Straightforward description: Steampunk and zombies.
Dr. Leviticus Blue designed his Boneshaker machine to compete in the Klondike gold rush by digging...moreStraightforward description: Steampunk and zombies.
Dr. Leviticus Blue designed his Boneshaker machine to compete in the Klondike gold rush by digging deep through the frozen earth. Instead, on its test run the machine tore a gouge through downtown Seattle, exposing a vein of gas that sickened the populace and turned some into flesh-eating zombies. Fifteen years later, the ruins of Seattle are encased behind 200-foot high walls to hold back the toxic Blight gas and undead hordes. In the outskirts, Leviticus Blue's widow struggles to raise her teenage son under the heavy legacy of what her husband caused. Then, the unthinkable happens - her son finds a way into the city, determined to clear his father's name. Briar goes in after her boy, willing to risk it all to bring him out alive.
Wow. I love the very concept of this book, and it lived up to its promise. Boneshaker is a fantastic romp through an alternate history Seattle. The world building is believable, complete in steampunk glory; the Civil War rages on, airships rule the skies, and incredible inventions help keep "rotters" at bay. Briar Wilkes is a wonderful heroine. She's not some skinny sexy girl. No, she's a thirty-five-year-old mother treated as an outcast for what her husband did, and her son Zeke is all she has left. Since I lived near Seattle and loved the area, this book felt somewhat personal. I could really see it in my head.
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Definitely among my top ten for the year.(less)
I have absolutely no interest in The Da Vinci Code or any books of that sort, but I picked this up for two reasons: my last name is Cato, and it was o...moreI have absolutely no interest in The Da Vinci Code or any books of that sort, but I picked this up for two reasons: my last name is Cato, and it was only $2 for a hardcover at the Phoenix VNSA sale. Personally relevant and cheap![return][return]I was pleasantly surprised by this massive book. Once it got going, I was completely snared. The main character, Ottavia, is a high-ranking nun working in the Vatican. She specializes in ancient manuscripts and research, and therefore she's stunned when her superiors need her expertise in a new assignment - identifying unusual tattoos on the corpse of a dead Ethiopian. To complicate things more, the dead man was carrying along bits of the True Cross - the one Jesus died upon - and bears scarification that suggests a long-lost religious order may not be lost after all. Along with a stoic Swiss Army captain and brilliant Coptic Egyptian, the three of them work through linguistic riddles and discover the key to everything is hidden in plain sight - Dante's The Divine Comedy. As other churches around the world reel from the theft of their fragments of the Cross, Ottavia and the others rush to join this hidden order so they can stop the pilfering and confront the enigmatic leader of the group, Cato.[return][return]Reading the book reminded me of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This is an intelligent, well-researched book and it was a great deal of fun. The ending had a nice twist that was followed by a bit of a cliche, but that was fine. I was concerned that I'd go through all 458-pages and be disgusted by the ending, as I was recently with Edgar Sawtelle, but that wasn't the case here. It ended like it should. I have no regrets about this $2 purchase.(less)
This book is an ARC received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.[return][return]Ida Mclaird has returned to the isle St. Hauda's Land, th...moreThis book is an ARC received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.[return][return]Ida Mclaird has returned to the isle St. Hauda's Land, the place she visited on holiday only months before. However, this visit is not a vacation. Her feet are turning to glass, and a mumbled sentence from an eccentric islander leads her to believe she may not be the only one to suffer this disorder. As she searches for a cure, she encounters Midas Crook. Midas is a photographer and a loner, emotionally stunted by the torturous relationship of his parents and his father's suicide. As the glass spreads upward, Ida doesn't give up on herself - or on Midas - as they stumble across a landscape where small moth-winged bulls flitter about and jelly fish glow in the bay by night.[return][return]This is a beautiful, eloquent novel of magical realism. St. Hauda's Land is as real a character as the people who inhabit it, maybe more so. Some of Shaw's gorgeous descriptions made me gasp out loud. The theme of the novel is fairly straightforward: Ida, the girl with glass feet has lived vibrantly, and won't go down without a fight, while other characters such as Midas live as though they have glass feet and don't really live at all. This book really grew on me as I read, and I think it will linger with me for some time.(less)
