This is another one I'm having trouble writing a proper review for. I read it on my Nook and I find I have WAAAAAAAAY more trouble paying attention an...moreThis is another one I'm having trouble writing a proper review for. I read it on my Nook and I find I have WAAAAAAAAY more trouble paying attention and keeping track of a story on there than I do with a hard copy print book. I don't want to be unfair and judge a story for my issues with the format. I thought I would like the Nook ... and maybe with some more experience? Or maybe not.
That is so old-fogey. I will have to get better at e-reading if I want to keep getting arcs from Netgalley.
That said, from what I did get out of the story ... cute. Not my new most favoritest book in the whole entire world or anything but can definitely see some appeal. (less)
I do enjoy a good Victorian England mystery, and even better a ghost story.
I liked the sort of bookended prologue and epilogue. And I enjoyed many par...moreI do enjoy a good Victorian England mystery, and even better a ghost story.
I liked the sort of bookended prologue and epilogue. And I enjoyed many parts of the story ... Abi's interactions with Lizzy, Adam, Lord Greave, and Samuel. There seemed to be genuine affection.
I was not as fond of the ways the "ghost" communicated with Abi, or the "doctor" who gave her the Ouija board. Much of that seemed ... forced. Can't quite put my finger on what but it wasn't entirely believable.
All this said ... I would pick up something from this author again. Won't necessarily go running to look for it, but I think there was enough good about the book to merit a second look. I just won't be running out immediately tomorrow to do it.(less)
This was a creepy story ripe with meaning. The writing was superb and in light of the situation behind the story the tone fits perfectly. I jotted dow...moreThis was a creepy story ripe with meaning. The writing was superb and in light of the situation behind the story the tone fits perfectly. I jotted down several quotes that I liked. These page numbers will not reflect the final hard copy as they are from an electronic preview. I just share them as example of some of the beautiful turns of phrase.
"Stories are the wildest things of all, the monster rumbled. Stories chase and bite and hunt." (p 45) That's why we love stories, right? Because they make us feel things.
“You’re as old as the land and you’ve never heard of sarcasm?” (p 59) Irony. Gets me every time.
"Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?" (p 61) Again, very similar to the earlier quote. The power of story is one way in which we all come together as authors and readers. We find things we have in common after reading a book!
"Belief is half of healing." (p 139) Most doctors would agree with this. And it definitely can be a big part of emotional healing and coming to peace with things that are happening, even if it doesn't end up changing the final outcome.
"Connor's grief was a physical thing, gripping him like a clamp, clenching him as tight as a muscle. He could barely breathe from the sheer effort of it, and he sank to the ground again, wishing it would just take him, once and for all." (p 200) This is just beautiful. WHY CAN'T I WRITE LIKE THIS?
"You do not write you life with words, the monster said. You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do." (p 202) Another case where I am jealous of this author's power with the written word. In this case his action of writing the book in honor of Ms. Dowd is the important thing. The rest of us ... well, what will we DO? (less)
1) SO fun. On a day I was stuck at home fighting nasty allergies I distracted myself for several hours...moreOK. What do I say without giving too much away.
1) SO fun. On a day I was stuck at home fighting nasty allergies I distracted myself for several hours reading. Once I started I literally couldn't stop.
2) Now I will be distracting myself trying to figure out a fun celebration to have at school to introduce more kids to Theodosia--which is not to say she doesn't already have fans but hey. Some sort of Egyptian party would always attract more. (I will say this, though. This is not an easy read--would recommend for advanced fourth and fifth grade, middle school, and nerdy high school or adult set in early 1900's Egyptian fans like myself. Thank you Amelia Peabody. :])
3) Crazy action! Interesting characters! Description that really brought the setting and story to life!
4) Hopefully this is not too spoilerish but ...
OH SO MEAN CLIFFHANGER ENDING! I kept clicking hoping the file would move to a new page. It didn't. Crossing fingers book five is not so very, very far away.
I actually kept track of a couple quotes I wanted to share but as I'm pretty new to reading these ebook ARCS I'm not sure if I can. So I might have to save them and repost when the books come out.(less)
I actually finished this one a couple of weeks ago. I just didn't really know what to say about it.
