then I was totally swept up and could not stop reading the thing. I was totally surprised by the plot twists, but when it all fell into place and I looked back, it all made sense—with a few minor exceptions. And honestly, by the end I just didn’t care about figuring everything out and making sure everything fit, like I usually do. Julie and Maddie became real people to me. Their dialogue and behavior seemed to fit with the time and place, yet I also felt like they could have been the girls next door. The writing is beautiful but not too flowery. Some readers might be turned off by all the details about airfields and flight codes and such, but I thought they were interesting and made the story more realistic. It’s refreshing to read a book that’s about friendship instead of romantic relationships, and it shows that the bond between friends can be as strong and beautiful as any other kind. I have a feeling that “Code Name Verity” is going to stand the test of time and become a classic.(less)
This book totally blew me away. For some reason it took me a little while to get into it, but then I was totally swept up and could not stop reading t...moreThis book totally blew me away. For some reason it took me a little while to get into it, but then I was totally swept up and could not stop reading the thing. I was totally surprised by the plot twists, but when it all fell into place and I looked back, it all made sense—with a few minor exceptions. And honestly, by the end I just didn’t care about figuring everything out and making sure everything fit, like I usually do. Julie and Maddie became real people to me. Their dialogue and behavior seemed to fit with the time and place, yet I also felt like they could have been the girls next door. The writing is beautiful but not too flowery. Some readers might be turned off by all the details about airfields and flight codes and such, but I thought they were interesting and made the story more realistic. It’s refreshing to read a book that’s about friendship instead of romantic relationships, and it shows that the bond between friends can be as strong and beautiful as any other kind. I have a feeling that “Code Name Verity” is going to stand the test of time and become a classic.(less)
This is definitely not my favorite Christopher Moore title, but I did enjoy it quite a bit. I had trouble following it at times, particularly all the...moreThis is definitely not my favorite Christopher Moore title, but I did enjoy it quite a bit. I had trouble following it at times, particularly all the flashbacks and geographic running around. Also, I'm just not very familiar with art history (shame) so I probably didn't even recognize some of the names that I should have. Still, this book still cracked me up in typical Christopher Moore fashion. There's all the laugh-out-loud ridiculousness that I know and love. Moore is definitely a love him or hate him kind of author, and this book falls right in line with his usual stuff. If you didn't like his other books you probably won't like this one, but his usual fans will not be disappointed. (less)
Flavia is my new favorite heroine! I have a feeling that she would totally creep me out if I knew her in real life, but in print she comes across as d...moreFlavia is my new favorite heroine! I have a feeling that she would totally creep me out if I knew her in real life, but in print she comes across as delightful and charming. It's refreshing to have a young female character who is fearless, intelligent, and more interested in science than boys. Plus, she just cracked me up. The mystery was unique and had enough twists to keep me interested. This is definitely a series that I will be continuing. (less)
I think of this book as chick lit with a punch. Ismae is no damsel in distress--she's basically an assassin nun. How cool is that? It's nice to read a...moreI think of this book as chick lit with a punch. Ismae is no damsel in distress--she's basically an assassin nun. How cool is that? It's nice to read a historical novel with such a strong heroine, one who's more concerned about spilling the blood of the next evil-doer than being ladylike. Sure, the romantic part is really predictable. And I had trouble following all the politics, all the so-and-so was supposed to marry so-and-so, this guy made this treaty, this guy might be a traitor, etc. But still, it's a fun, quick read, and I look forward to following Ismae's adventures in the upcoming books.(less)
There's a reason why John Grisham is so popular--he's really good at telling a story without too many words or extraneous details to get in the way. "...moreThere's a reason why John Grisham is so popular--he's really good at telling a story without too many words or extraneous details to get in the way. "Calico Joe" isn't my favorite of his books, but it's a fun, quick read that also has heart. The baseball scenes really jump off the page and are fun to read. I like the way the narrative goes back and forth from the 70s to today so it takes a while to figure out exactly what happened. The ending felt a bit too easy and cheesy as well, but overall I enjoyed the story. (less)
Abilene is feeling lonely. Her mama is long gone, her father sent her off to live with an old friend in his hometown for a few months while he works o...moreAbilene is feeling lonely. Her mama is long gone, her father sent her off to live with an old friend in his hometown for a few months while he works on the railroad. This puts Abilene alone in Manifest, Kansas, a worn-out old town that was suffering even before the Great Depression hit. It looks like it's going to be boring summer...that is, until Abilene discovers a hidden cigar box full of 18-year-old mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on a real-life spy hunt. In the process, with the help of a so-called diviner named Miss Sadie, Abilene digs into the Manifest's past--which, as she comes to find out, brings her closer to understanding her father's childhood and how it shaped the person he grew up to be.
