Picture Book Friday: Henny

April 4, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

Henny, by Elizabeth Rose Stanton: Henny was born looking a little different. Instead of wings, she was born with arms! Henny can climb trees, or let her arms hang “behind her like ribbons” as she runs. But, having arms also brings new worries to a chicken’s life. What to wear? How to write? Hangnails? Being different also is hard for Henny because it’s hard for a chicken with arms to fit in with the other chickens. Ultimately, Henny discovers joy in being different and finds her all the wonderful things she is able to do because she has arms instead of wings.

This is a sweet story about finding happiness with yourself. The illustrations are simple and understated, fitting in with this beautifully simple and understated story. Stanton understands that less is more, and simplicity, especially in the case of Henny, can becharming and delightful. Children will love meeting Henny and discovering how special Henny is, arms and all!

Overall Assessment: I don’t the illustrations will translate well for storytime, but this is a perfect book to share one-on-one.

Ages: 4-8

Her Dark Curiosity

March 29, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

Her Dark Curiosity, by Megan Shepherd: The sequel to The Madman’s Daughter takes place several months after Juliet’s escape from the terrible island. She is back in London, and after some difficulties she finds herself under the guardianship of Professor von Stein, a former colleague of her father’s. As Juliet settles into life with the Professor, she begins hearing of murders throughout the city. The victims are all people somehow connected to Juliet, and have three distinct claw-like gashes on their bodies. Juliet fears that one of her father’s dangerous creations managed to escape the island, and only she knows who and what the killer really is. Juliet begins investigating the murders and uncovers a conspiracy of unimaginable scope, depth and horror.
Once again, Shepherd has created a novel that walks a tightrope between Victorian propriety and a macabre thriller. Lingering questions from the first book are answered, and new questions and issues come to light. Every character has his or her own secrets, and it takes work to find out who the good and bad guys are, which is often not realized until it’s too late. Shepherd parallels Robert Lewis Stevenson’s classic horror novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a perfect companion to this dark tale. The writing is beautiful and detailed and storyline wonderfully woven and intricate. The pacing drags at times and Shepherd falls back on similar phrasing throughout the novel, but never enough to detract from the overall effect of the novel. It is worth noting that parts of the novel are a bit gorey, so if you are a sensitive or squeamish reader, this might not be your best option. But, if you enjoyed the first novel, are a horror fan and can take a little gore, this is a great pick to read into the wee hours of the night.

Notes on the audio: I listened to Her Dark Curiosity, as I did with The Madman’s Daughter, and the reader Lucy Rayner is fantastic. She captures the feel of both Juliet and the Victorian setting. I’m hoping she continues as narrator throughout the series!

Will I Read the Sequel? Yes, but I will be a bit upset if Shepherd continue far past the third book.

Overall Assessment:

The Floor Series: The Countdown

March 18, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

The floor series is far trickier to decide my favorites on because there are so many more variables! There are some I can do a good expression of fairly easily, because of my flexibility and I don’t think about often – I just do. Others can be quite a challenge for me as old injuries can flare up. My rankings for these postures are primarily based on my enjoyment of the posture and loving the feeling of a posture.

12. Head to Knee: At this point I really want class to get over and it feels SO LONG!

11. Spine Twist: I have a tendency, like so many others, to not pay as close attention to my body at the end of class. I’ve found that it’s easy for me to over twist and get out of alignment if I’m not careful. So, I suppose I should try to work on my mind rather than disliking the posture, but I can’t very easily put my mind on the list!

10. Locust: I have a love/hate relationship with this posture. For the past year or so, my wrists have been tweaky and I’ve had trouble pinpointing the cause. After discussions with lots of teachers I realized I was over doing my arm placement in this posture and probably taking wrists overused by computer use, banjo playing and sewing and not treating them so kindly. My wrists are feeling much better after being exceedingly careful with hand placement. Plus I get up higher in the third part now – whee!

9. Full Locust: Full locust is just a stepping stone to finishing the spine strengthening series. Even though I joke about it every crowded class, I really don’t like touching my sweaty neighbors.

