http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/71940 en-US Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:00:37 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 21144155 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:00:37 -0700
author: Carolyn Jessop
name: Julie
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 06/19/08
shelves: books-i-own, memoir
review:

]]> 24036194 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:19:34 -0700
I have read a lot of reviews that say the book is too predictable. I, for one, was actually surprised at the end. Don't get me wrong, the author really leads you down the path with the foreshadowing, but I kept thinking, "there is no way that this book will go there." The book is written at an elementary school level; I would say about 4th grade. The length of the book and cover art also appear to be geared toward a younger crowd, however; the plot line is much more mature. If I were a parent I would not be pleased if my 4th grade child picked this one up.

Other than that, I would highly recommend this book to 8th graders on up. (But maybe that's just me being conservative.)]]>
author: Sarah Weeks
name: Julie
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/13/08
shelves: books-i-dont-own, ya-literature
review:
I really enjoyed this book. You can't help but love the protagonist. And his new friend Audrey is just as likable in her own quirky way. Not to mention, my favorite artist "Ol' Blue Eyes" gets a nod.

I have read a lot of reviews that say the book is too predictable. I, for one, was actually surprised at the end. Don't get me wrong, the author really leads you down the path with the foreshadowing, but I kept thinking, "there is no way that this book will go there." The book is written at an elementary school level; I would say about 4th grade. The length of the book and cover art also appear to be geared toward a younger crowd, however; the plot line is much more mature. If I were a parent I would not be pleased if my 4th grade child picked this one up.

Other than that, I would highly recommend this book to 8th graders on up. (But maybe that's just me being conservative.)
]]> 23959037 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:28:09 -0700
The book was kind of all over the place. Large chunks of time were left out. Much of the story revolves around David's and Jesse's lives rather than the movies they watch. In the end I thought this book was ok, but it could have been a lot better.
]]>
author: David Gilmour
name: Julie
average rating: 2.92
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/08/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, memoir
review:
The first ten pages of this book totally hooked me. It was like watching a train wreck...David Gilmore's 15 year-old son, Jesse, is struggling in school. David gets this idea that maybe his son is not cut out for school. Without really thinking it through (and without consulting his son's mother) David offers Jesse the opportunity to drop out of school on the condition that Jesse watches three movies a week with his father.

The book was kind of all over the place. Large chunks of time were left out. Much of the story revolves around David's and Jesse's lives rather than the movies they watch. In the end I thought this book was ok, but it could have been a lot better.

]]> 23491910 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:12:03 -0700
I really thought the book fell short. The writing style did not lend itself toward the reader feeling sympathetic toward Hannah, in fact, I did not like her at all. Not only that, Hannah's "reasons" for killing herself were extremely weak. It felt like she was doing it to punish those around her who did things she did not like. Hannah "tested" people to see if they would save her, and when she did not get the proper response from them she decided to kill herself.

The book was a quick read. Although I would not outright recommend it, if you have an interest, it may be worth checking out. ]]>
author: Jay Asher
name: Julie
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/07/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, fiction, ya-literature
review:
I had high hopes for this book. The premise was unique and creative (and it had Chris Crutcher's seal of approval on the dust jacket!) Clay, a high school student comes home from school to find a box waiting for him. Inside are 7 audio tapes recorded by Hannah, his crush, who killed herself two weeks before the box arrived. The tapes are Hannah's suicide note, of sorts. Hannah describes the 13 reasons (or people) that led her to kill herself. Sounds interesting, right...

I really thought the book fell short. The writing style did not lend itself toward the reader feeling sympathetic toward Hannah, in fact, I did not like her at all. Not only that, Hannah's "reasons" for killing herself were extremely weak. It felt like she was doing it to punish those around her who did things she did not like. Hannah "tested" people to see if they would save her, and when she did not get the proper response from them she decided to kill herself.

