‘Tis the Season
By: Lorna Landvik
I don't believe I've reviewed a Landvik title for you yet and that is a shame! Lorna is a Minnesota author whose writing is full of humor and honesty that really help to make you feel connected to her characters. She's right up there in the top ranks of my favorite authors to read (yes, they are subject to change). How do I know she's a favorite? Because every time she has a new book coming out I rush out to the bookstore a.s.a.p. to pick it up and this has been a constant for quite a few years now!
This book takes a unique look at celebrity, past relationships, mean-spirited teasing and the spirit of the holidays in which the characters come together in a unique and interesting way. The entire book is a dialogue of e-mails from people who know, have known or are just meeting the other person. There are 4 major characters and 2 or so minor characters that help give you a complete picture of the personality of one of the main characters. Have I lost you yet? Okay, stay with me! There is also a weekly ‘gossip' column that is in the book. I find these to be quite interesting pieces: they are a main reason for many of the characters e-mailing each other, and the author of the column (and those e-mails are great!). The column and subsequent e-mails also take a look at our current celebrity-obsessed culture and what kind of consequences tracking every single movement of their day can bring. It's really quite fascinating and could explain a lot about the behavior of some celebrities (I'd name some names, but that seems futile as you probably have your own in mind!)
The e-mails between the characters are, for the most part, generous, warm and caring. They are about the concern we have for someone who is having a difficult time - and they also illuminate that even the seemingly strongest of us may need help too, even if it's not asked for.
All in all, a real holiday treat! The e-mail format of the book makes it a breeze to read through. You're getting all the juicy bits of a good story in a shortened format!
Notes on the Cover:
I love, love, love the bright yellow background. It's just fantastic! It really makes the hearth stand out - that and the fact that there's quite the variety of ‘stockings' hung! There are four different types, and you'll know what belongs to whom fairly early in the story. I will admit the shoe threw me a bit, but I recovered and everything is fine now!
Recommended To:
- Having low self-esteem issues? This one will perk you right up!
- Those in need of a good, quick read!
- Fans of Landvik!
- Everyone!
Due to Thanksgiving, the Library's hours will be as follows:
Wednesday, November 26 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday, November 27 - Saturday, November 29 CLOSED
Sunday, November 30 3 pm - 1 am
Our extended hours for finals start on Sunday, November 30th. They are as follows:
Sunday, November 30 3 pm - 1am
Monday, December 1 - Thursday, December 4 8 am - 1 am
Friday, December 5 8 am - 8 pm
Saturday, December 6 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday, December 7 1 pm - 1 am
Monday, December 8 - Thursday, December 11 8 am - 1 am
Friday, December 12 8 am - 8 pm
Saturday, December 13 8 am - 10 pm
Sunday, December 14 1 pm - 1 am
Monday, December 15 - Tuesday, December 16 8 am - 1 am
The library will close at 5 pm during the week starting on December 17th. We will close at 4:30 pm on Fridays as usual. The library will not be open on weekends starting December 20 until school is back in session.
The library will also be closed on the following days: December 25-26, and January 1-2.
Little Brother
By: Cory Doctorow
I'll admit it, I have a bit of an issue with paranoia, but I think it has now been magnified 20-fold by reading this book. I am not meaning that as a, "Run for your life!" type statement, rather it's an "I need to learn about all this stuff!" kind of mindset.
Many of today's teens are possibly too young to remember what September 11, 2001 was like for those who lived through it. I feel like I lived it vicariously through my tv that day, but it was a day that has forever changed America. The basis of the story Little Brother is somewhat similar. Instead of the twin towers, it's the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco that has been blown up. Our protagonist, Marcus and his friends have skipped school to play a game (not going into that!) and are in the vicinity when the bridge blows up. They are taken into custody by a government-funded group called DHS. These are kids, and they are handcuffed and tortured until they give up information. When I say torture you probably get the really vicious images in your head, but at the beginning it was more of a mind game (I'm just shuddering at that!) - the arresting DHS people really messed with the heads of the kids (and adults) that they brought into custody.