8. Wind Removing Pose: WRP just is. I don’t like it, but I don’t dislike it. Although I’m currently skipping third part because my hip is acting up.

7. Stretching: This is one of those postures I want so badly to achieve. I love the deep stretch under my legs, especially after a running day. Although I do find myself a little further back after a run. But, eventually, in the future, I’ll get to my toes!

6: Half Tortoise: Just like WRP, HT just is. In my mind, it is a bridge to camel. It feels nice, but nothing I’m gonna go on about.

5. Bow: I do love the deep back bend in bow, especially now that I can see my toes. My challenge now, is keeping my knees in, which, as usual, is easier said than done.

4. Fixed Firm: I would love for FF to go on and on because after the SSS, I like having my face up and away from the towel. Plus I have had knee issues from running so FF is my knees’ BFF.

3. Cobra: This is one of my favorite postures, because it feels so damn good. It’s also one of the few postures that I’m really happy with how I look in it (because, let’s face it, we think of that too!). The flip side is that when this posture comes around and my body really needs a break, my ego has a hard time letting this one pass by.

2. Rabbit: I have always loved rabbit because it stretches parts of my spine I cannot get any other way. I can also get a nice back crack out of this.

1. Camel: My spine cannot get enough of this glorious, lovely back bend.

My biggest challenge in the floor is really staying focused. The standing series has an intensity that demands focus. On the floor, I tend to start counting down to the end of class. My work seems to be on loving Head to Knee.

What are your favorite floor postures?

Picture Book Friday

March 14, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

No matter your age, a good picture book should have the ability to make you smile, laugh or cry. Picture books are the first introduction most of us have to the world of books, and the worlds to which they transport us. Sharing picture books is an important bonding experience for parents and children. While the emphasis is, of course, on building literacy skills for children, it is important that the books are entertaining, for everyone. I have been trying to decide what to do with my blog this year, and have decided that I should be more regular with my postings. I will be starting picture book Friday, and highlighting a new or old picture book will entertain readers of all ages. Let’s get started!

Weasels, by Elys Dolan: There is something very important that you don’t know about weasels. They are plotting world domination! Dolan takes us into Weasel headquarters where the Weasels have run into mechanical trouble in their scheming. As they struggle to fix their machine wackiness ensues as other options are explored. Will the weasels be able to fix the machine and take over the world? Read and find out!

Dolan’s illustrations are colorful and detailed. Adults and kids alike will enjoy pouring over large pages full of silly weasely antics. There are speech bubbles on every page, along with the narrating text, which makes this a better one-on-one reading candidate than sharing with a large group. The text works well with the graphics, and Dolan knows when to let the picture take center stage and let the her young readers simply enjoy and study the scenes. Adults will enjoy the antics of the weasels, my favorite being the one who thinks his big drill will solve everything.

Overall Assessment: Fun, silly and delightful from start to finish.

Ages: 5-8

Dogs of War

February 22, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

Dogs of War, written by Sheila Keenan and illustrated by Nathan Fox: Dogs have always played an important role in the military, and Dogs of War brings three canine heroes to life in three short stories. Each story focuses on a dog and his/her handler during three different wars. In WW I, we meet Donnie and Boots, a duo working with a medical unit to find injured soldiers and bring them to safety. In the midst of trench warfare, they become separated from their unit. The second story introduces us to Loki and Cooper, stationed in Greenland during WW II. The pair are sent to check out a downed plane, and find themselves in a race against the enemy, in the harsh winter conditions. In my imagination, Loki ran like this: Finally we meet Lanford, just back from the Vietnam War. As he bonds with the fatherless boy next door and his mischievous dog, we learn, through flashbacks of Sheba, the dog Lanford worked with in Vietnam.

If you are a dog lover, history buff, short story fan or just love a good book Dogs of War is a great choice. Each story highlights the deep bond between each dog and his/her handler. Also portrayed are the dual roles these dogs played in war. They diligently performed crucial roles in finding soldiers, listening for the enemy, tracking safe routes, and sniffing for mines. The dogs also provided comfort, loyalty and love to the soldiers who often desperately needed it. The graphics are well drawn and wonderfully compliment the text, adding additional detail and richness to the story. Dogs of War is a moving portrayal of the important roles these four-legged canine heroes played in three different times of war. This graphic novel also has appeal to a wide level of readers, which makes it an excellent library pick for either the children’s or teen collections.

