Reading Thru The Night

The Deification

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Title: The Deification
Author: Jack Remick
Pages: 345
Pub: 2012; Coffeetown Press
Genre: Literary Fiction; Steam of Consciousness
ETC: Props up to LibraryThing's Early Review

"Realism is a trap you fall into by will" (207)

The Deification is a complicated book for me to review. So much so that I waited almost two weeks AFTER reading the book to let it settle in. Just hoping that I would have this Amazing aha-moment and my opinion would become clear.

'Cuz man, I like the book. BUT then there were plenty that just rubbed me the wrong way. Like I kept thinking: Why go there!!! I don't care!!

Aiight. Let me break it down. What interested me the most about the book was the homage it pays toward the Beats. Man, I was IN LOVE with some beat generation poetry and prose. Especially the fierce tempo. Spoken word was a Ginormous thing for me when I was in college. Not that **I** ever performed. Geez no. But I would spend many a night in a dimly lit, smoke filled coffee house drinking cheap beer and getting inspired. A close friend was a performer and man was he pure s3xy on stage. So anything that starts as a quest to be a part of The Movement I'm gonna read it. Even if it's merely for nostalgia.

Soooo...Deification, which means to immortalize, is a hero's journey. And the hero, like any good hero is complicated and tainted. Eddie is a teenager who has ran away from home to seek out his idol and last beat poet, Leo Franchetti. And it's during this road trip that leads him to one of my all-time favorite minor character, Layne.

Oh Layne.

Let me tell you what. Layne is such a powerful character. Eddie picks him up at a gas station. He's a wandering tranny doing tricks to make it. Unlike the usual protocol where minor characters are used to serve as movement in Plot or externalize a Trait in the main character, Layne was FULL ON FLESH AND BONES. And man did he bleed both figuratively and literally.

Unfortunately he was only in the first canto. Oh yeah, didn't I mention the book was divided in four cantos? Trendy, pretentious, or innovative?

Eventually Eddie does come to find Leo and although reluctant at first, Leo takes him under his wing. Eddie's first task:

"Read everything, Leo told him, because you need to know what great words feel like in your mouth. He looked up at the shelf- now half-read - of the masters. Read everything, Leo said, until your eyeballs burn. Read until your teeth fall out. Read it all because you're a keeper of the language, Eddie, a guardian of the Muse and if you let them the mongrel hordes of pseudo-poets will rape her and leave her for dead, so you read them all." (101)

The journey that Eddie goes on to become a poet is imaginative and filled with magical realism. Love it! There are moments that are total WTF-ery, but in a good way. I immediately associate it with the drug usage and acid trips of the Beats even though it is made clear from the get go that young Eddie neither drinks or uses recreational drugs.

All of these mystical excusions I adore but then about two-thirds of the way thru the book, the journey takes a very realistic and somewhat awkward turn. Eddie's post catches up with him and we're finally told why he ran away. Except. I. Didn't. Care. It was like I was cruisin' down the highway at 55 and then at the next curve in the road, the speed limit immediately drops to 35 without any warning. You're screwed. You've gotta hit the breaks if you even wanna attempt obeying the law.

I guess what I've heard as the biggest oh no he didn't moment was the end. But I didn't feel that way at all. It made perfect sense.

This appears to be a series, and this is one of book four. But don't let that worry you. I don't know if I'll race out to get book two when it's published and I'm okay with that because this one has left me satisfied.

TSS - Mind Over Migraine

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Howdee hey fellow readers!

This week I've been battling a monstrous migraine that has left me all twitchy for days on end. It started the day of our field trip to the history center. [So much fun, yo! Had a friend help chaperone and the kids ate him up...in a good way. He loved it!] That was on Tuesday. Rather than toast a good field trip at our hang out, I went home and slept. Wednesday, the onslaught continued. Thursday was touch and go until the basketball game that evening. If you can imagine, a court filled with opposing middle school teams, passionate parents, and a kids cheering section. Once again, I passed on the victory drinks and went home to sleep. And you know, here's the thing about headaches. They're exhausting! I slept most of Saturday, not because I was feeling any pain, but because I was tuckered out from the pounding.

So, I don't really have much for you in terms of bookish shenanigans. So, check out this website that I found and wish I was one of those rich folks who could just click and order whatever jumps their bones.

The Reading Catalog.

Also and finally, I updated my side bar for the Roots readalong to show the participants and schedule. There's still time to join in folks. Just drop me an e-mail or a comment. I'm totally intimidated!

Saturday School - Home Visits

2012-01-28T15:20:00.001-05:00

Part One

A couple of weeks ago we went to visit a some of our students on the team. For the intents of this lil' ole blog entry, let's call this 'hood: Shadyville. I'll tell you a wee bit about it so you can feel it out. Shadyville is about three miles from the school. It's divided into two sections: the barely livable and the "to'up" At least half of our students live in Shadyville, and those who live around it, know to go there for their delinquent needs. Some examples of said delinquencies that may or may not take place:

There is an abandoned home that has turned into a hang-out of sorts for the hoodlums of the area. There's a stale couch, drug paraphernalia, and various other tags that implicate pleasantries. Kids go there for obvious reasons.
There's this fellow named Paps who lives in Shadyville. Evidently everyone knows Paps and he's a friend to all. I am told that if you need food, drugs, or guns Paps is your man.
Homes have gotten torched and it turns into a campfire site; witnesses are hushed.
It has been rumored that the buses don't slow down on some days because of the shenanigans going on at the stops.

We went to one students house because he was close to missing three weeks of school and it hadn't really been handled through our attendance. Taking matters into our own hands, we headed over right after school. It was devastating seeing the conditions that this kid lives in. There were barely enough shingles on the roof to cover it, the windows were shattered and taped back together, and one of the doors was held shut by boards nailed across of it. The porch stairs were broken and the concrete leading up to the home cracked. After visiting with the family for a bit we learned that five people lived there and the two older siblings (both in high school) had already dropped out.

Leaving the house and driving around we ran into a couple of other students. You see, word had gotten out that day that we were heading out to Shadyville and tons of the kids had come up to us writing down their addresses so we could stop over.

We ended up spending a couple of hours in the neighborhood, visiting with seven kids and their families (when families were home). The next day it was the talk of the team. And we have a new list of kids that want us to come by to see what their life is all about.

Our motto has turned into: we don't just call home, we go there.

Part Two

There's a second part to this because I kinda feel passionate about knowing who your students are outside of the classroom. Just like we have bad days, those kids do too. Except most of the time their bad days might not be something in their control. I am not by any means making an excuse for inappropriate behavior in the classroom or blatant disrespect, but it's ALWAYS to find out why that behavior is going on. We have a couple of new teachers this year and they have these idealistic expectations for the students and just don't pay attention to what they're wearing, whether they're clean or not, or really hear what they are saying.

Getting to know the kids and background is not creating excuses for them. Instead, I find it builds trust and rapport. That kid that had problems coming to school? Yeah, he hasn't missed a day yet.

Me and You

2012-01-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

Title: Me and You

Author: Niccolo Ammahiti

Pages: 192

Pub: 2012; Grove

Genre: Literary Fiction; Novella

Etc: via Netgalley

Whoah craziness guys! You know how there are certain movies out there (I'm looking at you David Lynch) where you're watching them and half of the time you're wondering what's going on while the other halftime you're riveted and SO SURE of yourself?

Well. That's ALMOST what it was like reading Me and You. It's the oddness of David Lynch without any dancing midgets.

Lorenzo is a fourteen year old oddball. He has no friends and is partially okay with being Mr. Anti-Social. Except, he seems really close with his mom. And by really close, I mean REALLY close. There was no grossness there, folks, so I have to wonder if their level of intimacy is more of a Italian thing...and by that, I hope not to offend because I'm waving the ignorant American flag...but Lorenzo has a couple of thoughts that just seem a bit Oedipul. But perhaps all of that affection that raised red flags for me is nothing more than my stuffy Americanisque ways...like, I don't think I've ever thought about the smell of my mother? Missing her smell on a trip away from home. Or holding my mother's hand and having a passing thought of "oh this is what it would be like if I was involved". But there was no ewwiness to be sited, and in fact the dysfunction that does occur is quite suited for my American brain.

I feel that I might have embarrassed myself by that paragraph,but none the less will continue.

Soooo, Lorenzo lies to the parental figures about going away for the week skiing with friends that he doesn't have but his parents wished he did. After telling this big lie, he must cover up. Which essentially means avoiding the house for a week and hiding out in the cellar. He's pretty much stoked about it, actually. No showering, yummy Nutella sandwiches, and Stephen King's Salem's Lot to keep him company. What's not to dig?

But then the unexpected happens. His estranged half sister joins him. And by unexpectedly I mean it's 2AM and snowing outside and she's BEGGING him to let her stay the night in this cozy little hideaway.

This completely ruins his isolated plans. And what began as one night, turns into a couple and a whole new discovery takes place. For him. And for his sister.

The whole sibling thing was an interesting dynamic. Since you know, they weren't close or anything. Both are sorta disturbed and selfish and it manifests itself differently. Neither are very LIKABLE characters, which is pretty interesting because you're not sure if you should be rooting for them, or wishing for their demise.

At best, it's a realistic piece of work. At worst, it's just sorta out there and questionable. I can however see it becoming a movie.

Norwegian Wood CH 7-8 (RAL)

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Of course there will be spoilers. I'm reading this slooooowwwly. With people. Forewarned.

Okay, really? I mean...reeeeaaaaalllly? I'm having a total wtf-ery kinda moment with this here book.

.
.
.
Seriously.
I just don't know where to begin you guys. I don't know if it's because I'm reading the book in stunted intervals that's making me quasi-wanna-pull-my-hair-out or if it's just an overall: hey book, it's not YOU; it's me. Because I'm just not getting it.

Separately I like (most of) the characters. If each one were to tell their story and they happened to not know each other, it might be significantly better because there are plenty of moments where I'm reading and Mr. Murakami makes an observation about Life or Humanity or Relationships and I want to *fist pump* and shout you go Mr. Writer.

BUT THEN I'm suppose to wrap my head around the fact that this guy, Toru, loses his best friend to a suicide...his best friend's girlfriend who he's into ends up in a sanitarium...his other female interest (even if a bit causal) is equally broken and cray-cray...his bro is a narcissistic ass who breaks HIS girlfriend's heart that SHE eventually offs herself as well.

I don't really know what else to say. This novel is putting me in a funk and I have no idea how it is going to end.

TSS - Looking for Lurve

2012-01-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

Man I hit Happy Hour on Friday night in celebration of the half way point of the school year, which meant that yesterday was spent being slightly out of it and ruining my healthy-eating stint. (What is it about the hard core fatty food cravings after an evening of drinks?)

Today I'm catching up on all of my loves - reading, DVR'd shows, and lesson plans.(1) I'm really looking forward to the reading. For some reason or the other I had been super exhausted and sleeping ten-hour nights.

I have been craving some romance reads. Which is where YOU GUYS come in. Give me suggestions folks. I want to read some stories about luuurve. Just you know, minus the quivering loins. NOT that there's anything wrong with a bit of s3xyness, but I don't want it to be over the top Harlequin style.

Finally before I peace out and get some grocery shopping done (don't be jealous). I want to give another shout out about February's Roots Readalong. Sign up here. So far we have a solid group of five!

Nevermore

2012-01-19T07:15:00.000-05:00

Title: Nevermore
Author: Kelly Creagh
Pages: 560
Pub: 2010; Antheneum Books
Genre: Young Adult; Paranormal; Series

Yeeeeeaaaah! *fist pump* Man oh man I love this book so much I could eat it. For realz guys, it is that fantastical. Because there's this dreamy hawt goth *swoon* and this kinda fleshed out cheerleader and -

-and
-AND
Edgar freak-Allan-en Poe!

Lemme tell you how all three mix together.

Cheerleader Isobel gets paired up with Goth Boy Varen in their English class and they have to research an American author, write a report, and present. Isobel is not too thrilled with the choice, and quite honestly, neither is Varen. It's quickly decided that they will do their project on Poe.

Well, Isobel's brute of a boyfriend is not happy about the pairing. At. All. In fact, he gets all Neanderthal on Varen. There's loads of popularity drama that involves the cheerleaders and the football players. I could imagine it becoming a WB series.

So, Isobel was a pretty okay character, but let me tell you about Varen! He is somber and introverted and depressed and seriously has some family issues. But he doesn't tell us that, fortunately. but we experience it. It's like we are in the dark like Isobel wondering what Varen's problem is and we only get snapshots. What's that? A character that stays in character? True form? Incredible.

And because Varen is in this twisted place and has a lot in common with Poe, he sorta bonds with him.

This is where the plot gets a bit on the paranormal side, but it's done more like a mystery ghost story than vampires or werewolves entering the scene. Varen becomes enchanted with the dark world, including demons. Isobel, at this point is all in lurve, so she's trying to protect him. There's a mixture of what is reality and who are the demons and good vs. evil AND IT'S ALL CENTERED AROUND POE.

Did I mention the Poe aspect? There are quotes and fragmented pieces of his life story and poems and excerpts from stories and if you are anything like me, you want to run with it and race out and get a dense biography of the man to find out more.

Also, what I totally dig is Isobel's endurance. She leaves a pretty abusive relationship and then goes off to save the day. You know, save Varen. Sure, sure, I'm not too big on the whole strong-willed girl wants to prove to a guy that life is worth living because I think that's a fantasy that teen girls can easily fall into and not all guys are going to be as awesome as Varen BUT I do like that scenario a lot more than the girl getting rescued all the time. As if that plot hasn't been overdone.

Now my biggest struggle? The second in the trilogy won't be out for like FOREVER. What the what?! How am I even going to survive that.

Finally, since I've gushed so much, let me be honest about one tiny aspect that sorta got me on a downer. The very last part of the book is con.fu.sing. Part of it, I admit, is my own darn fault. I couldn't get enough of the book and stayed up waaaaaayyyy too late, eyes pinned open by my hands (which is good cuz it shows you how much I wanted to finish it right?) BUT it was so uber confusing. The worlds sorta collide and it's hard to differentiate what is real and what isn't and even what's going on.

*shrug* But oh so worth it. Run run run. Get this book.

