Recommended for 12+ (for an abusive family relationship)
3/5 Stars
2.5/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Fantasy
Lucinda Chapdelaine used to be a happy child with a bright future but all that disappeared when her parents died in a freak carriage accident. Sent to live with her uncle and his second wife, Lucinda leaves her comfortable life as a noble to serve as a maid in her relatives' shop. Her uncle is kind to her but his domineering wife does all she can to make Lucinda miserable. One day, a mysterious woman steps into the shop wanting an enormous jewel reset. It seems too good to be true, which in fact it is. As soon as the aunt realizes that the woman is the Amaranth Witch she refuses to allow her husband to reset the jewel for her and demands that Lucinda return the stone. Of course, simple tasks are never simple in books and Lucinda ends up losing the jewel to an impish street thief. In order to recover the stone, she dances with the very handsome crown prince and, predictably enough, falls in love with him. Enter magic, a large royal ball, an arranged marriage, and an otherwordly realm and you have The Amaranth Enchantment.
I wanted to like this book, in fact, I had high hopes for it after reading the first few chapters. Sure, it was going to be a bit stereotypical, you could see that after the first meeting of the prince and Lucinda as she fell instantly in love with him. However, there is nothing wrong with a conventional strong-maiden/magic filled novel as long as it is done correctly. It wasn't that The Amaranth Enchantment was terrible, it wasn't, it just wasn't that impressive. The impish street thief that steals the jewel from Lucinda is, in my opinion, not a very sympathetic character; he's downright annoying. The twist at the end of the novel involving him is rather a deus ex machina. You find yourself thinking, "Really? Was that necessary?" by the end of the book. The relationship between Lucinda and the prince is OK if a bit melodramatic. The villian is also a little unbelievable. It's really the Amaranth Witch that separates this novel from others in the spunky heroine genre. Her background is intriguing and her great sorrow is moving. I wish the author had spent more time developing that aspect of the plot. I gave this book 3/5 stars because the writing is not bad and it does have some unique concepts surrounding the Amaranth witch, however, I won't be reading it again.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Lost in a Good Book
Recommended for 16+ (for discussion of potentially illegitimate children & possible illicit relations)
5/5 Stars
4/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Fiction with a bit of Mystery thrown in.
I cannot fully understand why people choose not to reread books, there is just something about going back to an old favorite (or a new favorite) and rediscovering the characters again. All of Jasper Fforde's books are worth revisiting for their clever and witty dialogue, humorous plot elements, and literary illusions. Lost in a Good Book is particularly amusing as SpecOps agent Thursday Next finds herself spending a lot of time within books. Apprenticed to Miss Haversham of Great Expectations fame, Thursday learns all about the quirky world within books. Miss Haversham teaches her the rudimentaries of being a literary police officer (a Jurisfiction agent) and just how dangerous that can be. As if Thursday doesn't have enough challenges learning the ropes of the literary world, she also must figure out how to earn enough money to pay her rent, look after her soon-to-be-expecting dodo, fight the forces of Supreme Evil, elude the clutches of the Goliath corporation, avoid dying of too many coincidences, and figure out how to get her eradicated husband back. Oh, and did I mention it's up to her to save the world?
5/5 Stars
4/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Fiction with a bit of Mystery thrown in.
I cannot fully understand why people choose not to reread books, there is just something about going back to an old favorite (or a new favorite) and rediscovering the characters again. All of Jasper Fforde's books are worth revisiting for their clever and witty dialogue, humorous plot elements, and literary illusions. Lost in a Good Book is particularly amusing as SpecOps agent Thursday Next finds herself spending a lot of time within books. Apprenticed to Miss Haversham of Great Expectations fame, Thursday learns all about the quirky world within books. Miss Haversham teaches her the rudimentaries of being a literary police officer (a Jurisfiction agent) and just how dangerous that can be. As if Thursday doesn't have enough challenges learning the ropes of the literary world, she also must figure out how to earn enough money to pay her rent, look after her soon-to-be-expecting dodo, fight the forces of Supreme Evil, elude the clutches of the Goliath corporation, avoid dying of too many coincidences, and figure out how to get her eradicated husband back. Oh, and did I mention it's up to her to save the world?
January Reads
1) The Knife of Never Letting Go
2) Emma, vol. 6
3) American Born Chinese
4) The Graveyard Book
5) Princess of the Midnight Ball
6) The Eyre Affair
7) Gregor and the Marks of Secret (L)
8) A Company of Swans
9) Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
10) Fawn and the Mysterious Trickster
11) The Amaranth Enchantment
12) Lost in a Good Book
2) Emma, vol. 6
3) American Born Chinese
4) The Graveyard Book
5) Princess of the Midnight Ball
6) The Eyre Affair
7) Gregor and the Marks of Secret (L)
8) A Company of Swans
9) Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
10) Fawn and the Mysterious Trickster
11) The Amaranth Enchantment
12) Lost in a Good Book
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Clocks by Agatha Christie
Recommended for 13+ (for complex plot elements)
4/5 Stars
3/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Mystery
This Hercule Poirot novel seems to be an unusual one. Poirot barely features in the novel, instead, the narrative mainly follows Colin Lamb, whose interest in marine biology sadly does not feature in his current job. Lamb instead finds himself working for a highly secretive group within the British government which is why he finds himself practically plowed down by the hysterical Sheila Webb on Wilbraham Crescent. But Colin soon learns that things have a way of working out in the most unexpected of ways.