We are reading this story from Marcus's perspective, and what I really appreciated about Marcus were his feelings. I really felt like I was getting in on his thought process and that I was eaves-dropping on his conversations with his friends. Which is kind of creeping me out now, like I'm spying on him or something, but he's so real! I easily identified with Marcus's terror, his fear, anger and his quest to make things right.
Marcus has a lot to deal with: he's been arrested and tortured because the DHS thinks he had something to do with the bridge exploding, they finally release him after breaking a part of his spirit, his parents - who thought he was dead, by the way - are a whole other issue, and when he goes to find his friends he realizes that one of them has not been released. Plus, they promised they'd be watching his every move and that scares the living daylights out of him. This is only within the first few chapters people!
I don't even know where to go from here: basically, Marcus takes on a new online persona and starts to work out ways to bring the DHS to justice. It's a fascinating look and discussion at our Freedoms and the Constitution, and what would have to happen in order for us to lose those freedoms, possibly even willingly, as is the case with the majority of adults in this book. The book talks about hacking computers, encryption and the reasons its works in reference to the activities of Marcus and the DHS. Not that it really gives you something to go on (like I would know).
Oh, and they do get to the real torture in the book.
Want to hear something really cool? I read this entire book online. Cory Doctorow has done something that I hadn't heard of until this book: he has offered it for a free download on his website. I kid you not! You can read the entire dang thing on your computer! Oh, you thinking I'm being a smart aleck? Okay then, click here. What? You still don't believe me? Then go to the Daily Lit website, create an account and receive it in daily e-mail installments!
Notes on the Cover:
This may seem silly since I read it online, but you can also buy it in the store (which I just might have to do - yes, it was THAT good). The big red X with the people stomping down and their faces are all black to hide their identities....ooohhh! Love it!
Recommended To:
- Anyone concerned with their freedoms
- Those interested in stories that talk about technology (don't be scared, I managed just fine!)
- Anyone interested in how ‘wars on terror' are fought
- Those interested in government reasoning
- Everyone - Everyone - Everyone - Everyone - Everyone! I can't stress this enough people. IT'S FREE! READ IT ONLINE! GO! NOW!
Big Fat Little Lit
Edited By: Art Spiegelman & Francoise Mouly
I found this book browsing in a bookstore in Washington (yes, I visit bookstores in other states if I get the chance! Libraries too!). I hadn't heard of them before, but I recognized many of the names of the contributors, so I decided to give it a shot.
Art Spiegelman is the author of the famous Maus stories. I would qualify them as graphic novels, but they were out before graphic novels became what they are today. For those unfamiliar with Maus, it is the WWII story of Spiegelman's family told in a comic-book like format with the characters as animals: mice = Jewish people, cats = Nazi's, etc. His wife, Francoise Mouly is the art editor of The New Yorker. I think that's fantastic! That's about all I know about her, but I'm sure you could find out more!
To the book! Little Lit is a collection of short comics by a variety of authors. This particular collection has such greats as: Maurice Sendek, David Macaulay, Lemony Snicket, Jules Feiffer, Ian Falconer, David Sedaris, Neil Gaiman and Barbara McClintock. This collection deals mainly with the realm of faery tales and silliness. Those may seem like contradictory terms since faery tales don't always end happily and there's rarely any sort of silliness in them, but this collection balances itself out well.
I think that "Pretty Ugly" by Ian Falconer and David Sedaris was my favorite, but there were so many good ones! I also really enjoyed the "A-Maze-ing Adventure" in which you start out on a path and choose your next move. You better watch out though because the poor guy kept dying on me because I chose the wrong path! When you look at the panel of little picture boxes it kind of makes you nauseous, but once you pick a path and go it's quite interesting! I found myself backtracking on a few of the paths that I never seemed to end up on. This one took some time, but was really fun! Oh! There's even two "Where's Waldo" type spreads in the book. One even has Waldo in it! (Yes, I found him, but not everyone else. I had to give up because I was irritated with it!)
All in all, it's a great little book that you can either breeze right on through, or spend some time with soaking up all the details or playing a couple of fun little mind-teasers!