Overall Assessment:

Children’s Books for All Ages

February 12, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

The Interrupted Tale, by Maryrose Wood: The fourth book of the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series takes us to the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope Lumley’s beloved Alma Mater. Penelope has been invited to speak at the Celebrate Alumnae Knowledge Exposition (CAKE!) event at the school, and, of course, the Incorrigible are invited to attend and see their governess speak. When the Incorrigibles and their governess arrive at Swanburne Academy, Penelope is dismayed to learn that Judge Quincy, now a school trustee, is trying to change everything about her school, changes that are not for the best. Penelope continues to investigate Judge Quincy’s true identity and, with the help of Simon, she tries to discover the contents of the cannibal book’s mysterious blank pages. These pages might even hold the secrets of Lord Ashton’s howling “problem,” which of course may help the Incorrigibles.
Another delightful installment of one of my favorite children’s book series. The writing, as usual, is plucky, witty and clever. Wood always manages to spring a few surprises and add to the mysteries she has been building throughout the series. Thankfully there are some questions answered as well as strong hints as to the answering of others, that helps to keep the reader hooked for the next installment!
As with the rest in this series, I listened to The Interrupted Tale, and cannot say enough good things about the reader, who captures the tone and feel of the books perfectly. She howls with gusto and voices the Incorrigibles perfectly. The audio for these titles make for fantastic family listening, and would make a family road trip fly by with delight.
Will I Read the Sequel? I can’t stop now!
Overall Assessment:

The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster: I’ve been trying to go back and catch up on classics I never had the chance to read, and, of course, this includes children’s books. I never got around to reading this when I was younger, and that is a shame I can thankfully say I have rectified. Young Miles drives himself through his new tollbooth and finds himself in a strange land where words, sounds and numbers take on a whole new context and meaning. You can jump to the Island of Conclusions or be caught up by the Terrible Trivium. With his friends Tock the Watchdog and the Humbug, Milo travels through the warring Dictionopolis and Digitopolis and finds that he must rescue the Princesses Rhyme and Reason, because only they can bring the kingdom together.
The Phantom Tollbooth is a delightful tale full of whimsy, wordplay and heart. The beauty of a book like this is the layering. On the surface the story and adventure are fun and engaging and will capture readers. Peeking through the surface layer are clever puns and wordplay that add a vastness of depth and enjoyment. It is impossible to not smile at the Whether Man (not to be confused with the Weather Man!) the Spelling Bee and the other delightful characters. There is nothing better than reading a children’s book, as an adult, and becoming just as lost in delight and enchantment as younger readers surely find themselves.
Overall Assessment:

Getting Started with Manga

January 28, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

As a librarian and a reader I am quite passionate about reading and promoting graphic novels. They are a fantastic way to draw in reluctant readers and offer a new format to challenge traditional readers. There are biographies, non-fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, etc. available in the graphic novel format, so no matter your genre preference, there is a graphic novel for you! However, I have sadly neglected manga, which is a popular style of Japanese comics that are also quite popular in the US as well. The biggest difference between manga and a “traditional” graphic novel is in the reading of the novel – it is from back to front, right to left. While it isn’t too tricky to pick up reading that way, it does take a little work, especially at first. For the first quarter of reading my first manga, I had to remind myself of where to start at each new page, but repetition, as always, is a great training technique, and I was flying after a while.

I was very picky with the two books I would start my manga journey with, I knew I had to pick books that would really hold my interest. Through the excellent graphic novel review site, No Flying Tights, I found the perfect two titles with which to start: Ooku: The Inner Chambers and Uzumaki: Spiral Into Horror.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers, by Fumi Yoshinaga: The Inner Chambers is set in Japan in the Edo period, where an epidemic has wiped out a large portion of the male population. Subsequently, women take over the roles traditionally filled by men, and men are protected as valuable commodities and are married off to wealthy families or (often for a fee) help women become pregnant. The Shogun, the ruler of Japan, is now a woman as well, and in the inner workings of her household are staffed and filled with men, some of the most beautiful in the country.