The mystery, like all of Christie's mysteries, is complex, filled with baffling questions and even more characters. The murder ends up involving most everyone who lives on Crescent Lane and Poirot, of course, figures out the whole thing in the end.
-Edna Brent, colleague of Sheila's, finds herself possessing a bit too much information.
-Miss Martindale runs the secretarial company in which Edna and Sheila are employed. It was she who fielded the suspicious telephone call that requested Sheila come to 19 Wilbraham Crescent.
-Sheila Webb was the first one to discover the dead man.
-Mr. R. H. Curry is suspected of having a false name but no one can quite figure out what he is doing in Miss Pebmarsh's house.
-Miss Pebmarsh owns the house in which the victim is found and was not present when he was killed (presumably) as she was running errands.
-Dick Hardcastle, detective inspector and close friend of Colin's, finds himself at a lose to explain Mr. Curry's death.
-Mr. James Waterhouse and Miss. Waterhouse are neighbors to Miss Pebmarsh. It is clear that Miss. Waterhouse is the one in charge, leaving her brother to live in her shadow.
- Miss Hemmings is the epitome of a crazy cat lady.
-Josiah and Valerie Bland seems to live very well off from money that may not be rightfully theirs.
-Mrs. Ramsey cannot may much mind to the murder as she has two rambunctuous boys to look after...at least until they return to school.
-Mr. McNaughton likes his job as a professor and enjoys gardening on the side while his wife promises her full cooperation to the authorities.
4/5 Stars
3/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Mystery
This Hercule Poirot novel seems to be an unusual one. Poirot barely features in the novel, instead, the narrative mainly follows Colin Lamb, whose interest in marine biology sadly does not feature in his current job. Lamb instead finds himself working for a highly secretive group within the British government which is why he finds himself practically plowed down by the hysterical Sheila Webb on Wilbraham Crescent. But Colin soon learns that things have a way of working out in the most unexpected of ways.
The mystery, like all of Christie's mysteries, is complex, filled with baffling questions and even more characters. The murder ends up involving most everyone who lives on Crescent Lane and Poirot, of course, figures out the whole thing in the end.
-Edna Brent, colleague of Sheila's, finds herself possessing a bit too much information.
-Miss Martindale runs the secretarial company in which Edna and Sheila are employed. It was she who fielded the suspicious telephone call that requested Sheila come to 19 Wilbraham Crescent.
-Sheila Webb was the first one to discover the dead man.
-Mr. R. H. Curry is suspected of having a false name but no one can quite figure out what he is doing in Miss Pebmarsh's house.
-Miss Pebmarsh owns the house in which the victim is found and was not present when he was killed (presumably) as she was running errands.
-Dick Hardcastle, detective inspector and close friend of Colin's, finds himself at a lose to explain Mr. Curry's death.
-Mr. James Waterhouse and Miss. Waterhouse are neighbors to Miss Pebmarsh. It is clear that Miss. Waterhouse is the one in charge, leaving her brother to live in her shadow.
- Miss Hemmings is the epitome of a crazy cat lady.
-Josiah and Valerie Bland seems to live very well off from money that may not be rightfully theirs.
-Mrs. Ramsey cannot may much mind to the murder as she has two rambunctuous boys to look after...at least until they return to school.
-Mr. McNaughton likes his job as a professor and enjoys gardening on the side while his wife promises her full cooperation to the authorities.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence
Recommended for ????
3/5 Stars
3/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Thieves of Ostia tells the story of Flavia, the bright and inquisitive daughter of a fairly well-off merchant (I think he's a merchant). In solving a mystery Flavia finds herself trapped in a tree surrounded by wild dogs. She is saved by her next door neighbor, a boy named Jonathan. Soon the two become friends. For her birthday Flavia buys a slave girl, Nubia, as she feels sorry for her. Flavia buys Nubia intending to grant her freedom after she becomes acclimatized to Rome. A grusome mystery soon presents itself to the three children and, with the help of a beggar boy named Lupis, they set out to solve it. Of course they get into all sorts of scrapes but they always manage to get out of them as they are resourceful and knowledgable.
Perhaps giving this book 3 out of 5 stars is unfair. It certainly has literary merit and seems to be well researched. The author has no qualms about portraying the Roman world in a probable manner. I suppose what bothers me about the book may not even be the fault of the book itself. I simply don't know to whom I would recommend it. Amazon suggests 9-12 years old would be an appropriate audience and that might be. My reservations lie in how distressing some of the events are in this book: dogs with heads chopped off, a girl who dies from rabies (and the description of her death), and mentions of the slave trade, particularly the mention of the child slave trade. I just don't know what nine year old would be prepared for such a thing, even some twelve year olds would not be. It's clearly intended to be for children but I know I would hesitate to put it in the hands of anyone under 12. However, I doubt many teenagers would find the story of interest (this too may be unfair and inaccurate). I suspect this due to how well everyone seems to get along. Flavia treats Nubia as an equal, Jonathan, a Jewish boy, becomes good friends with Flavia and Nubia even though the Jewish religion was anything but accepted in the Roman world (to my understanding). In addition to this, all three children befriend a beggar boy. Maybe I just don't know enough about Roman history but these friendships seem quite improbable to me. I do, however, like the general plot. The author introduces to the reader to many interesting concepts and facts such as the layout of a Roman houes and town, the slave trade, and social hiararchies. I suppose I should really just suspend my judgment on this book and see what other younger readers have to say about it.