RAL - Norwegian Wood (5-6)

2012-01-17T08:12:00.000-05:00

SPOILERS ALERT !! SPOILERS ALERT !! SPOILERS ALERT !!

YOU GUYS, I am befuddled. I am at a crossroad. I am STILL staring at this book trying to find a way to write this post even though I read the chapters yesterday.

Naoka finally contacts the forlorn Toru in this extensive letter where she claims she is healthy enough for human contact and HE was the one that immediately she wanted to talk to. And also, about that time we got it on, we'll have to talk about that because I really do need to explain why I had a nervous breakdown. She then invites him to her sanctuary, the sanitarium. Toru quickly obliges and makes arrangements to travel the distance to see her.

Upon arrival at sanitarium, he is introduced to a doctor, who isn't really a doctor, but really Naoka's roommate - Reiko. Reiko embraces Toru and catches him up to speed on how things are done.

Naoka and Toru meet and there's conversations, nervous breakdowns, and some sexytimes. All in all, not the poster child for a healthy relationship.

I'm still on the fence with Naoka. Her craziness is subtle (except when she's having a nervous breakdown). But what owned these chapters were Reiko. Man, that lady kicked some major arse. I loved her this-is-the-way-it-is mentality and teasing. She almost seems normal, you know. Until you find out she's been there for seven years with no ambition to leave.

So on with the insights, awkward as they might be.

First, what is up with this codependent relationship that Toru has with Naoka? (And possible his buddy who offed himself?) I mean, you know it's pretty obvious when Naoka points out that he consistently finds the deformed and embraces them in his life. When your wannabe GF calls you out on it and you're all like, "what, what are you talking about?" maybe you should examine yourself. I mean, let's face it...Toru has some issues, clearly, on his own. I mentioned in last Tuesday's commentary that he manages to interact with Life, but only in the sense of Other. I feel like I should rephrase that...because you're not really interacting if you're not feeling anything and the only time it seems like we see any emotion is with Naoka. Or in these chapters, Reiko.

And speaking of Reiko. . . man, was anyone else amazed at her story? I absolutely friggin' love how she answers the question of being a lesbian with a "yes and no". It's not always clear people. Murakami makes a wonderful point using this character that her strong emotions for females is not universal, but specific, and that she's pretty okay with an abstinent lifestyle. So what do you think? Do you think she's committed herself because she had a lesbian experience or because her neighbors found out she'd been in the crazy house a couple of times prior? I mean, yes, I know, I know that she had a breakdown which led her to the sanatorium, but what brought on that breakdown...

I have to admit that I had to continuously remind myself that this story was written in the 1960's. And it opens in present-day, 1960-1970's-ish which means that when Toru visits with this two ladies, let's delete a couple of decades. Man, I know in the US us women-folk were under some crazy restraints (remember your women's history class? hysteria? The Yellow Wallpaper? Oh, what you have strong emotions, you need some bedrest!)

I reread the back of my copy again yesterday and noticed that Norwegian Wood is considered a "coming of age" tale. I'm unsure if I agree with this. We're about half way through the book and I don't really see any character progression. I'm gonna assume it's there since, when the novel opens, we meet Toru in his late forties (was it?)

I also thought it was interesting that Naoka believes that her unhappiness is something she owes the world because her childhood was so innocent and easy. It's an interesting idea, that the universe asks for retribution for life of ease.

Oh and one final thought...the commentary that the lines of patient and doctor blurs is perhaps my favorite insight from the author in these chapters. I love that it's pointed out that just because the doctor's, in our society, are considered experts, in reality, they're really not. They have their own deformities just like everyone. Whilst in graduate school, that was the major reason for my fondness of Narrative Therapy. I had a wonderful supervisor who believed that experts didn't exit and even the "sickest" clients (and please understand that I'm speaking about mental illness NOT forms of psychosis, or personality disorders) were the true experts in their own lives. As a therapist, our job was to solely guide them to finding a comfortable foundation for them. The fact that the patients teach the doctors and vice versa was very astute of Murakami.

Until next time, cheers!

Roots Readalong (Feb)

2012-01-16T11:18:00.000-05:00

Okay folks, I admit it...when I posted last week about doing a Roots Readalong, it was one of those hey this would be really cool for February and I've had this book and I've wanted to read it so why not make it a PROJECT and invite others to join. Mind you, I didn't really wrap my head around the ginormous size of this book. (Mine sits at 729 pages). Sure, I've read larger books (once again I'm looking at you Ayn Rand) but I can't for the life of me remember if I've read them on such a restricted schedule. (Allie- I think I blocked out last January, heh).

But I'm determined.

If you actually go to the book's website Roots The Book, they refer to it as "the book that changed America". The book sold over one million copies in the first year (1976) and caused such a political, racial, and social uprising it's effect was compared to the release of Uncle Tom's Cabin.

I admit my ignorance. I only know that this book tells the story of one young boy, captured and sold into slavery, and his future descendants until present day.

After looking for some more information, I did find out that there was a plagiarism suit in which Haley admits that he did copy some excerpts from The African by Harold Courlander, which seems to be out of print.

The Dates

Feb. 1st - Let the reading begin
Feb. 8th - Chapters 1 - 30
Feb. 15th Chapters 31 - 60
Feb. 22nd Chapters 61 - 90
Feb. 29th Chapters 91 - 120

Sign up in the comments section because I suck at using Mister Linky so we can visit each others' post on the scheduled days. Before February, I'll link your blog on the my side bar under the participants list.

TSS - Shorty

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! I've been sorta lethargic in the blogging world this week (my GReader is up to 300+ posts). I've done a lot of talking this week IRL so I guess I can't wrap my head around talking in the blogosphere.

So, I'm looking forward to watching the awards show tonite. I love me some awards.

Also, I've caved and am now on Pinterest. ReadingThruNite (just like my twitter handle). Are you there? Leave a comment to let me know. I'm lovin' the recipes that I'm finding.

Also^2, There's been some interest in the Roots Readalong, so I'm going to post a schedule and sign up post this week sometime. Please join. I know it's a chunkster but I've heard so many wonderful things about it.

Cheers.

Norwegian Wood (1-4)

2012-01-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

!!SPOILERS MIGHT OCCUR!!

Howdee folks! I'm like the lil' engine that could, steadily moving along with this ole' readalong. I must say, I can definitely see why Mr. Murakami has a steadfast following. His writing is exquisite. Truly stunning. And I realize that this is a translation and most translations are never as lovely as the original voice, which leads me to believe that this man must be a GENIUS when it comes to writing in his native tongue.

I wasn't expecting the story to volley back and forth between Experience and Time Periods as often as it does, though. I cannot tell if it's because of this that I have yet to connect with anyone, or if it's because of the translation? Our narrator opens having a quasi-emotional-panic attack on a plan and he's about forty something? This leads to flashback. Of his childhood and of his college years.

Watanabe, our main guy, has an emotional break whilst remembering the suicide of his childhood friend, Kizuki. Kizuki left behind an awkward emptiness in the friendship between Watanabe and Naoka (Kizuki's girlfriend). I suppose what we're observing is the effect of this suicide on both Watnabe and Naoka, as each are emotionally stunted.

Naoka is in emotional turmoil, withdrawn form Life. Watnabe is also withdrawn, but still interacts with Life. We spend more time with Watnabe as the narrative is told from his point of view. After his Big Moment with Naoka (1), he ends upchillin' in a dorm, not really caring one way or another what happens, but seems to be going through the motions of Life. Sure, he's still hanging out with this interesting cat named Nagasawa who is a Big Cheese on campus. Those two will go hit the bars looking for one-night stands. I like that Naoka feels a bit dirty after these escapades. It shows he's looking for something but maybe hasn't identified it yet.

And maybe that's the premise of this novel: the quest for something when you don't believe in anything.

There's some beautiful passages though. I've definitely tagged a handful:

"There was only one thing for me to do when I started my new life in the dorm: stop taking everything so seriously; establish a proper distance between myself and everything else. Forget about green-felt pool tables and red N-360's and white flowers on school desks; about smoke rishing from tall crematorium smokestacks, and chunky paperweights in poice interrorgation rooms. It seemed to work at first, I tried hard to forget, but there remained inside me a vague knot-of-air-kind of thing. And as time went by, the knot began to take on a clear and simple form, a form that I am able toput into words, like this:

Death exists, not as the opposite but as a part of life." (25)

- Death is feared by most. Can I say most? Are there people who truly don't fear death? After all, there must be a difference between accepting death and not fearing it, yes? Murakami nailed Death perfectly. Don't we think of it as an Other. An end? An extended existence that leads to non-existence. The moment we begin breath we head toward death, but does that mean it's an end. And also, is Murakami implying here that Nothing is the opposite of Life, if Death isn't?

"The better I got to know Nagasawa, the stranger he seemed. I had met a lot of strange people in my day, but none as strange as Nagasawa. He was a far more voracious reader than I, but he made it a rule never to touch a book by a ny author who had not been dead at least thirty years. "That's the only kind of book I can trust," he said.

"It's not that I don't believe in contemporary literature," he added, "but I don't want to waste valuable time reading any book that has not had the baptism of time. Life is too short." (30)

- Isn't that a brilliant way of referring to aged literature? Warm squishy feelings activated. And it gets better!!!

"That's why I read them. If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking. That's the world of hicks and slobs. Real people would be ashamed of themselves doing that. Haven't you noticed, Watanabe? You and I are the only real ones in the dorm. The other guys are crap." (31)

- Okay, although I think it's an easy pretentious slope to begin thinking one is better than others based on what one reads, I do like the ultimate point that Nagasawa is making which is if everyone is reading the same drivel then there are no new thoughts. We should be inspired to read what hasn't been read. Because there IS a difference between reading Twilight(2) and reading Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain (3).

"That's the kind of death that frightens me. The shadow of death slowly, slowly eats away at teh region of life, and before you know it everything's dark and you can't see, and the people around you think of you as more dead than alive. I hate that. I couldn't stand it." (77)

- Once again, Isolation and Otherness told in such lyrical prose. Man, I wish I could read this is its native language. Is it Death frightens us or is it Non-Existence. Do we consider the difference?

__________
(1) If you've read this far then you REALLY don't care about spoilers. For the sake of my memory lacking years from now with this review, they did it.
(2) Poor Stephanie Meyer, why do we always pick on you? Because you're sparkly of course!
(3) I seriously want to read The Magic Mountain. Has anyone read it? It seems as if it's the-go-to-book for look at me, i'm all brilliant and a smarypants. Why why why?

52 Small Changes

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

Title: 52 Small Changes
Author: Brett Blumenthal
Pub: Amazon Encore; 2011
Pages: 360
Genre: Non Fiction, Self Improvement, Health & Fitness
Etc: Received from publisher. Thanks!

I'm a sufferer from self-improvement, which means, if there's a magazine article I can read or a book to skim that gives me tiny tidbits of this will HELP facts, I'm sold. Seriously. I will randomly text friends with little lessons like: put lotion on your legs before you shower to secure the moisture and prevent drying. Amongst other gems, of course.

Soooo, when I was contacted to review this book I jumped up and down. Sorta. Mentally at least. What makes this book a product unlike other self-improvement books that stock the shelves at the beginning of the year? This book is all about the process.

Which I can dig. Respect the process.

Each "chapter" is a small change that you can make in your life to improve it. It's not an all-of-a-sudden-fix-it. It's sorta like, brush your teeth with your opposite hand to create new brain patterns (1), kinda book. But there's more DETAIL. Like, each "chapter" gets a couple of pages showing the how-to (if necessary) and the why.

I love that the first change for the first week was WATER. Drink up man. We forget how dehydrated we are. How many times have I felt fatigue and it immediately subsides after I have a nice cold glass of water. Sure, it's not always the cure. Nothing is. But most of the time it helps. The first week reinforced one of my new year's resolutions....to always have a water bottle with me. At. All. Times.

This week's self-improvement goal is to get your sleep. Man, I need this reminder. I've been beyond exhausted this weekend. In fact yesterday, D and I were suppose to go to see the newest Sherlock Holmes, but I ended up taking a nap. Then upon waking up from nap, I was groggy, thus went to bed a few short hours later.

Bottom line, it's the beginning of the year and we can all include some small (reasonable) changes. A book of change indeed.

TSS Readalong anyone?

2012-01-08T09:45:00.004-05:00

'Ello folks! How goes it on this sunny Sunday morning? Us Floridians had a cool front come in earlier this week, which means, essentially, we had NO IDEA what to do with ourselves. Ice on the grass? Frost on the window? Pull out the mittens, pull out the boots, where in the world is my winter coat. My students asked if I was leaving class to go skiing. But MAN the heater wasn't TRULY working in my classroom. If I can blow smoke and I'm NOT smoking we might have a problem, Houston.

But we survived. And now the weather is moving along to a content and peaceful 70 degrees. D is bummed because, since shoulder surgery, we haven't been able to take on these gorgeous days and kayak. Oh, and it was our four year anniversary. *yay* *hugs* *snuggles* We celebrated and I had a yummy gingerbread martini to DIE FOR.

So I've been thinking about tackling the book Roots for my main February read, you know, in respect to Black History Month. I saw the mini-series waaaaaaay back when I was a tyke of a kid. So I can't really remember anything. Does someone end up in jail? Or is that just my childish memory recreating scenes that didn't exist. Anyways, I'm committing to reading this for sure, but thought I'd put it out there if anyone else was into reading it and if so, I would be more organized and create a reading plan for a readalong. So leave a "me me me me" in the comments if your diggin' where I'm coming from and would like to tackle this beast as well.

As far as reading goes, I'm still reading strong w/ the Norwegian Wood readalong. Thoughts posted weekly on Tuesday. I also dove into The Mill on the Floss by George Elliot, even though in my head I constantly refer to it as The Floss on the Mill. *shrugs* I'm a lil' nutso sometimes. I generally don't care to much for children characters. You know, like, I have no desire to be a mom so the younguns just don't do it for me...but man, do I dig me some Maggie. She is one precocious tyke. Also, I wonder if I can make wench a term of endearment again. "Come here, ye ole' wench!" Yes?

Okay, I'm off to seek out a new place to workout since my instructor changed hours. Boo. Enjoy your day. And MerriHo, Once Upon a Time returns tonite, wench!

