Alba Arango's Blog, page 4
September 2, 2019
Entertaining and a little disturbing (but in a good way): my review of A Take Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
A Tale Dark & Grimm is sort of a throw back to old-school fairy tales, the ones that were meant to teach kids lessons by shocking them with horror. The novel follows the adventures of Hansel and Gretel as they embark on an incredible journey. Each chapter is a different story featuring either Hansel or Gretel or both. The tales are indeed dark and may possibly be scary for some younger kids (8 or 9), but I found them incredibly entertaining and definitely suitable for upper middle grade.
What I liked: the originality! I’ve never read such interesting takes on old fairy tales. I love how the author weaves the main characters through a vast array of dangerous and unique experiences. I also loved how both the characters grow throughout the stories, learning lessons as they do. The narrator interruptions were, for the most part, very witty.
What I didn’t like: some of the narrator interruptions were just too long. Most of them were fine (and funny), but some of them went on and on, and took me out of the story. Occasionally, the interruptions were over a page long. Too much in my opinion.
But overall, a very interesting read.
4.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: the originality! I’ve never read such interesting takes on old fairy tales. I love how the author weaves the main characters through a vast array of dangerous and unique experiences. I also loved how both the characters grow throughout the stories, learning lessons as they do. The narrator interruptions were, for the most part, very witty.
What I didn’t like: some of the narrator interruptions were just too long. Most of them were fine (and funny), but some of them went on and on, and took me out of the story. Occasionally, the interruptions were over a page long. Too much in my opinion.
But overall, a very interesting read.
4.5 out of 5 stars
August 12, 2019
Back to school FREE activities for kids!
Just in time for school, I've added some new FREE activities on my website for kids (or adults) to download and print out. Head on over to https://AlbaArango.com and click the Activities for Kids tab and have fun! I've even included a (rather difficult) matching challenge. Can YOU match all 51 European capital cities to their countries? Good luck!
August 2, 2019
My review of The World's Greatest Detective by Caroline Carlson
Mystery fans will be pleased, indeed!
11-year-old Toby Montrose has been bounced around from family member to family member following the disappearance of his parents. Finally, he ends up in the care of his Uncle Gabriel, a detective on the famed street, Detective’s Row. When the World’s Greatest Detective, Hugh Abernathy, announces a contest to choose the next World’s Greatest Detective, Toby hops on the chance in hopes of earning the prize money and helping out his uncle. But, when Hugh Abernathy unexpectedly turns up dead, it’s up to Toby and his new friend Ivy to solve the case!
What I liked: such a fun detective story! It’s like a cross between a Sherlock Holmes and an Agatha Christie novel, but brought down to a kid’s level. The two main characters are fun and unique, and the story will keep you guessing.
What I didn’t like: not much. The opening scene seemed a bit too long, although it did help establish the main character and his desperate need for getting the money to help his uncle. Other than that, the story itself was delightful and fun to follow along with.
I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery.
5 out of 5 stars
11-year-old Toby Montrose has been bounced around from family member to family member following the disappearance of his parents. Finally, he ends up in the care of his Uncle Gabriel, a detective on the famed street, Detective’s Row. When the World’s Greatest Detective, Hugh Abernathy, announces a contest to choose the next World’s Greatest Detective, Toby hops on the chance in hopes of earning the prize money and helping out his uncle. But, when Hugh Abernathy unexpectedly turns up dead, it’s up to Toby and his new friend Ivy to solve the case!
What I liked: such a fun detective story! It’s like a cross between a Sherlock Holmes and an Agatha Christie novel, but brought down to a kid’s level. The two main characters are fun and unique, and the story will keep you guessing.
What I didn’t like: not much. The opening scene seemed a bit too long, although it did help establish the main character and his desperate need for getting the money to help his uncle. Other than that, the story itself was delightful and fun to follow along with.
I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery.
5 out of 5 stars
July 12, 2019
Do you buy stuff on Amazon?
Do you buy stuff on Amazon?
I do. Ridiculously so. Yesterday, I bought two Christmas presents. It’s July. JULYYYYYY. *sigh* I can’t help it. I love browsing through Amazon and seeing all the unusual and random things for sale.