3/5 Stars
3/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Thieves of Ostia tells the story of Flavia, the bright and inquisitive daughter of a fairly well-off merchant (I think he's a merchant). In solving a mystery Flavia finds herself trapped in a tree surrounded by wild dogs. She is saved by her next door neighbor, a boy named Jonathan. Soon the two become friends. For her birthday Flavia buys a slave girl, Nubia, as she feels sorry for her. Flavia buys Nubia intending to grant her freedom after she becomes acclimatized to Rome. A grusome mystery soon presents itself to the three children and, with the help of a beggar boy named Lupis, they set out to solve it. Of course they get into all sorts of scrapes but they always manage to get out of them as they are resourceful and knowledgable.
Perhaps giving this book 3 out of 5 stars is unfair. It certainly has literary merit and seems to be well researched. The author has no qualms about portraying the Roman world in a probable manner. I suppose what bothers me about the book may not even be the fault of the book itself. I simply don't know to whom I would recommend it. Amazon suggests 9-12 years old would be an appropriate audience and that might be. My reservations lie in how distressing some of the events are in this book: dogs with heads chopped off, a girl who dies from rabies (and the description of her death), and mentions of the slave trade, particularly the mention of the child slave trade. I just don't know what nine year old would be prepared for such a thing, even some twelve year olds would not be. It's clearly intended to be for children but I know I would hesitate to put it in the hands of anyone under 12. However, I doubt many teenagers would find the story of interest (this too may be unfair and inaccurate). I suspect this due to how well everyone seems to get along. Flavia treats Nubia as an equal, Jonathan, a Jewish boy, becomes good friends with Flavia and Nubia even though the Jewish religion was anything but accepted in the Roman world (to my understanding). In addition to this, all three children befriend a beggar boy. Maybe I just don't know enough about Roman history but these friendships seem quite improbable to me. I do, however, like the general plot. The author introduces to the reader to many interesting concepts and facts such as the layout of a Roman houes and town, the slave trade, and social hiararchies. I suppose I should really just suspend my judgment on this book and see what other younger readers have to say about it.
Belle by Cameron Dokey (Once Upon a Time series)
Recommended for 11+ due to thematic elements (love, focus on physical appearances)
3/5 Stars
4.5/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Fantasy
It is hard for me not to enjoy this book simply because this is one of my favorite fairy tales. On top of that, Cameron Dokey is the best out of all the authors writing for the Once Upon a Time series. Although Belle may have similarities to McKinley's book, Beauty, it should not be dismissed. While McKinley is a master when it comes to re-telling "Beauty and the Beast", Dokey adds her own elements to the story. While the author does not fully describe certain aspects of the original fairy tale, such as the magical element, I do feel she has added her own twist upon the tale in the form of the heartwood tree. There is just something that rings true about wanting to see your true love's face. The book deals with the idea of true beauty in a unique way. By not being able to see what the heartwood branch holds, Belle starts to question herself and the world around her. She learns that she has to have patience and see the people around her in a different light than she is used to. Of course, this transformation does not start when she joins the Beast in his castle. All the members in her family (except perhaps her father) start to change as soon as they move into the country. Still, the symbolism found throughout the castle serves to further her realization. I suppose what I like best about this book is how deftly the author has interwoven the theme of true beauty. She doesn't waste any words, she doesn't have any unnecessary side plots. And it's a tale that needs to be heard. After all, don't we all need to learn how to see true beauty in both ourselves and others?
3/5 Stars
4.5/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Fantasy
It is hard for me not to enjoy this book simply because this is one of my favorite fairy tales. On top of that, Cameron Dokey is the best out of all the authors writing for the Once Upon a Time series. Although Belle may have similarities to McKinley's book, Beauty, it should not be dismissed. While McKinley is a master when it comes to re-telling "Beauty and the Beast", Dokey adds her own elements to the story. While the author does not fully describe certain aspects of the original fairy tale, such as the magical element, I do feel she has added her own twist upon the tale in the form of the heartwood tree. There is just something that rings true about wanting to see your true love's face. The book deals with the idea of true beauty in a unique way. By not being able to see what the heartwood branch holds, Belle starts to question herself and the world around her. She learns that she has to have patience and see the people around her in a different light than she is used to. Of course, this transformation does not start when she joins the Beast in his castle. All the members in her family (except perhaps her father) start to change as soon as they move into the country. Still, the symbolism found throughout the castle serves to further her realization. I suppose what I like best about this book is how deftly the author has interwoven the theme of true beauty. She doesn't waste any words, she doesn't have any unnecessary side plots. And it's a tale that needs to be heard. After all, don't we all need to learn how to see true beauty in both ourselves and others?