____
Oooh, and I'm making black-eyed peas...a week late for good luck, but it should still count right? RIGHT??

Saturday School - Introduction

2012-01-07T09:19:00.000-05:00

So I don't often speak specifically about my job. Obviously I deal with a lot of personal information that I would never want "out there", but this year especially has been a very frustrating and emotional one and I just need a PLACE to PUT THINGS. Mainly, these "things" will be more geared toward educational texts that I've been reading, but I'd like to relate them to my own personal experiences.

If you watched any of the afternoon talk shows, there was a good couple of weeks where they focused in on homelessness, pointing out that Orlando had the highest homeless population and the trend was only growing. Whereas our county only(1)has less than 2,000 identified homeless students, they imagine the number is closer to 10,000. My school is thereabout 90% free/reduced lunch; on my team alone, I know of ten students who are homeless. Some have the "luxury" of staying in motels. Others, not so much.

This has been a short week for me. Four days, coming back from holiday. In those four days, we got word of a gang fight in one of the complexes that left one student's life in jeopardy, with the word on the street of a retaliation. Two days later, another student's home caught on fire, destroying everything. Finally, I had a candid convo with another student because he wanted to find out consequences if he was caught stealing.

Let me be clear, outside of smack talk, the violence stays outside of school campus. It's mostly in the sketchy neighborhoods where people look the other way. BUT just because it is not in the hallways, does not mean it isn't a part of the students.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs tell us that the basic needs must be met before any other higher steps on the pyramid. Unfortunately, many of these basic needs are not in my power to assist in meeting. I can create a safe haven in my room for the forty-five minutes that the students are there. They also know I have an open door policy, and often use it. No matter how tough a kid might act, they are still a child. Even at fifteen, they emotionally are children.

I sit in meetings weekly where I am asked about formal assessments. What sort of growth has my lower 30% made? What type of formative assessment have I given? What type of remediation am I given? What is the next benchmark that I'm working on? How will I remediate?

Trying to find a balance, this year especially, has been a tough one.

________
(1) I say only rather tongue and cheek.

Amglish

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Amglish in, Like, Ten Easy Lessons
Author: Arthur E. Rowse
Pages: 236
Pub: 2011; Rowman & Littlefield
Genre: non fiction, linguistics
Etc: shout out to the peeps of NetGalley & publicist

"S I Hayakawa said: Slang is the poetry of everyday life." (50)

THIS BOOK totally caught my eye whilst browsing through NG a couple of months ago. Seriously. It was, like, written for ME to READ. Essentially, Amglish, is the head on collision of American slang (like.oh.my.god.) and Proper English. Uh hello?! Have you not heard me talk.

Okay, so you probably haven't and will just have to trust me on this. I might be the antithesis of Proper English teacher. I've been known to walk into my classroom and great the students with: what up my peeps. (They both laugh with me AND at me - *headshake* 7th graders). Also, if I have a side thought, I segue into it with a "BTW" in mini lectures.

Sure, sure, I know PROPER English. And I absolutely teach PROPER English. But I love language. I love how fluid language is. I love how words are only as powerful as we allow them to be. I love that POWER.

This book was a fantastic read. Rowse shares moments in educational history that sorta allowed for Amglish to grow. Like, when NCTE said hey let the kids write however they want to write; it's a form of expression. what they're saying is much more important than how they say it. Didja know that? I sure didn't. ["In 1974 that students have the right to speak and write virtually any way they want - whether in Spanglish, Ebonics, Valspeak, or Geekish - and teachers should respect that. (40)]

And how THEN there was this big COVER UP because guess what? When you allow students to write however they feel and turn it in as substance without knowing the basic rules that they're breaking it's impossible to get them to differentiate between proper and improper. ["the steady relaxation of formal language standards may have had an effect over the years on test results from the College Board's annual Scholastic Aptitude Test for verbal skills. But the Board has done its best to cover up the actual scores." (44) and "But the scores actually went down. The 2010 score does not show what happened in 1994, when the total had plummeted from 478 in 1963 to 419. At that point, the Board figured out how to make things look better. It added 80 points to the scores. It explained that the test needed to be 'recentered' to reflect a study indicating that the decline was largely due to an influx of poor blacks and Hispancis during those years." (45)]

But there's much more than that debate. Let's talk about dirty words. "Even the f-word, which used to be the best attention getter, seems to be fading. To describe a sunset with it, for example, is apparently no longer considered hilarious. And when Vice President Dick Cheney publicly told Senator Patrick Leahey of Vermont to "go f yourself", hardly anybody was surprised or shocked. (70)"

And you know, it's pretty true. Think about what's on the tele during prime time! Man, I know foul language doesn't offend me at all but the times are a'changin. There's no way some of these things would have been heard in 80's while I was growing up. Even the daytime game shows are risque. Have you seen Family Feud lately? Every episode I've seen on break made mention of sexytimes.

STILL there's more to this book than the above discussions. Let's talk about America(tm)...more specifically the English language and how we've taken over the world. And I'm only half playing here. There's a large portion devoted to what does the mixture of our language and other country's language look like. This was so much fun. For example: "Koreans also like to shorten long words in ways that even Americans themselves might envy. For example, an office-hotel complex boils down to officetel, a word processor becomes wo-pro, and a digital camera becomes di-ca. Koreans are especially clever at fabricating words with English letters such as skinship, which means physical contact between two or more people that is not necessarily sexual" (195)

Hmmmm....what else? The debate about Huck Finn? Yeah, that's mentioned: "but the comedy central's Stephen Colbert supported the idea of whitwashing American history and suggested that the job had only begun. "It's great to have the n-word out of Huckleberry Finn. Now get to work on the Moby D-word." (79)\

Finally, my last bit of coolness: "Whitman's love of slang led to a pioneering magazine article entitled 'Slang in America'" (77)

I cannot stress how brain fodder this book offered. I wished I was in college and this was a book used in a class. So many great discussions to be had.

Readalong - NW/HK

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I'm sitting here after having a savory bowl of beef stew. It's getting chilly outside (we're suppose to drop to the low 20's) and I'm debating on either brewing a cup of tea or sipping some hot cocoa. All of this indicates that this is a scheduled post. Because today(1) is the kick off for the Norwegian Wood readalong hosted by Reading Rambo.

If you've never read the book and are interested, you should definitely head over to the sign up page and then check out the dates. It's a relatively short book, so it can easily be added into anyone's schedule. Ahem.

S'okay, introductory post is to essentially come clean on what you know...about the author and the book. *scratching head* This should be pretty easy. I know VERY little about this man. Although I hear he's brilliant. I mean, come on, was there a book out there that was drooled over more in anticipation than 1Q84.

Let me fess up and tell ya about a very ignorant moment in my literary gap. Convos were taking place amongst fellow bloggers about Murakami and I was all like, oh yeah, I totally dug that book Never Let Me Go - it was ah-MAY-zing. Yuppers. Right country, wrong writer. Looks like I was actually referring to Ishiguro. Of course.

Now seeing as it's a new year, I'm all about learnin' new things. Let me just tell you...

_____
(1) of course I mean tomorrow now but when you read this it will be today!

Let the New Year Commence!

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Duuuude! It's 2012, and Mayans be damned, I'm going to read this year like it's truly my last year reading. Cue dramatic music and let me be serious. Because truthfully, don't we all try to read as much as we possibly can? No more, woe is me I haven't read nearly enough. Bahumbug I say. [And is it allowable to still say Bahumbug after Christmas?] I've found that I've come quite comfortable reading what I want when I want. Which is exactly what I did in 2011.

I thought about not having new year's resolutions, but that's just not me. I love all things list related and resolutions are the Most Loved List of them all.

*scratches head*

But folks, I'm still drawing a blank. So I thought I'd examine what resolutions I've made in the past three years.

Let's see....in 2009 which basically said I'm gonna read more non fiction, short stories, and fantasy.

In 2010, I wanted to read only from my bookshelves, re-read my favorite books, and get some poetry on.

Finally, last year, I revisited some of my previous resolutions. You know, read from my shelves again. BUT I also got creative and wanted to incorporate some bloggy resolutions, like use real pictures in my posts and participate in more readalongs.

Based on past new year's resolutions and Success, I haven't been all that consistent. I'm more of a drive by crosser-offer, if you will. This year I'm going to try to do something a bit more doable, therefore, ones that will give me warm fuzzies.

*drum roll please*

The Bookish

1. I would like to read every day for at least an hour, but realize that's not gonna always work. Since I obvs don't count grading my student work as reading I can already predict that there will be days where I won't want to read another word EVEN IF it's well written. Therefore, my goal will be to read for at least an hour five days out of the week. Seems fair. Reasonable. Attainable.

2. Read from my own freakin' shelves. Man, I'm counting on the TBR Double Dare for this one. I am not allowing myself any book purchases [1] until April 1st NOR library visits UNLESS the library visits are for school purposes.

3. One important lesson I learned this year is to TRY ON AUTHORS AND GENRES THAT I WOULDN'T NORMALLY READ. I cannot believe that I adored Lonesome Dove as much as I did. It gives me hope that there is more out there that I will adore if I just get past my squeamish resistance there's a whole world out there. THEREFORE, I plan on reading at least five books out of my comfort zone. This should be doable since I'm hosting the March Mystery Madness Month! (Please join in on the fun and help me explore the genre that I have no clue about!)

One The Personal

This will be the first year that I post personal goals on the blog. But I figure what the heck, right? It's my party and I can do what I want to. Heh. These goals are going to be pretty basic, but still detrimental to a good 2012.

1. Have a water bottle with me wherever I go. This should be SO doable. I generally keep a book with me in my purse, so throwing in a water bottle is just as easy.

2. Seriously keep track of everything that I eat. It's the only way to stay healthy even if it's a big pain in the arse.

3. Make at least twelve new recipes this year. And take pictures. And blog about it.

4. Eventually eliminate diet coke from my diet. I'm not going to give a timeline, just sometime before the end of 2012.

Okay, there you have it. Let's see what 2012 brings.

Maybe

2011-12-30T13:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Maybe
Author: Brent Bunton
Pub: 2006; Alfred Knopf
Pages: 196
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

This book was a stumble upon at a Border's close-out sale and perhaps the best stumble I've ever made. In three syllables - Ah-May-Zing!

The narrator is a BOY. And it's not done in those hokey alternating passages where one can barely determine there's been a shift of character except now all of a sudden you're in someone else's head but with the same voice. Oy vey doesn't that bug others?! Nope this is a male narrator and it's RAW.

And often I was incredulous. Really, guys. Do you really think about sex on the first date?

Brian (said dude who thinks about sex and mostly acts like a punk but every now and again shows us that he's just angsty) is sixteen and is dealing with the loss of his older brother. Oh yeah, and he's at a new school.

The story isn't any different than other coming of age tales (yes, I did just use that term) but rather it's the PRESENTATION. Brian takes us through his day to day antics and thoughts, often random and fragmented and selfish. There's not really a beginning or an ending and there's not much of an AHA moment, although he does have a necessary breakdown.

It's just REAL. It's the REALIST teen book I've read in quite some time.

(Also, I don't think that this book has been read enough. I couldn't find anything out there. #shame)

New Girl

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Title: New Girl
Author: Paige Harbison
Pages: 304
Pub: 2012; Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult, Retelling
Etc: shout out to my peeps at netgalley!

You wanna know something funny folks? Sometimes I forget about the books that I choose to read. Call this a hazard to book addiction. Mostly I dig the forgetfulness. It's a win of both worlds - knowing that the book interests me AND being able to be surprised by it. New Girl fell into this winning category 'cuz about a third of the way through it I couldn't help but notice the similarity between it and Rebecca. I might as well have hit myself with a tree branch because after reading the synopsis on Net Galley shortly after finishing the book I couldn't help but expect it's nod to Rebecca was the reason why I requested it to begin with.

And man, did the book do it justice and there was truly only one gripe I had with the book. (Well, mostly one gripe. Only one gripe I'm going to gripe about here...) I could not buy in with how our leading lady makes way to the boarding school, Manderly. Cuz this is what you're suppose to buy in - our very own new girl desperately wanted to get into Manderly when she was 13 but didn't/couldn't go. Her parents, being the loving and doting rents that they are, remembers this dream and surprises her senior year with the GREAT NEWS - you're going to Manderly.

Yeah, like that wouldn't suck for anyone, right? But that's okay because it can't be that bad. Except it is because now New Girl has to live in Becca's shadow. Becca, the manipulative girl who disappeared one night after getting into an argument with her boyfriend Max and his best friend, Johnny. I should also mention that Becca disappeared during a party at the boathouse. *nudge* *nudge*

Also, you might wanna know why I continue to refer to the other girl as New Girl? Simply enough her name isn't revealed (another *nudge*) until the very end (which indeed changed this up some from the original Rebecca).

So let me discuss this book briefly under two different microscopes.

As a retelling of Rebecca, with the exception of the hey you're going to Manderly news, Harbison did a magnifique job. There were enough tellings in the novel that pointed in the direction of Rebecca without going completely mirrored copy of. Becca was a spiteful and manipulative little girl and Harbison did an amazing job crafting this villainous character. I don't think that there has ever been a teen character that I've despised as much as Becca. And this is even with knowing her whys and attempts at altruism. And clearly, I mean attempts with a shrug.

Second microscope - New Girl as a novel standing on its own from the point of view of not ever reading Rebecca. It's still well-done. *applause* The pacing is perfect. I mean, like, I woke up at 4am to feed the cats (don't ask) I found myself stealing in a couple of chapters before I feel back asleep. Coming from someone who is NOT a morning person, that within itself speaks volumes. I'd stress that what really intrigued me the most about the book is Becca's character. New Girl held her own, mind you, but I don't know any seventeen year old that strong to go against a whole school who obviously doesn't want you there.

I don't think that this was suppose to be a deep novel though. Instead, it relies on being intense and driven. Which is perfectly fine. Plus, big bonus - there was no love triangle.

[Irrlevant side note - I'm not the least bit impressed with the cover. I don't find it fitting at. all.]

Book will be coming out the end of January. Definitely check it out for a fast-paced Friday night read.

The Best of 2011

2011-12-29T14:38:00.001-05:00

Forbidden - I cannot stress how amazing this book was considering it handled such a delicate subject like incest. The writing was incredible and it was such an emotional experience that left me heartbroken.