The novel is a fascinating exploration of reversed gender roles and the affect on men and women. Because of the time period, these reversed roles are even more profound, as in one scene where a male ambassador from the West has an audience with the Shogun. The society created is both forward thinking, but still constrained by society’s hierarchies, etiquette and expectations of the period. The graphics are black and white and well drawn. The writing uses phrasing appropriate for the time period without making it difficult to follow. The story, writing and illustrations work well together to form a cohesive and memorable tale.

Overall Assessment:

Recommended For: Anyone interested in gender roles, manga or simply a well told tale!

Will I Read the Sequel: Already in hand!

Note: The book had an explicit content warning. I didn’t find any of the graphics objectionable or explicit, but some of the situations and content are more appropriate for older teen or adult readers.

Uzumaki: Spiral Into Horror, by Junji Ito: A small coastal town in Japan is cursed, with spirals. Kirie’s boyfriend Saito attends school in another town, giving him fresh eyes to see the spirals lurking everywhere and the feeling that something isn’t right. Initially Kierie isn’t convinced, but Saito’s father and mother become obsessed with the spiral and are drawn into it’s devastating pull. As other strange and creepy occurrences take place, she too becomes convinced of the spiral’s effect.

This is a fantastically creepy manga. The black and white graphics are wonderfully drawn to enhance the creepiness of the tale and the menacing power of the spiral. Each chapter looks at different ways the madness of the spiral affects the town. The source and power of the spiral are unanswered questions that will hopefully be addressed in later issues. Fans of the horror genre, craving a uniquely disturbing tale will find this manga quite thrilling.

Will I Read the Sequel: Again, already in hand!

Overall Assessment:

Creepy, man!

Manga experiment = Success!!

Standing Series: The Countdown

January 8, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

I am a sucker for a countdown list. I love reading them and making them, so I thought it would be fun to break down the series. At first I thought it would be a lighthearted way to talk about my favorite postures and gripe about my not-so-favorites. (Plus I haven’t done a yoga post in a while!) When I started ranking postures, I realized it’s actually a good way to look at how I approach class and treat each posture. By looking at how I feel about each posture, I can understand where some of my weaknesses are (both mentally and physically) and look at where a little more love for these postures might take me. So, without further ado, here is my ranking of postures:

NOTE: I counted each part of Half Moon and Awkward as separate postures, because I feel differently about each individual part. Plus, it’s my countdown, so I make the rules.

15. Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee – Throat choked? YES! Sweat in my eyes & sweat up my nose – this posture is the ultimate in discomfort. (Yes, I understand that the discomfort in the posture is where some of the medical benefits and posture magic comes from, but let’s be honest, if it felt like a nice massage, I’d like it more.)

14. Awkward 1 – UGH! I feel like this is the never ending posture. Plus, the day after a run my thighs are not happy. I am always tempted to not sit down low enough, just to make it easier.

13. Half Moon – This used to be my number one hated posture. In fact, I feared it, and still do sometimes. When I first started, I would push myself way too deep into the posture, and would have no energy left! Then I tried to over correct by doing very little. I also don’t have a lot of side-to-side flexibility, and my ego certainly doesn’t like that. I’ve made some good strides toward peace making with Half Moon, but I’ve still got a ways to go.

12. Awkward 3 – This is a hard posture, it requires a lot of strength, control and balance. After a run, my thighs hate sloooowly going down and up. Although, in all fairness, I don’t really go down that slow. I struggle with that control!

11. Eagle – Ugh, I could really do without this posture. (I know, I know…) But really, I’m loosing circulation in my arms, can’t find my balance and then the minute I finally manage to get everything in one line, the teacher says change!

10. Awkward 2 – I enjoy the balancing aspect of this posture, but again, after a run, it’s brutal on the thighs! I am quite happy with how high I come up on my toes, but I just gotta work on sitting down and leeeeaaaaning back more!

9. Hands to Feet – There is nothing pleasant about having your face covered in leg sweat. Yech. But, I do like that nice back stretch and if I’m lucky, I can crack my back too!