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Recommended to 14+ due to a rape scene
2.5/5 stars
3.5/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Fantasy
Impossible tells the tale of Lucy who has a relatively normal life except for the fact that her mother lives on the streets. Soon after Lucy's birth her mother seems to go insane, leaving Lucy to the loving care of Soledad and Leo. When the former next-door neighbor returns from college for the summer Lucy starts to realize just how good looking he really is. Still, he is older than her and Lucy has a slight crush on the slightly nerdy guy taking her to the prom. Lucy's life quickly falls apart after she is raped by said guy who turns out to be more than he would first appear. Lucy's life quickly turns into a sort of nightmare once she realizes that she is pregnant and that she has more in common with her mother than she first believed. Soon Lucy finds herself faced with three impossible tasks, the only things that can spare her from being cursed with the same fate as her mother.
This wasn't a terrible book by any means, it simply wasn't a great book. I found the romance implausible. Zach sacrifices much more than he needs to for Lucy and, despite her recent rape, Lucy doesn't mind getting physically close to another man. I do not claim to know anything about rape and the horrors rapists inflict on their victims but I thought that it took a lot of counseling and work before a rape victim was able to get physically close (in a romantic way) to another person again. One thing I do like about this book is the portrayal of the wicked elf king. He is extremely devious and he is just as I always imagined an elf king would be.
2.5/5 stars
3.5/5 on the Happiness Meter
Genre: Fantasy
Impossible tells the tale of Lucy who has a relatively normal life except for the fact that her mother lives on the streets. Soon after Lucy's birth her mother seems to go insane, leaving Lucy to the loving care of Soledad and Leo. When the former next-door neighbor returns from college for the summer Lucy starts to realize just how good looking he really is. Still, he is older than her and Lucy has a slight crush on the slightly nerdy guy taking her to the prom. Lucy's life quickly falls apart after she is raped by said guy who turns out to be more than he would first appear. Lucy's life quickly turns into a sort of nightmare once she realizes that she is pregnant and that she has more in common with her mother than she first believed. Soon Lucy finds herself faced with three impossible tasks, the only things that can spare her from being cursed with the same fate as her mother.
This wasn't a terrible book by any means, it simply wasn't a great book. I found the romance implausible. Zach sacrifices much more than he needs to for Lucy and, despite her recent rape, Lucy doesn't mind getting physically close to another man. I do not claim to know anything about rape and the horrors rapists inflict on their victims but I thought that it took a lot of counseling and work before a rape victim was able to get physically close (in a romantic way) to another person again. One thing I do like about this book is the portrayal of the wicked elf king. He is extremely devious and he is just as I always imagined an elf king would be.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Books Coming Out in 2009
I'll try to update this post as I find out more information:
January 13th: 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows (3 Willows (Hardback)) Popular author Ann Brashares brings readers another tale about girls who must learn the true value of friendship.
January 13th: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw The latest installment in the Wimpy Kid series. Previous books in the series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules
January 20th: Princess of the Midnight Ball I can't wait to read this one! Jessica Day George did a wonderful job with Dragon Slippers and Dragon Flight, I can't wait to read this re-telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
January 27th: Happenstance Found (The Books of Umber) After re-telling so many fairy tales, I can't wait to read his latest book.
January 27th: Scat The biology teacher is supposedly gone taking care of a family emergency but two students suspect foul play. It will be most interesting to see how Carl Hiaasen's latest book compares to his first two.
February 1st: Tia The Tulip Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Pippa The Poppy Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Louise The Lily Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Charlotte The Sunflower Fairy (Rainbow Magic) February is an exciting month for all the Daisy Meadows fans. The Petal Fairy Books finally come out in the U.S.! The mini-series is as follows: Tia the Tulip Fairy, Pippa the Poppy Fairy, Louise the Lily Fairy, Charlotte the Sunflower Fairy, Olivia the Orchid Fairy, Danielle the Daisy Fairy, Ella the Rose Fairy.
February 10th: Wild Orchid: A Retelling of "The Ballad of Mulan" (Once Upon a Time) The Once Upon a Time series continues with the Ballad of Mulan. I'm worried that the legend of Mulan will somehow be ruined in the re-telling of it. However, I am pleased that Cameron Dokey is doing the re-telling as I think she is the best author involved in the Once Upon a Time series.
February 10th: The Singing: The Fourth Book of Pellinor (Pellinor Series) The fourth in the Pellinor series. Previous books in the series: The Naming, The Riddle, and The Crow.
February 10th: Seekers #2: Great Bear Lake The second in the Seekers series. The first one is called The Quest Begins.
February 10th: Percy Jackson: The Demigod Files (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) I think this is one of the most exciting Spring releases as it includes some short stories never before seen by Rick Riordan.
February 19th: Snow White and Rose Red I think this also is one of the most exciting Spring releases. Finally this book is coming back into print! Yes!
