bookshelves: feminist, vampires, ya
I'm not sure there's a good reason for me to keep reading this series. I generally try not to read more than the first book in a series, because you can't booktalk a sequel. But I do. Keep reading, that is. Maybe because it's a localish author. Maybe because I like the strong female roles (although it does annoy me that there are no ugly people). Maybe the writing's decent (I'm not entirely sure). Maybe it's because I like the female friendships. Sometimes I find the characters weak, sometimes the plot is a bit over-the-top, and the lack of GLTBQ characters seems odd and unresourceful (think of the potential three-somes and drama!). But I keep reading. And although this series was first published in paperback, now they're coming back in hardback. And I ripped through this 500 pger in 2 days, while I struggle through Patrick Jones' The Tear Collector. I'm not sure why. I do intend to keep reading. ]]>
bookshelves: adoption, funny, realistic, ya
I have a special interest in this book. It's about a boy who was born in Korea, and is adopted by a very Italian family in New Jersey. It covers his coming to terms with his adoption because of an essay he has to write in Junior High.
I've been meaning to read it for years, but somehow I'd built it up in my mind so I was expecting a bit more. It was good, it was fine, but it wasn't great. I was expecting a voice a little more like Antsy from The Schwa Was Here, and a few more adventures. As it was, there were a few good lines, and it was pretty realistic. Normal coming of age stuff. ]]>
bookshelves: currently-reading
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bookshelves: currently-reading
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bookshelves: funny, historical, j, nonfic
Did you know that middle names exist partially because George Washington had the same name as the king of England? Or that the most famous search engine in the world was originally called BackRub? The Name Game is full of fascinating fun facts like these. Each chapter covers a different aspect of names in society – names for people, names for pets, first names, last names, company names, changing names, and more. Sidebars are also included on specific topics (i.e. last names in Iceland). The book includes lots of finding aids and a bibliography for further study. Illustrations primarily take the form of one-panel cartoons, including plenty of clever visual gags. The drawbacks to this book are minor. At certain points it feels as though each chapter is written based on a single or very few sources. Diversifying the research would make it a more well-crafted book. However the content is still appealing and will attract kids with an interest in names and quirky trivia.
SSBRC ]]>
bookshelves: graphicnovel, j, sports
Benny, Pema, Marcus and Nima are skaters. They have run-ins with the skate-park bully, build their own ramp, and foil the local crime ring. In theory, a middle grade graphic novel about skateboarding sounds like a good idea. And maybe it is for kids who already like skateboarding. But the book is riddled with under-explained lingo and is sorely lacking in finding aids. Ramp Rats could do with a diagram of a skateboard with labeled parts, as well as a glossary. Inserted in the plot (sometimes in very awkward, plot-undermining places) are instructions for tricks aspiring skaters could try. In order to make these instructions more usable, the book could also do with page numbers and an index of where each trick is located. This graphic novel is split into chapters, which are notated so subtly that the kids who are looking for easy chapter books might miss them and those of us beyond the bridge level feel demeaned. A skateboarding graphic novel is an excellent idea, but this is an example of poor execution.
SSBRC ]]>
Raina
said "yes" to attending the event: Holly Jolly Oly Reads.
date: December 11, 2009 06:30PM
location: Jackie's House, 1413 Fourth Ave E, Olympia, WA, The United States
description: Come talk about books you've read and liked lately. We're having an optional book/bottle exchange- if you want to participate, bring a book or some alcohol to exchange. Potluck items are welcome, too.
Raina said: Looking forward to it! ]]>
by Catherine Jinks
Susan P wrote: "I'm going to go get the book disc right now!"
For some reason I thought it was you who recommended the TB in the first place! Odd. ]]>
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bookshelves: adult, currently-reading
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