Despite having a massive backlog of books to read, Urban Shaman snared me so utterly that I had to go out and buy the sequel, Thunderbird Falls. I thi...moreDespite having a massive backlog of books to read, Urban Shaman snared me so utterly that I had to go out and buy the sequel, Thunderbird Falls. I think this was a wise decision.[return][return]Thunderbird Falls picks up Joanne's story just three months after the end of the first book. Jo grudgingly accepts her shamanistic powers and knows she saved the world, but can't let go of her cynicism. Then, as luck would have it, she finds another dead body. Then her spirit guide vanishes. Adrift and desperate, she accepts a new teacher in the spirit world and is embraced by a coven who is looking to end the abnormal heat streak Seattle is enduring. However, things aren't what they seem, and the horrible heat suddenly seems like a minor blip compared to the ancient spirits Jo just released in the real world. Whoops.[return][return]I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't *quite* as good as the predecessor, mainly because I had the feeling all along that Joanne was making one screw-up after another, but it was still good and Jo is still an awesome and very-real heroine. I love this series, and doubt I'll be able to resist buying the third book within the next few weeks.(less)
Alexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society...moreAlexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society. After all, there are several factors against her: a rather plain appearance, olive-toned skin and dark hair as a legacy from her deceased Italian father, and the fact that she completely lacks a soul. The latter ends up being a gift when a socially-inept vampire attacks her in a library, and Alexia's touch nullifies his supernatural powers, enabling her to kill him in self-defense. To further complicate matters, Queen Victoria's agent Lord Maccon, an insufferable Scottish werewolf, is sent to investigate. Alexia soon realizes that a wider scheme is afoot, and she needs the help of all of her friends - ranging from a foppish vampire to the gruff Lord Maccon - if she is to survive.[return][return]I loved this book. Out of over a hundred books read this year, this is among my very favorites. It was just outright fun. Carriger does a lovely job of creating a Victorian England where werewolves and vampires have openly been in society for centuries, with added steampunk touches as well. Alexia is a fantastic heroine, smart, well-read, and not afraid to wield her trusty parasol in defense. She and Lord Maccon create wonderful chemistry. I didn't expect the romance element to be so strong (or exist at all), but it really sizzled at points. I don't have a thing for werewolves, but wow, Lord Maccon is indeed quite a catch. The voice of the book is thoroughly British and only added to my delight. I will be buying the sequel to this as soon as it comes out.(less)
I first read of this book back when we subscribed to Experience Life Magazine, and I was glad to find it in a thrift store earlier this year.[return][...moreI first read of this book back when we subscribed to Experience Life Magazine, and I was glad to find it in a thrift store earlier this year.[return][return]Hyman's basic theory is this: Americans are obese because of widespread misinformation about diets (especially low fat and low calorie diets) and how our DNA is programmed to gain weight. Many pre-packaged foods contain additives and fats that are not natural and our bodies don't know how to process them. Therefore, Hyman's Ultrametabolism Prescription advises that people eat as their ancestors did a hundred years ago with lots of raw fruits and veggies, ancient grains, nuts, and lean meats, and avoiding white flours, sugars, and many pre-packaged products.[return][return]I've tried various diet plans before to dismal results. Even though I exercise six days a week for 30 minutes to an hour, my weight stays at the same plateau. Hyman's theory does have merit, I think, in citing that a lot of cheap and easy foods are actually rather toxic. I don't agree with everything he espoused; one thing he said is that we need to eat as we did a hundred years ago, but at the same time he says we need to avoid flour. Um, flour has been pretty important for a long time. I can't afford to dump out all of my gluten-y foods (or buy all organic), but I do plan to try out his recipe suggestions and read labels more carefully. Moderation seems to be the key, as with anything. I've been eating a lot of produce this year, and I hope to increase that intake, stop buying frozen Lean Cuisines, and see if I really can boost my energy and metabolism.(less)
I bought this for research purposes for my novel. I didn't end up getting any information out of it in that regard, but it was a fascinating read. Thi...moreI bought this for research purposes for my novel. I didn't end up getting any information out of it in that regard, but it was a fascinating read. This book was published in 1996 in the heyday of the TV show ER, and is an anthology of different bizarre, funny, or sad incidents submitted by doctors and nurses from across the U.S. I felt rather voyeuristic while reading, but the material was so intriguing that I couldn't resist reading more. The stories range the regular drunks that filter through the system to some outright insane stories that I'll remember for a very long time.[return][return]In all, a good book that only raises my respect for those who work in emergency medicine. It's no wonder these folks burn out so quickly.(less)