February 24th: Starclimber The third book in the Airborn series. I am a bit skeptical as it is an adventure in space and that doesn't seem to quite fit the original time period of the first book. Previous books in the series: Airborn and Skybreaker
March 2nd: A reissue of many of Shannon Hale's books. Hooray! Although I don't believe this new cover art is as good as the original art, it is much better than the photographic pictures used on the paperbacks you see in stores today. The Goose Girl Enna Burning Princess Academy The Book of a Thousand Days
March 3rd: The 39 Clues: The Sword Thief. The third of the 39 Clues books written by an author skilled in writing Star Wars stories. The first two books are The Maze of Bones and One False Note.
March 3rd: The Amaranth Enchantment First time author Julie Berry has all the great elements of a princess story in this book--balls, revenge, romance, and evil spells.
March 5th: The new Puffin Classics come out! I don't know if any of you have had the pleasure of holding these books in your hands but they are so portable and the covers are so vibrant and lovely! The Jungle Book (Puffin Classics) Peter Pan (Puffin Classics) Heidi (Puffin Classics) A Tale of Two Cities (Puffin Classics)
March 5th: Firebirds Soaring: An Anthology of Original Speculative Fiction YAY! I've been waiting for this glorious collection of short stories for many months now! Hooray!
March 10th: Alligator Bayou Donna Jo Napoli's latest!
March 10th: Best Friends And Drama Queens (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls) The third Allie Finkle. The first two are Moving Day and The New Girl.
March 17th: Emma Vol. 8 Although the plot is somewhat unbelievable, Kaoru Mori's Emma is a delightful heroine, thoughtful, grave,and brave. Will Emma ever find happiness? Let's hope so!
April 1st: The Glass Maker's Daughter This sounds like a really intriguing novel all about magical glass making in a city very like Venice.
April 15th: Thirteenth Child (Frontier Magic Book) A new series from the author of the wonderful Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
April 28th: The Princess and the Bear I had heard that Mette Ivie Harrison was intrigued with the character of the dog in the first book, The Princess and te Hound. I'm so glad she is continuing on with the story line!
April 30th: Wishes on the Moon More genies from Michael Tunnel! The first two books in the series: The Wishing Moon and Moon Without Magic.
May 1st: The Sisters Grimm: Book Seven: The Everafter War (Bk. 7) It sounds like this may be the last in the series. Although I've only read through book three, I imagine the seventh book will be just as good as the first. Yes, Sabrina can be a bit annoying, but I find the author's different, snarky take on the various fairy tale creatures to be interesting and sometimes refreshing.
May 1st: Bethany The Ballet Fairy (Dance Fairies) This date ushers in the U.S. release of The Dance Fairies by Daisy Meadows. The books are as follows: Bethany the Ballet Fairy, Jade the Disco Fairy, Rebecca the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fairy, Tasha the Tap Dance Fairy, Jessica the Jazz Fairy, Serena the Salsa Fairy, Isabelle the Ice Dance Fairy
May 4th: The Mislaid Magician or Ten Years After: Being the Private Correspondence Between Two Prominent Families Regarding a Scandal Touching the Highest Levels of Government and the Security of the Realm The fourth book in the Sorcery and Cecelia series. While enjoyable enough, I found the second book to be the least enjoyable book by Patricia Wrede that I have read so far. I must admit that I haven't yet read the third. The first three books are as follows: Sorcery and Cecelia, The Grand Tour, and The Mislaid Magician.
May 5th: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Book 5: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) This book is one of my top five anticipated books of 2009. I can't wait to find out what happens to Percy and all his friends! Previous books in the series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse and The Battle of the Labyrinth.
May 12th: Seekers #3: Smoke Mountain The third Seekers book. Previous books in the series: The Quest Begins and Great Bear Lake.
May 12th: Winter Wood: Book 3 in the Touchstone Trilogy. After reading the Various, I cannot help but be interested in what book author Steve Augarde will write next.
May 12th: Dragon Spear Yet another book I am really looking forward to! When Dragon Flight came out I was skeptical that Jessica Day George could write a sequel that was as good as her first (Dragon Slippers). However, I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful Dragon Flight was! I eagerly await her third in the "Dragon" series!
May 14th: The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline: An Enola Holmes Mystery Hooray, another Enola Holmes mystery! I'm sure this one will be just as good as her previous four (The Case of the Missing Marquess, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets, and The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan)!
May 28th: The Reluctant Heiress The lovely month of May continues with another book from the exquisite author, Eva Ibbotson. OK, yes, this one sounds entirely too gushy and highly unrealistic but the writing is just so wonderful!
Sometime in May?: 12. I'm not sure what this is about. Perhaps it is a sequel to the much talked about Hunger Games?
June 2nd: The Diamond Secret (Once Upon a Time) This is supposedly a retelling of Anastasia. I don't even know where to start regarding my apprehension about this book. First of all, I am curious as to why the Once Upon a Time series has decided to depart from fairy tales to feature a historical person, second, why did they not continue the lovely cover art courtesy of Kinuko Craft? One thing is for sure, it will be interesting how the author and publishers choose to retell poor Anastasia's story!
June 2nd: The 39 Clues: The Card Pack 2 The next card pack for the 39 Clues series.
June 11th: Dracula (Puffin Classics) Oh reissued Puffin classics, how I love you!
