The best decade!!

The Eighties: A Bitchen Time to be a Teenager!

By: Tom Harvey

Genre: memoir

Pages: 256

Published: 2012

Read: December

2 out of 5

I was excited to read this book because I have always considered myself to be a  child of the 80's - even if my high school years was more in the 90's.  This book was not nearly as funny as I expected - my favorite part was the pictures - how could one forgot the ridiculously fabulous clothes and hairstyles of the 80's.  Even though I could relate to some of the stories and memories - the Cabbage Patch and Garbage Pail kid phase, music - ghetto blasters, etc - I felt most of the stories would only be memorable to Tom himself - or his friends. This book was a case of "You had to be there" or it just wasn't as funny. Although I did appreciate a memoir about an ordinary person of the 80's versus someone famous, unearthly rich, or so successful he didn't need the book deal. Another great aspect of the book were the appendixes at the end - what great memories!

Harvey has written another book, Don't Fight with the Garden Hose and Other Lessons I've Learned Along the Way - visit his website at www.authortomharvey.com

A Librarian's Story

Librarian's Night Before Christmas

By: David Davis

Genre: picture book

Pages: 32

Published: 2007

Read: December

5 out of 5

Truly amazing!  Great humor and very entertaining. I believe being a librarian myself enhanced my enjoyment of this book; however any book lover will enjoy the quirky humor and may even laugh out loud. It starts with the sad reality of the deterioration of financial downfall of libraries everywhere, but soon the humor of Davis and the entwining of classic authors and fantastic illustrations draws the reader into the fabulous institutions called the library! A co-worker even brought to our attention that the featured library illustrated in the book looks very similar to our own library. I do feel though that adults will enjoy this storybook more than children since the humor and content may be over the children's head. 

Author of Will Grayson, Will Grayson - one of my favorites

Every Day

By: David Levithan

Genre: YA paranormal

Pages: 322

Published: 2012

Audiobook: 7 CD’s (8 hours 26 minutes)

Read: December

3.5 out of 5

This story was very unique, but not quite dystopian which was pleasant.  The concept is very out there and it took me a while to allow my imagination to accept the possibility of A’s experience.  This is probably an easily task for young adults and the very reason dystopian novels are the desired genre these days.  I believe the audiobook version enhanced my reading experience because the narrator was so enlightening. There were a couple “days” in A’s life that I felt were extremely far-fetched and weakened the story, but I very much joined the ended even if not “Happily Ever After”.

Have you ever Wondered??

Wonder

By: R.J. Palacio

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Pages: 315

Published: 2012

Read: December

4 out of 5

I loved this book. I loved August’s strength. I loved his sister’s honesty, even if not spoken directly to August. I loved his friends and their support for August, but still they were honest to themselves about the difficulties they felt with the friendship. All of these aspects of Wonder made the story that much more realistic and true for me. The story wasn’t sugar coated and as a person with a slight disability I understood some of August’s feelings and the dreaded stares.  I feel every middle school child, boys and girls, should have to read this book – both the bullies and the bullied.

Read another graphic novel...WOW

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

By: Nunzio DeFilippis

Genre: Graphic novel

Pages: 64

Published: 2008

Read: December

2 out of 5

I never knew that this story was originally a short story (1922) written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, but then I am not an avid reader of the classic genre.  I enjoyed the movie (2008) that was adapted from this story, but this graphic novel is not very satisfactory.  Because I have not read Fitzgerald’s short story, I can only compare it to the movie and judge it by itself.  The drawings were mediocre and the story was vague and boring – there was no climax or the spectacle as in movie; rather just the undramatic facts.  So the most exciting aspect, for me, was the discovery that Fitzgerald had written a story with such an intriguing plot back in 1922.