The book was a quick read. Although I would not outright recommend it, if you have an interest, it may be worth checking out.
]]> 23577137 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:50:31 -0700
author: Martha Moody
name: Julie
average rating: 3.04
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at: 06/02
date added: 06/02/08
shelves: books-i-dont-own, fiction
review:
I remember reading this book in my dorm room summer '02. It was at a time that I was writing down vocab words, for fun, while reading. This book introduced me to the word "avuncular". Every time I hear that word I think of this book. I don't have strong feelings of really liking the book or really disliking it. I do remember that it was somewhat dark.
]]> 23446733 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:19:26 -0700
author: Arthur Yorinks
name: Julie
average rating: 1.50
book published: 2008
rating: 1
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/02/08
shelves: advanced-reading-copy, books-i-own, picture-books
review:
Pretty much one of the worst kids books I have ever read. The story is about a little boy named Mel, who trips and falls into another dimension. He escapes and runs home to tell his parents and his father states, "Mel, do something useful. Go wash the car." Later in the book the father tells Mel, "...when you grow up, your life can be garbage, just like mine". There are two pages that the reader is asked to fold in half to "make Mel disappear" or "reappear". One kind of works, the other, not at all. Not to mention the illustrations are VERY underwhelming. The book is due out in October 2008. I would highly recommend skipping it!
]]> 23460105 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:58:55 -0700
author: Mem Fox
name: Julie
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:
A wonderful picture book with a powerful message.
]]> 23459941 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:54:12 -0700
author: Judy Sierra
name: Julie
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: advanced-reading-copy, autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 23459870 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:51:54 -0700
author: Jon Scieszka
name: Julie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: advanced-reading-copy, autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 23458675 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:36:25 -0700
author: Lane Smith
name: Julie
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: advanced-reading-copy, autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 1621729 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 10:22:07 -0700
author: Jodi Picoult
name: Julie
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 04/06
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, fiction
review:

]]> 23427031 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:14:40 -0700
author: Janan Cain
name: Julie
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:
A cute picture book that teaches kids what to do when they are lost. Beautiful illustrations make the story come to life. Look for the slug on every page.
]]> 23426843 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:07:54 -0700
author: David Shannon
name: Julie
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:
Classic David Shannon. A great book with beautiful illustrations.
]]> 23426557 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:00:25 -0700
Strangely similar to "Boy in the Stripped Pajamas" but true and without the jacked up ending. The illustrations are almost as amazing as the story. Definitely check it out.]]>
author: Laurie Friedman
name: Julie
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, non-fiction, picture-books
review:
This is an amazing picture book based on a true story. Herman is a young Jewish boy living in a concentration camp, struggling to survive. He meets a young girl by the fence one day and she gives him an apple. They arrange to meet everyday by the fence. Herman survives the concentration camp thanks to his "Angel Girl". After his liberation, Herman and his brother's move to the United States. Herman's friends set him up on a blind date. As it just so turns out, Herman's date is "Angel Girl" ...and the rest, as they say, is history. Herman and Angel Girl marry and are still going strong 50 years later.

Strangely similar to "Boy in the Stripped Pajamas" but true and without the jacked up ending. The illustrations are almost as amazing as the story. Definitely check it out.
]]> 23426489 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:48:16 -0700
author: Brooke Shields
name: Julie
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:
I felt the text was way too simple but the illustrations are adorable.
]]> 21144333 Mon, 26 May 2008 22:35:12 -0700
author: Sarah Dessen
name: Julie
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/26/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, ya-literature
review:

]]> 21144048 Sun, 18 May 2008 09:06:45 -0700
author: Linda Urban
name: Julie
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/18/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, chapter_books
review:

]]> 20509660 Fri, 09 May 2008 18:33:42 -0700
author: Marya Hornbacher
name: Julie
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/09/08
shelves: books-i-dont-own, memoir
review:
In two words: intense, dark
]]> 21619343 Fri, 09 May 2008 18:32:09 -0700
It had all of the regular Crutcher drama; sports, child abuse, mentally ill parents, child molestation, teen pregnancy, death, etc... There were several plot lines, some of which were not fully developed or resolved. As the story unfolded there were a lot of "convenient" details that wrapped the whole thing up in a shinny bow. Having said all of that, Crutcher does a magnificent job of getting the reader to care about the characters. I admit, I was in tears at the end of the book. I walked away feeling satisfied in the end. The mechanics of the book probably only deserve two stars but Ben Wolf stole my heart.]]>
author: Chris Crutcher
name: Julie
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/09/08
shelves: books-i-own, ya-literature
review:
For the first thirty pages I was really distracted by how far fetched the premise of this book is. Ben Wolf, an 18 year-old senior in high school finds out that he has a rare blood disease and only has 1 year to live. He decides to forgo treatment and keep his condition a secret while he lives his life to the fullest. (Of course the doctor could not inform Ben's parents because he is conveniently 18 years old and technically an adult.) Once I stopped analyzing how unrealistic the story was, I was able to really enjoy the book.