June 23rd: Septimus Heap: The Magykal Papers Possibly the final Septimus Heap? I honestly am not entirely sure what I'm going to do with myself once this series is over. It's just so fun to read and the books look very nice on a bookshelf (not that I'm shallow or anything...)
June 25th: The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen The second book set in the intriguing other world of New York City. I like the concept of these books but felt that her short story CATNYP from The Faery Reel was better than her novel. However, I think Delia Sherman has some of the more original ideas when it comes to reworking fantasy creatures/settings.
July 1st: Trixie The Halloween Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Another Daisy Meadows special.
August 4th: Treason's Shore: Book Four of Inda The fourth book in the Inda series.
August 6th (possibly): The Red Badge of Courage (Puffin Classics Relaunch) Another Puffin Classic
August 25th: (Missing) The second in the Missing series.
August 25th: Violet Wings The newest Victoria Hanley novel.
September 8th: Winter's Child: A Retelling of "The Snow Queen" (Once Upon a Time) A retelling of the Snow Queen and the next in the Once Upon a Time series.
October 14th: The Underland Chronicles Book Five: Gregor and the Code of Claw Gregor's last book finally comes out on CD. Oh Gregor, how I wish you weren't over!
2009 PAPERBACKS
1) January 1st: Elijah Of Buxton
2) February 3rd: Moving Day (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls)
3) February 10th: Seekers #1: The Quest Begins
4) April 3rd (perhaps): The Dragonfly Pool
5) May 1st: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
6) May 4th: Mississippi Jack: Being an Account of the Further Waterborne Adventures of Jacky Faber,Midshipman, Fine Lady, and Lily of the West
7) May 4th: Sir Lancelot the Great
8) May 18th: The Wednesday Wars
9) May 26th: House of Many Ways
10) July 7th: King's Shield: Book Three of Inda
11) October 15th: Thirteen Reasons Why
2009 BOOKS FOR ADULTS
April 28th: The Language of Bees Possibly the next in the exquisite Mary Russell series. I highly recommend this series for the wonderful language, evocative setting, and well-developed characters.
June 9th: The Actor and the Housewife: A Novel Shannon Hale's next adult novel about a woman who meets her favorite actor.
July 22nd: Shades of Grey: A Novel This new Jasper Fforde book sounds very intriguing. He has created a world where seeing color is a privilege (yes, it initially reminded me of the Giver); the more colors you see, the better your social position. Described as "[p]art social satire, part romance, [and] part revolutionary thriller," this book is sure to be original.
January 13th: 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows (3 Willows (Hardback)) Popular author Ann Brashares brings readers another tale about girls who must learn the true value of friendship.
January 13th: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw The latest installment in the Wimpy Kid series. Previous books in the series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules
January 20th: Princess of the Midnight Ball I can't wait to read this one! Jessica Day George did a wonderful job with Dragon Slippers and Dragon Flight, I can't wait to read this re-telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
January 27th: Happenstance Found (The Books of Umber) After re-telling so many fairy tales, I can't wait to read his latest book.
January 27th: Scat The biology teacher is supposedly gone taking care of a family emergency but two students suspect foul play. It will be most interesting to see how Carl Hiaasen's latest book compares to his first two.
February 1st: Tia The Tulip Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Pippa The Poppy Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Louise The Lily Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Charlotte The Sunflower Fairy (Rainbow Magic) February is an exciting month for all the Daisy Meadows fans. The Petal Fairy Books finally come out in the U.S.! The mini-series is as follows: Tia the Tulip Fairy, Pippa the Poppy Fairy, Louise the Lily Fairy, Charlotte the Sunflower Fairy, Olivia the Orchid Fairy, Danielle the Daisy Fairy, Ella the Rose Fairy.
February 10th: Wild Orchid: A Retelling of "The Ballad of Mulan" (Once Upon a Time) The Once Upon a Time series continues with the Ballad of Mulan. I'm worried that the legend of Mulan will somehow be ruined in the re-telling of it. However, I am pleased that Cameron Dokey is doing the re-telling as I think she is the best author involved in the Once Upon a Time series.
February 10th: The Singing: The Fourth Book of Pellinor (Pellinor Series) The fourth in the Pellinor series. Previous books in the series: The Naming, The Riddle, and The Crow.
February 10th: Seekers #2: Great Bear Lake The second in the Seekers series. The first one is called The Quest Begins.
February 10th: Percy Jackson: The Demigod Files (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) I think this is one of the most exciting Spring releases as it includes some short stories never before seen by Rick Riordan.
February 19th: Snow White and Rose Red I think this also is one of the most exciting Spring releases. Finally this book is coming back into print! Yes!
February 24th: Starclimber The third book in the Airborn series. I am a bit skeptical as it is an adventure in space and that doesn't seem to quite fit the original time period of the first book. Previous books in the series: Airborn and Skybreaker
March 2nd: A reissue of many of Shannon Hale's books. Hooray! Although I don't believe this new cover art is as good as the original art, it is much better than the photographic pictures used on the paperbacks you see in stores today. The Goose Girl Enna Burning Princess Academy The Book of a Thousand Days
March 3rd: The 39 Clues: The Sword Thief. The third of the 39 Clues books written by an author skilled in writing Star Wars stories. The first two books are The Maze of Bones and One False Note.