8. Tree Pose – Of all the postures, I think the least about tree pose. I just do it. Which is okay!

7. Standing Separate Leg Stretching – While I love the fabulous hamstring stretch, the main part of why I love it so much is because I have backed way off in this posture. I have some lingering sciatica, so I’ve been taking it easy and just doing hands on the floor for several months now. I’ve focused on locking the knee the whole time, and have been enjoying the great stretch I get just through that action, and seen a nice deepening of the stretch. This was one I used to really push on, so it’s amazing how taking a step back can change how you feel about a posture.

6. Balancing Stick – I think Balancing Stick is fun! Wheeeee!

5. Backbend – I love the Half Moon backbend! It’s a fabulous wake up for my spine and my brain!

4. Triangle – Two good sets of triangle leave me feeling like a total badass. There is nothing I can’t do after that! …unless it’s Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee. Then I want to throw a hissy fit.

3. Standing Bow Pulling Pose – I love the challenge in SBPP. There are so many technical aspects to work on, in addition to just keeping balanced. I love how totally and completely SBPP can focus my brain in an instant. It is a beautiful posture.

2. Toe Stand – I love how toe stand reels my concentration back in after the agony of Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee. Plus, it’s another posture that just looks cool!

1. Standing Head to Knee – Like so many other folks, I love SHTK. I love the challenge of it and the focus it requires. I’m also the proudest of my practice when I look at SHTK, because I can see how much progress I have made.

So there it is, my love and hate for the standing series, and there is a lot of food for thought in here. Clearly I like the balancing postures more because of how they force me to really focus. Also, I find they are fun and exciting to try. I’m also a sucker, like a lot of folks, for the postures that look cool and pretty, so there is definitely a little vanity and ego coming through. Every time I come out of SSLHTK I have the same face my dog gets when a she’s hanging her head out the car window and a bug goes up her nose. Except, in my case it’s sweat up my nose and in my eyes. Lord help me if it’s ever a bug up my nose in that posture….

I’ve heard the line everyone says, that the posture you hate is often the one you need the most. Other than SSLHTK, my most hated postures are the first postures. Anything up to party time is like the warm up of the warm up. This is telling me to pay more attention to the warm up. Each posture builds on the next, so if I’m not doing my best in the early postures, that will affect the rest of class. Perhaps, applying more of that focus from the balancing postures into early postures will generate more love. It’s also important to bear in mind that the first few postures are really just getting the body to move, and first thing in the morning, or after a day at work, or after a run, the body is going to be stiff, and, in any form of exercise, this makes the warm up necessary but uncomfortable as the body wakes and loosens up.

All of that said, it’s also okay to just not like a posture. We are human after all! But, it is important to try each posture, to the best of your ability in each class.

What are your favorite and least favorites? Why?

Next week: The Floor Series!

One Last Look at 2013

January 3, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

I’m taking one final look back at 2013. I was browsing my goodreads stats from my challenge and was pretty impressed with how my scores and selections looked. I’ve been working on being more critical about what I read and how I rate it (I have a tendency to be overly kind with my ratings, and months later will often lower the score to a more realistic one). The bulk of my books were four star books, but I attribute that to being critical about what I pick up – usually based on good reviews or simply knowing the author/genre is something I will probably like. I gave out one one star review, but I had no choice in that, I had to read it for a committee. I gave out eight five star reviews, all of which are included below and denoted by an asterisk*.

2014 will bring a few changes to my reading habits, as well as my blog, but more of that later. For now, my stats and top book picks for 2013:

2013 Reading Stats:

40 Adult books, 10 of which were non-fiction
8 Children’s books (Plus tons of picture books not logged)
49 Audio books
13 Graphic novels (Adult & Young Adult)
91 Young adult books

Longest book: The Passage, by Justin Cronin
Oldest book: The Island of Dr. Moreau, by HG Wells, published 1896

Adult Fiction:

Best Novel: The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani*
Runner Up: Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

Best Action/Adventure: The Passage Series by Justin Cronin
Runner Up: Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End by Manel Loureiro

Best “Why did I wait so long to read it?!?”: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern*
Runner Up: The Bone Season, by Samantha Shannon

