When is a book a child’s book? When is it adult fiction? And when does it fall into that nebulous in-between category of teen/young adult? In times lo...moreWhen is a book a child’s book? When is it adult fiction? And when does it fall into that nebulous in-between category of teen/young adult? In times long past, the age of the character hinted at the story’s audience. But this book, written for adults, has an 11 year old protagonist. Hmm...
Well, you'd need to read my full review at http://ow.ly/5muag to hear how I've determined its audience. When looking for a book that is fun and demonstrates some virtues too, this is the one! The main character Flavia, in spite of her precociousness, is well-meaning in intent, continuously judges right vs. wrong, and shows contrition for bad choices. It is a story with clear demarcation of good and bad, while being aesthetically rich in beauty, history, humour and adventure. Great for book clubs, classroom lit analysis, the publisher does have a reader’s guide available http://www.randomhouse.com/book/17186... An excellent, uplifting read and highly recommended! Be sure to read our review against character education criteria at Litland.com too! http://ow.ly/5mu9m(less)
I was pleased to finally get around to reading book 2. And wow! It immediately takes the reader into an assault and robbery of a girl on a train with...moreI was pleased to finally get around to reading book 2. And wow! It immediately takes the reader into an assault and robbery of a girl on a train with subsequent chase through early morning New York until, just in the nick of time of course, she finds sanctuary... in a sanctuary! Thanks to Doman’s almost poetic writing, the scene is far beyond normal. “The church stood a silent soldier against the slow destruction of the night.”
Slowly we are introduced to the characters both new and old. We know from book 1 they were bright, well-read, and funny in an intellectual way. Now the portrait of each is filled in with greater depth. Those familiar with book 1 wonder why Blanche isn’t telling these monks her history with “their church”. Doman’s style takes us in-and-out of past conversations, transitioning between past and present, moving between sets of characters so slowly we begin to understand the current situation that Blanche, Bear and Fish find themselves in.
Mystery with a touch of romance, our characters again are faced with realistic decisions. The underlying theme in this book is discernment. Good to share between friends or for a mother-daughter read. See our evaluation against character education criteria http://www.litland.com/reviews_15up/B... and enjoy!(less)
This entire series is fantastic! Even though the online game may be over, it is well worth reading the series. This is sure to become a series that is...moreThis entire series is fantastic! Even though the online game may be over, it is well worth reading the series. This is sure to become a series that is in reprint for decades to come.
With each book written by a different children's author, we experience different writing styles and their "take" on the story. Yet clearly the team worked closely together, because all except book 2 maintain the protagonists personalities and character traits (see my concerns with book 2 http://www.litland.com/reviews_9-12/3... ). However, even this book gives parents and teachers something to discuss with their children and students, helping them become good discerners of the written word.
The full collection provides traditional and classroom teachers, babysitters, and kids on vacation lots of opportunity to explore the entire world. While reading each book, check out some of the fun websites I've found http://www.litland.com/reviews_9-12/3... (see activities). I cannot say enough about this series, and I donated my entire set to my local elementary school library!(less)
A complex novel of abuse, recovery, mental illness, inclusion, murder, mystery, activism, Faith! The craziness of those first years experienced when y...moreA complex novel of abuse, recovery, mental illness, inclusion, murder, mystery, activism, Faith! The craziness of those first years experienced when young adults leave their nest and venture into the outer world of college life, whether as newbie freshmen or advanced graduate students. Unlikely friendships as the strong nurture the weak with Kateri mentoring Donna in her mental illness, and Rose guiding Fish through abuse recovery. Fish’s loyalty to Rose, taken to the extreme, becomes unforgiving. But then self-denigration turns into enlightenment and hope.
Going beyond stereotypes, the dialogue paints a clear picture of the misperceptions held by non-Christians against Christians, countered with a realistic portrayal of the passionate young Christian student. The story draws us into the issue-filled, and often polarized, setting of college life. Woven therein are pieces of logic to help the reader refrain from being “sucked into” an erroneous view (a refreshing break from the hidden agendas found in common literature today).
By far more intense than the previous two books of the series, Waking Rose deals with mental illness, inter-relational tension, physical and sexual abuse and the resulting gender identity conflict, healing same-sex attraction and developing healthy authentic relationships. All of this is taken within the context of arson, stalking, kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder, with each character’s strengths overcoming their weaknesses. Stylistically, the entire book is presented in back-and-forth fashion between His and Her views, making it appealing to young men and women alike. Rather than a romance novel, it is a realistic portrayal of the breadth and depth of emotions commonly experienced amongst the college-aged today. See our full review and evaluation against character education criteria at http://ow.ly/5BUfK (less)
Get ready...August is the month most families take vacations and it’s coming soon. What book are you tossing into your luggage? Try Bleeder: A miracle...moreGet ready...August is the month most families take vacations and it’s coming soon. What book are you tossing into your luggage? Try Bleeder: A miracle? Or bloody murder? Excellent mystery about the murder of a priest famous for his stigmata. Written for adults but acceptable for older teens. See the review against education criteria http://ow.ly/5iZYt and our blog commentary http://ow.ly/5j004
Written for adults, older teens will also appreciate the rich context within which Desjairlas situates his mystery as well as his multi-faceted characters. The protagonist, a religious skeptic, ends up knee-deep in a possible miracle—or hoax? Criticism and misunderstanding of Catholicism are treated realistically and given intellectual critique. In contrast to authors like Regina Doman who integrate classic literature with a poetic effect, Bleeder is equally intellectual but for the philosopher rather than the poet. However, rather than a heady treatment, we are entertained with continuous theme tying Aquinas to Aristotle in the self-talk and dialogue of characters. This gives it practical application to every day life (great for school assignment). A standard ethical process for decision making is provided that leads to the truth.
Teen readers should already have a foundation in their family’s own faith beliefs with which to contrast to the secular myths and Gnostic views portrayed by antagonists in the story. Excellent choice to share, book clubs, youth and college campus ministries, and vacation!
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