Notes on the Cover:
It's a silly cover, I'll admit it, but it did draw my interest. It's a taller paperback book with jacket-style flaps on the inside that tell you the main authors and illustrators with a little picture from their comic. The actual cover itself has the title at the top, then an anthropomorphic flower pot sitting atop a silly-looking man with wings' head. Said man also appears to have a tale with a live dog-puppet on it. Like I said, it's strange but intriguing without being totally out there. At least they're schilling for their book: they're all holding little books about comics!
Recommended To:
- The reluctant reader set - a combination of pictures and words is always a win!
- Fans of any of the mentioned authors/illustrators
- Everyone!
Side Note:
There are also a number of other Little Lit books out there. There's 3 others advertised on the back of the one that I have. I may have to look them up soon!
Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan
By: Mary Williams
Illustrated By: R. Gregory Christie
Brothers in Hope is told to us in a first-person point-of-view. Garang tells us a little bit about his life with his family and his tentativeness over tending the calves before his home village was attacked. Because he was out tending to the animals, he survives. When the attack is over, he went home to find his family. He was the only person in his village, so he started to walk down the road and eventually ran into more and more boys in his same situation.
Garang tells us of his meeting up with the other boys, the decisions they made as a group since they needed to have a plan, plus get food, rest and take care of the small children. The boys were really responsible in their dividing the tasks (from what I can tell). They picked older, responsible boys to be leaders of groups, these groups worked together and with the other groups in order to find food and shelter. The older boys also had the added responsibility of taking care of one of the small children.
This story is just quite heartbreaking - we're talking about kids 15 years old and younger who have lost their entire families and they have nothing, yet they still have hope. They keep walking until they reach their destination in Ethiopia, then they have to move to Kenya because of the violence that starts to occur in Ethiopia. The story also brings into play a man named Tom who runs one of the refugee camps. He becomes a critical member of the story at the end when he brings the boys news they never thought they would hear.
There is an author's note in this book that talks a little bit about the Lost Boys and the foundation that has been set up to help them make a new life in the United States. The afterword tells a little bit more, but I just didn't find it to be enough. They do list the publisher's website that has a link to more information about the Lost Boys, but I am a fan of works cited or a ‘for further reading' page. I'm a big fan of books (in case you've forgotten) and I think it's critical to make additional information on topics readily available to kids. It's a lot easier to say, it's right there, then to have to tell them to go look it up on their own (which is not to say that wouldn't work with some kids - some are going to take the initiative to find out more information, but for the ones that don't, those pages are critical).
Notes on the Cover:
I love it when a cover actually depicts what is going on in the story. In the foreground we see Garang and his adopted little brother, Chuti and in the background we see many of the other lost boys. If you look at the back cover you'll notice that the line of boys extends all the way around the book. I love the colors, they are very appropriate and mesh with my vision of what Africa is like. While I love the colors and the topic of the book, the actual art itself just didn't do it for me. It's not that it's bad, it's disjointed to me, but that's probably done intentionally by the artist. A metaphor, if you will, about the upheaval in the boys' lives, as well as that of the entire country.
Recommended To:
- Immigrants
- Refugees
- Anyone going through a displacement of their own
- Everyone - even though I have some quibbles with the book, it's still a good one and something that needs to be brought to the attention of everyone, so go out and read!
It's that time of year where the holidays are quickly approaching and the panic level of finishing the semester with some semblance of sanity along with holiday shopping, baking, traveling, etc. that goes along with the season is enough to stress out a saint.
And then there's the chance you may not be getting the top value for your hard-earned dollars. With that in mind, here's a couple of sites that just might ease some of your holiday angst:
Ripoff Report
This is a website by consumers, for consumers, so you'll be getting a little of the good and probably a little of the bad, as well. Something to keep in mind: browse for an item you're interested in purchasing and see what people have to say. You don't have to believe them, but sometimes its nice to have a general opinion on something before you buy it.
Tech Gadgets
This is not a gadget central purchasing place. Rather it's a review for various techy-type toys. Are you thinking about a new laptop? Check this site out and see what it says!
