I'll admit it. I judged this book by its cover. Worse than that, I judged this book by its description. My thoughts were skeptical to say the least, the main one centered around if Cinder had bones, praying that this wasn't going to be a horror story.
In case you couldn't tell, I am generally not a science fiction fan because I have a difficult time orienting myself in a world so different from my own. I am also strangely protective of fairy tales, but I took a chance and picked up this book...
... and did not put it down. Literally. It was irritating to have to eat and generally keep myself alive. I went to bed at three in the morning because of this book. Once I got used to the terminology, I was swept away into the world of New Beijing. I loved Cinder and the questions that her very existence brought into the novel. The plot was exciting, and while some aspects of the book were predictable, this was comforting rather than annoying. It was easy to get into the heads of these characters and never want to leave.
Marissa Meyer did a stunning job with her first book and there will be a total of four novels in the series, with the second having come out last February! Sing a song! Do a dance! You'll get to experience even more of this world after you read Cinder to find out how these characters fare in a world that is falling apart. I kid you not, this book is AMAZING. Go see for yourself.
Appropriate for ages 15+
Say it with me, folks. "FLAY-vee-ah duh LOOSE." Now, look at the character's name: Flavia de Luce. Now, go read the book. That's really all you need to know.
But, if you're looking for more...
Picture the 1950's and a British mansion that is deteriorating. Envision nasty sisters, and *gasp* unmentionable happenings in the cucumber patch. This book may just frighten the heebie-jeebies out of you.
But then along comes Flavia.
An eleven-year-old obsessed with chemistry and poison in particular, Flavia creates a world of heroism that is all her own. She is out to solve the mystery, and a hard one to crack, at that. But Flavia has one up on those stuffy old detectives. This is because Flavia is a GENIUS. Her quirkiness and intelligence also makes her such a solid character, that you never doubt her authenticity for a second.
Alan Bradley's writing is not something that you can whip through in one night, however. It's more dense than most books. Sometimes I felt that I needed a break or a breath of fresh air because the writing felt more technical. However, this style also fits Flavia so well that anything else would feel unnatural. Flavia thinks through everything, as does the narrator. I can't imagine anything that would work better, but it's definitely not what I'm used to.
Also, be aware that there are (if I'm remembering correctly) more than three swear words in the book. They aren't frequent, though, and the first time I remember it occurring was actually with Flavia, and it took me so much by surprise that I laughed.
Appropriate for ages 16+ (though on Alan Bradley's website, he says he knows of people from 8-95 who enjoy it).
Turtle in Paradise was not what I expected. It was much better.
As a general rule, I try to know as little about books before I read them so that the plot is a surprise to me. Hence, picking up this book based on the cover is slightly deceiving.
Turtle is not like other girls. Sent away to live in Key West, Florida during the Great Depression, she's determined there's only one way to survive in this life - with a tough exterior. But even turtles have soft underbellies and this main character has dreams of her own, so close she can almost taste it.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel and the reader is fantastic. Her accent draws you right into the story through the eyes of an eleven-year-old who sees life as an adult. The culture and life of Key West envelops you, and in the meantime some mischievous kids set off for some adventures of their own. It was this book where my respect for historical fiction novels began, and Jennifer L. Holm does a breathtaking and authentic job of world building in this story.
A Newbery Award winning book, this is one not to be missed. Though I felt the ending needed more closure, the narrator's emphasis on family relationships amidst a failing economic world makes up for any shortcomings. Paradise is in between these pages, people.
And who doesn't want to visit paradise?
Appropriate for ages 10+
This is the book you have been waiting for. A book filled to the brim with adventure. A book with secret passageways and devious plots and the very best kind of thieves.
I liked this book the moment I read the first sentence. This book, I thought, has promise.
But it has so much more than that! I don't even know where to begin. First and foremost, the characters are incredibly likable. Sage's situation may be dire, and perhaps his life is even at stake, but he's so darn likable. You find yourself laughing at his mistakes and his commentary in even the darkest of circumstances. He's clever, unbelievably kind, and daring. He's hungry all the time. He's a realistic boy, and yet he has qualities that make him a fantastic hero. How could you not like this kid? How could you not love him?