I've wanted to read this book for ages, and I'm so glad I finally acquired and devoured it.[return][return]Joanne Walker's having a lousy week. On a r...moreI've wanted to read this book for ages, and I'm so glad I finally acquired and devoured it.[return][return]Joanne Walker's having a lousy week. On a return flight to Seattle, she notices something peculiar in the street below - a woman fleeing a pack of dogs, and a sinister man with a knife. Super-rational Jo has trouble believing what she saw, much less convincing anyone else so she sets out to find the woman on her own, and finds her own share of trouble. The Wild Hunt is on the loose. They want that woman. And now that Jo's in the way and manifesting some peculiar powers of her own - like instant healing from fatal wounds - they want her, too. Oh, and then there's the dude with the knife. He's even worse.[return][return]I loved this book! It was a fast, enjoyable, yet intelligent read. A few things were obvious, but the ending still surprised me and made it all the more delightful. Jo is a spunky and modern woman, but thoroughly like-able and easy to relate to. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and Murphy's other books.(less)
Wren Valere has a problem. As a magic-wielding Retriver, she's known as the best at her job. Unfortunately, the Council seems to be poisoning clients...moreWren Valere has a problem. As a magic-wielding Retriver, she's known as the best at her job. Unfortunately, the Council seems to be poisoning clients against her, and the bills need paying. Even under dire financial straits, Wren and her partner Sergei are reluctant to take on the Silence's job offer: go to Italy and retrieve a missing old parchment that happens to make any readers vanish.[return][return]I enjoyed this book much more than the first book, but my feelings are still mixed. Wren and Sergei's chemistry really kicked in, and I enjoyed their relationship against the backdrop of magical political intrigue and deception. It still felt muddled at times, though, like there was too much plot development going on for future books; the viewpoint switches from Wren seemed unnecessary, too. I probably won't continue with the series from here.(less)
Wren is a Retriever, using her magic electrical-current talent to find missing objects. She's good at her job, and has the reputation to prove it. Ser...moreWren is a Retriever, using her magic electrical-current talent to find missing objects. She's good at her job, and has the reputation to prove it. Sergei, her partner, sets her up with a new gig: find the missing cornerstone of a fifty-year-old building. The case ends up more complicated than expected, involving an insane wizard, a few secret organizations with a bit too much interest in the matter, a demon, and a not-so-business-like interest in Sergei.[return][return]I read through this book on a long drive yesterday. It's a true urban fantasy, and not a bad read but it didn't completely snare me, either.(less)
I'm so glad I bought this for only $4 at Goodwill.[return][return]This book garnered a lot of attention last fall when Oprah selected it for her book...moreI'm so glad I bought this for only $4 at Goodwill.[return][return]This book garnered a lot of attention last fall when Oprah selected it for her book club. I can see why it merited such attention. The writing is beautiful. It tells the story of the Sawtelle family and their own special breed of dogs. Trudy and Gar's son Edgar is born mute, but as he grows they develop their own sign-language - one that their unusually intelligent dogs also pick up. But when Gar's brother Claude returns to the farm and Gar dies soon afterward, Edgar is left struggling. Bad things happen. Edgar flees into the wilderness. Etc.[return][return]Unfortunately, this is the sort of book that makes the whole literary fiction genre look bad. The writing is beautiful, yes, but it's also overwritten. Half the book could have been edited away and the story would have remained the same. It took two-hundred pages for any genuine plot momentum to begin. When Edgar fled the farm, the story became much more interesting to me - his survival, Henry, and the tension leading up to the ending.[return][return]And then the ending happened. Um, what? I can understand wanting to make the ending non-cliche, but Wroblewski's ending is heavily contrived and completely unsatisfying. I didn't expect a happy ending, but the ending he wrote is just stupid. It made the entire 562-pages feel like a complete waste.[return][return]Sorry. Pretty writing does not make up for lousy storytelling.(less)
I received this book for free as part of a giveaway on BookViewCafe.[return][return]The older Meredydd becomes, the more she questions. She is the onl...moreI received this book for free as part of a giveaway on BookViewCafe.[return][return]The older Meredydd becomes, the more she questions. She is the only female student Halig-liath, there to learn the divine arts. Her fellow students and teachers begin to look at her differently as she develops the curves of a fifteen-year-old woman, and some actively seek out her failure. Meredydd is chosen for pilgrimage, to seek out the Meri - a goddess-essence from the sea - and become a revered Osraed. As she begins her journey, she doesn't lack faith in the Meri - but in herself.[return][return]My feelings on this are mixed. It's an enjoyable book, and contains many twists on the now-stereotypical magical arts school ala Hogwarts. It's frustrating to read of a society that is so gender imbalanced, where any intelligent woman is labeled a Wicke (witch) and threatened with death. The ending of the book really threw me; it would probably make much more sense if I went on to read the next two books in the trilogy.(less)
