false 18 112 108 true 5654483 read 3 true 502519 currently-reading 1 true 502518 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/31182912 to: The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children (Paperback) by Wendy Mogel
I read this book as part of our faculty Summer Reading program and I liked the practical advice and common sense guidance. I didn't relate to the parts that were heavily steeped in the author's Judaic background and, as such, thought the last chapter was practically useless. But I liked her techniques for disciplining and relating to kids. If you have kids, or work with kids, this book is inspirational. It can also help with dealing with parents who have unrealistic expectations of their children. ]]> http://apps.facebook.com/good_reads/ check it out » ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3896354 to: Vanishing Acts (Paperback) by Jodi Picoult
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3895662 to: Salem Falls (Hardcover) by Jodi Picoult
Engaging book - a little contrived, but maybe that's because most of Picoult's books feel like they follow the same formula. Fortunately, she is a good writer who has a strong touch for characterization - makes her books really readable. This one is a modern rendering of the Salem Witch story - I kept thinking of Tituba as I read it. But, this book as a small role-reversal as a man is wrongly accused of rape by a group of girls. Picoult uses a heavy hand with plot devices, which was a little annoying, but the story came to a satisfying close though the last page was disturbing and made me wonder if it was really necessary for her to go there. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3895144 to: His Dark Materials Trilogy: The Golden Compass / The Subtle Knife / The Amber Spyglass (Mass Market Paperback) by Philip Pullman
On the whole, a great trilogy. There are certainly stronger moments throughout the 3 books, but I loved Pullman's ruminations on philosophy and theology and the way he seamlessly weaves deeper meaning into his narrative. I was sorry to come to the last page but was thoroughly satisfied with the ending. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3895052 to: Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic (Hardcover) by Alison Bechdel
Sharp, satirical, brilliant. Bechdel is an intelligent writer and her story is well-rendered, both with her words and her drawings. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3894963 to: Tithe (A Modern Faerie Tale, #1) by Holly Black
I am having a hard time getting into this one. The writing is way too flowery and overwrought and it is taking the author quite a while to get into the heart of the story. I am on page 51 (chap 4) and I'm not sure where it's going or if I care. But, I love the subject matter so I am going to persist to see where the narrative goes. I finished the book and I did end up caring more about the characters by the end of the book. She has a second and third book dealing with this dark faerie world and I am intrigued enough to read those. So I have added a star to my original rating 'cause it's rare to find a book that depicts the fairy world as one so wrapped in darkness and where humans are playthings do be consumed at will. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3894943 to: The Memory Keeper's Daughter (Paperback) by Kim Edwards
I had such a strong reaction to this book. Mostly, it was negative, but I have to appreciate a book that can make me so mad at the characters that I pretty much hate the book. I was so frustrated with the inability of the characters to communicate with each other and the way that the parents interacted, with each other, with their kid, with other people, made me extremely angry. About 1/2 way into the book, I realized that I didn't care about the characters, but I continued to read because I had come this far and did want to know how it ended. I wasn't sorry when one of the main characters died, I wasn't even all that interested when people reunited in the end. There are so many other, good books to read, I would recommend skipping this one. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3894858 to: Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History (Hardcover) by Art Spiegelman
I can't believe it took me so long to read this book. I found it compelling and beautifully drawn. I wasn't as taken with the more modern relationship between the artist and his father, but I loved the father's story and the drawing. I look forward to reading Part II. ]]>