This leads me to a point about the plot of this story. It seems to me like there are always stories about being a princess or becoming royalty, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love those stories. However, I've never seen a boy in this situation. Maybe authors and publishers think it's too "girly" of a circumstance to have a guy mixed up in the tangle of royalty. But this is one of the best aspects of the book - a twist I've definitely never seen before - and I loved every minute of it.
The writing is easy to read, which could make it a great fit for middle grade readers. However, since there's a bit of violence in here, I'd place this as a Young Adult novel. You could also say that the plot is a bit predictable. There weren't, in my case, any jaw-drop surprises. That being said, I truly didn't care. I loved or hated each character (as appropriate) so much and the adventure was such an enjoyable ride from start to finish, I'd read it again in a heartbeat.
Appropriate for ages 14+
"When Giuseppe found the green violin, he did not think it would help him escape."
Read
that sentence. Listen to it. Read it again to your dog, to your fish,
or to your mother in the next room, and tell me that those words aren't
magic. I can tell you right now I will think you are crazy.
You can tell a lot by a first sentence. This one is a whopper.
Why?
Because from the first sentence, Giuseppe is on a journey. And this is
not just any journey, but this is a journey about a green violin. Green!
That's strange, you may say to yourself. Already Matthew Kirby has
instilled two thoughts in your head. They are:
1. Giuseppe has to escape. Escape from what?
2. What magical powers does this green violin posses?
Not
only that, but even the name "Giuseppe" lets you know that this story
is going to be about an Italian boy (partly, anyway). When an author can
convey three important facts in one sentence, my friends, this is a
writer to pay attention to. The January evening that I picked this book
up, I literally squealed with delight and, just like I told you to do,
read the sentence to my mother.
The Clockwork Three, however,
stuns you even further, as it is historical fiction, but reads like a
true adventure. What's an automaton? Who is Madame Pomeroy and her
Russian sidekick? Could children really have been treated so abominably?
And don't forget the romance, friends. There's even a little bit of
that, too.
This
world is darker than you would expect. However, there's a lot of trust,
faith, and dreams, too. The characters are human. They make mistakes.
My only complaint is that the children sometimes seem older than they
really are.
A
first book from the wonderful Matthew J. Kirby, and he accomplishes all
this? Pay attention to this man, ladies and gentlemen, for he can
write. Not only that, but he can write darn well. Read this one. Discuss
it. You won't be able to put it down.
Appropriate for ages 10+
The Black Book of Colors. Can you say beautiful? I don't think I have ever read a more touching
children's book. With raised black line drawings on black paper, this
unusual book of colors appears to be missing its pictures, at first.
"Where is the color?" I asked myself, and then was taught a most
valuable lesson.
Sometimes, the best way to see is through your fingers.
Yellow,
red, and green took took on a whole new meaning for me than ever
before. Color is touch. Color is smell and taste. Color, no matter what
anyone may say about the light spectrum, is black. And that color, more
than any other, is love.
Learn
what discovery is through an entirely different medium than ever
before. Learn the patience and the beauty of seeing how other people
see. Not only is this book interactive and award winning, but it's a
true work of art.
Appropriate for ages 5+
Okay, ladies here we go! And for you gentlemen out there, don't turn up your noses just yet... even though this novel has "Austen" in the title, there's likely to be something here for you, too!
Shannon Hale's Midnight in Austenland is truly a riveting read. Not only do you get to return to the "theme park" Austenland as in Hale's first adult novel, but there's mystery, comedy, and intrigue as well! Charlotte Constance Kinder may have lost faith in life and love, but her strength of character, loyalty, and inability to not go searching in secret hallways and ghostly abbeys is much to her credit. Also, while seemingly unconventional, Charlotte is relatable to scores upon scores of women. I loved her. And I loved that she was tall.
In addition to these already admirable traits, Midnight in Austenland is beautifully and solidly written. This being the case, the novel keeps you reading well into the wee hours of the night (or morning), frightened and romanced and laughing in turn.
That being said, I do believe there are perhaps five swear words or so in this book. There were also some intimations that at times could be rather suggestive. However, since these moments are brief, I decided to still post about this book here.
Appropriate for 18+
Based off of the traditional European fairy tale, Toads and Diamonds turns to the setting of India. This, I have to say, was ingenious.