I received this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program. I do not have MS, but I wanted to know more about the disorder and I have an a...moreI received this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program. I do not have MS, but I wanted to know more about the disorder and I have an acquaintance with MS can pass the book along to. I do, however, suffer from fatigue.[return][return]I approached this book with complete ignorance. I knew MS was a Bad Thing that caused pain and fatigue, but not why or the extent of the problems. This book doesn't go into that in detail, which is good - the basic audience is for sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis, and there's no point in preaching to the choir. Even though I can't fully appreciate the book, it does strike me as a practical and realistic approach to coping with fatigue. There's no magic cure. Their approach is straightforward and completely personal: look at your day. When do you have the most energy? When do you feel the worst? What activities are the most taxing? What do you really miss doing? The book is filled with simple charts that can be copied (or replicated in Excel) to help a person focus and figure out patterns and solutions on their own.[return][return]The language is basic, but never patronizing. The voice in the book is that of a therapist or a friend, suggesting alternatives, but never griping or saying you must do something this way. The chapters are short with large font so that someone suffering from fatigue or eye strain can read without difficulty.[return][return]Everything about Fighting Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis is about rethinking your day so that you feel better, physically and mentally. They don't suggest radical changes, but gradual steps. Do a ten minute walk several times a week to create an exercise routine. Ask for help with grocery shopping or use a motor scooter. Use a laundry bag to throw laundry from the second floor down to the first so you don't need to carry a basket of burden. Slowly modify your behavior, use the included charts to set goals, and bit by bit, you'll get there.(less)
After influenza and war devastate the world, Santa Olivia, Texas, finds itself declared a no man's land. While the United States government locates a...moreAfter influenza and war devastate the world, Santa Olivia, Texas, finds itself declared a no man's land. While the United States government locates a military base nearby, to the outside world the small town does not exist. And then a mysterious man arrives, the waitress Carmen finds him undeniably attractive. Under threat by local gangs, the man leaves. Nine months later, a baby is born under the state of the village's patron saint. Loup Garron grows up knowing that she's different, that's she's the legacy of a genetically-altered government experiment. But as her friends and family suffer under occupation, Loup Garron also knows she's the only one who can stand up to the authorities and represent the true spirit of Santa Olivia.[return][return]There was a lot of buzz about this book earlier this year and how it was a sort of superhero story with a lesbian main character. When I started reading the other day, the first few chapters almost completely killed the experience. The book starts too soon, talking about the history of the town and the meeting of Carmen and Martin, the escaped Wolf-man. However, once Loup takes center stage the book really zooms along and became difficult to put down. Since Loup doesn't show many emotions, Carey does an excellent job of showing how the people around Loup react and learn to be better people because of her; I especially loved the slow and believable character change in Miguel. There are graphic sexual scenes of various sorts. They are well-written, and probably something of a trademark for Carey as she's known for her Kushiel series (which I have not read, nor do I intend to).[return][return]In all, an interesting book with a very different sort of heroine.(less)
Wintergirls is a YA release that covers a difficult topic: eating disorders in young girls. As Wintergirls begins, the narrator, Lia, puts up a grand...moreWintergirls is a YA release that covers a difficult topic: eating disorders in young girls. As Wintergirls begins, the narrator, Lia, puts up a grand facade as she copes with the death of her former-best friend, Cassie. The two girls were best friends throughout much of their childhood, both swearing to the the skinniest girls in school. Lia already has endured hospitalization twice, but the dark thoughts remains the same. You're fat. You're ugly. They don't see the truth. You have to lose weight. Get to 99 pounds, then 98. Then 85. Lia knows all the tricks to fool her family - sewing coins into her bathrobe for when she goes on the scale, spattering the microwave so she can pretend she ate - but she's also fooling herself, for if she can't change her ways, she won't just be the skinniest girl in school - she'll be dead.[return][return]This is a brilliant book, but it was a very painful read for me. The stream-of-consciousness style was very accurate, but very intense. I have my own battles with food and weight, and Wintergirls was starting to get to me. For some, this book will be highly educational; for others, it will be a massive flashback.[return][return]Great book, powerful book, but read with caution.(less)