I am a Jane Austen fan. Every book and every movie....moreI actually finished this one a couple of weeks ago. I just didn't really know what to say about it.
I am a Jane Austen fan. Every book and every movie.
BUT ... there was too much rehashing of her books. For Jane Austen fans it was redundant--we've read the books and don't need to hear it all again. Jane told them best. For readers new to Jane Austen ... why give away the storyline in such a fashion? Entire plots were summarized.
The parts about Jane's life were well written. Nothing super new but then again I am already a fan. I do want to give the author that credit.
Wish I had more to say about it. I'm still getting used to reading on a Nook, so maybe that is part of my frustration. Can't stick postit notes between pages where there are lovely lines or parts that don't work. Too impatient to read with a notebook next to me (at least at this point) and set the nook down every time I want to make a note.
I guess it might be useful for maybe some biography research. I'd rather see a new JA reader read an encyclopedia article about Jane's life and then actually READ ONE OF HER BOOKS, though. (less)
I do love the epistolary style of these books. And the characters have grown on me. Who knew from the beginning of book one that Mr. Grumply would act...moreI do love the epistolary style of these books. And the characters have grown on me. Who knew from the beginning of book one that Mr. Grumply would actually turn out to be pretty cool?
Without giving too much away ... this one pulls in a new character. So that was kind of fun.
I read this in arc form (e-book arc form even) so the exact wording may change. But I liked this quote from page 86 just like it is so I hope it doesn't change.
"'What happens when you mess up?' 'Well, you learn your lesson. You make a small change. Then you try again the next day."
The only problem with getting to read book three early is that now I have to wait that much longer for book four. But I will for sure be getting this for our library collection. The kids are going to enjoy it.(less)
Well ... drat. I hate to say it but I did not like this one nearly as much as Birthmarked. (On a side note ... why has Goodreads lost all of my star r...moreWell ... drat. I hate to say it but I did not like this one nearly as much as Birthmarked. (On a side note ... why has Goodreads lost all of my star ratings? I think that one would have been a four or five, even. Not this one.)
Felt very ... preached at through the entire story. That's my first impression. It's hard to write about why without giving away some major plot points of the story. Characters did not feel genuine to the traits and motivations from the first book without any good explanation for their changes. And again ... I just felt really preached at. There is a hot topic challenged in this book. I'm glad the author brought it up as we can't just ignore topics that cause differences of opinion. But please don't make me feel betrayed by a character I empathized with when she really seems to change her mind on said topic.
Perhaps that does not make any sense? Still working on review writing without spoiling.(less)
Though I can see how some kids would like it. So I'll probably still get it for our collection. Just w...moreI just really ... couldn't get "in" to this one.
Though I can see how some kids would like it. So I'll probably still get it for our collection. Just won't necessarily be one of the ones I booktalk because I love it, too.(less)
I can think of several kids at my school that would love this story. It was a little hard for me to follow but that was just a factor of the way it wa...moreI can think of several kids at my school that would love this story. It was a little hard for me to follow but that was just a factor of the way it was written. Of course each individual author and illustrator contributed their own style to the exaggerated story. And in the end who wouldn't love a big pig named Genius Kelly? (Be fairwarned ... here's a quote from later in the story ... "Who named that pig Genius?" (p 98))
Here are a couple of quotes that I liked. Of course there are more! And these are page numbers from a preview copy, so the final may be a bit different.
"Joe .... bravely dived off the bridge into the gorge. Nancy dived after him, even more bravely. (Don't you agree? I mean, she'd had an extra moment to think about it.)" (pp 19-20) This bit was written by Susan Cooper. It made me laugh.
"'In one way, he is' said Einstein, quickly adding, 'but in two way he's not'" (p 33). Word play always adds a fun touch.
On p 37 they describe a lunch retrieved from a Star Wars lunchbox. May the Force be with you! OH! And speaking of ... that's a quote straight from page 59. That's just awesome.
"She bowed automatically before remembering there would be no applause in these villain-infested wood--only certain death" (p 41). Another one that made me laugh. The irony. Another one ... "UNHAND THAT ARM!" (p79) And "I'm so happy for you. The happiest days are always the days when missing legs are found. Aren't they, Joe? Aren't they the happiest days?" (p127).