March 3rd: The Amaranth Enchantment First time author Julie Berry has all the great elements of a princess story in this book--balls, revenge, romance, and evil spells.
March 5th: The new Puffin Classics come out! I don't know if any of you have had the pleasure of holding these books in your hands but they are so portable and the covers are so vibrant and lovely! The Jungle Book (Puffin Classics) Peter Pan (Puffin Classics) Heidi (Puffin Classics) A Tale of Two Cities (Puffin Classics)
March 5th: Firebirds Soaring: An Anthology of Original Speculative Fiction YAY! I've been waiting for this glorious collection of short stories for many months now! Hooray!
March 10th: Alligator Bayou Donna Jo Napoli's latest!
March 10th: Best Friends And Drama Queens (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls) The third Allie Finkle. The first two are Moving Day and The New Girl.
March 17th: Emma Vol. 8 Although the plot is somewhat unbelievable, Kaoru Mori's Emma is a delightful heroine, thoughtful, grave,and brave. Will Emma ever find happiness? Let's hope so!
April 1st: The Glass Maker's Daughter This sounds like a really intriguing novel all about magical glass making in a city very like Venice.
April 15th: Thirteenth Child (Frontier Magic Book) A new series from the author of the wonderful Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
April 28th: The Princess and the Bear I had heard that Mette Ivie Harrison was intrigued with the character of the dog in the first book, The Princess and te Hound. I'm so glad she is continuing on with the story line!
April 30th: Wishes on the Moon More genies from Michael Tunnel! The first two books in the series: The Wishing Moon and Moon Without Magic.
May 1st: The Sisters Grimm: Book Seven: The Everafter War (Bk. 7) It sounds like this may be the last in the series. Although I've only read through book three, I imagine the seventh book will be just as good as the first. Yes, Sabrina can be a bit annoying, but I find the author's different, snarky take on the various fairy tale creatures to be interesting and sometimes refreshing.
May 1st: Bethany The Ballet Fairy (Dance Fairies) This date ushers in the U.S. release of The Dance Fairies by Daisy Meadows. The books are as follows: Bethany the Ballet Fairy, Jade the Disco Fairy, Rebecca the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fairy, Tasha the Tap Dance Fairy, Jessica the Jazz Fairy, Serena the Salsa Fairy, Isabelle the Ice Dance Fairy
May 4th: The Mislaid Magician or Ten Years After: Being the Private Correspondence Between Two Prominent Families Regarding a Scandal Touching the Highest Levels of Government and the Security of the Realm The fourth book in the Sorcery and Cecelia series. While enjoyable enough, I found the second book to be the least enjoyable book by Patricia Wrede that I have read so far. I must admit that I haven't yet read the third. The first three books are as follows: Sorcery and Cecelia, The Grand Tour, and The Mislaid Magician.
May 5th: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Book 5: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) This book is one of my top five anticipated books of 2009. I can't wait to find out what happens to Percy and all his friends! Previous books in the series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse and The Battle of the Labyrinth.
May 12th: Seekers #3: Smoke Mountain The third Seekers book. Previous books in the series: The Quest Begins and Great Bear Lake.
May 12th: Winter Wood: Book 3 in the Touchstone Trilogy. After reading the Various, I cannot help but be interested in what book author Steve Augarde will write next.
May 12th: Dragon Spear Yet another book I am really looking forward to! When Dragon Flight came out I was skeptical that Jessica Day George could write a sequel that was as good as her first (Dragon Slippers). However, I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful Dragon Flight was! I eagerly await her third in the "Dragon" series!
May 14th: The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline: An Enola Holmes Mystery Hooray, another Enola Holmes mystery! I'm sure this one will be just as good as her previous four (The Case of the Missing Marquess, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets, and The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan)!
May 28th: The Reluctant Heiress The lovely month of May continues with another book from the exquisite author, Eva Ibbotson. OK, yes, this one sounds entirely too gushy and highly unrealistic but the writing is just so wonderful!
Sometime in May?: 12. I'm not sure what this is about. Perhaps it is a sequel to the much talked about Hunger Games?
June 2nd: The Diamond Secret (Once Upon a Time) This is supposedly a retelling of Anastasia. I don't even know where to start regarding my apprehension about this book. First of all, I am curious as to why the Once Upon a Time series has decided to depart from fairy tales to feature a historical person, second, why did they not continue the lovely cover art courtesy of Kinuko Craft? One thing is for sure, it will be interesting how the author and publishers choose to retell poor Anastasia's story!
June 2nd: The 39 Clues: The Card Pack 2 The next card pack for the 39 Clues series.
June 11th: Dracula (Puffin Classics) Oh reissued Puffin classics, how I love you!
June 23rd: Septimus Heap: The Magykal Papers Possibly the final Septimus Heap? I honestly am not entirely sure what I'm going to do with myself once this series is over. It's just so fun to read and the books look very nice on a bookshelf (not that I'm shallow or anything...)
June 25th: The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen The second book set in the intriguing other world of New York City. I like the concept of these books but felt that her short story CATNYP from The Faery Reel was better than her novel. However, I think Delia Sherman has some of the more original ideas when it comes to reworking fantasy creatures/settings.