Before I Fall - This book surprised me. I expected a somewhat fluffy-sympathetic-and-endearing sorta YA read. Instead it was (dare I say) heartfelt and engrossing. Sure, there were remnants of Groundhog Day but ultimately I couldn't believe that growth that the main character went through. The character development itself made this an astounding read.

Ceremony - I had no idea what to expect with this contemporary classic. Surely the cover of my copy did not pull me BUT wow-oh-wow-wonderful. One of the reasons why literature is important to read, imo, is simply because it allows us to experience things that we never would be able to. I'll never know what it means to be native american and I'm ashamed that I have read little of the culture. Ceremony is beautiful and harrowing.

Reading Women by Stephanie Staal - I am incredibly thankful that I got this book from LibraryThing's Early Review program because I don't know if I would have found it any other way. It was released this year and didn't seem to make much a hit in the blogosphere. Why people, why?! Such an journey in feminist writings. Rush out. Read it.

Rebecca - *sigh* Is there really anything left unsaid about this gothic gem? I only hope that the more that I read of this author the more I'll enjoy.

Lonesome Dove - Freakin' epic western that left my heart pitter-pattering for me. Lucky me there are a couple more books out there that follow the travels of our gang of cowboys. Who knew that I would fall for their spirit as quickly as I did.

Sense and Sensibility - It's Jane Austen. There will always be a Jane on my list, I'm afraid.

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth - Another read thanks to LT's early review program. At least now I'm on the look out for both of these authors. This one is a societal study in how we judge others and our cliquish ways. Most impressive is Robbins includes adults as well. So true, so true.

Without Tess - Such a realistic portrayal of mental illness and how it affects the family. It's a short read but will leave you emotionally exhausted.

The Color Purple - if you think that the film was incredible and heart wrenching and fitful and breathtaking and in-your-face-kick-ass, then the book will exceed all of that.

End of the Year Survey

2011-12-28T07:30:00.000-05:00

Canya believe that it's the end of 2011?! Wowzers! I had hoped to post all of my reviews of books read in this year by the end of the year, but I don't see that happening. *le sigh* One of these days.

Nonetheless, let the reflection begin!

Best Book You Read in 2011?

I'm going to cheat because there are so many books that I loved dearly this year and they are all so different from one and another that I cannot fairly compare them side by side. THEREFORE *snicker*, I will be posting a Best Of list within the next day or so. *squee* Don't you just love all of these LISTS at the end of the year?!

Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

*sigh* I had some downers this year, for sure. The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer had the best promise in literary fiction but dulled my brain cells. Also, Blood Magic tempted me with its brilliant cover and promise of new young adult paranormal. #nottrue But the ONE book that EVERYONE seemed to love EXCEPT me, hands down, was Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I don't know if my reaction specifically occurred because of the hype or if I would have been disappointed in the (lack of ) plot anyways.

Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

This is a toss up, once again because the two genres are so different. Lonesome Dove by Larry McCurty. Ah-MAY-zing. Seriously. I NEVER would have read it, 'cept James had a western readalong that I convinced myself in completing. Admittedly, when I chose Lonesome Dove I had no idea that it was the massive tomb that it was. Still, one of the best decisions ever. The second book is definitely Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma. If anyone told me at the beginning of 2011 that I would read a book whose premise is incestual love, I'd say bah! So. Well. Done. #heartbreaking

Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

This might make me a very bad book blogger and reader, but I hardly ever recommend books. *shrug* There's just not a lot of people that I know in my little corner of the world who read. That's why I created this place.

Best series you discovered in 2011?

It's not a series, but a trilogy. Still, I'm counting it. I also did not write or post a review for this, which is shameful. But I DEVOURED the Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study Trilogy by Maria Snyder. I absolutely freakin' loved the world that Snyder created. Oh and the characters! Yelena is this impossible and kickass female who doesn't allow anyone to really dictate her life. She makes mistakes and she discovers her past and makes decisions on her future, but they're HER mistakes. Also, there's no love triangle. Yay for the small things, huh?

Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

There are just way too many for me to list. I tend to read new authors all the time.

Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Once again this goes to Lonesome Dove by Larry McCurty. This book grabbed me by my pigtails and didn't put me safely down again until I was in tears because the characters become so real.

Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

Prolly Nevermore by Kelly Creagh. I just couldn't get enough of the Poe tie-ins.

Book you most anticipated in 2011?

They weren't published in 2011, but I definitely was anxious to finally read Woman in White by Wilkie Collins and Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. I'd actually like to read more of both Collins an DuMaurier in 2012.

Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

The book that I thought had the most gorgeous cover I HATED. Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison.

Most memorable character in 2011?

Memorable character only because of the repetition and reputation. Who is John Galt you say? I'm probably one of the few who do not buy into Rand's philosophy but still enjoyed Atlas Shrugged greatly.

Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

This is a tie between The Color Purple by Alice Walker and Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?

The book was read early on: Reading Women How the Great Books of Feminism Changed My Life by Stephanie Staal. I found that most of the books that Staal revisited were books that were required reading for my undergrad. It was interesting to skim through the ideas that shaped my early twenties AND see someone else reminiscent as well.

Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?

Uh, I'm looking back at you: Ceremony, The Color Purple, Woman in White, Rebecca.

Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?

There's actually not a book in 2011 that I plan on rereading, although there are some rereads that I'm looking forward to in 2012. One in particular is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Um, hello?! Did you miss me mentioning incest? I REALLY REALLY wished I had someone to discuss Forbidden with!

[I've deleted the q's about book blogging and have added this one instead] Things most realized in your 2011 reading?

Okay guys! I'm coming clean. I've tried and tried and I've read six of his books so I'm GIVING UP. *taking a deep breath* I DO NOT LIKE CHARLES DICKENS. There. I said it. Great Expectations did it in. It was so anti-climatic. (Even though Miss Havisham is perhaps the most detestable character I've ever known). I also could not finish Oliver Twist. Sorry. Dickens, please forgive me. I want to love you. Truly. But we're at odds. My b.

Looking Ahead....

One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

*looking at my daunting and overflowing bookshelves* I can't answer this for fear the other gazillion books will come after me whilst I sleep. Luckily we have the TBR Double Dare to look forward to, eh?

Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

There are so many young adult books out there that I want to read in 2012, but the one that I'm looking forward to the most is Amy Plum's second in the Die for Me series.

One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

I really like that I sorta threw everything out the window this year and read for me. So sure, it ended up being a bit more young adult than what I would read in a normal year and there were times when I felt as though I was turning into a YA blogger (I'm not) but man it was LIBERATING. I still plan to allow for those freedoms, but I do want to go back to my other overlooked genres. PLUS there's my March Mystery Madness which I'm excited about. I know NOTHING about mysteries. Cannot wait to see what's out there. Drop me some hints. :)

Want To Go Private

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Want To Go Private
Author: Sarah Darer Littman
Pub: 2011; Scholastic
Pages: 406
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

This is Such A Horrific Book and it has #nightmare written all over it. If this was a movie I would be watching it with my hands covering my eyes, peeking through for broken images. Since all of the visualizations were in my head and I couldn't visualize a pair of hands to cover up the horrid pictures, I spent most of the book biting my bottom lip.

Hands down I would not want to be a kid in today's technological era. Nor would I want to be a parent when there are so many ways for predators to reach out. And THIS BOOK takes those fears and makes them real.

Abby is fourteen and she's starting her freshman year in high school, but she's a bit of a wallflower while her best friend from forever ago is a bit more open to possibility. Because of this Abby feels lost and alone forming a friendship with this twenty something online who totally gets her.

And it's so obvious she wants a connection. Luke gets that. He works with it.

But goodnight there are moments in this book where I wanting to grab a hold of Abby and shake her. It's absolutely scary how easily kids can fall for these creepers. I remember what it was like to think that you're in love while in reality having no idea what that really means. And it's that kind of naivete that led Abby to make some really outrageously and heartbreaking decisions.

This is a book that I think EVERY PARENT AND CHILD should read together.

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
Author: Laurie Viera Rigler
Pages: 304
Pub: 2008; Plume
Genre: Historical Fiction, Jane Austen

Courtney should be in Los Angeles nursing a hangover and a broken heart. She recently found out her fiance was shacking up elsewhere and her trusted friend, Sam, knew about it. Usually when life shoves her face in the mud, she curls up with a good ole Jane Austen book. But this time, it just doesn't seem enough. Which is probably why she wakes up in Austen-era.

ILY, book of Victorian England. You are fantabulous. Seriously. Like there were so many cool elements that I read you in almost one sitting. I love that you kept it real and Courtney aka Jane Mansfield has to use a chamber pot. And I love that you talk about the stank of unwashed bodies. And sure we might understand what impropriety means in this abstract way, but having a contemporary woman who wants to shout Paglia rhetoric at the family dinner only to be met with a wave of blushing and embarrassment because dear gawd she only allowed him to touch her ungloved hand is righteous man. (1)

And I have to admit, folks, I still hold endearance toward the regency era. I can't help loving all of that PROPERness. Quite possibly because I am so IMPROPER. But that's another story for another day.

To continue on, not only does this book encapsulate my love of all things Victorian but it sends a firm nod to the time is non-linear and quite possibly interchangeable. Holla! Raise the roof! And all sorts of exclamations be had. So this becomes a tale of time travel except it's not because Courtney only traveled to Victorian England and both her and Jane Mansfield encompass the same body but the question is...are they separate individuals or one and the same? This much isn't answered, only implied, and I think the implications are purely based on how you want to read it.

Also, I haven't even mentioned Mr. Edgeworth who is worthy for any leading man role. It's a lovely 18th century romance and it is sure to make anyone happy.

Was this ever a film?

______
(1) events taken out of order but you dig, right?

Jane Austen Ruined My Life

2011-12-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Jane Austen Ruined My Life
Author: Beth Pattilo
Pages: 270
Pub: 2009; Guidepost Books
Genre: Jane Austen, Fiction, Contemporary

It seems as though this novel receives mixed reviews from the I-love-Jane-Austen-and-no-author-is-more-of-a-rockstar-community. The biggest complaint seems to fall along the lines of how can you blame jane austen for ANYTHING, much less ruining your life?! Which, I find to be pretty pathetic. Obvs this book is tongue in cheek with the blame game. I mean, COME ON, look at the freakin' cover. I love the melodramatic Victorian back-hand to forehead snapshot. How many times have I done THAT to anyone who would glance my way when I felt put off or mishandled by Life. So, yeah, that argument for hating this book blows.

Now, the other point, which is TOTALLY valid and I'm going to assume IN TRUTH since I have yet read the book is there evidently is an error in the book when main leading lady, Emma, refers to a home and its occupants from Mansfield Park but got the names wrong. I personally have yet to read Mansfield Park, so I don't know if this is valid or not. IF there is merit, then boo on the lack of editorial skills.

But, let's move onto the fun stuff - the actual book!

It was fanciful and fun and totally and completely put me in the Austen mood. Emma is an English professor who has lost everything - her hubs to a TA, her position at the university, and most importantly, her credibility. Believing that there is nothing left she plunges forward to pursue a hunch that there's this old(ish) woman in England who holds the secrets to Austen's life. Meaning . . . she has hidden away a treasure of authentic Austen letters. Emma believes this is her one and only opportunity to bring back her good name. Secure the letters and publish, publish, publish.

Foregoing the easy way back into university graces, Emma has a few problems with this endeavor. Firstly, her estranged and very handsome best friend, Adam, is also staying at her cousin's flat. Secondly, Mrs. Parrott, the key to Austen's secrets, decide to send Emma on a wild Jane hunt. Thirdly, have I mentioned that it's an inconvenience that Adam is always around?

Good times to be had as we tour the townside with Emma as she visits some of Austen's haunts. There is an unfolding mystery that supposes who Austen was in love with, and while the author absolutely states in her afterward that she took liberties in this indulgence, I fell for it hook and line. It was absolutely romantic and realistic. Which rarely happens.

And speaking of romantic and realistic? Uh, hello! The ending. Truly the ending is what caused this little book to move from a three-star-er to a four star shout out. Sure, I'm an optimistic and want the world to end in happily ever afters. But I'm also a realist and get giggly when things end happily but perhaps not ever after. Intrigued are you? This book will only take a couple of hours to read. Go for it.

TSS - Winter Hybernation

2011-12-18T11:53:00.000-05:00

Holy smokes folks! If you read yesterday's This and That post, you might understand my anguish.

Longest. Weeks. Evar!

Needless to say I have slept so much these past couple of days. And read! I've finished two books and I'm totally languishing in the opportunity to not only read whatever I want, but whenever I want.

I have tons of back reviews that will get published over the next couple of weeks because I'm anal and would like all of the books I've read and reviewed in 2011 be published in 2011.

I'm also in the middle of moving (most of) my reviews from this blog over to GoodReads. I'm not leaving the blogging world but like knowing that I'm elsewhere. Find me. Friend me. At times, I'm more active there than in the blogging world because the interaction and commenting flows more smoothly.

Also, don't forget to sign up for Ready When You Are, CB's TBR Double Dare. I've sorta been having a hand at it already and reading from my overstocked shelves. I ease temptation by adding everything I want to my wishlist and will present myself with a winning box of books at the end of the dare.

Aaaaand, I've still been participating in my own homage to Advent with Austen. I haven't read a true Austen book (I'm saving one of the three I have left of hers for Christmas weekend). But I have read this two and will post about them in the next couple of days.

And, a book that is not Austen related but was especially fun and worthy of my time:

Finally, I quickly finished New Girl by Paige Harbison (a retelling of Rebecca).

Saturday's This and That

2011-12-17T12:10:00.001-05:00

Lordy, thank the stars that I've so many rough drafts in my bank or this blog would be crickets. Things have been THAT crazy and EMOTIONAL and somewhat AWFUL these past couple of weeks. Most of which I can't go into detail about because it's work related and there's obvs privacy issues, but MAN, there has never been a year so far in my teachery career where I had the most near nervous breakdowns. And dude, in all honesty, I'm already mediated for anxiety.

Some highlights I can talk about though:

* Everyone with kids or working with kids has an opinion about standardized tests. [My opinion, they cannot and should not be the end all be all]. Well, there's was this educational board member who took a state test and failed it. A week later he came out of hiding, so to speak. Holla to one of Florida's own.