Consumer Reports
The library subscribes to this in print, so you can come in and browse through them if you're looking for a camera, cell phone, car, or a vacuum cleaner (just a suggestion, don't buy your significant other a home appliance unless they specifically ask for it - the stories I could tell you!) You can also access this through our EBSCOhost MegaFILE database.
Consumer.gov
Find information on product safety, food, health, home, transportation, technology and more here.
And not to be a spoil-sport, but if you go to the Better Business Bureau's website you can check out the charities you're thinking about donating to this holiday season. I'm all for donating if you can, but sometimes a particular organization just sounds too good to be true - check them out, you'll feel better!
Do you have a site that you could suggest? Send me an e-mail to let me know what it is!
The Jewel of Medina
By: Sherry Jones
This novel was almost not published. Do you know why? Because of its main character: A'isha Bint Abi Bakr. So what, you say? What does that have to do with being published? This novel is a fictional tale that revolves around the ‘favorite' wife of the prophet Muhammad. If you guessed that the publishers balked at the subject, then you were right. The reason? The publishers were afraid of a terrorist attack by radical Muslims. Word spread, people who had already read the book (and some who hadn't yet) were appalled that it was a forbidden topic to discuss Muhammad and Muslims.
Do you want to know something? It's a really good book that helps to explain some of the tenets of the Muslim faith, how Muhammad came to have so many wives, the importance of being the first wife, and the feelings of an independent woman caught up in a religious war and her captivity to her family and faith. It's an extremely enlightening look at a topic that is not really discussed here. Whenever you hear the word Muslim it almost always has a negative connotation to it, but this book takes the faith and describes a part of its beginning, plus what it's really all about.
I'm not really doing this book justice, but it's a beautifully written book that helps to explain, not to criticize. You can look at it like it's along the lines of The DaVinci Code. It's a fictionalized account of a woman's journey through life. Please keep in mind that this is a fiction title (like The DaVinci Code) so you should read it as such, not as a fact. If you're still interested in the topic, the author provides a bibliography so you can do your own research, there's an afterward that explains the publishing history of the book, a listing of the wives of Muhammad in order, a listing of the Arabic terms that are used and a question and answer section.
Notes on the Cover:
Beautiful and intriguing is what I have to say about this one. The face of the woman is holding many secrets. My only issue is the color of her hair.
Recommended To:
- Anyone interested in Muhammad's ‘favorite' wife (I didn't even know he had a favorite!)
- Anyone interested in a fictionalized history of the beginning of Muslim (which is not to say that some details are accurate)
- Everyone! It's a real eye-opener!
Without Reservations: the Travels of an Independent Woman
By: Alice Steinbach
The other day I did something decidedly different for me when I was at the bookstore. I looked in the biography section! You may wonder if I had a fever, but I can assure you I was quite well. I just needed a change from what I usually read. Change can be good for you, you know!
So why did I pick this one up instead of the horribly fascinating title, Story Telling (I'll admit it, I'm from the first 90210 generation and her life story intrigues me - and no, I do not watch the current 90210 re-incarnation) or even The Duchess (the bases of the new Keira Knightley movie)? Because it involves travel and a woman who just took a year off to rediscover herself. Okay, you may understand the travel thing since I love to travel (did you know that?). I mean, I love, love, love experiencing new places and cultures. Why did I need to read about a woman who was in a decidedly different place in her life than I am rediscovering herself? Because there's always a new mystery to unlock about yourself, and sometimes reading about the process another one goes through will make that light bulb go off in your own head. Don't worry now; I have no foreseeable plans to just take a year off in the near future. (Not that it wouldn't be nice!)
Steinbach writes of the difficulty she had in coming to this decision; the worry about her job, what her (grown) children would think, what her friends would think, etc. I think we all lose a little of ourselves as life goes on. Every day can present a new challenge, or even a new list of things we need to do. Sometimes that list just gets longer without ever having anything crossed off. But why have the list in the first place? Are they really things that are going to make your quality of life any better?
Steinbach makes her plans, but not too many plans. Her goal of spending quite a bit of time in a few cities allows for her to just enjoy her trip: her schedule is not jam-packed to the minute every day. She allows time for meeting new people, getting sick, changing plans and even buying a dress she never thought she'd try on.