This book sort of reminds me of "Walk Two Moons," "Savvy," and "A Long Way from Chicago." Those titles cover a variety of settings and situations, but they all have a similar tone and just give me the warm fuzzies. Even when bad things are happening, you feel the love between the characters. I also enjoyed the mysterious aspect and the way that the two stories--what happened in Manifest in 1918, and what's happening in the present--weave together. Abilene is a totally charming little girl, and her curiosity reminded me of myself when I was young (but, admittedly, I think I was more annoying and less charming about it!). There are a few interesting twists at the end, too. In one word: fantastic!(less)
Things aren't going so well for Doug Swieteck. His brother is off fighting in the Vietnam War, which has his sweet mom worried and his rough father ev...moreThings aren't going so well for Doug Swieteck. His brother is off fighting in the Vietnam War, which has his sweet mom worried and his rough father even more brutal than usual. His dad has trouble keeping a job, so now they have to move to "stupid Maryville," a tiny town in New York where his dad's friend has found a place for him to work. At first, Doug hates the place. There's nothing to do and he misses his old friends. But then he starts getting to know people. He meets spunky Lil Spencer, whose father hires Doug to work as a delivery boy in his deli. He befriends Mr. Powell, a local librarian, who introduces him to drawing. He even gets a babysitting gig for a broad of feisty kids and buddies up with an elderly woman who is writing a play. Through these relationships, Doug discovers new parts of himself and learns to stand up for the things that are important to him.
This is definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year. From the first page, I loved Doug's voice and his goofy observations. I really like his snark and how he talks to audience sometimes. There's the dark stuff in this story (the war, Doug's abusive father)--which I like because it gives us a lot to think about-- but it totally cracked me up as well. The pacing works well, too. Even though there's not a lot of action per se, all of the little things Doug goes through combined with the engaging narration equals a book that I couldn't put down. Plus there's an awesome librarian! What more could one want from a book? (less)
The year is 1881. The Mississippi River divides the United States from the Indian nations of the West. The only thing keeping the US from expanding is...moreThe year is 1881. The Mississippi River divides the United States from the Indian nations of the West. The only thing keeping the US from expanding is the magic of powerful Indian medicine men. The America government is desperate to expand its territory (since it's the "destiny" of the US and all), so it sends Thomas Edison out West to the town of Tombstone, Arizona, to discover a scientific answer to the Indians' magic. When he arrives, he brings some of his other inventions to the town: horseless carriages, electric streetlights, and *ahem* robotic prostitutes. Meanwhile, Wyatt Earp and his brothers are hired to protect the genius. Problem is, Edison and Earp have enemies who make the Indian threat seem tame--the Clayton gang. When they find themselves in over their heads, Earp's old friends Doc Holliday and Bat Masterson ride into help. Though you'd think they'd get some good-karma by offering their assistance, Bat is turned into--what else--a bat and Doc is stalked by a zombie gunslinger. The gang will have to do some quick thinking--and shooting--to get out of this one.