* I'm over petty people. There was a big hoopha at work because some colleagues wanted to bring their children to our holiday party. Um, like out of the blue. The week of the event. And here's the thing, I'm not opposed to others having kids, but if we're going out and there's a bar and it's a night...why would you want your kids there? Biggest pet peeve? These are the type of people who would complain but would never step up and do something about it. Y'know, like we suggested they put together a family fun day picnic at a park where we all show up and it's potluck. Yeah, that's not gonna happen. #ihateslackers

* Di had shoulder surgery. I may or may not be the worst nurse ever. We'll see how it goes when I have to clean wound tomorrow.

* This weekend begins winter holiday for me. Two weeks off. I plan on doing as little as possible and as much relaxation as a girl can muster.

* But who am I kidding, I also brought home a bag of papers to grade, have committed myself to make two flyers and five video commercials. #ilovemystudents

*Corki seems to be a miracle kitty. He still has the ginormous tumor on his pancreas, but appears to be in some form of remission. Looks like he'll make it through the holidays, as he's still his spunky self.

* My jazzercise instructor is no longer instructing in my area. *hiss* *boo* So I'm scouting a new workout regime. I can't do it at home because I'm just not that motivated. I was the same way when it came to studying in college. I spent many-a-hours at Chez Denny's downing bad coffee and reading literary texts.

*I pretty much have not done anything for christmas. I'm not religious in the least and once I reached a certain age, holidays were not a big deal in my very small at most five-person and at least two-person family. The added work stress has made me somewhat Bahumbug.

Cinder

2011-12-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Cinder (Book One in the Lunar Chronicles)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 400
Pub: 2012; Macmillian Children's
Genre: Young Adult; Science Fiction; Retelling; Series
Etc.: Props up to NetGalley. Huzzah.

Sokay, the world is filled with fairy tale retellings, right? Right. And it seems as though there's just nowhere else authors can take us, so why even bother. Another right? [. . . ] WRONG. Marrisa Meyer just might get the award for Most Creative Retelling.

Cinder, obvs from the title, is a retelling of Cinderella but THIS Cinderella is a CYBORG. Pretty darn fetching idea for a plot huh? And folks, I LIKED it. Moi! Missus I-don't-read-science-fiction-because-I-find-it-droll truly enjoyed Book One of the Lunar Chronicles. And against my desire to get attached to another series/trilogy, I'm hooked.

Here's the break down - Cinder is a cyborg living in this post-World War IV world where there's a disease (like bubonic plague) attacking the Commonwealth and the Earth is on constant guard against its enemy, the Lunars (from the moon).

Cinder is the town mechanic and lives with her evil step mother who has "custody" of her since her adopted father passed away. She also has two step sisters, Peony and Pearl. In many ways Cinder stays true to the tale Cinderella. There's an upcoming ball that she isn't allowed to attend and a dreamy prince, Kai, who she's quite smitten with. Oh and the lost glass slipper? You're gonna love the twist on that part of the tale.

The plot is quick. Even though it's pretty massive for a YA title, I read it in less than a weekend. I even found my heart racing during some portions of the story. Sure, there's this Big Secret that was easy to figure out right away but it didn't deter from the enjoyment or anticipation of how the other characters were going to figure it out.

The relationship between Cinder and Kai also moseys along. It's not this moment at the ball where everything slows down, their eyes meet, music hums in their ears, and so forth. Rather, they sorta become friends first. Kai slips into the market place because his trusted android needs repairs; Cinder ends up being the mechanic. Then, thru the nasty diseased plague, they come acquainted once again.

Now let me talk science fiction. In this story there's a certain pariah-vibe to cyborgs. This is portrayed in both how the stepmom treats Cinder, but also in the Commonwealth society. In attempts to find a cure for the plague, there's a cyborg draft. and a cyborg should feel honored to essentially donate their life to finding a cure for humans. Of course, my ignorance had to double check that cyborgs ARE humans, but with mechanical- or robotic-sensored parts. So, of course, there's the obvs comparison to our current society and judgments toward people that are viewed less than- (racism, sexism, homophobia - heh, I wanted to say homophobism). In fact, my brain immediately flashed to the history of the Tuskegee experiments.

BUT even more interesting...here I am thinking to myself how cool it would be to have this computer chip like thing in my head that alerts me when I have to much adrenaline going on in my system and to calm down. OR EVEN BETTER...if I needed information about ANYTHING I could just zap up an inside-my-brain-screen that answers my questions. (Sure, right now I can use my Siri on my IPhone 4S, but I can be stealth about it). I'm hoping that if this were to ever be a part of our society that we would treat it as the cool super hero strength that it is. Plug me in baby.

Now back to the story, Cinder ends on a perfect note. We get the Big Secret revealed partially and we know where book two will kinda take us. It closes in this nice partially end-all-be-all tale where sure there's going to be a continuation but I'm not going to be frustrated for the next x-amount of months to find out what happens next. I know I'm going to pick up Book Two and the plot will be a merit within its own right.

Cinder will be published in January of 2012. I highly encourage you to pre-order it or put it on your library's request list. Creative fast-paced good times to be had.

The Demon Lover

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Title: The Demon Lover
Author: Juliet Dark
Pub: 2011; Ballentine
Pages: 448
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Etc.: Thanks a bunches, NetGalley

Weeeellll....as you probably have noticed, I don't read a bunch of romance books. Especially HARDCORE throbbing romances. It's not that I look down at them (But okay, the covers, really? How can someone be taken seriously when there's a half nakked man on the cover with a girl and her breastesses all hanging out? Still, whavs...) So, I'm perusing through NetGalley and this cover caught my attention. PLUS I definitely love me some paranormal, so why not just branch out from my cubby hole (which seems to be nothing but YA lately) and look at what the big people read.

Um, yeah, heeellllooo nurse. Seriously. There's some nakedness going on all over the place. Which doesn't offend...but really? In the first part of the book with no build up? Sheesh. Holy moly. Can't I even get charmed into giving it up?

And I have a secret. Not sure it's much of a secret cuz you could most definitely google it, and it's a conundrum to me why an author would write under another name if it's going to get leaked out in the webosphere...BUT moving on.. Juliet Dark is really Carol Goodman who I love guys.

I was all in my pajamas laying on the couch doing a mental happy dance. Surely I was going to love this paranormal romance if one of my favoritest fiction writers wrote it, right?

Yeah. Not so much. I just didn't care. And it had so many of the elements of Goodman that makes me love her: boarding school, small town, literary mystery (like a real hey this person was a writer and died a tragic death and let's find out what really happened). Thrown into the mix? The townsfolk aren't who they say they are. Nope, instead it's like a David Lynch movie where that professor over there is also a demon, and that one over there? Yeah, vamp. But not one that sparkles.

Still. It didn't matter. Obvs based from the ending this is going to be a series, and although I can definitely get obsessive when it comes to series, this one will get my pass card.

Iron King

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Iron King

Author: Julie Kagawa

Pages: 368

Pub: 2010; Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Series

Etc:

The Short of It

Seeking kidnapped brother in faery realm.

The Long of It

Megan turns sixteen and essentially all hell breaks lose, but not in the sense of boy problems. Er, at least not romantically. All within days, she is told her kid brother is really a changeling, she’s half Fae, and her best friend isn’t really human at all, but really, Puck.

Choosing to enter the Faery Realm, Megan is nearly killed and must hide out with all of the strange creatures that exist in this hidden reality. Offering help is Grimalkin who reminds me of the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland. Finally, Megan runs into Ash, the prince of her fae family’s nemesis. With all of these characters by her side, Megan is determined to find her brother Ethan and bring him back to the human world.

The Thoughts about It

Um, why was I not told that Puck was in this series?! Seriously. I absolutely adore all things related to the gods of chaos. (Having named one of my cats Loki, this should be no surprised.) I absolutely loved his character. Kagawa did an impressive job making him both protective of Megan, cuz you know, he’s in luuurrvve AND still out-there-playful. Oh and Grimalkin, seriously, I need a cat like that. I love that he’s a little snarky and quite brilliant, able to use his wits even when Megs and et al are beside themselves. I’m still on the fence with Ash. I mean, I get where the series is going…what, can’t you figure it out? It’s OF COURSE going to be another love triangle between Ash, Megs, and Puck. Ash is supposed to be the brooding one. You know THAT guy that is in every teenager’s life. (What it couldn’t have just been me, right?) I don’t have anything against Ash (or even the triangles anymore in YA. I’ll go with the flow), but he hasn’t really warmed up to me yet. Of course I figure she’ll choose him (don’t they all?) but I’m secretly rooting for Puck cuz he’s just fabulous.

Color me surprised that I dig a book about the land of Fae. I’ve seriously put off any faery type books. I can’t help but think about Tinkerbell. Maybe this will break the trend.

[I do have the other three in the series waiting to be read, perhaps over winter holiday]

Forbidden

2011-12-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Forbidden
Author: Tabitha Suzuma
Pages: 464
Pub: 2011; Simon Pulse
Genre: YA, Contemporary

Oookkkkaaayyy! I'm just gonna get this straight up out there in case you haven't heard A THING about this book. There's some sexytimes and they involve siblings. BUT WAIT. Don't close me out. I know, I know. I get it. You probably did what I did and stared at the page in a creepy-like cringe.

But after my initial cringe factor, I paused, and thought: what in the world is that about? I mean, seriously. How do you market a young adult book that centers around an incestual relationship?

Seriously? you may ask.

Seriously.

I had to pick it up and read it. And I didn't it one up better. I ordered it from Amazon whilst ordering books on education. (1) And you guys. I am So Happy that I ordered this darn book. It was ah-MAY-zing. And made me sob.

First. It's not creepy incest like say, Flowers in the Attic. Although, it does have the issued-infused family drama. In fact, the whole time this relationship was developing I bit at my lip knowing that it wasn't going to go anywhere GOOD but wishing that these two people would wake up and find themselves NOT RELATED. Which, is exactly how they were feeling too.

See, it didn't come off all creepified, Law & Order: SVU music in the background. It was subtle. And then it was all, "Ooooh man, not my sister. This can't be happening with my sister." Until it moved into, "Okay, so yeah, that's where we're at. What now."

And man, the mom is So Messed Up. I seriously wanted to punch her in the face over and over again. Oh, and there's this other kid. The middle brother who is all very adolescent normal teen and so you understand why he's a pain in the arse and selfish, but because you know what the other two siblings are sacrificing you wanna be all: Are You Kidding Me you selfish child.

Also, the book NEVER condoned the relationship. It never played on it lightly. There was no tongue in cheek jokes or "how-you-doing" all Joey from Friends style. Instead it was Anguish. Pain. Suffocating.

As the reader, and totally sucked into the tale I had this awkward moment where I just wanted the two kids to be happy. Of course, I instantly remember, oh yes, this is TABOO, but man it's sickening sad.

Kudos to this author. Kudos for inciting such mixed emotions. One minute I wanted to thrash and scream; the next I was bawling my eyes out.

Oh and the ending. *le sigh* Had no idea that was coming. Hit me like a freakin' freight train.

Finally verdict: don't let the creepiness of brother/sister lurve cause you to overlook this novel.

_________
(1) If someone looked at my order form for that shipment they might have thought odd thoughts.

According to Jane

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Title: According to Jane
Author: Marilyn Brant
Pub: 2009; Kessington
Pages: 255
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary
Etc: Advent w/ Austen

Oh - Em - Gee peeples! This book was a wretched experience to read. Simply ghastly. It was my optimism that caused me to persevere, and unfortunately the end was worth less than the beginning.

Story opens with Ellie in high school. She's considered a well-mannered brainiac. And perhaps somewhat of a wallflower. There's this boy in her class, Sam, who is arrogant and totally gets on her nerves. Then there's this OTHER boy, Jason, who's a pretty typical good looking guy friend. Life's pretty normal and she goes through normal high school things until one day in English Lit class, her teacher introduces Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and viola the voice of Jane enters her consciousness.

Folks, all of this happens in, like, the first couple of pages.

(Ahem. And Jane's voice does not sound authentic At. All.)

The book jumps back and forth between Ellie's somewhat present disastrous relationship to this BIG UNSPEAKABLE MOMENT in high school that we are not told about. Just that it was big. Secretly folks, this BUM (heh) is what kept me holding on for a good two-thirds of the book. 'Cuz that's definitely what it felt like.

Needless to say, this BUM absolutely ruins her for all men. Yeah, that's essentially what I got. And Jane is there in the background huffing and puffing and giving her two cents. Jane abhors all of Ellie's choices, especially Sam. Although I hardly understand why.

So let's see, I finished this book about ten minutes ago...and I never write a review right away. (I'm usually too lazy or beside myself to construct any thoughts). This post sorta proves that because all that my mind keeps saying is #awfulworsetimeofmylife #howdidpeoplelikethis #imbeingridiculouslymean #iwantmyreadingtimeback #seriously

So here's a bulleted list for you folks on my I'm giving this a two thumbs down read:

Ellie and her sister Di have this ridiculously "I hate you" and "You're such a geek" and "Even though I'm getting MARRIED and I should be mature and past my bitchy high school self you are NOT going to be in the wedding because...[see statement one and two]" Now, granted, I don't have any siblings, but really? Really? That's believable?
Jane hates HATES Sam. With a passion. She continues to refer to him as Mr. Wickham and yet I'm not quite sure why. If there's been some foundation layin' then I must have slept-read through that. I just didn't get it. 'Course, I didn't get the allure of Sam either. In fact, some of the other manly characters had more depth than Sam.
Ellie, oh Ellie. Jane continued to assert that one day people would appreciate your passion, your love, your creativity, your HEART. *sigh* I saw none of that. In fact, Ellie, you were a pretty blase character if I don't say so myself.
So there's this part where Ellie goes to Europe to visit Jane's history right? And it would have been SO COOL. 'Cept it wasn't. And it took about two pages. Even though she spent six weeks there. What the what?
The naked scenes were okay. And in fact, I'd say that those (especially the losing of the virginity scene; take one was) were pretty right on target. Not bad there. Thankfully it didn't turn into a quivering harlequin moment - which was definitely not what I was looking for.
In fact, I was looking for a literary delight and instead I wanted to torch the book. In the very least throw it across the house.
The BIG SECRET why Jane chose Ellie? Yeah. Hit me up next week to tell you how exciting that was.
The pacing was gawd awful.