Some readers might agree with this statement in terms of the book "'Oh,' thought Nancy, sometimes the world is too ridiculous to be borne'" (p134). That's OK. Every book has it's readers! (less)
Seriously. How cute is this? I am not one to go for the sparkly pink titles (though I know my students TOTALLY do!) and I still enjoyed this beginning...moreSeriously. How cute is this? I am not one to go for the sparkly pink titles (though I know my students TOTALLY do!) and I still enjoyed this beginning chapter book.
Kylie Jean dreams of becoming a beauty queen. In this particular title she decides one way she will accomplish this goal is by participating in the rodeo. As a fellow Texan of course this automatically caught my attention.
I can't help it. I loved the line when she visits the library to get a book on rodeo rope tricks. The librarian smiles but then shushes her ... and Kylie Jean tells us "Although it is true that I am known for being loud, on occasion"(29).
The story is fun. The characters are interesting (the dog is named Ugly Brother--that is just priceless!). The illustrations are winsome and quirky. There are great examples of description in terms of the writing. I think this is a winner.
There are some enjoyable (if a bit formulaic) extra discussion questions and activities at the end of the book, as well as a digital press and event kit. I was delightfully surprised to find 1)the author is a school librarian, and 2)the illustrator graduated from my alma mater.
I guess the only other thing I might say is that KJ learns to barrel race well enough to WIN in a very short amount of time. I am not sure that could really be done (if something is worth doing it takes some patience and effort!) and wonder if it might give some readers unrealistic expectations for themselves. That said ... I know I'll still be getting copies for our library.(less)
OK. All quotes are coming from an electronic ARC so ... page numbers are going to be off. But I can't help sharing a few. They make me laugh.
"Then Mar...moreOK. All quotes are coming from an electronic ARC so ... page numbers are going to be off. But I can't help sharing a few. They make me laugh.
"Then Margaret had blabbered on and on about advanced lip-gloss tips and the proper application of eyeliner until I thought I would die of bore-dumb." (pg 8)
I will NEVER hear that word the same way again.
"I opened my backpack and pulled out my important papers folder and ... [it] was still there! I'm supposed to keep it until the end of the project, and every day that it's still in my backpack feels like a miracle." (pg 11)
I so understand that feeling.
I need to stop collecting quotes. It's slowing my reading down. ;]
"My inside clock keeps perfect time, and so I am never late for anything. Okay, fine, I'm late a lot, but it's only because I forget to set my inside clock. But I was remembering now." (pg 18)
Yep. Been there, too. Didn't know I had so much in common with Clementine.
"'What's on the agenda?' I asked. Agenda is Latin for 'list of stuff to talk about,' so when you say it, you're saving your mouth a lot of work. Plus, you sound smart." (pg 22)
HA! As a teacher faced with too many meetings lately ... I wish more agendas sounded smart.
"It's the teacher's job to teach and the students' job to learn. Both of you have to decide about how best to do that." (pg 66)
SO TRUE.
I absolutely cannot wait to share this with my students. As school gets out in a week it won't be until the fall. But you can bet I'll be adding more orange Clementine spines to our Pennypacker bookshelf!
Review a little later. For now ... liked this one!
Later edit ...
I did enjoy it ... but now it's been so long since I read it I can't remember any spec...moreReview a little later. For now ... liked this one!
Later edit ...
I did enjoy it ... but now it's been so long since I read it I can't remember any specifics. Just that it seemed realistic and showed how confusing identity can be for a teen. He doesn't feel like he's getting anywhere continuing in his current choices ... so he makes some changes and finds new possibilities opening up. I also thought the way friendships were portrayed in this one were pretty realistic. Some felt left behind or betrayed, and that was a fair assessment considering the choices "Rowan" made. But in the end? His real friends stood by him, no matter where they came from.(less)
I enjoyed this one a lot, even if it often strayed into the unbelievable. Sherlock manages to get himself, Matty, and Virginia out of many a scrape. W...moreI enjoyed this one a lot, even if it often strayed into the unbelievable. Sherlock manages to get himself, Matty, and Virginia out of many a scrape. Would be totally gross to see parts of it in a movie ... but it made for some of the most interesting parts of the book.
