Shomeret's July Reads 1/4

[Shomeret]

I was still on vacation, so I indulged myself with pirates, Robin Hood and Zorro--a feast for my swashbuckling soul.

1)

Source: Library Started: 7/1 Finished: 7/2

Why Read: When I discovered Celia Rees on Goodreads and read Sovay, I also found out that she had written this book about girl pirates.

Comments: I read a review on GR that criticized the MC for being timid. Well it's true that she wasn't as bold as Minerva, her companion, but she showed courage when needed. After all, it was Nancy's courageous act that led to her and Minerva's becoming pirates. So I liked them and the book well enough, though I did have problems with the ending. Rating B

2
Source: PBS Started: 7/2 Finished: 7/3

Why Read: There's a psychic aspect, an American Indian aspect and a historical aspect. Although this is a sequel to Witch Child, Sorceress sounded much more interesting. Normally, it's against my policy to read two books by the same author consecutively, but this looks very different from Pirates.

Comments: This book reminded me ofOne is the Sun, Patricia Nell Warren's novelization of a family story about how her American Indian and white ancestors came together. It also reminded me ofPicture Maker A Novelabout a Mohawk woman artist who found a common bond with a Viking. But Sorceress is its own unique story of a teen accused of witchcraft who fled to the Indians, and her teen descendant, Agnes, a modern Mohawk. Rating A

3)

Source: Library Started: 7/3 Finished: 7/3

Why Read: I guess you could say I'm on a pirate kick. I'd love a series about a pirate MC who solves murders.

Comments: My favorite was by Kelly Barnhill, a story that was like prose poem about a Joan of Arc type with amazing powers. I also loved the Katherine Sparrow story about modern day computer hackers. Naomi Novik's alternate Regency story is a fun read and Carrie Vaughn's story about a retired pirate who becomes a protective mother is well written. The anthology as a whole gets a B from me.

4)

Source: Progressive Book Club Started: 7/4 Finished: 7/4

Why Read: After centuries of nature being considered an object, it is being re-personified and considered sacred again. This is an important thing we can do for the planet and this book is examining this phenomenon.

Comments: The author lacks historical perspective. The roots of nature's objectification goes back much further than he states. But he's trying to confine himself to a history of American attitudes toward nature. I did learn a few things I hadn't known about the American environmental movement, and a great deal about its enemies. Rating B+

5)

Source: Library Started: 7/4 Finished: 7/5

Why Read: I liked The Reincarnationistthough not quite as much as I hoped. So I had lower expectations for this sequel.

Comments: I saw this as a book about the power of music. Music can unlock many things. This was the best book I read in July. Rating A+

To Be Continued...

[Ann]

Shomeret:
How fun to have a pirate themed month!
I look forward to both The Memorist and Sorceress after reading your reviews!

Shomeret wrote: "I was still on vacation, so I indulged myself with pirates, Robin Hood and Zorro--a feast for my swashbuckling soul....
But Sorceress is its own unique story of a teen accused of witchcraft who fled to the Indians, and her teen descendant, Agnes, a modern Mohawk. Rating A

The Memorist - Comments: I saw this as a book about the power of music. Music can unlock many things. This was the best book I read in July. Rating A+ "