She starts each chapter with the photo of a postcard and the note she wrote to herself. Yes, she really sends herself postcards. I found this to be brilliant! She jots notes and observations to herself about her journey. I bet they were extremely helpful in her process of analyzing just what she was looking for, and if she had found it by the time she got home.
By the time you're done, you'll have visited Paris, London and Milan just to name a few. You'll experience her joys, sorrows and panic on this incredible journey. If you've ever thought about taking some serious time off to travel, you'll want to check this book out!
Notes on the Cover:
I'll admit that it's attractive and that the cover is partly what drew me to this book. I love the large windows and the balcony with the woman standing on it. It just screams European to me, which explains the reason for my liking the cover!
Recommended To:
- Auto-biography junkies
- Those looking for some travel tips
- Those who just want to give it up for a year and see Europe (or Asia, or Africa or wherever!)
- Everyone!
A Lion Among Men
By: Gregory Maguire
Any Wizard of Oz fans out there? How about Wicked? The book or the musical? Wicked was published in 1995, but I didn't discover the beauty of the book until about 2004-ish, but once I picked it up, I was hooked! So here's a little back-story to catch you up: Wicked is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and how she came to be the person she was. We see her grow up and navigate many difficult challenges in her short life, the least of which was being green. She also has a name, which really helps to personalize her to the reader: Elphaba. Want to know something fantastic about her name? It's a play on L. Frank Baum. How fun is that!
Okay, so Wicked gives us the story of Elphaba and some of the history of Oz. Then we have the book, Son of a Witch. Yes, you read that title right! The premise is that Elphaba had a child, and this story tells some of what happens to him. Now, whether or not Liir (the aforementioned Son of a Witch) is actually Elphaba's child is up for you to work out over the course of these books.
Which brings us to A Lion Among Men in which we get the back story of the cowardly lion, along with Mother Yackle who appears in the previous two books. Brrr (the name of the cowardly lion) has a fascinating life - he's one of those Animals who have a tendency to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He mindfully tries to stay out of things, but for some reason he is always having an effect on the events he's stumbled upon. One of his most recent debacles has landed him working for the current ruler of Oz, Shell (Elphaba's little brother). Now, I can't really get into whether or not this is a good thing, but let's just say it puts Brrr in a difficult position, and for more than one reason. Will Brrr's reflection on his life help to open his eyes to what he needs to do? Will it help him fulfill his current mission? Will Mother Yackle prove to be more foe than friend?
Generally I'd review the two previous books for you, but I would recommend starting at the beginning with this series. Wicked really helps set up the background for the following novels. Plus, if you haven't read the first two, the politics of the situation is going to go right over your head. I actually didn't re-read the first two and I wish I would have; it would have made the beginning of this book go much more smoothly. Of course, that is not to say that this was a bad book - far from it! It's just very detailed in the beginning, plus, if you haven't read the first two you there's a great possibility that you'll get lost quite quickly. I mean, you're not even going to know about the distinction between animals and Animals and why Brrr is such an anomaly!
Notes on the Cover:
Quite a few of Maguire's hardcover books have an opening on the dust jacket that shows you a part of the image that's on the actual book. On this cover, you see the face of an intelligent looking lion with his spectacles on. When you remove the dust-jacket, you'll get a much clearer view of Brrr in his current project. You'll notice the mauntuery in the background, the cat Shadowpuppet, Brrr's notebook and his all-around refined appearance.
Recommended To:
- Those who have read Wicked and Son of a Witch (you won't be disappointed!)
- Anyone interested in a ‘background' of the Oz from their childhood
- Fans of new versions of old stories!
Corduroy
By: Don Freeman
Illustrated By: Don Freeman
Oh the memories! I remember loving this book when I was little, and it still does not disappoint me! Do you remember how as a child you had this secret thought that your stuffed animals and dolls came alive and had parties when you were gone, but they always cleaned up and you could never seem to catch them no matter how hard you tried? No? Alright, maybe it was just me...