Best SF Series Conclusion: MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood

Best SF: Lexicon by Max Barry

Adult Non-Fiction

Best Book with the Most Personal Impact: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Best & Most interesting NF: Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach
Runners Up: Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight by M.E. Thomas
The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards by William J. Broad

Young Adult:

Best Bridge (second) Book: Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles, #2) by Jessica Spotswood

Best NF: Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin

Best YA literary pick: Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan*
Runner Up: In Darkness by Nick Lake*

Best Series Conclusion: United We Spy (Gallagher Girls, #6) by Ally Carter*
Runner Up: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, #3) by Cassandra Clare

Best Series Debut: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Best Surprise Series: The Selection & The Elite, by Kiera Cass

Best Dystopia: Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner*

Best Realistic Fiction: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Runner Up: If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

Children’s:

Best NF: A Little Book of Sloth by Lucy Cooke*

Best Mid-series Book: The Unseen Guest (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, #3) by Maryrose Wood

Best Trilogy Start: The Ascendance Trilogy (The False Prince and The Runaway King) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Best Stand Alone Chapter Book: Ungifted by Gordon Korman

Best Picture Book: Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, by Peter Brown

Audio Books:

Best Children’s: The Unseen Guest (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, #3) by Maryrose Wood, read by Ketherine Kellgren

Best Young Adult: Shadow & Bone, by Leigh Bardugo, read by Lauren Fortgang

Best Adult: The Night Circus, by Erin Morganstern, read by Jim Dale*

Graphic Novels:

Best YA GN: Boxers & Saints: by Gene Luen

Best Graphic Novel: Hark! A Vagrant, by Kate Beaton*

Best Series: American Vampire by Scott Snyder

Biggest Surprise GN: The Walking Dead, Vol. 17: Something to Fear by Robert Kirkman

Most Confusing Series I Just Can’t Get Enough of: Morning Glories, by Nick Spencer

The End of 2013

January 1, 2014 by TeenLibrarian

Well, I did it! I met my goal of 150 books, plus two extra! Huzzah! Breakdowns and “best of” to follow soon. Here are the books I finished 2013 with:

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die, by April Henry: Our narrator comes to on the floor of a cabin, bruised, achey and bleeding and unable to remember anything about who she is and how she got there. She flees her captors and finds help in Ty, a sympathetic teen. Together they solve the mysteries of her past and uncover a conspiracy with far greater implications.
This short, mystery novel is pretty much nonstop action from start to finish. Henry keeps the story moving at a nice, brisk pace. The chapters are short, and to the point; the writing direct and not overly complicated. The mystery’s plot is full of twists and turns that fuel the suspense (heightened by the short chapters). I think a lot of teens will find the length appealing as well as the story concept, and they’ll enjoy it too.
Overall Assessment:
Second Chance Summer, by Morgan Matson: Taylor’s dad is sick, and her family has one last summer to spend with him. They decide to go to the family cabin they used to spend summers in, but haven’t been to in years. Being back will force Taylor to confront old boyfriends and friends, who all seem to hate her, all while watching her father become sicker and sicker.
This is a novel that clearly could be an overwhelming tear-jerker, but Matson deftly weaves humor and romance into the story without anything feeling forced. The result is a beautifully written novel that authentically portrays Taylor’s summer of reconnecting with friends, righting wrongs, growing up and saying goodbye, but ultimately of second chances.
Overall Assessment:

The Night She Disappeared, by April Henry: This is a fast paced novel about the disappearance of Kayla, a pizza delivery girl. The novel focuses on Gabie and Drew, Kayla’s coworkers and classmates, as they struggle with their guilt and putting together the pieces. Interspersed are police interviews, 911 transcripts and newspaper articles that help to break things up and provide further clues while keeping the novel tight. While the three main characters were fairly well developed, the other characters were pretty generic, and the writing was good and taught, but not great. But for those who don’t mind, it is a quick (couple hours) easy read.
Overall Assessment:

United We Spy, by Ally Carter: The final installment of the Gallagher Girls series picks up at New Years, right before Cammie and the girls head back for their final semester. Members of The Circle are still at large and Cammie is still struggling to put all the pieces together. However, the tables turn and Cammie and Zack find themselves wanted and on the run. Unable to let their friend run away alone again, Liz, Bex and Macey come along to help Cammie find answers.