Folks, I must stop. I haven't ranted this much about a book and my dislike in about ever? Please someone argue with me. Tell me the merit. Please?

All Unquiet Things

2011-12-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

Title: All Unquiet Things

Author: Anna Jarzab

Pages: 352

Pub: Delacorte

Genre: Young Adult; Mystery

Etc:

The Short of It

Secrets lead to death; mystery unsolved.

The Long of It

Neily first met Carly in middle school. It was his first day interviewing for a very elite and academically challenging program. Carly made him feel at home and they were immediately inseparable. Until Carly decided that she needed a change, years later, and dumped Neily to hang out with her cousin Audrey and the “in” crowd.

Then, one night Carly calls Neily repetitively. He refuses to answer the phone, still pretty pissed about the breakup. Those are phone calls that Neily will beat himself up over for not answering. Carly ends up dead. Murdered.

The police convict Audrey’s father for the murder, but Aurdrey doesn’t believe it. A year later, she enlists Neily to delve deep into the lies and scandals of the in-crowd to prove her father’s innocence and find closure.

The Thoughts about It

All Things Unquiet is told in alternating voices of Neily and Audrey. I found this a bit distracting because the chapters are miniature-sized, but rather we’re inside Neily’s mind, for say, a hundred or so pages and then all of a sudden we step into Audrey’s for twenty or thirty and then back to Neily. (1) By the time I got to Audrey it felt forced and unnatural.

Besides that one gripe, though, the mystery was GREAT. It really had me guessing up until the last page. And then, when it was finally revealed, I was like “OMG, OF COURSE!”. Seriously. I don’t read enough mysteries to suggest that this is the end-all-be-all, but it was misleading, so that’s gotta mean something right?

(1) This is a loose estimation. I could easily pull the book off of the bookshelf for an accurate and precise number, but I’m just that lazy and refuse. *grin*

Nothing

2011-12-01T07:32:00.000-05:00

Title: Nothing
Author: Janne Teller
Pub: 2010; Anthenum
Pages: 227
Genre: Young Adult; Contemporary; Philosophy/Fiction
BTW: it was awarded the Printz award *cheers*

You know what this book is being compared to? A twenty-first century version of Lord of the Flies. I know you're curious right? Is it?

*shrug*

I have to be honest here: I read Lord of the Flies twenty years ago. I remember the conch shell and a whole bunch of boys who slowly turn on each other...but that's about it. (Er also, wasn't there a character named Piggy or did I just imagine it?) ANYWAYS, I was a pretty freaked out fourteen year old, mind you. It at least left an impression.

Aaannnd...Nothing left equally a strong impression. But whereas I can peg the similarity in the children eventually turn on each other and there's a heavily played out GROUPTHINK going on, Nothing was by far more wretched than the Flies ever could be.

S'okay, we have this young boy who's about fourteen years old and on the first day of school he suddenly stands up and states that nothing matters. Naaaasssing (imagine a heavy German accent, peeps). Of course his fellow classmates get a wee bit wigged out about this exclamatory remark, thus deciding it is up to them to SHOW said flipped out classmate that things really DO matter.

Now how do you go about that, you might be wondering? Easily enough, each student will contribute to the something-matters-pile. An accumulation of personal mattersomes.

It starts off childlike enough. You over there! Take off your brand new and favorite shoes! Throw them in the pile! And you! Yes you! I want your musical instrument. But then it gets feverish. My favorite instrument? Oh no you didn't! I want your pet munchkin. And YOOOOOUUU! You must cut off your hair!

Do ya see where this is going? It gets ohsomuchworse! *shudder* To include, but by far NOT THE WORST....a severed dog's head.

And whilst this is going on, the mate that espoused life has no meaning so might as well just enjoy it, is doing just that. Up in a tree. Not realizing how crazed his ex-buds have gotten.

EXISTENTIALISM people! Do you hear me?! Oh how I lurve thee. Seriously. The Big E and I were buds way back in my early 20's. Must everything have meaning? Is nothing sacred anymore? What is the point? Who cares we'll all end up dead and forgotten. Yes, yes, I'm simplifying. But you get it right?!

Nothing had me biting my nails. Bwhahahaha I even love using the title over and over again. *elbows ribs* get it? get it?

This is definitely NOT a book to get if you want to be in a cheery mood. But it is a fantastic gem of 200 odd pages.

A Clockwork Christmas

2011-11-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

Title: A Clockwork Christmas
Authors:Stacy Gail; PG Forte; Jenny Schwartz; JK Coi
Pages: 368
Pub: 2011(comes out in December)
Genre: Romance, Steampunk; Science Fiction
Etc: Props to NetGalley

[Disclaimer - I have never read a steampunk novel before, which is why this title caught my attention. Because of my ignorance of steampunk walking into this read, I can't really judge it on how well it fits that category. I am looking for steampunk recommendations, though so please send them my way because the genre itself interests me quite a bit!]

A Clockwork Christmas includes four romantic novellas all centered around the Christmas holiday. I hardly ever read holiday themed books (Halloween is the exception) because I'm generally not much of a traditional celebrator. Some holiday concepts are quite foreign to me. Consider this my winter read. Now onto the four reviews:

Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail

Aiiight, s'okay. There's this feisty and beautiful thief who thieved from the wrong person, a dashing and witty professor. Dashing Professor fiends Feisty, Beautiful Thief and says: you stole from me and now you must DIE. Or, in the very least, steal back that which you stole from me OR DIE. And then there's a cool watch contraption that Dashing Professor puts on Feisty Beautiful Thief to ensure she doesn't just disappear. And then there's some nakedness. A few pages go by, little bit of characterization that is so Obvious that one could skim. And then there's some MORE nakedness. Until the end. More nakedness, anyone? In a nutshell this was some good erotica if you were looking for that kinda thing. If you were looking for an original story with a plot or some such thing - move on.

This Winter Heart by PG Forte

Now this one was interesting especially since I don't really read science fiction. The setting is the early West, turn of the century, and a woman is still financially dependent on either her hubs or her paw. (Or I guess you could be a fancy lil' call girl, but that's only charming in some Westerns; shout out to Lonesome Dove). Here, the young heroine returns to her hubs with an eight your old son. THEIR 8 y/o son. But he's not quite accepting. Outside of the unaccountable years, young wife isn't completely human. Hello, what makes a person a person and let's talk about soul. Holla! When I think about science fiction, this is the sorta thing that pops into my mind. A story that makes us question humanity, progress, acceptance, goodness. And this one is a doozy. Plus, sure, there's some nakedness, but it's not soft pr0n as much as it's good ole fashion harlequin sexytimes.

Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz

Now this was a fun one. And it was totally PG-13. This setting is in the Outback, which totally rocks my world because I don't think I've ever read anything set in Australia. And then, furthermore, I don't know if I studied anything that HAPPENED in Australia. My American education lacking somewhere along the way. I guess I assumed that Australians went through the same woman's suffrage movement, but it just seemed out_there. Wanted: One Scoundrel is sorta about that BUT with a cool *scoundrel*. Oh there were also some nifty inventions, a villain, a heiress, some kidnapping, and overall ACTION-PACKED PLOT. Two thumbs up over here.

Far From Broken by JK Coi

Weepa! What a doozy this one is. Picture Covert Affairs, right? You know the one...it started as a summer show but got such positive feedback that it's now on. Like, now. DVR that shizzat. Here we have a secret agent whose wife gets kidnapped and tortured and the only way she'll live is if she gets mechanical parts. This of course devastates her because she was once this high-in-demand ballerina and now these mechancial parts are somewhat bulky and not nearly as flattering as, maybe, LEGS. So there's some heavy internal conflicts going on here. This one left me wishin it was a lot longer than the 80-100 pages it was.

___________
So there you have it. I'm still not sure if these are all considered Steampunk as I'm still wading through the websites out there that are telling me what is and what isn't steampunk. Is it just the time period? Is it the inventions of the time period without the technology that we have now? Please folks, help a sista out.

IF you like yourself some romance and IF you like yourself some science fiction AND can tolerate short stories like novellas then this is your think. I can honestly say, although it's not ENTIRELY my thing, it wasn't a waste of time.

TSS - 'Cuz I'm a Geek

2011-11-27T08:13:00.000-05:00

Good morning folks! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and if you went up against the terrifying crowds on Black Friday, I hope it was successful!

I'm going to use this Sunday Salon to oooooh and ahhhhh over my new planner. About a month ago, I spotted this gorgeous planner from a blogger (1) and had to inquire about it (read - OMG I love and must have. My precious!). She then directed me over to ErinCondren.com and I was in love!

I quickly picked out the cover and planner that I wanted, made a few choices, placed my order, and then sat and waited. Until the beaut finally came!

Look how pretty! I should have even taken a picture of the box. The envelope there says: Just a little something or Christina and they were personalized stickers.

Here's a picture of the stickers. And they even match the planner I picked out.

It was like opening a christmas gift; the packaging was gorgeous!

All personalized, even! I love the colors in this design.

And the pages are ahMAYzing. The days are separated in morning, day, evening. There's columns on the side for todo stuff. And in the back there's a whole bunch of other "extras" like stickers that have common things already written on them (birthday, party, etc.) and extras for me to write (uh, Readathons!) There's a pocket folder and pouch.

If you are a big nerd like me and love all things like planners, journals, notepads, I would definitely head over to Erin Condred's site. LOVE IT.

130 Million Books!! Oyvey!

2011-11-25T09:11:00.001-05:00

If you haven't guessed, I've been rather lazy this week off. Oh sure, I brought home papers to grade (they're still in file folders) and my grade book to enter online (its still on the dining room table) and books to create new lesson plans from (I'm working on a graffiti unit for nonfiction) BUT I've done none of it. And it kinda feels good.

Instead, I've been reading, visiting with friends, catching up on reviews, and even watching some of my DVR'd shows. Oh, and I got my hair did.

Life's pretty good you know? I'm feeling in flow.

AND THEN I stumble upon this article via Book Riot. It's a real upper and grabs you right away from the headline: There are 130 Million Books in the World, How Many Have You Read?

Nice huh? 'Cuz if you're OCD like me, *I* started hyperventilating. And not because I don't think that I read enough, or I'm soooo obsessive that I have to beat the competition in reading. Nope, it's because I immediately start thinking omg what am I missing? Soooo many books. Lust. Drool. Not. Enough. Time.

Breaking Down the Article

Yovetich opens with: Hey, so once people hear that I'm in the book industry, they all wann ask HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK. And guess what folks, reality says that there are too many out there for us to end up reading the same ones SANS the Oprah Book Club/NYTs Bestseller/Pop Culture picks/Trusted Classics Taught in High School and College.

*nods* Right?! I mean, THINK about it. I luuurve all of you guys but most often when you review a book I have not read it. And I'm okay with that, cuz it means there's just more books out there that I want to read...(until I hyperventilate and realize that I can't possibly read them all, which is where I ended up deciding to write this post).

Also, YAY, I'm considered a heavy reader since I read over 100 books a year. This does me fine because it doesn't conflict with my other Life Enjoyments (family, friends, tv, HAPPY HOUR!) After namedropping other wordly bookworms (Thomas Jefferson, you're my homie) he leaves with the most important question of it all.

The Most Important Question of It All

"So the question, then, isn’t how many have you read, but what have they meant to you?"

Best. Question. Ever. it just goes back to the quality vs. quantity.

I know I've been reading a lot of YA lately. It's not as though I meant to. There was no moment in the middle of the year where I decided to set classics and contemporary aside. There just seemed to be an influx of all of these cool looking YA titles that I wanted to pick up. And for the most part, all of them have been really enjoyable. Sure, they might not always give me a lot of fodder to think about, but that's not what I've needed after a long day of work.

I'm okay with this because the books are giving me the reprieve that I need. Just like rereads give folks the calming moments in their life. Or Jane Austen, who, in my opinion, ends up being a universal comfort author.

I've stopped keeping track of how many books I read in a month. Sure, I keep an ongoing list of books that I've read, but only because it's nice to reminisce. I have to admit, it's been pretty nice. I know that I'll still end up reading thereabouts 100, but it's not a goal. I'm just moseying along.

I'm all right being in the mosey lane for 2012.

Beneath the Meth Moon

2011-11-24T19:39:00.001-05:00

Title: Beneath a Meth Moon
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Pub: 2012; Nancy Paulsen
Pages: 192
Genre: Young Adult; Realistic; Coming of Age
Etc: Shout out to LibraryThing's Early Review program

Am I the only person out here in the bloggerverse who has not read a book by Woodson? I fully expect to hear the sound of crickets. Of course I know I'm being histrionic. But only slightly. 'Cuz seriously, how many of you guys have raved about Locomotion and Woodson's "lyrical" writing.

And she didn't really disappoint me. Beneath a Meth Moon is a really quick read and yeah, I can see how people would refer to her writing as lyrical. This quick little book read more like a poem rather than prose, although let me be straight, it is not written in poem format. It's just we get the essence of the plot rather than the details. We get the feelings that went along with the loss and betrayal and frustration and aloneness that occurs when addicted to a drug. (Or addicted to anything?)

Here's the thing, though, if I'm gonna be honest. And I am cuz this is where I get to voice my thoughts. Beneath a Meth Moon is a full-force-read-in-one-sitting kinda novel. BUT it is also one that can easily be forgettable. As I see it, I read this book two days ago and am writing this review on vague notions rather than solid meaty depth.

Ivy League Series

2011-11-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

Title: Secret Society Girls

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Pages: 320

Pub: 2007; Dell

Genre: Fiction – Contemporary; Realistic

Etc:

The Short of It

Secret societies and misogyny at arms.

The Long of It

Lydia and Amy are long time best friends and roomies at the prestigious Eli University (think Yale, ‘cept fictional). It’s the end of their junior year and both are in the process of being “tapped”, the process when a society chooses you. Surprisingly, the most prestigious and historically MALE society, Rose & Grave, taps Amy. After offending some of the older members, Amy, along with a few other girls, move through initiation and become full-fledged members. But, the fight isn’t over, as they soon realize that there is a strong division between society members regarding whether or not women should even included.