Some reviewers are really good at talking about the book without giving away spoilers. I'm not one of them yet. I'll just say if you like Sherlock Holmes at all (or grand adventure tales) then go ahead and pick up this series. You won't regret it.(less)
Loads of fun! I can't wait to get these books into the hands of some of our fourth and fifth graders--or middle school, if you happen to work with tho...moreLoads of fun! I can't wait to get these books into the hands of some of our fourth and fifth graders--or middle school, if you happen to work with those kids.
Loved the humor and the action.
"Sometimes I talk to toilets. It .... Well, they seem to like it." In my e-ARC that was on page 10 but that could change in the final copy. Anyway. Lines like that. Who wouldn't giggle.
"(By the way, if you know all this because you read the first book? You can skip this chapter and go on to the next one. My feelings won't be hurt.)" That was on page 23. Though I think you should read them in order because otherwise you miss out.
There were lots of others but that is just a hint. Dragons and ninja-like characters. Lots of Paddy's backstory. More fun from Mack's golem back home. Warning ... ends on a cliffhanger. When will book three come out?(less)
Just finished this last night ... and it was a nail biter!
As a fan of dystopian fic I'm glad to see a newer one that we could put in the elementary li...moreJust finished this last night ... and it was a nail biter!
As a fan of dystopian fic I'm glad to see a newer one that we could put in the elementary library. I would say later fourth grade or fifth ... there is just a TAD (only a tad) of romance so I don't think it's a third grade book.
And the kiddos probably would need a reminder that some of what is portrayed in the book is not possible. Yet. (And hopefully never!)
But I like how it incorporates students who are proficient in science (both girls and boys) and makes that OK. And it does talk a lot about some real meteorological principles. So a book group might be able to do a bit of fact and fiction comparisons, among other things.
Just Skyped with the author on Friday (more about Marty McGuire than this one but we did touch on it). Such a great opportunity. Looking forward to more of her work!(less)
Hmmm. I thought this book was HILARIOUS in some places. I haven't read Everything on a Waffle but I have read some of her other books and she just does...moreHmmm. I thought this book was HILARIOUS in some places. I haven't read Everything on a Waffle but I have read some of her other books and she just does quirky and funny turns of phrase so well.
So ... rating for me? Four stars. I started taking some screen shots in Skitch (since you can't bookmark or make notes electronic advanced reading copies, which is how I was reading it) of the funniest lines. I was going to quote a couple of them here.
But there were so many! And having to retype everything ... no. I'll just say funny and share one. The scene where the two people are over having dinner and it is not going so well? Some of them start talking just to fill the silence. "Uncle Jack alone retained his savoir faire as if he were completely at home with people who would really be better off heavily sedated" (p 29 in the advance copy). And do NOT miss the town meeting which was, sadly, a "pastryless event" (p 118).
BUT ... I really can't think of an elementary student to share this with. I've tried to share some of her books in our collection but haven't ever really found the student that connected with them. Who is the intended audience? The main character is twelve. Do middle school students like her writing? In terms of kid appeal a three.(less)
At least I think it was Netgalley. Maybe it was Edelweiss. I need to keep better track. Anyway ...
I liked it. Edge of my seat, should've been doing ot...moreAt least I think it was Netgalley. Maybe it was Edelweiss. I need to keep better track. Anyway ...
I liked it. Edge of my seat, should've been doing other things, but I couldn't stop reading kind of liked it!
And now we have to wait for book #2 to find out what happens next.
I will admit there is a lot of changing points of view. That got a little confusing. Once I quit trying to keep perfect track I still enjoyed the story and always eventually figured out who was talking.(less)
Scaredy Squirrel and I have a lot in common when it comes to thoughts of camping. It's a hate/love relationship.
Similar to other SS titles ... a littl...moreScaredy Squirrel and I have a lot in common when it comes to thoughts of camping. It's a hate/love relationship.
Similar to other SS titles ... a little hard to read out loud with all of the small details ... but worth it.
Will DEFINITELY be getting this for the school collection!(less)
Loading...