A Winter Mystery

Winter’s Bone

By: Daniel Woodrell

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 208

Published: 2010

Read: December

2 out of 5

I was shockingly disappointed in this book. It may have been I built up my anticipation too much, but I think it was actually the author’s writing style I couldn’t get into. It definitely had a grabbing beginning and plot; I just lost interest in the middle. The last 20 pages or so caught my attention again and I felt satisfied with the ending. My favorite part of the novel was a sideline story about Ree’s best friend, Gail. Even though I didn’t care for the book, I can see why others would enjoy it. The plot is fascinating and Ree is a very strong female character which I love to see in novels.  I am going to watch the movie and compare to see if indeed it was the writing and not story itself I didn’t enjoy.

A Uplifting Christmas Story....NOT

The Christmas Jars

By: Jason F. Wright

Genre: Christmas fiction

Pages: 122

Published: 2005

Read: December

1 out of 5

I had a major problem with this book. I know Christmas stories usually include a sad, tragic event and then a miracle or redemption occurs to provide the reader with the warm fuzzy Christmas spirit. This book was not like that ALL. The protagonist, a journalist, is selfish and all her actions are to enhance her career and own self-worth. Then to redeem herself, she apologizes – but even that was to enhance her own career as her apology appears as an article on the front page, which she doesn’t hide was her goal. With that said, I still enjoy books even if I don’t like or even loathe the characters however in this case, I feel the author actually believes it’s a heartwarming story and the character redeems herself. I felt the story did JUST the opposite and proved that some people are incapable of unselfishly giving no matter what! 

By the author of Smile!

Drama

By: Raina Telgemeier

Genre: Juvenile Graphic novel

Pages: 233

Published: 2012

Read: December

2 out of 5

I think this is one of those books that needs to be read when you are the same age as the protagonists.  While I do remember the drama of my own junior high years, I just found this book silly. I was looking forward to reading it after reading Telgemeier's other graphic novel, Smile which I really enjoyed. Her artwork is good and the colored illustrations is a nice change of pace from the black-and-white of most graphic novels. However, I was disappointed in the story after reading Smile. Ironically, Smile is a biographical graphic novel :) I would recommend this book to junior high girls, especially reluctant readers.

A good adult fiction

The Rosie Project

By: Graeme Simsion

Genre: fiction

Pages: 304

Published: 2013

Read: December

4 out of 5

This was a very quick read as I finished it in two days. Being completely different than anything I have read in a while probably enhanced my enjoyment. I can imagine writing a character with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) would be a difficult task since you have to remember to continue the repetitive processes in every scene or the author loses creditability. The storyline reminded me a lot of As Good As It Gets with Jack Nicholson, but not as depressing. In fact, the movie is referenced within the book. My major disappointment is that in the author biography it states that he is currently working on a sequel. I do not feel this novel needs a sequel and may actually ruin this one for me, similar to my thoughts on many movie sequels.

This is his first novel, but he has written many articles. Visit his website at www.graemesimsion.com

And another biographical graphic novel

My Friend Dahmer

By: Derf Backderf

Genre: Biographical graphic Novel

Pages: 224

Published: 2012

Read: December

4 out of 5

I was very surprised when I started this book to discover it was actually written and drawn by an elementary friend of Jeffrey Dahmer. So after never reading a biographical graphic novel, I read two in one week.  I can’t say I enjoyed one more than the other and I felt both did enough reliable research to be considered biographical in nature.  Dahmer’s story also included a major gap in his story, however the author did not know him then and similar to Cash’s story the public definitely has heard that part of his life. I guess you can say I enjoy biographical graphic novels more than ones of other genres. 

YET Another Paranormal YA novel

Unthinkable

By: Nancy Werlin

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 392

Published: 2013

Read: December

3 out of 5

I choose to read this novel because it is a companion to Impossible (2008). I remember loving Impossible, but I think that was because it was before EVERY YA book was paranormal in nature. I am shocked to see I gave Impossible a 5 star rating because although Unthinkable was just as well written it is definitely not 5 star material. I would, however, highly recommend both books to lovers of the paranormal genre, I need to read something different. I think it is time to get back to adult fiction for me – at least for a little while.

Check out all of Nancy Werlin's books at http://www.nancywerlin.com/.