This book finishes up the original trilogy about Paks, a sheepfarmer's daughter turned soldier, then paladin-candidate. The end of book II left her in...moreThis book finishes up the original trilogy about Paks, a sheepfarmer's daughter turned soldier, then paladin-candidate. The end of book II left her in very dire condition, broken in body and mind. It was one of the most tragic ends to a middle fantasy book I've encountered, and it's driven me crazy for the past few weeks. How does Paks recover? How broken is she?[return][return]I won't give away the details (they make it fun) but Paks does recover. Sometimes a person must hit bottom before they can come back to the top, and Paks emerges stronger than before, knowing what it means to have everything - and then plummet into utter helplessness. In addition, new, amazing powers emerge, as it seems Paks didn't struggle alone through her time of darkness. She feels the urge to go on a quest, and returns to her old lord, Duke Phelan, as dark minions shadow her steps and seek to destroy her anew.[return][return]I loved this book. Paks is a wonderfully well-rounded heroine. These books explore the full character arc from nervous newbie recruit to seasoned soldier to halls of glory to being chased out of pig sties. I felt like cheering when she rediscovered her former glory, and more. I know there are a few more books set in this world, and that Elizabeth Moon is writing more. This series was delicious fun.(less)
I've seen this book mentioned time and again for being a huge inspiration to writers. I lucked out and found a copy at Goodwill recently; it is a firs...moreI've seen this book mentioned time and again for being a huge inspiration to writers. I lucked out and found a copy at Goodwill recently; it is a first edition, so therefore it may not be the exact same as the current edition.[return][return]The full title of the book is Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within. That sums up the book very well. Goldberg draws heavily on her Buddhist faith (mixed with her Jewish background) to show how mindlessness and freedom help a writer to actually write. Discipline is part of this freedom. She encourages the reader to write everyday and pull inspiration from common objects, and to keep writing even when everything seems like complete drivel.[return][return]I've read several books on this subject. Writing Down the Bones may have been the first of this sort in the mid-'80s, but there are several other more recent books I feel I connected with more strongly - Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and The Mind of Your Story by Lisa Lenard-Cook. I loved how Goldberg connected the fundamentals of Zen Buddhism with writing, and I really wish that could have been more prevalent. In all, it's a good book, and one with hundreds of inspirational quotes for writers... but it's not necessarily the best available.(less)
This is absolutely NOT the sort of book I would ever buy or pick up on my own as 1) I use a bare minimum of make-up 2) I find cosmetics rather intimid...moreThis is absolutely NOT the sort of book I would ever buy or pick up on my own as 1) I use a bare minimum of make-up 2) I find cosmetics rather intimidating, and I'm self-conscious about shopping for them. However, I won this in a gift pack earlier this year, and after a few days of feeling like I look bleh, I figured it was as good a time as any to read it.[return][return]Actually, I was pretty impressed with the book. It lives up to the title, emphasizing that THINKING positively will reflect in a person's face and empower them more than make-up alone ever could. True, that. Carmindy (who does make-up on the show What Not to Wear) also emphasizes focusing on good facial features rather than covering up the bad. The book has chapters on each part of the face - lips, eyes, skin, cheeks - and shows techniques on how to handle different shapes/textures/colors. I especially liked the examples of how to apply eye shadow for different shapes and times of day; it makes me feel like actually trying out eyeshadow for the first time in, oh, three years. There's a chapter on tools, explaining different sorts of little brushes and thingamajigs. The back of the book shows real women of all ages and ethnicities and how they look before and after. Carmindy is very good at her job.[return][return]That said, sometimes the positive-emphasis was a bit overdone. Almost ever paragraph had sentences like: Fabulous! Gorgeous! The book also isn't bound for friendly use in a bathroom. It's hardcover and oversized like a coffee table book. Pages don't stay open on their own. As far as functionality, it would have been more prudent to make it glossy and spiral-bound. Those are the only gripes, though. It's a nice book for gals like me who might want to dress up every now and then, but don't exactly know how. I actually went out and bought a lip liner and pencil eye liner today. Whoa.(less)