Anyways, Corduroy is a cute little brown bear in a department store who sits on a shelf until one day, when a little girl asks her mother if she can get him he seemingly ‘wakes up.' I say this because there's no indication he had moved around before being noticed. You may wonder why it took so long for him to be noticed, but it does involve a missing button - which is a very telling metaphor on perfection. An item that does not look perfect can still be perfectly wonderful given the proper attention.
When Corduroy notices his button is missing he sets out to find it, but to no avail. During his adventure in the department store he is discovered and returned to his proper place. The next day his heart's desire comes true, and there may be a button to boot!
Recommended To:
- Parents, read this to your little children!
- Everyone!
Well hello strangers! I really didn't forget to post, I've just been too busy! I was going to post this one last Friday for the spookiness factor, but it just didn't happen. My apologies and enjoy!
The Graveyard Book
By: Neil Gaiman
Illustrated By: Dave McKean
If you're a fan of Gaiman you're going to love his latest tale. Secrets, betrayals, loyalty, love and ghostly spookiness are all fair game in this one.
We start the book with Dave McKean's fantastic illustrations. They're black, gray, somber, dreary and creepy all at the same time! You know things aren't going to go well when the first one shows a knife. If you guessed that there's murder involved here, you'd be right on the money. It's what doesn't happen during a break-in that provides the fodder for the rest of the story. There's a little boy sleeping in a crib, he hears a noise, wakes and makes an escape. His wandering soul saves his life on this particular night as he wanders straight into a graveyard filled with (mostly) friendly ghosts who decide that it would be in the child's best interest to protect him since the stranger who arrives at their gates holding a knife looks to be anything but friendly.
It is here that we also meet Silas, who is a better man than many would suspect him of being. It is never stated exactly what Silas is, but the astute reader will figure it out with no problem (especially since I've now made you think about it!).
Since the child is an infant none of the inhabitants know his name, so they name him Nobody Owens (Mr. and Mrs. Owens are the ghostly couple who ‘adopt' him). Nobody becomes known as Bod and he enjoys the maximum benefits a living person can have in a graveyard - like being able to go through walls! Bod is educated by the various ghosts in the graveyard and even makes a real friend. Bod spends many years in the graveyard, but he won't be protected there forever. Pick up this haunting good tale for a real treat!
Recommended To:
- Gaiman fans - enough said!
- Mystery fans
- Fans of the creepy-crawly
- Everyone!
Notes on the Cover:
This is a special book - and by that I mean there are two covers for this title: one is for the adult edition and the other is for the children's edition. I didn't see an adult edition at our local Barnes & Noble, so I got the children's one (which is just as well because I don't know if I could have decided and I really don't need two...). I love the cover of the edition I have: the creepy gravestone with a special outline on the right side. I can't tell you what it is, because it's fun to look at! I'm also in love with the raised white letters that look like they've been through the ringer of time...all full of grime and such!
The Arrival
By: Shaun Tan
This particular picture book is more a work of art than a children's book. That is not to say that children will not adore this book, especially those of the vivid imagination who like to make up their own stories while they look at pictures.
The book is done in all Sepia tones. The brown tones help keep the extremely complicated subject matter to a minimalist type style - what I'm saying is there's a lot going on in this book and if it was in color it would just be way too much to try and absorb.
Some of the story lines are going to be those we are very familiar with: a long overseas journey (Titanic), being in a strange, new world (immigration and Ellis Island), the future, family, love, separation, hope, joy, kindness and so much more! You're going to feel the whole gamut of emotions while you're looking through this lovely book. Tan really knows how to make his subject matter seem completely strange and surreal (oh is it!) while keeping it achingly familiar.
Honestly, this is a book that will keep you coming back to it again and again. Not only for the subject, but for the gorgeous illustrations - I'm willing to bet you'll find something new and exciting in these pictures on each read-through, they're that detailed!
Notes on the Cover:
It looks like a worn journal, which is really neat since its contents are that of a long journey to a new start in life. The man holding his suitcase on the cover is looking at the adorable little white creature with fascination and even a little confusion. Don't let that make you think he scorns the creature, in fact, quite the opposite happens, he takes home the little guy and they become good friends throughout the course of the book.