A Bibliographical Graphic Novel

Johnny Cash: I See a Darkness

By: Reinhard Kleist

Genre: Biographic Graphic Novel

Pages: 224

Published: 2009

Read: December

4 out of 5

Even though I knew his music and remember where I was when I heard he died (2003) I didn't become a big fan of Johnny Cash  until I saw the movie, Walk the Line (2005).  I was very excited when a friend of mine handed me this book.  I have never read a biographically or nonfiction graphic novel; I found it very original and artistically drawn. However, I was largely disappointed because the story skipped from Johnny and June's first kiss to Cash's recording of, I See a Darkness (1999). I feel this gap is an essential part of Johnny's life both musically and with his relationship with June Carter and would have added a great detail to the book.  Therefore, as with most graphic novels, I felt I was only reading half the story.  I also enjoyed how the story incorporated some of his songs into the graphical story.

A Child Fights Through...

Love, Aubrey

By: Suzanne LeFleur

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Pages: 272

Published: 2009

Audiobook: 5 CD’s (6 hours)

Read: December

3.5 out of 5

A tragic accident leaves an 11 year old and her mother without their family. Then, the mother cannot handle the pain and disappears. While Aubrey struggles with losing her family and then being abandoned by her mother, she writes letters to several individuals always signing them “Love, Aubrey.”  This is the second novel of LeFleur’s that I listened to. Although having different narrators they were both awesome audiobooks. I have not read any of her books, so I cannot compare audio to the physical book, however the audio definitely held my attention throughout. I would recommend this novel to any child who has unexpected lost a family member or adult role model.

Her website is SuzanneLafleur.com 

A MUST listen to YA novel

Eleanor & Park

By: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: YA realistic fiction

Pages: 328

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 7 CD’s

Read: November

5 out of 5

This is one of those books that I am super happy I choose to listen to it instead of reading it. The story is narrated by both Eleanor and Park therefore the audio has two narrators, which enhances the story tremendously. If you actually read the novel, you would not have this imagery of the characters.  In this aspect, it reminds me of John Green’s and David Levithan’s YA novel Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which I also highly recommend listening to on audio.  I do believe some stories are meant to be listened to versus read and I feel these are two of them.  I was so engrossed in Eleanor and Park’s lives that sometimes I didn’t want my drive to end.  The only annoying encounter was the ending, where it leaves you wondering what happens next.  I am hoping that means a sequel will surface sometime.

Rowell is the author of four YA novels so far and I plan to listen to them all. You can learn more at www.rainbowrowell.com.

YA novel in verse

Shark Girl

By: Kelly Bingham

Genre: YA realistic fiction

Pages: 288

Published: 2007

Read: November

2 out of 5

Written completely in verse, this was a very quick read.  Similar to Ellen Hopkin’s novels, even though they are all in verse, you do not feel as if you are cheated from description or detail. I feel when books are written well in verse, the style actually adds to the story and enhances it. This book is one of those examples and would be perfect for tweens and younger teenagers. I would not recommend this YA novel to adults, even those who read YA; just maybe those that love them.  Only because it has a less mature style and content. I do have to add that I was disappointed when I realized that this was not the true-life story of Bethany Hamilton; which also was featured in the movie Soul Surfer.

There is a sequel titled Formally Shark Girl (released in 2013) and has written one children’s book. You can read more at http://www.site.kellybinghamonline.com/.

A YA cancer story...

The Fault in Our Stars

By: John Green

Genre: YA fiction

Pages: 318

Published: 2012

Read: November

4 out of 5

For being a book about two teenagers with cancer, I was impressed with Green’s ability to add just the right amount of humor. One page you may be laughing out loud and the next page running for tissue. As with all of Green’s books I have read, the story grabs the reader quickly and doesn’t let go into the ride is over. It reminded me a lot of Nicholas Sparks’ novel A Walk to Remember, but with two cancer teens falling in love and not just one. Green has also co-authored a book with David Levithan, Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which is my favorite Green book. I would recommend both these books to fans of John Green and readers not necessarily looking for a “Happily Ever After” story.