Temple Grandin is autistic and brilliant. She is known for her work with animals, in particular cattle; she's designed half of the livestock-handling...moreTemple Grandin is autistic and brilliant. She is known for her work with animals, in particular cattle; she's designed half of the livestock-handling facilities in the United States. In this book with Cathrine Johnson, she explores the viewpoints of animals themselves in contrast with autistic and normal people. The results are astonishing. The subject sounds dry, but the writing is not. Through citations of scientific studies and personal experience, Grandin makes the case for animal brilliance. I could note any numbers of especially intriguing information in this book:[return][return]- Rapist roosters are becoming more prevalent because as chickens have been bred for bigger breasts, they have lost other important genetic material such as mating dances. Some roosters also murder the hen after the rape.[return][return]- Albinos are highly unusual in nature, and with reason - they have more flaws and nervous problems. This is becoming more prevalent with Dalmatians, which are being bred to be as white as possible, but are having increasing health issues that are harming the integrity of the breed.[return][return]- How animals handle pain, and why: if a prey animal shows pain, it makes them likely to be culled by a predator. Certain breeds are more tolerable of pain, such as Labradors, because they are a type of dog designed to jump into ice-cold water. This pain tolerance is why they handle young children so well.[return][return]- A leucotomy is similar to a lobotomy but only severs the connections to the frontal lobe instead of removing it entirely. The 1949 Nobel Prize winner developed the procedure to assist people dealing with severe, chronic pain. These patients still felt the tremendous pain, constantly, but after the operation they no longer cared. They could finally function in their daily lives and the pain just didn't matter anymore.[return][return]In case you couldn't tell, this is an awesome book to completely geek-out with. I couldn't wait to share facts like these with my husband and my mom. In addition, since my son is autistic, I learned more about seeing the world through his viewpoint, something that presents a daily challenge in my household. I can only hope he grows up and experiences as much success as Temple Grandin.(less)
Kate Malone, science and math geek, is about to have a nervous breakdown. All of her friends are receiving word back from their choice colleges, and s...moreKate Malone, science and math geek, is about to have a nervous breakdown. All of her friends are receiving word back from their choice colleges, and she still waits for a single response from MIT. She can't sleep, eat; she runs in the middle of the night. She avoids the prodding questions from her pastor father. Then the neighbors down the hill are burned out of their house, and Kate is forced to share a room with the malevolent Teri Litch and her adorable toddler brother. Kate begins to realize her priorities may be a bit askew, and then everything gets impossibly worse.[return][return]This is a YA book, and the voice is clear from the very first page. Laurie Halse Anderson is a master at recreating that teenage angst and voice - so good, in fact, that I didn't even like Kate during the first part of the book. She's incredibly shallow, even compared to her nemesis, Teri. Of course, she matures during the course of the book, and even the awful Teri gains new dimensions. The ending did seem abrupt, though; I wish it had gone just a chapter more, just for a smidgen more resolution. I just couldn't relate to Kate much because she would have struck me as shallow and ridiculously immature even when I was a teenager. It's a decent book, but not a keeper.(less)
I've read a good bit of fantasy, and yet I never read Charles de Lint. Go figure. I'm glad I remedied that situation.[return][return]Dreams Underfoot...moreI've read a good bit of fantasy, and yet I never read Charles de Lint. Go figure. I'm glad I remedied that situation.[return][return]Dreams Underfoot consists of short stories all set in the city of Newford, with most of the characters overlapping from story to story. This is early urban fantasy, and still excellent. Many of the stories involved the seedier side of Newford called the Tombs, where prostitutes peddle and Bigfoot wanders the alleys. Magic is everywhere in Newford, though most cannot see it. There are balloonmen who tumble along on the breeze, mermaids who yearn for human music, and bridges that may leads to a realm of more bridges. Some stories have a light touch of fantasy, others hold an undercurrent of horror, but all share one major theme: humanity, in all its shades. The power of music is also a prevalent theme.[return][return]At first I thought the book seemed just plain weird, but by the end of the first story I was hooked. As a writer of short stories, I loved seeing how the mechanics and voice varied with each story among these characters who often knew each other. I didn't dislike a single story, and I felt sad when it ended and I had to leave Newford behind.(less)
Whoa. I jumped right into this book after reading the first in the series. The mood here is different; Paks, having left Duke Phelan's company, journe...moreWhoa. I jumped right into this book after reading the first in the series. The mood here is different; Paks, having left Duke Phelan's company, journeys across the land trying to find new noble work as a mercenary. After she is selected to be a Paladin-candidate in the Orders of Gird, she is the happiest she has ever been. However, things do not go as intended on a quest, and Paks is deeply changed by the experience (understatement of the year there, but spoiler-free).[return][return]I know there is some debate about the middle books of a fantasy trilogy being unnecessary fluff. Not the case here. The ending of the book is probably the most depressing of any fantasy book I've ever read. I felt like crying or throttling people. However, it was depressing in a good way because I must read the next book to see how Paks emerges from this experience. She has to. Right?(less)