The Thoughts about It

Love me some secret society stories. Uh, hello, I can’t be the only one who saw Joshua Jackson in The Skulls. This book is totally a pleasant summer read. It’s got the love interest, although not over the top to call it a romantic drama; it’s got the hype of college life (uh, hello, did you not hear me when I said SECRET SOCIETIES?); and, some serious friendships developing. Plus, I totally dig the drama of the old folk wanting to keep tradition and keep women out. There’s all this “I am woman, hear me roar” hype that fit perfectly.

Amy is an interesting character as well. I love that she has faults and let’s her mouth run amok and often has no clue what she really wants. Her indecisiveness reminded me of myself when I was twenty-one. None of the other characters really stood out to me, but that’s okay. This isn’t some nail-biting-over-the-top-historic-summer-read. It was a great book to bring to the beach and enter. AND it got me curious enough to pick up the second book on PBS.

Title: Under the Rose

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Pages: 352

Pub: 2007; Dell

Genre: Fiction – Contemporary; Realistic

Etc:

The Short of it

Secret society secrets are getting leaked.

The Long of it

The second in a four-part series (a quartology?), Amy and the whole group of Rose & Grave members are back again. There’s some stress between Lydia and Amy this go-around and someone on the inside is compromising the brotherhood. There’s still a little love and flirting going on, but once again it’s not on the forefront.

The Thoughts about it

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed with Under the Rose for the first two-hundred pages. Give or take. It was still a quick read; read in one night. And it was still entertaining, just a wee bit repetitive. On a side note, I thought it was sorta funny because one of the members even felt the drama in the Rose & Grave society was repetitive (paraphrased: “why can’t we just hang out and BE the society instead of always talking ABOUT the society and it’s politics). I am so with you man. Feelin’ ya, for sure!

Also, ‘cuz everyone has secret society names, it became a little confusing when people were introduced or talking in society compared to OUT of society. I had to continue to flip to the front page which listed everyone’s society name. Details, man. I’m not good with names. I assume there are others who also fail miserably at remember who people are, in books or in real life.

Moving along, though, the book WAS entertaining enough for me to read it in one night and I DID get into it the last hundred or so pages. I figure I’ll end up reading the whole series because I’ve always wanted to be in a secret society and this allows me to vicariously. I think that ultimately it probably tells a more accurate portrayal of society. I mean, it’s not as though political figures are killing people off everyday in real society life, right? Right?!?!

Before I Fall

2011-11-22T07:34:00.000-05:00

Title: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Pages: 480

Pub: Harpter Teen; 2010

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Etc:

The Short of It

Realizing what matters most in life.

The Long of It

Sam and her best friends, Allie, Elody, and Lindsay feel no pain. As upperclassman, they run in the most popular circle in their clichéd Connecticut high school. Cupid Day, one of the most favored school day of the year by their group, will be even more special for Sam than all previous years. This Cupid Day, Sam plans on losing her v-card to her gorgeous boyfriend, Rob. Unfortunately Sam doesn’t realize when she woke up that day that she would die. (Un)Fortunately for her, she DOES realize that the next day and the next and the next as Sam relives the last day of her life over and over again.

The Thoughts about It

I stayed away from this book for sometime because I didn’t think I’d dig it. Groundhog Day is one of my all time favorite movies and I just didn’t know if I could stomach reading a book with the same plot. I mean, who am I kidding? It was fun and quirky watching Bill Murrary relive his day over again, but how much enjoyment could possibly be had RE-READING someone’s day over again.

*le sigh* I was wrong. Oliver did an a-Mayzing job recreating Sam’s day. As in – uh, hello, it never got boring and I never wanted to put the book down because I was experiencing déjà. I’d also like to point out that one of the reasons I stayed away is because most people dogged on the narrator, Sam. Essentially claiming she truly was a self-centered bitch and didn’t ever really get that much likable as the story progressed. I have to stop right here though, and raise a talk to the hand signal. Are you kidding me? How could someone not think that Sam-as-a-Character wasn’t brilliant? What is up with YA authors hitting the nail head on teen behavior?

So, Sam is the quintessential beyotch. She’s crude and selfish and pushy and doesn’t really care who she hurts. And when I mean she doesn’t care…she TRULY DOESN’T CARE. It just doesn’t cross her mind the CONSEQUENCES of her actions. None of her friends do. Um, hello? Of course she’s not likable. I don’t know many “popular” girls in high school that were in real life. But here’s the thing, Oliver does a swell job showing her humanity as a character as much as her faults. ‘Cuz before dying Sam just sincerely doesn’t get it. And then after living one more day she still doesn’t get it completely.

There was so much freakin’ substance in this novel. Sam’s progression is slow and sometimes hysterical. There are illuminations of minor characters that I was thrilled about (especially in their unexpectedness). And – and – AND there’s this scene where this one girl is totally getting bullied by the popular kids, almost like the quintessential after school special scene right? And it’s so horrific and filled with syrupy turmoil that it reminded me TOTALLY of Carrie by Stephen King. That scene where Carrie is covered in pig’s blood at her prom? Yeah, like that. Except, maybe less bloody. But equally as HORRIFIC. And that scene happens again and again.

*cringe*

Is Sam a redeemable character? I think that’s what the book questions.

Love Virtually

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Love Virtually
Author: Daniel Glattauer
Pages: 272
Pub: 2011
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic
Etc: Initially published in German

The Short of It

Realistic portrayal of an online affair.

The Long of It

Emmi Rothner accidently e-mails Leo Leike. No seriously. She does. She’s trying to cancel a magazine order and accidently hits an extra period or delete a letter, whatever. Haha mistake happened and both parties involved laugh a little (LOL anyone?) and life went on.

Until it happened again. This time Emmi is a wee bit more irate at magazine company and Leo comes back equally as snarky. Hahaha giggles ensue AGAIN. And the next thing you know a correspondence begins.

Thus, we enter the world of courtship via the interwebs. The emails begin humorously, a bit of snark here and-a-bit-a sentiment there. All in good fun.

But, just like any long-term virtual correspondence, errors are gonna be made, miscommunications are gonna happen, and feelings are gonna get hurt.

Do Emmi and Leo make a love connection? Or is it nothing more than a virtual farce?

The Thoughts about It

Hahaha I don’t thnk that I often leave my reviews with rhetorical questions but I just can’t help it with this one. Let me tell you what, the cover made me all SKETCHY. I mean, check it out, folks. So AmericanLove, yes? (I much prefer the European cover below!)

Man, those Germans know how to pull you in and make your heart do summersaults until you feel like your rightside up only to be laying flat-faced to the ground trying to breath.

Yeah, I sorta dug this book, heh. Seriously. It is Realistic. In that jab-your-eye-out realism of meeting someone and kinda wanting to get your hopes up that it’ll Last and be Real and Forever but still holding your heart back because you don’t want it Broken and Sobbing.

Can I make up an award? Most Believable Love Story in the Twenty-First Centruy.

Party

2011-11-17T19:37:00.001-05:00

Title: Party
Author: Tom Laveen
Pages: 228
Pub: 2010; Random House
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic
Etc:

The Short of It

Eleven teens interact at one party.

The Long of It

This is the story of eleven different high schoolers who plan to attend the ultimate end of the year party. Mostly juniors who anticipate being on the top of the high school ladder and graduated seniors nervous about the up and coming “real life” experience are in attendance. Each chapter is told from the perspective of one character and by the end of the night we have fully experienced the Party.

The Thoughts about It

Ummm, okay. Has anyone else seen that movie with Jennifer Love Hewitt – CAN’T HARDLY WAIT? (1) That is exactly what this book reminded me of. Except, while the story in CHW is a bit more superficial and lovey (geeky boy who has been in love with popular girl) .

I have to be honest with you all. I’m always hesitant when I read a book that is told by alternating perspectives mainly because quite honestly, it’s hardly ever done correctly. Guess what, characters are suppose to sound differently. I know, I know. Strange concept. But, I digress… Here we had EVELEN different voices and well, the voices didn’t always sound all so unique.

There were a couple of stories that I liked much more than others. (Stories = characters?) The very first one, in fact, caught my attention. Her mother just died and she had spent the past couple of years in high school not being a part of anything. She decides to go to the party to see if anyone even knows who she is. Such a good character. Would love to hear her story.

There’s some racial tensions and love ‘n’ sex tension. Charming character development and not-so-charming.

The book was interesting and worth the quick read. If it’s around, go for it.

TSS - 2012 already?!

2011-11-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Knock Knock...
-who's there?
-2012
-2012 ALREADY?!

Bare with my jokes folks. I blame the meds I'm on from minor surgery. (This is a pre-written TSS post since I'm laying around and not focused enough to get in some reading right now).

I'd thought I'd spend a couple of minutes thinking about 2012. (Seriously?! I still can't believe...) And that means, of course, reading challenges...or as James would refer to one in particular...reading dares. This year I'm going to participate in a couple, unlike 2011 where I hung out with some readalongs (Thanks Allie!) and sucked up James' dare.

BUT FIRST, I wanted to mention a reading challenge (of sorts, cuz I don't think it's a challenge as much as a focus) of my own. Due to the Borders close outs, I managed to acquire a lot of books this past year. One genre that I increased was my collection of mysteries. First let me admit something terrible, folks. I have never read an Agatha Christie book. *shudder* I know, I know. And while I'm unburdening myself: I've never read a Dorothy Sayers or Sherlock Holmes. This of course has to change. SO, mysteries will be my focus for March. Look. I even created a button!

I would love to have others join me so I can get some recommendations. If you're interested, leave me a comment or find me on twitter @ReadingThruNite.

Now, enough about my own plug -

-some other challenges/dares I'll be participating it.

First, and this is technically before 2012...I'll be ending the year with Advent with Austen. She's such a snuggly read and I've slowly been savoring her. I've read three of her six finished works. I have Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey left, plus some fun Jane-inspired books.

Now, at the beginning of 2012, I will be ~~suffering~~ participating in the TBR Double Dare hosted by the amicable James. The plot is simple: he has dared us not to read any books that are not on our TBR shelves already until April 1st. The catch is we can purchase books, just not read them. I survived last year, and this year I'd like to grow some guts and tell myself that I won't purchase any books either. Yeah, well, we'll see about that. Thankfully, HIS dare just says I have to read from my own shelves. Man knows I have tons. (Remember? Borders Closeout). Do you dare?

Finally, I love this challenge hosted by a new-to-me-blogger, Sarah over at She Reads Too Much. The challenge is Back to the Classics 2012. Yay! At the beginning of 2011 I managed to stay pretty on target with my classical reading; but, about midpoint I became engrossed in YA literature. And don't get me wrong, I still love me some YA literature, but I do miss the satisfaction I get after reading a classic. I'm not going to fill out the books yet because I'm still in bed. But a list will be coming soon!

Join in on the classical fun!

Any 19th Century Classic
Any 20th Century Classic
Reread a classic of your choice
A Classic Play
Classic Mystery/Horror/Crime Fiction
Classic Romance
Read a Classic that has been translated from its original language to your languange - To clarify, if your native language is NOT English, you may read any classic originally written in English that has been translated into your native language.
Classic Award Winner - To clarify, the book should be a classic which has won any established literary award.
Read a Classic set in a Country that you (realistically speaking) will not visit during your lifetime - To Clarify, this does not have to be a country that you hope to visit either. Countries that no longer exist or have never existed count.

So, tell me...what kind of fun plans are you making for 2012?

Shine

2011-11-10T07:26:00.000-05:00

Title: Shine

Author: Lauren Myracle

Pages: 359

Pub: Amulet; 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, LGBT

Etc:

The Short of It

Brutal attack. Who will bear witness?

The Long of It

Set in a small Southern town, it’s no surprise really that a gay hate crime might be pushed to the back burner. Especially if there is any suspicion from the law that it might have been by the hand of one of their own. Small towns equal everyone knowing everyone AND everyone’s business. Cat, a solemn stained loner, is determined to seek out the truth of Patrick’s attack causing everyone she knows to be a suspect. Her peers don’t appreciate her nosy curiosity and make it quite clear through subtle and not-so subtle ways. Cat is tired of allowing them to rule her destiny; she’s not giving up until the truth comes out.

The Thoughts about It

Wow. Just wow. Cat is an impressive narrator. She’s SO real. There is absolutely no moment where I thought to myself “oh this is a story, I’m suppose to believe that this happened”. Rather I just bought into it. Hook. Line. Sinker. Cat shares a desperation that is so authentic, a wound that is absolutely brutal and devastating, and guilt that leaves her shaken. *sigh* And the friends that she talks up about Patrick’s brutal attack? Wow. I have never lived in a small town so my mind always leads me to warm thoughts of the Gilmore Girls. I have a feeling that Myracle’s portrayal is more accurate: teens who have nothing better to do than hook up and party, uneducated adults, poverty. I couldn’t help but loosely compare this book to a contemporary To Kill a Mockingbird.

Shine is an effective mystery. It pulls you along at a slow pace; I could almost breath the scent of dirt within its pages. And although I had my suspicions of who attacked Patrick, it didn’t take away from the process or the emotions that I already invested in the story.

impossible

2011-11-09T10:42:00.000-05:00

Title: impossible

Author: Nancy Werlin

Pages: 373

Pub: Penguin (Speak); 2008

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Etc:

The Short of It

Curse continues unless impossible tasks completed.

The Long of It

Oddly, Lucy finds herself in a very similar predicament as her estranged mom: pregnant at seventeen. Lucy might have talked to her mom about this, except she’s fairly crazy and wonders on the streets off and on. Instead, she takes comfort from her awesome adoptive parents and “the boy next door” who she’s known for a lifetime. She will have this baby. She is determined to get through it.

But then something extraordinary comes up. She uncovers a curse that affects all of the Scarborough women. A curse brought on because an Elfin Knight was spurned generations back. A curse that will cause all of the Scarborough women to go insane. In order to break the curse, Lucy must complete three impossible tasks:

Make a shirt without any seam or needlework

Find an acre of land between salt water and the sea strand

Plow it with just a goat’s hor and sow it all over with one grain of corn

If she doesn’t break the curse, then her unborn daughter will be left vulnerable to the Elfin Knight.

The Thoughts about It

*twiddling fingers all Homer Simpson’s boss-like* Sounds enchanting doesn’t it? ESPECIALLY because the author got the idea from Scarborough Fair, the song. Uhhh, who out there doesn’t like some Simon and Garfunkle? Which, ultimately, is exactly why I picked up this book. You have to admit, the idea behind it is quite clever, eh?