Now comes the bigger question…do you look at reviews before you buy? I do. Most assuredly. I like to see what people liked about the product and what they didn’t. If it’s a product I have purchased before, I don’t bother; but, if it’s something new, I like to see what I’m getting into.
This includes books. If I’m purchasing from an author I am familiar with, I will probably skip the reviews and just read the description. But, if it’s from someone I don’t know, I’ll read the description first, then look at the reviews.
This is why I choose to write reviews for books that I have read (see Book Reviews page on my website). I wish to pay it forward for other readers. I only write one review per book, then post it on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, and Library Thing, as well as my website.
I would encourage all of you to write reviews for the books you’ve read. If you’re not sure how to write a review, it’s easy! Things to include: What did you like most about the book? (Was it a fast read, or were the characters quirky, or did it keep you guessing?) What did you think could’ve been better? (Were some of the characters flat, or was it too slow at the beginning?) Do you recommend it? Why or why not?
You don’t need to write a novel, but reviews that are too short (Great book!) don’t really tell the reader anything about the book. Think of what you would like to know if you were debating on purchasing a book, and then share that with the potential readers.
As a reader, I appreciate hearing your opinions of books I may want to buy. As an author, I appreciate the honest feedback from those of you who have read my books.
Happy Friday!
Alba
I do. Ridiculously so. Yesterday, I bought two Christmas presents. It’s July. JULYYYYYY. *sigh* I can’t help it. I love browsing through Amazon and seeing all the unusual and random things for sale.
Now comes the bigger question…do you look at reviews before you buy? I do. Most assuredly. I like to see what people liked about the product and what they didn’t. If it’s a product I have purchased before, I don’t bother; but, if it’s something new, I like to see what I’m getting into.
This includes books. If I’m purchasing from an author I am familiar with, I will probably skip the reviews and just read the description. But, if it’s from someone I don’t know, I’ll read the description first, then look at the reviews.
This is why I choose to write reviews for books that I have read (see Book Reviews page on my website). I wish to pay it forward for other readers. I only write one review per book, then post it on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, and Library Thing, as well as my website.
I would encourage all of you to write reviews for the books you’ve read. If you’re not sure how to write a review, it’s easy! Things to include: What did you like most about the book? (Was it a fast read, or were the characters quirky, or did it keep you guessing?) What did you think could’ve been better? (Were some of the characters flat, or was it too slow at the beginning?) Do you recommend it? Why or why not?
You don’t need to write a novel, but reviews that are too short (Great book!) don’t really tell the reader anything about the book. Think of what you would like to know if you were debating on purchasing a book, and then share that with the potential readers.
As a reader, I appreciate hearing your opinions of books I may want to buy. As an author, I appreciate the honest feedback from those of you who have read my books.
Happy Friday!
Alba
July 2, 2019
My Review of Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Aru Shah is a 12-year-old girl with a tendency to tell elaborate lies in an effort to fit in at her new, upper-class school, and conceal the fact that she and her mom live at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, where her mom works. But when three of her classmates show up at her home, Aru feels compelled to do something impressive. So, she lights the cursed Lamp of Bharata and unwittingly releases the Sleeper, whose job it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Now it’s up to her to save the world.
What I liked: I love mythology and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading about Hindu myths (so many books weave in Greek mythology, it’s nice to read about different deities). The side characters were fun and unique, and the storyline was fun and adventurous.
What I did not like: the main character. I just never connected to her like I normally do with main characters. For the first fifty pages or so, I actually didn’t like her, but I thought I would grow to like and connect with her as I did with Artemis Fowl (who I also didn’t like at the beginning of the first book), but it just didn’t happen for me.
Still, a good read for those who enjoy mythology.
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: I love mythology and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading about Hindu myths (so many books weave in Greek mythology, it’s nice to read about different deities). The side characters were fun and unique, and the storyline was fun and adventurous.
What I did not like: the main character. I just never connected to her like I normally do with main characters. For the first fifty pages or so, I actually didn’t like her, but I thought I would grow to like and connect with her as I did with Artemis Fowl (who I also didn’t like at the beginning of the first book), but it just didn’t happen for me.
Still, a good read for those who enjoy mythology.
4 out of 5 stars
June 2, 2019
Silly, Witty, and Fabulous: My review of Mac B, Kid Spy by Mac Barnett
Okay, this book is a little younger than I normally review as it is a chapter book, but its premise was so cute I just had to read it (and I’m so very glad I did!).