I enjoyed every bit of this fast-paced story. Usually I want some more character development than what this one has, but because it's so action-oriented I was okay with a little less info in that department. I loved all the funky steampunkness and the wacky dialogue. The book kept me guessing about what was going to happen next and made me laugh as well. Fun, fun, fun!(less)
First of all, I have to comment on the format of "Karma." It's written in verse, and I wish it hadn't been. I know I say this in every review of a nov...moreFirst of all, I have to comment on the format of "Karma." It's written in verse, and I wish it hadn't been. I know I say this in every review of a novel in verse, but I just don't see why it's written this way. When I read parts aloud to myself, it sounded just like a regular book. The language isn't particularly poetic. There's nothing unusual done with the structure. The format just distracted me. Also, the story is supposed to be a diary, so to me it seemed like there were two gimmicks going on. Maybe I'm just not sophisticated enough to "get" novels in verse. That said, I still enjoyed this book. Maya is a likable character who many readers will relate to. She's always struggled to reconcile the two parts of her heritage, Sikh and Hindu, and before her mother's death her parents were always pulling her in two different directions. Then she gets to India and is thrown into all this chaos and terror, and it just overwhelms her...and all of this happens while she's still trying to deal with her mother's death. She's definitely not perfect and she makes some mistakes, which actually made me like her more. The romance part is a little too much for me; Maya and Sandeep are both young and just met but they fall in love immediately, which is annoying and unrealistic. I wish their relationship grew more slowly and was less intense. However, I enjoyed the rest of the story. It's got enough action to make it move along quickly, and a lot of heart as well.(less)
Frankie begins her scrapbook as a high school student. As she grows up during the 1920s, she adds to her book, preserving her memories of going to col...moreFrankie begins her scrapbook as a high school student. As she grows up during the 1920s, she adds to her book, preserving her memories of going to college, falling in love, having her heart broken, moving to Paris, and chasing her dream of being a writer. Each page is filled with photos, captions, and memorabilia from her life and the time period in general. This is a unique, interesting way to tell the story, and I enjoyed each and every page. The story itself isn't earth-shattering, but the fun format makes it worth reading. (less)
I thought I'd like this book more than I did. I think I was disappointed because I recently read Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel, and this is very s...moreI thought I'd like this book more than I did. I think I was disappointed because I recently read Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel, and this is very similar. Both have the following: a steampunk vibe; a missing brother and a sister on a mission to save him; a dashing, mysterious love interest; and similar conclusions. It all made this one feel predictable, which may or may not be fair but there it is. That said, I did enjoy a lot of this story. I love the fiery, feisty Eleanor and how she refuses to step aside and let the boys do all the work/have all the fun. Also, it's a fast-paced, fun read with lots of action. Although it wasn't my favorite zombie story, it was definitely worth reading and I plan to read the rest of series. (Thanks for the advance copy, Sarah!!)(less)
We all know the story of Jesus Christ's birth: more than 2,000 years ago, a virgin mother-to-be and her devoted husband traveled from Nazareth to Beth...moreWe all know the story of Jesus Christ's birth: more than 2,000 years ago, a virgin mother-to-be and her devoted husband traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where the baby was born in a manger because there was no room at the nearby inn. Soon after, the baby and his parents were visited by three wise men bearing gifts because they knew the child was the son of God. Well, "Unholy Night" tells a version of this well-known story that you definitely haven't heard before. The wise men who visited Jesus aren't the real magi--they are three criminals who manage to escape the gallows by trading places with the actual wise men and escaping into the desert. There they meet Mary, Joseph, and their tiny child, but they have no clue that the baby is the Messiah--in fact, they don't even believe it when they are told. Still, they choose to stick with the family as they journey to Egypt to escape Herod, and their lives are changed forever.
This book is completely different from what I thought it would be, in nearly every way. After reading Seth Grahame-Smith's "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," I expected irony and plain old goofiness that would make me laugh out loud. Unholy Night isn't really like that. There are a few moments that are a little silly, but for the most part, I think, it lacks the humor of Grahame-Smith's other work. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, though, because actually I liked it quite a bit. I don't think he intended for it to be like his other books--he wanted to tell a different kind of story. And an interesting story it is. Surprisingly, it's not nearly as sacrilegious as I expected. I didn't feel like it ever poked fun at religious belief or even indicated that Jesus wasn't actually the Messiah. It basically just told another version of the story. There are some really good twists in the plot (my favorite involves the fate of the two "wise men" who betray Mary, Joseph, and Jesus) and a satisfying ending. Even though it wasn't what I expected, "Unholy Night" pleased me just the same.(less)
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