July 1st: Trixie The Halloween Fairy (Rainbow Magic) Another Daisy Meadows special.
August 4th: Treason's Shore: Book Four of Inda The fourth book in the Inda series.
August 6th (possibly): The Red Badge of Courage (Puffin Classics Relaunch) Another Puffin Classic
August 25th: (Missing) The second in the Missing series.
August 25th: Violet Wings The newest Victoria Hanley novel.
September 8th: Winter's Child: A Retelling of "The Snow Queen" (Once Upon a Time) A retelling of the Snow Queen and the next in the Once Upon a Time series.
October 14th: The Underland Chronicles Book Five: Gregor and the Code of Claw Gregor's last book finally comes out on CD. Oh Gregor, how I wish you weren't over!
2009 PAPERBACKS
1) January 1st: Elijah Of Buxton
2) February 3rd: Moving Day (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls)
3) February 10th: Seekers #1: The Quest Begins
4) April 3rd (perhaps): The Dragonfly Pool
5) May 1st: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
6) May 4th: Mississippi Jack: Being an Account of the Further Waterborne Adventures of Jacky Faber,Midshipman, Fine Lady, and Lily of the West
7) May 4th: Sir Lancelot the Great
8) May 18th: The Wednesday Wars
9) May 26th: House of Many Ways
10) July 7th: King's Shield: Book Three of Inda
11) October 15th: Thirteen Reasons Why
2009 BOOKS FOR ADULTS
April 28th: The Language of Bees Possibly the next in the exquisite Mary Russell series. I highly recommend this series for the wonderful language, evocative setting, and well-developed characters.
June 9th: The Actor and the Housewife: A Novel Shannon Hale's next adult novel about a woman who meets her favorite actor.
July 22nd: Shades of Grey: A Novel This new Jasper Fforde book sounds very intriguing. He has created a world where seeing color is a privilege (yes, it initially reminded me of the Giver); the more colors you see, the better your social position. Described as "[p]art social satire, part romance, [and] part revolutionary thriller," this book is sure to be original.
November Reads
Hey I found my notebook with the November list in it!
1) Ruby the Red Fairy by Daisy Meadows
2) Pony-Crazed Princess #1: Princess Ellie to the Rescue by Diana Kimpton and Lizzie Finlay
3) Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson
4) Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
5) Enola Holmes and the Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan by Nancy Springer
6) The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
7) The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
8) Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (not sure where this fits chronologically)
9) Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods (ditto)
1) Ruby the Red Fairy by Daisy Meadows
2) Pony-Crazed Princess #1: Princess Ellie to the Rescue by Diana Kimpton and Lizzie Finlay
3) Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson
4) Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
5) Enola Holmes and the Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan by Nancy Springer
6) The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
7) The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
8) Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (not sure where this fits chronologically)
9) Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods (ditto)
Friday, January 2, 2009
2008 Books in Review
Favorite January Read: The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde
Favorite February Read: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
Favorite March Read: The Works of Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
Favorite April Read: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Favorite May Read: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Favorite June Read: Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Favorite July Read: Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce
Favorite August Read: The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher
Favorite September Read: Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
Favorite October Read: The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
Favorite November Read: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Favorite December Read: Paper Towns by John Green
Total # of Books Read: 137
Total # New Books (for me) Read: 108
Total # of Re-reads: 29
Top 6 Books (not including re-reads):
The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde (tongue-in-cheek fantasy)
A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson (historical fiction)
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher (fiction, coming-of-age)
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt (fiction, coming-of-age)
The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher (fiction, coming-of-age)
Paper Towns by John Green (fiction, coming-of-age)
Do you think I like coming-of-age stories?
Favorite February Read: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
Favorite March Read: The Works of Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
Favorite April Read: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Favorite May Read: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Favorite June Read: Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Favorite July Read: Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce
Favorite August Read: The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher
Favorite September Read: Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
Favorite October Read: The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
Favorite November Read: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Favorite December Read: Paper Towns by John Green
Total # of Books Read: 137
Total # New Books (for me) Read: 108
Total # of Re-reads: 29
Top 6 Books (not including re-reads):
The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde (tongue-in-cheek fantasy)
A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson (historical fiction)
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher (fiction, coming-of-age)
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt (fiction, coming-of-age)
The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher (fiction, coming-of-age)
Paper Towns by John Green (fiction, coming-of-age)
Do you think I like coming-of-age stories?
December Reads
1) Paper Towns by John Green
2) Emma vol. 3 by Kaouri Mori
3) Emma vol. 4 by Kaouri Mori
4) Emma vol. 5 by Kaouri Mori
5) The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart
6) Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie
7) Impossible by Nancy Werlin
8) Belle by Cameron Dokey
9) The Clocks by Agatha Christie
10) Roman Mysteries #1: Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence
2) Emma vol. 3 by Kaouri Mori
3) Emma vol. 4 by Kaouri Mori
4) Emma vol. 5 by Kaouri Mori
5) The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart
6) Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie
7) Impossible by Nancy Werlin
8) Belle by Cameron Dokey
9) The Clocks by Agatha Christie
10) Roman Mysteries #1: Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence
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