Sammy and Sue are a mother and daughter committed to helping the planet. In this illustrated children's book, they explore ways for children to help t...moreSammy and Sue are a mother and daughter committed to helping the planet. In this illustrated children's book, they explore ways for children to help the earth - ranging from buying organic foods to having their parent drive a hybrid car.[return][return]My feelings on this are mixed. The illustrations are really well done, and the characters really do look like Sammy and Sue - the real people. However, the rhyme scheme is heavily contrived and often awkward. I read the book aloud to my four-year-old son, and the forced rhyme made me wince throughout. The message of the book is also... well, fairly militant, and many of the suggestions are for the parent, not the child. The parent is asked to buy organic everything - food, laundry, cleaning supplies, clothing. When Sammy and Sue ride in a hybrid car, they are in Hollywood and a very handsome actor is driving alongside and offering them support.[return][return]I'm all for teaching my child to be a good steward of the earth, but the tone of this book felt patronizing at times. I'm sorry, I can't afford to buy an all-organic wardrobe, or a hybrid car. What about picking up trash outside, or shopping at a thrift store to buy and reuse goods, or walking or biking instead of driving? What about inspiring the child to start a recycling program at their school or carpool with friends? So many simple - and affordable - ways of helping the earth weren't even mentioned. The back of the ARC featured endorsements from various environmentally-friendly companies and celebrities, including Olympia Dukakis and Jack Hanna. The heart of the book is in the right place, but I think their intended audience is already doing most of these things and can AFFORD to do these things. We can't.(less)
This is the tale of two cousins, a cadre of superheroes, a war, and sacrifice. In 1939, young Joseph Kavalier employed his Houdini-inspired escape tal...moreThis is the tale of two cousins, a cadre of superheroes, a war, and sacrifice. In 1939, young Joseph Kavalier employed his Houdini-inspired escape talents to smuggle himself out of Prague and into the United States. His cousin in Brooklyn, Sammy Clay, loves comic books and is awed by Joseph's natural artistic talents. Together the two young Jewish men toil to create the Escapist and Luna Moth, among others, while Joe dreams of saving his family from the devastation of Europe under Hitler. The beautiful Rosa Saks captures his heart, even as Sammy takes a very different path. Then on the eve of the Pearl Harbor attack, everything changes.[return][return]My feelings on this are mixed. It's beautifully written and captures the spirit of the time period. Joe, Sammy, Rosa, and the rest of the wide cast are alive and vibrant. I can see why Chabon won the Pulitzer for this work. However, sometimes he went into exhaustive detail. In the middle of a scene it will dive into a three page history of the comic book, or a particular setting that never returned. Sometimes the perspective changes were dizzying as well, diving into characters we only see for a few pages. It felt as though the author had so much good material, he had to make sure all of it made it into the finished product. Yes, it was interesting stuff, but an info dump is still an info dump and it detracted from the flow of the story. It's worth reading, but not keeping.(less)
Paks defies her father's arranged marriage for her, instead running away to join the army. What follows is a detailed and thorough introduction to the...morePaks defies her father's arranged marriage for her, instead running away to join the army. What follows is a detailed and thorough introduction to the life of a soldier: cleaning privy trenches, learning weaponry, and fending for herself as a woman surrounded by men. And excelling.[return][return]I loved this book. Loved it, loved it. If I had read it when I was heavily into fantasy when I was a teenager, I probably would have gone totally fan girl. The thing that sets this apart from most fantasy novels is Moon's attention to military detail. We follow every step of Paks's training, days of slogging through thick mud, and a multitude of battle scenes. For some, these details might be boring - not me. I was fascinated, and loved how it made everything feel real. Paks is certainly no Mary Sue, either. She suffers and trains hard to achieve her level of skill and she has zero interest in sex or marriage. None. It was refreshing to read a book with a female main character who enjoyed her independence and was content with her lot in life. Of course, this is book one, so that may change as her character develops, and that's fine. I'll be happy to follow along on her journey.(less)