Mac B is an author, but before that he was a kid, and when he was a kid, he was a spy. Mac B is just an average kid from California who gets a call from the Queen of England who asks him to do a favor--retrieve the crown jewels that were stolen. Mac B is not sure why the Queen picks him, but he agrees, and then a plane ticket shows up at his door and he is off on the adventure of a lifetime.
What I liked: absolutely everything. The storyline is witty and silly and fabulous. I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. The characters are charming, and the illustrations are fantastically adorable. And, of course, I love that there are historical references throughout the book.
What I didn’t like: absolutely nothing. I read it in one sitting (it is a chapter book after all), and I enjoyed every single page. Kudos to the author and illustrator.
I would highly recommend this for chapter readers (and anyone else who enjoys silly, witty stories).
5 out of 5 stars
Mac B is an author, but before that he was a kid, and when he was a kid, he was a spy. Mac B is just an average kid from California who gets a call from the Queen of England who asks him to do a favor--retrieve the crown jewels that were stolen. Mac B is not sure why the Queen picks him, but he agrees, and then a plane ticket shows up at his door and he is off on the adventure of a lifetime.
What I liked: absolutely everything. The storyline is witty and silly and fabulous. I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. The characters are charming, and the illustrations are fantastically adorable. And, of course, I love that there are historical references throughout the book.
What I didn’t like: absolutely nothing. I read it in one sitting (it is a chapter book after all), and I enjoyed every single page. Kudos to the author and illustrator.
I would highly recommend this for chapter readers (and anyone else who enjoys silly, witty stories).
5 out of 5 stars
May 13, 2019
Why Writing Book Reviews Shouldn’t Be Intimidating.
Have you ever read an amazing book and couldn’t wait to tell all your friends so they would read it as well? Or, have you ever been recommended a book by a friend and rushed out to get it because it sounded so interesting?
I’m assuming by the fact that you’re on Goodreads that at least one of these is true. But what happens if neither you nor your friends have heard of a book? That’s where book reviews come in handy. Both Amazon and Bookbub are notorious for recommending books they think you might like. But do you take the chance?
It’s quite possible that the latest book you fell in love with and recommended to your friends is not known to others. By leaving a review, you are letting strangers know why they should read that book. If the thought of writing a review intimidates you, let me ease your mind. Reviews don’t have to be multiple paragraphs that analyze every theme of the book, they can be short and simple. Just one sentence can be enough to explain why you loved the book. Perhaps it was a great mystery and had you guessing until the end. Or perhaps the characters were so quirky and unique that you fell in love with them. Just boil down what you loved most about the book, put it into one sentence, and BAM! Book review done.
A simple sentence letting people know why they should read the book is enough and can help encourage others to take a chance on that book. Of course, if there are so many things you loved that you can’t put them all into just one sentence, then of course, feel free to write a longer review. My point is that writing reviews for books you love is easy AND a great way to let people know they should take the risk and get the book.
I’m assuming by the fact that you’re on Goodreads that at least one of these is true. But what happens if neither you nor your friends have heard of a book? That’s where book reviews come in handy. Both Amazon and Bookbub are notorious for recommending books they think you might like. But do you take the chance?
It’s quite possible that the latest book you fell in love with and recommended to your friends is not known to others. By leaving a review, you are letting strangers know why they should read that book. If the thought of writing a review intimidates you, let me ease your mind. Reviews don’t have to be multiple paragraphs that analyze every theme of the book, they can be short and simple. Just one sentence can be enough to explain why you loved the book. Perhaps it was a great mystery and had you guessing until the end. Or perhaps the characters were so quirky and unique that you fell in love with them. Just boil down what you loved most about the book, put it into one sentence, and BAM! Book review done.
A simple sentence letting people know why they should read the book is enough and can help encourage others to take a chance on that book. Of course, if there are so many things you loved that you can’t put them all into just one sentence, then of course, feel free to write a longer review. My point is that writing reviews for books you love is easy AND a great way to let people know they should take the risk and get the book.