Read more at www.johngreenbooks.com

Bora Bora Novel

Bungalow

By: Sarah Jio

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 290

Published: 2011

Read: November

3 out of 5

I choose this book for my latest book club because it was set in Bora Bora and that is where husband and I went on our honeymoon in September.  I was disappointed on description of the scenery; however being set during World War II was very interesting. It was excited to read about the construction of the shelters by the army because we took a tour and viewed some of the original, still standing, shelters. There were a few other references to places we saw, just not much portrayal and being in on an unique island I would have like to have a more descriptive novel. The novel itself was quick read and very predictable, which is the main reason I gave just an average rating. 

Sarah writes all historical fiction; view them all at http://www.sarahjio.com.

Unique and Genuine Photographs within a novel

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

By: Ransom Riggs

Genre: YA fantasy

Pages: 352

Published: 2011

Read: November

4 out of 5

This is definitely one of the most unique books I have read.  It has a dystopian twist, but the exceptional photographs Riggs uses extremely enhances the story and makes it a one-of-a-kind novel. Surprisingly, the photos are genuine with only a little changing of lighting, which Riggs said took hours and lots of people to help discover these peculiar photographs. I can't even fathom constructing a novel based around photographs, but he does a superb job.  The story itself was well written and captured my interest; however the last third evolved into too much sci-fi, which is not my favorite. With the pictures and the intrigue of what may happen next, I still enjoyed it enough to give a good rating and I will be reading the sequel, Hollow City.

Check out http://www.ransomriggs.com/ for more peculiar photographs.

The Last People on Earth

Life as We Know It

By: Susan Beth Pfeffer

Genre: YA Dystopia

Pages: 337

Published: 2006

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

Imagine if life was so desolate, you were one of the last people on earth. This is that story, reminding me of the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and told through the eyes of 16 year old Miranda, but without the heavy religious tone.  This story is a scary revelation of what could and may happen one day in the future.  I appreciated the idea that life goes on, but will revert back to the early pioneer days of no electricity or hot water. However it also entails limited food and such grim weather conditions, depending on growing your own vegetables and having stores that are open is obsolete.  After reading the novel, I saw on the back cover that it was a Listening Library selection. If I continue the series, The Last Survivors, I will probably try the audiobook version.

A Sad Juvenile Novel...Be Prepared

Bridge to Terabithia

By: Katherine Paterson

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Pages: 176

Published: 2003

Read: November

5 out of 5

I saw the movie years ago when it was released in 2007. I had no idea what to except and sobbed like a baby. Although the book touched me deeply, fortunately I was able to stop the tears. I believe this was only because I knew what to expect, otherwise I would have broke down and cried again. I prepared myself this time.  I was very impressed with the movie adaption of the story as it did a remarkable job of following the novel. As most readers, I get irritated with movies that stray away from the novel’s storyline. I believe this novel will be enjoyed by readers of all ages, particularly tweens (age 9-12). With the age and imagination of the 10 year old protagonists and the illustrations, I am very surprised that my library and others classify this novel as YA.  I feel this novel would be better catalogued in the juvenile fiction.

I have not read any of her other books, although there are several I hope to read someday. Check them out at www.terabithia.com.

The First YA novel by one of my favorite adult authors

Blythewood

By: Carol Goodman

Genre: YA fantasy/Paranormal

Pages: 496

Published: 2013

Read: November

3 out of 5

I am completely over fantasy/paranormal novels. Not that I was ever a huge fan, but I am unable to be absorbed into stories about faeries, brownies, and demons anymore. In YA,  it seems to be almost the only genre anymore. I love Carol Goodman. She is one of my top 5 adult authors, however even her last adult series (Fairwick Chronicles written as Juliet Dark) was in the paranormal genre. This novel is still uniquely written in Goodman's language and takes place on a school campus with a focus on literature, so in that manner I loved the story. This novel will be enjoyed by fans of paranormal and fantasy and especially Harry Potter and Hunger Games groupies.  Blythewood has characteristics of both those YA series.

Her website is www.carolgoodman.com.