It had all of the regular Crutcher drama; sports, child abuse, mentally ill parents, child molestation, teen pregnancy, death, etc... There were several plot lines, some of which were not fully developed or resolved. As the story unfolded there were a lot of "convenient" details that wrapped the whole thing up in a shinny bow. Having said all of that, Crutcher does a magnificent job of getting the reader to care about the characters. I admit, I was in tears at the end of the book. I walked away feeling satisfied in the end. The mechanics of the book probably only deserve two stars but Ben Wolf stole my heart.
]]> 21144223 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:18:36 -0700
author: Mo Willems
name: Julie
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/27/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 4675344 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:12:31 -0700
author: David Wiesner
name: Julie
average rating: 4.43
book published: 1991
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/27/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 21143869 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:09:55 -0700
author: Mo Willems
name: Julie
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/27/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 21143785 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:08:37 -0700
author: Mo Willems
name: Julie
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/27/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 2319811 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:06:38 -0700
author: Gennifer Choldenko
name: Julie
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 04/06
date added: 04/27/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, chapter_books
review:

]]> 932947 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:19:24 -0700
author: Martha Beck
name: Julie
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/27/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, memoir
review:

]]> 20108652 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:43:11 -0700
author: Jessica Queller
name: Julie
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/18/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, memoir
review:

]]> 20042033 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:59:02 -0700 really enjoying the genre. I read it in a few hours. I thought the story was very interesting but I have to admit, I was a little lost on some of the literary references that she makes throughout. I have never read any Proust, so I know I missed some of the symbolism. I will definitely be more open to graphic novels now. I actually have both Maus and Maus II sitting on my shelf. A friend gave them to me a few years ago and I have yet to read them. I may just do that. . .]]>
author: Alison Bechdel
name: Julie
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/13/08
shelves: books-i-dont-own, memoir
review:
I have never been drawn to graphic novels. There is something about the genre that just feels bogus. I saw this book listed on a friend's site and went to pick it up, not knowing it was a graphic novel. When I got to the bookstore and realized it was a graphic novel, I put it back on the shelf. I looked around for something else but kept going back to it. I ended up buying it and really enjoying the genre. I read it in a few hours. I thought the story was very interesting but I have to admit, I was a little lost on some of the literary references that she makes throughout. I have never read any Proust, so I know I missed some of the symbolism. I will definitely be more open to graphic novels now. I actually have both Maus and Maus II sitting on my shelf. A friend gave them to me a few years ago and I have yet to read them. I may just do that. . .
]]> 20033058 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:16:40 -0700
author: Randy Pausch
name: Julie
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/12/08
shelves: books-i-dont-own, non-fiction
review:

]]> 17864206 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:26:58 -0700
author: Tori Spelling
name: Julie
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/23/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, memoir
review:

]]> 16855553 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:08:44 -0800
author: David Sheff
name: Julie
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/05/08
shelves: books-i-own, memoir, work-related
review:
This book is truly amazing! I picked this up after receiving an email from Borders recommending it. I did not have any expectations going in. I actually thought about calling in sick to work today so that I could stay home and finish it, which has never crossed my mind before.
]]> 15539581 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:09:54 -0800
author: Terri Cheney
name: Julie
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 03/08
date added: 02/15/08
shelves: autographed, books-i-own, memoir, work-related
review:

]]> 15079502 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:39:28 -0800
author: Ashley Rhodes-Courter
name: Julie
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/10/08
shelves: books-i-own, memoir, work-related
review:
This is an amazing memoir of one child's 10 year journey through the foster care system and into the arms of her forever family.
]]> 14690446 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:02:15 -0800
author: Bernard Waber
name: Julie
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 02/05/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 11122845 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:05:39 -0800
author: Rich Blake
name: Julie
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/05/08
shelves: books-i-own, non-fiction
review:
AMAZING. You just have to read it.
]]> 10306587 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:09:09 -0800
author: Priscilla Presley
name: Julie
average rating: 3.49
book published: 1986
rating: 4
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/11/07
shelves: books-i-own, memoir
review:
I am embarrassed to say that I am reading this book . . and liking it. . . and I am not even an Elvis fan!! It all came about because I was sent to Memphis last week for work. Since I was there and had a few free hours I thought I would spin by and check out Graceland (it is only 3.5 miles from the Memphis airport). I was so intrigued by Graceland and all of its tackiness that I wanted to learn more. I picked up this book at BN yesterday (which pains me because I am a Borders girl through and through, but unfortunately Borders did not carry this masterpiece). It reads like a middle school novel. The cover is so tacky it looks like a Harlequin. . . I dare not take it out of the house. I feel like such a rebel. It reminds me of sneaking around to read <i>Forever<i> by Judy Blume when I was in 8th grade.
]]> 932996 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:52:36 -0800
author: Harper Lee
name: Julie
average rating: 4.66
book published: 1960
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/05/07
shelves: books-i-own, fiction, re-read
review:

]]> 9960108 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:21:48 -0800
author: Trisha Meili
name: Julie
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 01/03
date added: 12/04/07
shelves: books-i-dont-own, memoir
review:

]]> 8732315 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:21:24 -0800
author: Lynne Cox
name: Julie
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2006
rating: 1
read at: 11/07
date added: 11/12/07
shelves: books-i-own, memoir
review:

]]> 9013008 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:53:16 -0800
author: Mary Jordan
name: Julie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 12/07
date added: 11/12/07
shelves: books-i-own, non-fiction
review:

]]> 933030 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:37:22 -0800
author: Betty Smith
name: Julie
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1943
rating: 5
read at: 12/07
date added: 11/08/07
shelves: books-i-own, fiction
review:
Book club selection for Nov. I read it 7 years ago and loved it. I hope I am not disappointed. I have to admit that I was kind of bummed to learn that we are reading a book I already own. I have a book buying addiction and was looking forward to a trip to Borders this weekend. There is a newer edition out with cooler cover art. . . maybe I will pick up a second copy. You can never have too much A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, right?
]]> 7364453 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:39:47 -0800
author: Julie Gregory
name: Julie
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 11/05/07
shelves: books-i-own, memoir, work-related
review:
I am a social worker. I recently received a case with a Munchausen By Proxy (MBP) mother. I am fortunate enough to have an expert from UCLA consulting on the case. I asked her for suggested reading on the topic. She suggested this title. It is a memoir written by a survivor of MBP. The author learns of the disorder in her college abnormal psych class and only then is able to realize what has happened to her. The book takes the reader on a painful journey through a sick childhood. It is a very quick read, although somewhat difficult to get through at parts. If I could give it three and a half stars I would.
]]> 7195114 Sat, 03 Nov 2007 11:35:26 -0700
author: Stephen King
name: Julie
average rating: 4.10
book published: 1977
rating: 3
read at: 10/07
date added: 11/03/07
shelves: book_club
review:
I have to admit, I was super bummed when I learned that my book club had selected The Shining as our October read.. I don’t do horror; books or movies. I was dreading The Shining. The first three hundred pages were fairly uneventful and even boring at times. I did not really get into the book until Jack goes down to the shed to look at the snowmobile. From that point on I was hooked. In this book, King does a great job of keeping the suspense going without overloading the reader. It seemed as if every time things got really freaky, he would end the chapter and move on to something less scary, which I really appreciated. Although the book is one that I never would have picked up on my own, I am glad that I read it. By the end of the book I could honestly say that I “liked it”. I watched the movie shortly after and that was a whole different story. . .
]]> 5270313 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 11:20:28 -0700
author: John Boyne
name: Julie
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 09/07
date added: 09/08/07
shelves: audiobooks, ya-literature
review:
I thought the narration on this audio book was wonderful. I agree with many of the other reviewers that Bruno, the nine year-old narrator, was written with an unbelievable naivety but keeping in mind that it is a fable, it could be overlooked. The nice thing about the audio is that there is a lengthy conversation with the author at the end which helps put a little perspective on his writing style choices.
]]> 4749738 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:19:41 -0700
author: Kate Braestrup
name: Julie
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 09/07
date added: 09/07/07
shelves: books-i-dont-own, memoir
review:

]]> 4005397 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 07:57:13 -0700
author: Greg Mortenson
name: Julie
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at: 08/07
date added: 08/30/07
shelves: books-i-own, book_club, non-fiction, unfinished
review:
I breezed through the first 140 pages and really enjoyed them. Then I set the book down and had no interest in picking it back up. I tried forcing myself to get back into it a few times but had no success. C'est la vie!
]]> 5196705 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:22:12 -0700
author: Kevin Henkes
name: Julie
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 08/27/07
shelves: books-i-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 4790456 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 20:30:00 -0700
author: Pat Schweibert
name: Julie
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 01/06
date added: 08/19/07
shelves: books-i-dont-own, picture-books
review:

]]> 4770429 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 11:02:08 -0700
author: Elie Wiesel
name: Julie
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1958
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 08/19/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 4722512 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:56:50 -0700
author: Eve Bunting
name: Julie
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1993
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 08/17/07
shelves: books-i-own, ya-literature
review:
I think Eve Bunting should stick to picture books. It felt like she was trying too hard with this one.
]]> 4722337 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:53:07 -0700
author: Ann Brashares
name: Julie
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2001
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 08/17/07
shelves: books-i-own, ya-literature
review:
I started reading this book a few times but could not get into it. Everyone seems to love it. I feel kinda left out. It made me feel a little better that Sarah only gave it two stars. Thanks Sarah.
]]> 4722322 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:48:59 -0700
author: Judy Blume
name: Julie
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2002
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 08/17/07
shelves: books-i-own, chapter_books
review:

]]> 4722319 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:48:40 -0700
author: Judy Blume
name: Julie
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1982
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 08/17/07
shelves: books-i-own, ya-literature
review:

]]> 4722309 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:48:19 -0700