Fairy tales so often have holes or plots that seem to make no sense whatsoever, and Heather Tomlinson played off of this extremely well by incorporating India's culture, religion, and setting into this book. I could taste the lentils, smell the jasmine, see the dancing and feel the rhythm of the drums. Moments of repulsion (the word "toads" is in the title, people!) could turn to understanding, and by the end of the novel I felt so immersed in this setting that I truly felt a part of India's vibrant culture.
"Wisdom. Good fortune. Death." All are possibilities for two sisters who are bonded together no matter how distant at times their lives may seem. The story revolves around them, which becomes the strongest aspect of the novel.
That being said, I was wishing that there was more development between some of the minor characters. You want more, and by the end, still want more. Some questions aren't completely answered. But the focal point of the two sisters and their beliefs is strong enough to tie the story together. Take the time to get into this book. The set-up may feel somewhat slow (especially if you're familiar with the tale), but the events unfold like magic.
Appropriate for ages 14+
Ah, Jessica Day George! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!
1) Dragon Slippers is a fantasy novel without having to read colossal blocks of text of descriptions. Instead, it is fast paced, but it doesn't feel as though there are any holes. This is like a breath of fresh air.
2) Let me just say there are always surprises. Dragons are not what you think they are, people!
3) Creelisle is a vivacious, clever, humble, TALENTED, and most importantly, independent character. She does not simply wait around to be saved and look beautiful in the meantime.
4) The relationships in this novel are lifelike. As characters come to know one another, they experience a myriad of emotions - fear, trust, uncertainty, growth - that make you wish you were there with them so that you could be their friend, too.
5) There is no whining and moping around. These people move, act, think. There are secrets in this kingdom. There are small dogs. There are princes, raunchy princesses, dragons, and a whole lot of sewing. How can you possibly combine all of these aspects and make a fantastic book, with the only swear words being "Caxel's Bones?"
Only if you're Jessica Day George. I wish I was. You'll wish you were, too.
Appropriate for ages 12+ (though I think of this novel as being Young Adult)
King Tut died of a mosquito bite? Somebody stole Albert Einstein’s brain and cut it up? Georgia Bragg’s viewpoint of the deaths of some of the most famous people to walk the earth is most definitely unconventional - and history has never been so exciting. Combined with comical pictures of these historical figures, “How They Croaked” is lighthearted rather than gory and full of fun facts that personally involve the reader. Delightful and shocking, Bragg’s book will undoubtedly prod young readers to want to know more about the fascinating world of history.
Honestly, I don't think I can remember liking an informational book so much. Bragg has you laughing and learning from page one and doesn't stop there. Young boys will love this book. And while it may not seem like a girl's cup of tea, you'd be surprised how these mini-stories can fascinate readers of all kinds. More importantly, it's not about the deaths of people like Beethoven, Marie Antoinette, or Marie Curie that are important, but it's their lives. Engaging, funny, and enlightening. What more could you ask for?
Appropriate for ages 10+
Watch out, Austen fans!
Julianne Donaldson's Edenbrooke is about to blow your socks off... or
your petticoats.
What's to like about this
novel? What's not to love, I ask you? The streets of Bath, a country estate, a
heart-stopping romance, and a marvelous dose of intrigue will have you reading this
novel well into the night. That I can absolutely promise you.
Donaldson's writing is
quick-paced and yet is incredibly perceptive of her characters emotions,
thoughts, and feelings. The sentences themselves seem clear and shiny,
unboggled by superfluous words. This novel is a wonderful case of SHOW
and not TELL, an attribute I long for from many long-published authors, and yet
what Donaldson gets right on her first try.
Pick up the novel, ladies and
gentlemen! Not only is it "the most romantic book I've ever read"
(quoted from my sister), but the main character, Marianne, has spunk and
personality. For those Austen critics out there, be prepared to meet a young
woman who has a mind of her own. No sitting at tea and working on one's
embroidery all day in this neck of the woods.
This is a book to read again
and again. In fact, I even did just that for a couple of days. It's on my
bookshelf. I give it as gifts. Read it. You won't regret it.
Appropriate for ages 15+
(Honestly, though, it's a Proper Romance-a new genre, by the way, published by
Shadow Mountain! It doesn't get any cleaner. Technically, this would fit in the
Young Adult Category, but it's also strongly geared for adults. Enjoy!)