An Adult Graphic Novel

Same Difference and Other Stories

By: Derek Kirk King

Genre: adult graphic novel

Pages: 138

Published: 2004

Read: October

3.5 out of 5

As I have stated in previous posts, I don’t read my graphic novels simply because I don’t feel they provide the full background story and I’m missing some details. I read this one to see if it is appropriate to hand out to teens for World Book Night. It is NOT, however the first story (86 pages) was hilarious. I laughed out loud three times in the first 20 pages, Seriously! And I also am not one that typically enjoys stupid humor. However, the other short stories (just a couple pages each) didn’t do much for me, which is why my star rating went down. Readers who enjoy graphic novels and stupid guy humor, will absolutely love this book.

Derek Kirk King’s website is http://www.lowbright.com/.

I think I have a new favorite book of 2013

Good Kings Bad Kings

By: Susan Nussbaum

Genre: realistic fiction

Pages: 298

Published: 2013

Read: October

5 out of 5

I love when books grab you from the very first page. I knew right away I would love this book. Even though it was a heart-wrenching read the characters were true to themselves and had a great sense of humor. The saddest aspect of the book is that even though it is a fictional book, I’m sure it is also very true – what an eye-opener. I felt for all the characters and even the adults that were causing some of the devastating circumstances because they were just trying to survive and make a living himself. That is except Tim, who was only out to better his and his family’s lifestyle.  I am tired of reading books that are in trilogies or worse, series; however I really felt I knew these people and would love to hear what happened to Yessie, Joanne, Ricky and the others in the future.  My only criticism would be that the novel doesn’t have a catchy title or appealing cover, if this wasn’t a recommendation I probably would have never picked it up AND that would have been a true disappointment.

This is Susan's first novel and I hope to see more. 

A YA Historical Novel

Dodger

By: Terry Pratchett

Genre: YA historical fiction/famtasy

Pages: 360

Published: 2012

Read: October

1 out of 5

I very much disliked this book. I found it very difficult to follow mainly because of the writing style. I would have given up except I choose it as a YA book club selection. As a member and, in this case, the moderator of the book club I would not give up. I have found that the primary reason I give up on books is the writing style because I find my mind wanders too much and if I read even 30 pages and you asked what I read I would be unable to tell you. I don’t feel the writing was poor; it was actually very well written – I just have a hard time following some styles and this was one.  This book reminded me of the style of Wicked by Gregory Maguire or Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.

Terry Pratchett has written numerous books, both YA and adult. 

His website is www.terrypratchettbooks.com.

The Inspiration for Downton Abbey

Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid’s Memoir That Inspired Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey

By: Margaret Powell

Genre: Biography

Pages: 212

Published: 2012

Read: October

3.5 out of 5

First published in 1968, this biography is written in the high standards that avid readers place on books today. This was not only impressive, but also unique. In the retelling of her life as a servant, Powell does so with humor and grace.  The reader won’t feel sad for her, but instead proud of her and her accomplishments.  I do believe this was her intent and the book was not written to gain sympathy, just awareness. This biography also exemplifies the difference between good and bad employers. Powell stresses several times throughout the novel, what a difference a good employer is to a servant’s, or any employee’s, attitude towards work. My favorite aspect of the book was the comedic side of Powell’s storytelling.

Margaret Powell, who died in 1984, also wrote Servants’ Hall: a Real Life Upstairs, Downstairs Romance which was published in 1979. 

Historical Fiction at it's best!

The Wild Girl

By: Jim Fergus

Genre: fiction

Pages: 368

Published: 2006

Read: October

4 out of 5

Fergus truly has a gift for writing such beautiful fiction you forget it is indeed fiction.  The novel is written in journal entries as the “events” unfold and with Fergus’s descriptive entries of the Apache’s and their surroundings the reader is transported into the story.  As an added benefit, the character of Tolley, the gay expeditioner, creates much needed humor in the sometimes horrendous story of the battles between Americans, Mexicans and Wild Apaches of 1932.  There is also a beautiful side story of a romance between “The Wild Girl” and the protagonist, Giles.  However, for me the fact that Giles so quickly accepted the relationship, proved that men, or at least young men, don’t know the difference between sex and love.  

I enjoyed both his fiction novels, which you can read more about at www.jimfergus.com