Recommended To:
- Art Students! Calling all art students! Take a look at these details!
- Reluctant readers - now that can mean a gamut of types: those who don't like to read, period (they get to make up their own story with the pictures, how cool is that?) those who dislike being read to and any other child who just resists a book with words. This is a book with pictures! Way more fun for them, plus it's a good way to get them familiar with the format - words can always come later!
- Detail-oriented types - you know who you are!
- Everyone!
On our Shelves!
Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale
By: Holly Black
Well, Kaye, Corny, Lutie-loo and Roiben from Tithe are back, but we'll also run into Luis, Dave, Val and Ruth at least one more time in Ironside.
We pick back up with Kaye and Lutie-loo heading to the coronation of Roiben. He will soon be the King of the Unseelie Court. He still finds no real pleasure in the job, and he's almost dreading becoming a King since it will practically guarantee a war with the Seelie Court over lands and titles. Kaye and Roiben's reunion does not go quite as well as Kaye had expected and she soon has herself into a difficult situation: she has made a declaration to Roiben of her affection and he, in turn, has to give her a quest to complete before she can see him again. When Roiben's request turns out to be an impossible task, Kaye is despondent beyond all recognition. She believes that he really doesn't love her as she thought he did, but there is so much more to come!
The crowning of Roiben as King of the Unseelie Court goes ahead as planned, but soon things get complicated when Silarial, the Queen of the Seelie Court requests Kaye to visit her. She sets Kaye up in part to torment her, and in part to torment Roiben.
Can Kaye stop the evil plan of the Bright Queen before she destroys the Unseelie and Seelie Courts beyond repair? Will Kaye be able to save Roiben before he has to duel who means so much to him he took on the Unseelie Court despite his lack of ‘darkness' (for lack of a better word...).
A lot happens in a short time period in this book - Kaye has many choices and decisions to make in order to help the people she loves the most. One wrong decision and she could be alienated from her mother, Roiben, Corny and everyone else forever.
Notes on the Cover:
Again, I'm loving the black background with the silvery leaves. I also adore the crown on the cover, just enough color to make it really stand out. Oh, and the font! I love the way the letters appear on these books!
Recommended To:
- At this point you should know who you are!
On our shelves!
Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie
By: Holly Black
This is the 2nd book by Black involving the Faerie folk, and the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. There are two characters (Roiben and Nicnevin) for sure who you will see from the first book, Tithe. I believe that this book occurs after Tithe, based on Roiben's position in the court, but I could be wrong since it's been awhile!
The book introduces us to Valerie Russell, a teenage girl waiting for her boyfriend to pick her up for the hockey game. Unfortunately, he's late, so she decides to wait for him at the train station. Tom doesn't show there either, so Val heads home to a most unexpected and unpleasant discovery. She takes off for New York City, attends a hockey game, shaves her head, and meets some new friends.
That's just the beginning! We've got people talking about Faeries and if they're real or not, and when Val decides to find out for herself she walks into a more dangerous situation than she bargained for. In order to save herself and her friend, she agrees to make deliveries. Unfortunately, the liquid she is delivering for Ravus is suspected in killing numerous Fey from the Seelie Court. It's also highly addictive and her new acquaintances introduce her to a new and dangerous world.
The story does get deep and ventures into uncomfortable topics like teenage homelessness, family fights, drugs, and theft, but it doesn't leave out the redeeming themes like friendship, love, faithfulness, self-confidence and the ability to overcome your demons and your past. Although the book may not be for the faint of heart, it deals with humanity in a realistic way - no holds barred, so to speak - it alsooffers a great look at relationships and trust.
Notes on the Cover:
Lovely, just lovely! The black background is fantastic; it really meshes well with the darker nature of the book. The glowing sword on the front is a great choice for the cover since it becomes an integral part of the story. Granted, it doesn't show up right away, but you will see it from time to time, and it is instrumental in uncovering who was responsible for Tamar's death, along with helping Val out of a practically impossible situation.
