An Oprah's Book Club book

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

By: Ayana Mathis

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 243

Published: 2012

Read: January

3.5 out of 5

I love books told by different perspectives. This one is twelve different chapters each told about one or more of Hattie’s children with the last one being from the perspective of her granddaughter, Sula. Some are narrated by Hattie herself while others are told directly by the child. Due to the format of each chapter this novel could be looked at as a series of short stories, however the reader will gather more insight on Hattie with each telling. The stories are told chronologically from 1923 to 1980. I very much enjoyed the format of the book, however I continually desired more from each chapter/short story. If you enjoy historical fiction, especially from a multicultural aspect you should read this one, an Oprah’s book club choice. This would be a great discussion book for book clubs as well. 

Great Fictional book intertwined with some education

All Over Creation

By: Ruth Ozeki

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 432

Published: 2004

Read: January

4 out of 5

I really enjoyed this book - mostly because it has a little of everything in it. The story takes place in a small rural farming community and deals with controversial food issues, such as GMO's, and other gardening hot topics, such as  seed saving and agri-business. This is all surrounding an entire different story about family, friends, and lovers. The very unique genuine characters will make you laugh, cry and smile. I love books in which the story is told by different individuals, however Ozeki changed point-of-view so often and included almost too many voices sometimes it took me a paragraph or two to decipher the character telling the story. Also, I found the ending way too predictable but I still highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Ozeki soon. BEWARE: It is a great gardening/environmental fiction story, but it also has A LOT of sex!!

I was surprised that Ozeki didn't include a list of references or further resources for the readers. Even though a work of fiction, I felt it was clear which side of the fence she is on.

Another mean cheerleader book..LOVE IT

Queen of the Dead

By: Stacey Kade

Genre:  YA paranormal

Pages: 266

Published: 2011

Read: January

3.5 out of 5

Honestly, I had a hard time following the story at the beginning. I think it was primarily because it didn’t seem to pick up where the previous one left off. This book could almost be a stand-alone because it fills you in on Alona’s past without repeating the entire book. The aspect that I enjoyed most was Alona’s not very nice personality. YES, I have always had something against cheerleaders and it my opinion she is a typical one even in death. I did miss all the encounters with other ghosts. They added humor to the book. Ironically, every time the Order of the Guardians was mentioned I couldn’t help think of Order of the Phoenix and Galaxy of the Guardians. Overall, I look forward to reading the conclusion and will be doing so soon. 

Kent Haruf's first book...

The Tie That Binds

By: Kent Haruf

Genre:  Adult Fiction

Pages: 256

Published: 2000

Read: December

3 out of 5

One of my favorite book/trilogies of 2014 was Plainsong, so of course I wanted to read more from Haruf. If I wasn’t comparing this novel to the trilogy, I may have rated it higher. It is definitely worth the read, but I had higher expectations. There are two main reasons it slightly disappointed me. First, Plainsong involved the entire community. Haruf writes as though his characters were your friends; this story focused on only two families so the reader loses that bond.  Secondly, the premise was about an 80 year old woman being on trial for murder. However, that is only mentioned at the beginning and the tail end of story with no outcome mentioned. With that said, Haruf’s writing is still phenomenal and the emotion he can evoke from his readers for the characters is amazing. It’s that when I read the synopsis, I thought it would be different and it didn’t compare to Plainsong.  

A great book club choice for kids

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

By: Kate DiCamillo

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Pages: 233

Published: 2013

Read: December

4 out of 5

I read this book because it was suggested on a website as a great selection for a YA book club. I feel it is too young for teens, but would be perfect for a kid’s book club. DiCamillo is also the author of the very popular book and movie, Because of Winn Dixie. Both books are a must read for kids, for boys and girls, of all ages. It was very funny and the pictures were great. Ulysses, the squirrel, was named after the vacuum cleaner that sucked him up. After being saved by Flora it was discovered that he had special powers all because of the vacuum. Flora has a great imagination and brings the story to life. 

I loved the artwork

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: The Graphic Novel

By: Ransom Riggs

Genre:  YA graphic novel

Pages: 272

Published: 2013

Read: December

3 out of 5

This is a good rendition of the YA novel. I still much prefer the actual novel, but teens who are intimidated by reading will enjoy it. There were several story lines in the original version that aren't even touched upon in the graphic novel which was a disappointment. I did loved the artwork and really liked how the color themes changed depending on where the story was taking place. However, I wish more photographs of the peculiar children were included. The photographs were a large part of what makes the story so unique. I also felt that the graphic novel was more violent because the picturistic aspect. This would be a good option for 7th grade and above. 

Midwest YA novel

The Blind Faith Hotel

By: Pamela Todd

Genre:  YA fiction

Pages: 320

Published: 2008

Read: December

3 out of 5

I read this book hoping it would be a good YA campaign novel to Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler for One Book One Community.   Although the story does take place in the Midwest and Zoe does community service at a forest preserve, I don’t feel the premise was good. More importantly, this story won’t entertain boys at all. The story itself was OK and teen girls may enjoy it. I just didn’t get what I wanted out of it. However, my biggest issue was that Zoe confesses to shoplifting and still receives the same punishment she would have if she was caught rather then turn herself in. What does this message send to the kids? Don’t bother confessing, the punishment is the same.