May 2, 2019
May's review: The Name of This Book is Secret
This book has a narrator telling the story, but since no-one should know what happens or to whom, the narrator uses fake names and places. So, “Cass” and “Max-Ernest” are two eleven-year-olds who become interested in a box labeled “The Symphony of Smells” left behind by a recently deceased magician. While investigating the magician’s house, the two kids stumble upon the magician’s notebook and a very intriguing mystery. Throw in some bad guys and the disappearance of a classmate, and the two kids have quite the adventure on their hands.
What I liked: the two main characters are unique and quirky; the mystery is quite intriguing; and, the plot has many unexpected twists. The story is also well-written.
What I did not like: the narrator. He constantly says he should not tell the reader this, or he can’t say what really happened. I understand this is the gimmick, but after about the first fifty pages, I was over it. I just wanted to read the story (which was interesting). There’s even an entire chapter toward the middle of the book where the narrator says he decided to end the book there and goes on a tangent about chocolate, and ends the chapter with why he must keep writing. I understand the narrator’s interruptions might be interesting to some (there are five books in the series), but it was just not my cup of tea.
3.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: the two main characters are unique and quirky; the mystery is quite intriguing; and, the plot has many unexpected twists. The story is also well-written.
What I did not like: the narrator. He constantly says he should not tell the reader this, or he can’t say what really happened. I understand this is the gimmick, but after about the first fifty pages, I was over it. I just wanted to read the story (which was interesting). There’s even an entire chapter toward the middle of the book where the narrator says he decided to end the book there and goes on a tangent about chocolate, and ends the chapter with why he must keep writing. I understand the narrator’s interruptions might be interesting to some (there are five books in the series), but it was just not my cup of tea.
3.5 out of 5 stars
April 22, 2019
Enter givewaway for a chance to win!
Hi everyone!
Enter my giveaway for a chance to win an autographed copy of The Lady Ghost!
Enter my giveaway for a chance to win an autographed copy of The Lady Ghost!
April 16, 2019
Free Books?? Yessss!!!
If you are an avid reader like me (and I’m assuming you are or why would you be on Goodreads?), then you probably LOVE the idea of downloading a free book or two to your Kindle.
I love browsing and buying books at my local indie bookstore (The Writer’s Block in downtown Las Vegas)…it’s my favorite hobby (or obsession, depending on who you ask), but I also like having a couple books on the Kindle app on my phone for when I need something to pass the time (like when I’m waiting for maintenance on my car).
Enter…Bookbub. I’m always surprised by how few of my friends know about Bookbub, even my author friends. It’s a site for readers to learn about free or deeply discounted books every day.
Here’s how it works. I told Bookbub what categories I like (middle grade, YA, and cozy mysteries), and everyday I get an email from them telling me about four or five free (or deeply discounted) books available that day on Amazon in my categories, with a brief description of each. If one sounds interesting, I click on the link and it takes me to that book’s page on Amazon. Then I can take a better look at it and decide if I want to get it.
Also, you can follow authors (including me!) on Bookbub and, once in a while, you’ll get an email listing books that these authors recommend. Although, to be honest, Goodreads is still the best place to get recommendations for books. Nothing can ever replace Goodreads.
So, in the end, if you’re looking for some cheap books for your Kindle, I’d recommend Bookbub. That is all. :)
I love browsing and buying books at my local indie bookstore (The Writer’s Block in downtown Las Vegas)…it’s my favorite hobby (or obsession, depending on who you ask), but I also like having a couple books on the Kindle app on my phone for when I need something to pass the time (like when I’m waiting for maintenance on my car).
Enter…Bookbub. I’m always surprised by how few of my friends know about Bookbub, even my author friends. It’s a site for readers to learn about free or deeply discounted books every day.
Here’s how it works. I told Bookbub what categories I like (middle grade, YA, and cozy mysteries), and everyday I get an email from them telling me about four or five free (or deeply discounted) books available that day on Amazon in my categories, with a brief description of each. If one sounds interesting, I click on the link and it takes me to that book’s page on Amazon. Then I can take a better look at it and decide if I want to get it.
Also, you can follow authors (including me!) on Bookbub and, once in a while, you’ll get an email listing books that these authors recommend. Although, to be honest, Goodreads is still the best place to get recommendations for books. Nothing can ever replace Goodreads.
So, in the end, if you’re looking for some cheap books for your Kindle, I’d recommend Bookbub. That is all. :)