Recommended To:
- Those who enjoyed Tithe. No, you're not going to see Kaye here, but she's in the next one and I'll tell you about her soon!
- Those who like their stories a little gritty and dark
On our shelves!
Song of the Sparrow
By: Lisa Ann Sandell
Are you a fan of the Knights of the Round Table? Arthur? Lancelot? What about Gwynivere? Ever heard of the Lady of Shallot?
In the Arthurian legends we are given all sorts of varying insights into the character and the drive of the male characters. We hardly see the women except as "damsels in distress who needed a man to rescue them, and at worse, they were chaperones of doom and destruction" (394 - author's note). Lisa Ann Sandell tells us The Song of the Sparrow from the point-of-view of Elaine, or, Elaine of Ascolat, or, most familiarly, The Lady of Shallot. Let me tell you, she's got some spunk and she will not be a damsel in distress (or for very long!).
We meet Elaine in a camp. She has lived there since her mother's horrible murder many years previous to this. She is a tomboy, she's the only girl in camp, and she has also learned the art of healing. You could count on Elaine to fix you up whether it was from a rash to a wound. She also was the friend of many, as well as their mender. Elaine's role in the camp is layered. She's a daughter, healer, mender, friend, sister and confidante. We read the story in verse format from her point-of-view. She's quite astute. She will even follow the men to their battles and watch from the sidelines to make sure her help is not needed.
When Arthur becomes the leader of this faction of Britons defending their homeland, conflict arises. Some of the men don't want someone younger leading them, others don't have confidence in Arthur, but yet still others have full faith that Arthur will help them to defend their homeland. This is a crucial decision, as Arthur's plans will put the group on the offensive instead of the defensive. They have always defended, never attacked. This change of strategy does bother Elaine, and she even makes her thoughts to Arthur known. Will this make the men murderers instead of defenders? She has a terrible feeling about the upcoming attack and plans to follow, even though it will be much further than she usually travels.
When Elaine is following the men she also feels as if she is being followed. When she has almost reached the camp (she can see the fires and hear the noises associated with it) she is attacked by Saxons. Suddenly, a figure jumps from the trees - her savior and also her nemesis from camp has arrived. Elaine and her friend are taken captive by the Saxons. While there, they hear a spy telling the Saxons how and when to attack Arthur's army so it would be at its most vulnerable. Elaine and her friend devise a plan: Elaine will distract the guards while her friend runs to Arthur to warn him of the danger. Elaine knows that she could very well die doing what she is about to do, but she goes through with it because it will hopefully save all the people that are the most important to her in her life.
That's a basic run-down of the story line. What, you want to know where the romance is? Well, let me tell you, it's there! Early on we know who Elaine thinks she loves, then we know who she really loves before she realizes it herself. We also find out about Lancelot, Arthur and Gwynivere. There's no lack of love or drama in the love department, but it's also not over-the-top mushy-gushy either.
And if you know anything about the Lady of Shallot you will be pleased to note that she does sail down the river. It just may not occur quite how you expect it to!
Additional Information:
There is a fantastic note from the author at the end of the story. She tells of her fascination with the subject, as well as giving you the low-down on what's fact and what's fiction. It's quite murky, but still helpful. There is also a section of suggestions for further reading. That is exciting! (Honestly though, not many teens are going to be looking into some of these books unless they're completely fascinated with the Arthurian legends.)
Notes on the Cover:
Acch! The dreaded back of the head shot! There have been quite a few books with this type of cover in the last few years. My main question is: why doesn't she have anything at least draped over her shoulders? (It's not a distasteful cover by any means). What's with the ivy in her hair? If you read the story, Elaine is just not the type to have ivy in her hair. Honestly, this cover is not going to attract any of the Arthurian legend buffs out there. I wouldn't have even known what this book entailed if it hadn't been for the jacket desctiption!
Recommended To:
- Historical fiction fans - yes, the historically accurate part is up for debate!
- Arthurian legend readers - this offers a unique perspective!
- Readers of the prose - this book is told in long verse. I love it! It just begs to be read aloud!
- Everyone!
On our shelves!
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