The Gallagher Girls are very near and dear to my heart and I love the whole series. I was not disappointed by it’s conclusion. Huzzah! Carter brings all the story lines and characters together, to deliver a satisfying ending. As usual, Carter’s writing is clear, clever and action packed. The tone, however, still has the weariness that crept in during Out of Sight, Out of Mind, after Cammie’s summer spent hunting The Circle. Throughout the series, the characters have grown realistically, the characters flawed, but real and honest. The heart of the novel and the whole series, is the wonderful friendship. Liz, Bex, Macey and Cammie trust, care for and back each other without fail, and I totally want to be in their group.
Overall Assessment:

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume: Eleven year old Margaret Simon is moving from the bustle of NYC to the suburbs of New Jersey. Starting at a new school, she quickly finds a group of girls, Gretchen, Nancy and Janie. Together Margaret and her friends navigate the sixth grade, a treacherous year that involves first bras, first kisses, spin the bottle and period panic. Inspired by her teacher’s year long project on any topic, Margaret delves into religion, which has never been a part of her life. Her father is Jewish, her mother is Christian and was disowned by her parents for marrying a Jewish man. As a result, her parents decided to keep religion out of the house and not practice any religion. Margaret attends different churches to learn about what different faiths offer, hoping to find one that calls to her.

I never actually read this pre-teen novel when I was younger, and I really wish I had. I enjoyed it as an adult, but I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more at the right age. What I found most impressive, is how well the novel holds up. There isn’t much that readers today wouldn’t understand. It’s a delightful, touching, honest look at a tough age where a lot of strange things start happening. It is a credit to the wonderful writing and story that allow it to hold up and speak to preteen girls, who can be a tough audience to please.
Overall Assessment:

The Bone Season, by Samantha Shannon: In a world where being a just a voyant can get you killed, Paige is the rarest of voyants, a dreamwalker. She works in the underground, as a member of the Seven Seals, a criminal group of voyants. When her inevitable arrest arrives, she is taken to a voyant prison in what was once Oxford. The prison and city are controlled by Rephaim, other worldly creatures that are a powerful type of voyant who use their prisoners as slaves and soldiers. Paige is sent to live with Warden, who is helping train her to hone her powers. Despite the risks, she still rebels in her search for a way out and helping her fellow prisoner voyants.

Shannon did an amazing job of world building. The world of the Scion, voyants and Rephaim is completely and thoroughly imagined and described. The characters are well drawn, but still maintain their mysteries and secrets. The complex world and twisting plot line could have been as tangled as my now packed Christmas lights, but Shannon keeps the lines clear, focused and taught. It is nearly impossible to put down.
Overall Assessment:

Will I Read the Sequel: I want to, but I think I’d have to reread/skim The Bone Season first because of the detail.

Stoker’s Manuscript, by Royce Prouty: This is an intriguing literary mystery, surrounding Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula. Joseph is a seller of rare books and document authenticator based in Chicago, and an orphan from Romania, who was rescued from an orphanage and raised in a Catholic Church He receives a call asking him to act as authenticator, negotiator and potential deliverer of Stoker’s Dracula notes and unpublished chapters. The buyer, is a wealthy Romanian wishes for total anonymity and using an agent to contact Joseph. As one would expect, there is more to the buyer and the subsequent task than meets the eye. What starts as a simple manuscript becomes a printed guide to finding the bride of the ancient creatures.

I picked this out on a whim, and I’m glad I did. It was an intriguing and well told mystery. While the story stands alone, and can be read without having read Dracula, I think having that background adds to the enjoyment of Stoker’s Manuscript. There are scenes that find Joseph in predicaments similar to Jonathan Harker, the protagonist in Dracula. Well researched details about turn of the century current events and popular figures as well as Stoker’s career and life lend texture to this historical and literary mystery. A good pick for those who enjoy Dracula lore or a good twist on an old classic.
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