This young adult book focuses on a historical tragedy that is otherwise ignored - the yellow fever epidemic that crippled Philadelphia in the blisteri...moreThis young adult book focuses on a historical tragedy that is otherwise ignored - the yellow fever epidemic that crippled Philadelphia in the blistering summer of 1793. The story is told through the eyes of Mattie, a 14-year-old girl who works in her family's coffee shop. The first sign of tragedy is the death of a serving girl, but things only worsen from there. When Mattie's mother becomes ill and Mattie is forced to go to the countryside to safety, her entire world collapses. She has to be stronger than she ever thought possible to survive this ordeal.[return][return]Fever 1793 is a excellent piece of historical fiction for any age. If I found this when I was about ten, I would have read it ragged. I especially love the details that Anderson wove into the story, such as the vital role the Free African Society played in the recovery efforts and the clashing treatments of various doctors.(less)
When Maisie Thomas and her family return to Grange House in 1896 for their annual summer visit, she has no clue how this particular year will change h...moreWhen Maisie Thomas and her family return to Grange House in 1896 for their annual summer visit, she has no clue how this particular year will change her life. The almost-spectral figure of Miss Grange invites Maisie to be part of the house's story - one fulls of ghosts, lost children, and disasters visited upon generation after generation - and Maisie runs in fear. However, fate will not let her stray far. Calamity falls upon her family, and Maisie is drawn into Miss Grange's mystery, even as two young men begin to vie for her affection. As young as she is, Maisie knows one thing: she will not marry simply because it's what she is supposed to do, and nothing will ease her heart until she knows the secret of the grave in the woods.[return][return]Grange House is beautifully written with a strong clear voice. It would be easy to read it and assume it was written over a hundred years ago. Every scene - even the sentence constructive - has a distinct Victorian-Gothic lilt. The story is enjoyable as well, with the ghosts, secrets, and hidden identities that one would expect. Maisie is a likeable girl, and very true to her time period. One of the major twists to the ending seemed obvious to me for a while, but I didn't foresee everything so it still had a nice surprise.(less)
In this retelling of the fairy tale, Ani is raised as the Crown Princess of her kingdom. Even though she knows being queen is her destiny, she is acut...moreIn this retelling of the fairy tale, Ani is raised as the Crown Princess of her kingdom. Even though she knows being queen is her destiny, she is acutely aware of how the role doesn't suit her. She lacks the charismatic people-speaking gift of her mother, and her natural gift for speaking with animals only frightens those around her. Fortunately, her lady-in-waiting has the gift of people-speaking, and Ani is relieved to have her company as they set out for the distant kingdom where she is to wed her betrothed. But is all is not it seems: her lady-in-waiting is not her friend, and uses her gift to arise a mutiny against the Crown Princess. Ani flees into a strange new land and is forced to hide the bright hair that labels her as an outsider. She soon becomes the goose girl, and plots to stop the impostor from wedding her betrothed - and bringing the two kingdoms into war.[return][return]The first half of the book proceeded very slowly. It wasn't bad reading, simply slow. However, once the suspense kicked in, I could barely set the book down. I'm familiar with the fairy tale and knew what to expect, but the suspense still held me. That's good writing. Even for those who don't know the original tale with probably find the plot predictable, but not in a bad way. Just as with another of Hale's books, The Princess Academy, there is a certain coziness to her writing style. Sure, I knew what was coming, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I probably would have read this book to tatters if it had existed when I was a twelve-year-old.(less)
Lucy has her share of teenage problems. Prom is coming up, and her birth mother is an insane bag lady who can be found all over town. Fortunately, she...moreLucy has her share of teenage problems. Prom is coming up, and her birth mother is an insane bag lady who can be found all over town. Fortunately, she has the love of the foster parents and best friend, Zach, to keep her going - and she's going to need their support more than ever. Lucy is raped on prom night, but all is not as it appears. The Scarborough girls bear an ancient curse - they are impregnated at seventeen, birth a daughter at eighteen, and then they are rendered insane after they fail to complete three impossible tasks set by an Elfin Knight. Lucy and her family have no intention of surrendering quietly to that fate.[return][return]Wow. This book blew me away. It was one of the fastest reads I've had this year (rivaling The Hunger Games) and had incredible tension across its 400-pages. Werlin was inspired by the song, and created something magical. I especially loved how the Elfin Knight's manipulations were portrayed to the readers. Excellent book, and I highly recommend it to those who love fairy tales or mythology recreated in a modern setting.(less)
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