Soooo, it saddens me very much to have to admit that I wasn’t fond of the book at all. Man, I leapt for joy when I found this at Borders. I couldn’t wait to figure out how the author would tackle all three tasks. And although, how she did it DID prove to be rather clever, the execution of the plot left me feeling bland and stale like.

In fact, while I was contemplating a way of explaining exactly how I felt about this lil’ ole’ book, I continued to have the image of those felt boards that are often used in kindergarten classes. You know the ones, right? They’re usually black and while the teacher is telling a fairy tale or whatever story, (s)he presses the felt cut-outs on the board for imagery? Yeah, it felt like those felt images minus an enthusiastic teacher narrating it.

What is wrong with me? I heard about this book from a review that made it aaammmaaazing. I totally wanted to be charmed and swept away. It’s been too long since I’ve read a contemporary fairy tale that can do that for me. This was supposed to be The One.

*shrug* On the plus side, it made me quite intrigued with the Elfin Knight tale and other versions of Scarborough Fair.

And for those of you who have not HEARD Scarborough Fields (blaspheme!) here’s the video. Enjoy.

Maze Runner

2011-11-07T10:12:00.001-05:00

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Pub: 2009; Random House
Pages: 375
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

I admit that I picked up this book over a year ago because it just looked so freakin' cool. And Then... And then, I forgot about it. Sure there would be times here and there where it would come out of the bookcase and stare pleadingly up at me, but I'd shuffle it in the piles time and time again. Until the weekend before the readathon and one of my former students asked me AGAIN, like for the MILLIONITH time: have you read this book yet?!

So, for the sake of not getting big mopey eyes from my ex-student, I sat down and read it. And let me put it frankly: ?!what the what?!

Here's this kid named Thomas and he wakes up in this elevator that eventually brings him to this new environment filled with other boys as young as twelve and as old as eighteenish. The boys call themselves gladers and they're trapped within a maze of sorts. All of their memories have been wiped. The boys just know that they have to get out of the maze (hence the term, maze runners).

FIRST let me say that the monsters created in this world were monstrous! Grievers are these creatures that are part flesh and part machine. The descriptions are absolutely vulgar. Squishy, bulbuous, clanking metal parts moving in and out, slippery slime trailing behind them. Ugh! Everytime I would read about them I grimaced. This would be the perfect novel, if I taught it in class, I would remind the students that anytime they misbehaved, the grievers would get them. (1) Oh yeahs, the Grievers were something fierce and awful.

Honestly though I had trouble getting into the novel. The beginning dragged and I just didn't give two cookies about who this kid Thomas was and what was up with this horrible life that he happened to find himself in.

The Maze Runner won ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2011 so my reluctance is definitely more of a personal interest and not because the book was lacking. I can definitely see how the story would entice students. It's an interesting idea that all the gladers are boys (except the last one) and as a reader you are just as ignorant to what is happening as they are. But I also found it overly complicated. The end of the book was obviously set up to introduce the second in the trilogy, but it wasn't INTENSE like say The Hunger Games or other series where I just Had To Know Right Away. In fact, the ending sorta made me disinterested in what was going on. The bad guys being good guys who are really bad guys until you think they're good guys is the sense that I'm getting from this little trilogy. Could totally be wrong, of course, and I'll probably ask my student, even though I do own The Scorch Trials.

Ultimately, those Grievers is enough to read this book. Creeeeeepppppyyy!

______
(1) I remember the ongoing "joke" years back when we read The Giver was to release whoever was being annoying. Disturbing scenes in literature almost require us to find a joke to desensitize the nastiness of it.

Hourglass

2011-11-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

Title: Hourglass

Author: Myra McEntire

Pages: 390

Pub: Egmont, 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Paranormal,

Etc:

The Short of It

Emerson might finally work through oddities.

The Long of It

Emerson has had it rough. Her parents died in a tragic accident that should have killed her; she lost her scholarship to a private boarding school leaving her to live with her older brother (Thomas) and sister-in-law (Dru); she only has one true friend. And oh yeah, she sees dead people. Well, they have to be really dead. Like, AGES AGO dead. Emerson lives in the South so it’s pretty much a constant. Thomas & Dru know about this defect (?) and are constantly trying to find ways to assist her, which is how she meets Michael Weaver. Michael claims to work for The Hourglass and guess what? He sees dead people too.

The Thoughts about It

S’kay, I have to admit something first. The ONLY reason why I purchased this book? Um, yeah, the cover. I knew that it was a paranormal YA of sorts, but didn’t read anything about the plot or characters. Didn’t really care after seeing the cover. Absolutely stunning. I love how the symmetry is off and the picture doesn’t really make sense with the title. I seriously felt like Tyra Banks critiquing a model on ANTM – “the length of your legs and position of your arm makes me think “I want more”. Definitely top model quality.”. (1)

Also, I was slightly intrigued by the idea of reading a book without having any background. I hardly ever do that.(2)

Now, let me just say that I don’t know if I’ll be doing that again. Hourglass wasn’t awful, it just wasn’t my thing. But I can see how it would be other people’s thing. It does after all merge science fiction with paranormal. I think that there’s a market for this. I mean, it’s UNIQUE and hasn’t really been done (much?)?

I’m just not a big fan of time travel. I can’t manage to suspend my disbelief enough to go along with the story. I definitely admit that I have little to compare this book to, but I kinda felt that the ‘scientific’ parts of time travel were handled well. Perhaps some SF folks out there can correct me one way or another. I don’t really play the game of ‘what if I chose this instead of this’ often, which is in essence the drive behind time travel right? And it’s not as though there aren’t parts of my experiences that I’d like to alter (3) or out of curiosity wonder about who I might have been if I went down a different decisive path, but that part of me isn’t more than a passing thought every now and again when I’m feeling nostalgic. I also don’t find it curious to think about things like: what if Hitler was never born or what if Columbus never found the United States. *shrug* It happened. Gotta move on.

Emerson was a pretty all right character and so was Michael. But mostly they were forgettable. I’d have to say that I’m pretty ‘meh’ about Hourglass. It hints at a series cuz the ending sorta reminded me of Austin Powers with Dr. Evil when he escapes and I kinda wanted to do the pinky move. I doubt I’ll pick up the next in- Reviews will have to truly impress me.

_____

(1(1) Am I the only one who watches America’s Next Top Model? Such junk food television!

(2(2) I can only think of one other time in which I’ve done that, and interestingly enough, I ordered the other book in the same batch.

(3(3) But you know, I kinda dig who I am and where I’m at, blah blah blah.

TSS - Marking Period

2011-10-30T08:42:00.000-04:00

This past week ends the first marking period of the school year and we went out with a bang. On Tuesday I invited a principal from a unique high school to come in and speak with our students. What makes this school so unique is, providing you stay on the right path, you could essentially complete your high school degree in three years rather than five (entrance is their eighth grade year). This is exciting for two different types of students: those who have failed one more times and/or those students who want out of the drama that their schooling has brought. The principal was a powerful speaker. He spoke to them about aspects of their own lives that were meaningful to them. He didn't sugarcoat the high school experience or what it would mean. He candidly brought up the roles of gang life and the importance of keeping that in the neighborhood and not in the school. He enticed them with powerful technology and dual enrollment. For many, he opened up doors that they thought were closed. For many, he inspired and gave them an olive branch.

Students were still talking about him at the end of the week. For seventh graders, this was impressive.

And, to celebrate the end of the nine weeks, we took our kids on a field trip. Nothing impressive and nothing that cost money...but something that they needed. We walked them a mile to the park for free time and a picnic lunch. Seriously. These students salivate at the other kids who get to have PE or another elective. Since most are in double block reading, they don't get any "free time". Having a full day off from school responsibilities to play on the courts or jungle gym allowed them to be kids again and forget how far behind they have gotten.

This has been such an amazing experience so far and I'm thrilled that the at-risk team is working. Our students will be on honor roll lists, something they've never experienced. I've heard a handful of times already, "Miss, I can't believe it's the end of the nine weeks and I haven't gotten a referral." Sometimes kids just need to know that they have a clean slate. We didn't hold last year's experience over their head and they've proven themselves. It makes me proud.

But seriously. You guys! Can I just tell you that there was a moment when we were walking all one hundred students to the park that I thought to myself geezus what in the world are you doing?!? Lolz. It must have been a sight.

This coming week will be an easy one, sorta. Three day work week and then I'm heading for some pre-op appointments.(1) The following week will be short as well. Here's hoping to getting lots of reading done.

Cheers!

_____
(1) I'm having minor surgery and will be housebound for a few days.

Jane-Emily

2011-10-28T08:30:00.000-04:00

Title: Jane-Emily
Author: Patricia Clapp
Pub: 1969
Pages: 141
Genre: Gothic, Ghost Story
Etc: The Witches' Cauldron was also bound with this novella. I just chose not to read it.

I admit, I am a big fan of the Gothic genre even though I don't read that much of it. I find that I intend to, but the intentions fall wayside. So, even though this novella was written in the late 1960's, it TAKES PLACE in the early 1900's. And there's a mysterious death. And a stoic grandmother. And a big house with an even bigger yard. Ooooh, AAAANNND a mysterious glowing ball in the middle of large yard.

Knowing it was a shortie, I jumped right into it and must say, I'm somewhere on the borderline.

Louisa is accompanying her niece Jane to her grandmother's home for a summer visit after Jane's parents died in a tragic car accident. Jane is young - like eight, nine, or ten? I can't remember off hand. She immediately takes to her grandmother, Mrs. Canfield, who hasn't been around a child in forever. Mrs. Canfield's own daughter, Emily, died a tragic death when she was twelve-ish.

But don't feel sorry for Emily because we soon find out she was a wretched kid. I mean, this girl had some serious issues. And you'd think that maybe that wretched girl would move on in death, right? But not at all. She's just as manipulative and selfish.

I really enjoyed the writing, but I wished that there was more to the story. It seemed too simple and yet not long enough. Does that even make sense?

Finally, this is classified as a YA. I find that pretty interesting. I've been trying to find out some information about it when the novel was first published. For instance, was it as big of a hit as Twilight was to our youth?

Important question folks: What are your favorite gothic books?

Blood Magic

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Blood Magic
Author: Tessa Gratton
Pages: 408
Pub: 2011; Random House
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

*ahem* I. Did. Not. Like. This. Book.

Okay. I said it. Loud and clear, huh? Because honestly...HONESTLY...I think I'm, like, one of THE ONLY people who did not like Blood Magic. Seriously. If you click on the title link it will lead you to my Library Thing account and show you that the average rating is FOUR FREAKIN' STARS.

I gave it a one-point-five. So, giving the props up to that -point five, I thought I'd share five points explaining my disdain.

(In no particular order)

5. Suspense, where'd ya go? Essentially, there's this big mystery going on here and the only time that I'm on the edge of any type of nail biting is trying to figure out the mystery.* Woe was me when the whole "what the what" somehow got kicked to the curb. Oh yeah, I was say what the what...just not for the right reasons.

4. Stereotyping - This is a biggie. *jumping up on soapbox* I get that our natural inclinations as people are to classify (ya know, stereotype). It's what we do. I look at someone and say "Oh you have x, y, and z therefore you must be blah blah blah". But then this thing happens where all of a sudden, you see that an S was thrown into that which you just labeled and it doesn't make sense so your brain goes and makes a detour and you hit your head thinking "oh yeah, that's because we can only make GENERALIZATIONS, because really, there's ALWAYS more to a person than x, y, and z". Are you feelin' me? *hops down from box* Blood Magic has all of these stereotypical characters that never break away from their safe mold. Stepmother that's younger than father? Son can't stand said stepmother and calls her Lilith even though he's a senior and 17? Father who is the silent-serious-type and never shows emotion? Siblings that are perfect foils of each other? Jeez Louise, folks. Enough already!

3. Writing - I truly try not to criticize author's writing. Especially if it's a new author. So this will be short and sweet. The writing was awkward.

2. Chemistry is not just a subject in high school - Silla and Nick (two of the main characters, which I've somehow have not mentioned yet) are suppose to be in luuurrve but I just can't buy it. Nick says some weak things like, man I would never be there for any of the girls in Chicago; this must be the real thing. Okay. So not really. BUT kinda like that.

1. Suspension of Disbelief - Yeah, that didn't happen. Do you know how many unbelievable scenes there are in this novel? I'm better off believing in sparkling vampires.

______
*This mystery only hooked me in the last quarter of the book.

Readathon #fail

2011-10-23T09:33:00.001-04:00

I'm expecting it to be mad quiet here on the Sunday Salon front, since most of you guys participated in the readathon. I spent the morning reading everyone's updates while catching up on Jersey Shore. My readathon experience once again had the intentions but ended up in a #majorfail.

I finished one book (Want To Go Private) and got about halfway through another (The Maze Runner). But then Life gets involved AGAIN. This is been a crazy year folks. I think I was asleep by 9PM. One of these readathons I'll actually stay focused!

IN OTHER NEWS....my baby boy, Corki, gained half a pound this past week which is fantastic. Realistically I know that he is still sick, but it gives me hope that he'll be around a lot longer than what we anticipated. Also, we have a new addition to the family. Her name is Stella and she's six months old. All of her siblings got adopted out and she remained by herself for like two months. It just broke Di's and my heart. (Evidently people don't like black cats?) We took her home Wednesday and she's been a big bag of excitement. The poor thing had been in a cage all of her six months.

ALSO...I got my first stitches ever! Last week I was making tacos and ended up slicing my knuckle with the bean can. I didn't think anything of it, but it wouldn't stop bleeding. After driving around for a bit of an hour to find a walk-in that was actually open, we found one right before its closing time. They thought I was a weirdo for laughing so much. But truly, I felt pretty damn outrageous. The sucker only needed two stitches. I still have them in because the knuckle just won't close up. One of our nurses at school said to hold out cuz if it opens after the stitches get taken out they can't restitch. What the what? It's a pain I tell you.

FINALLY...we have our first field trip this week. We're walking the kids to the park, about a mile away. You guys! These kids have never been to a park. They keep asking what do people do there?! So we're bringing basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, lunches. Plus today, I'm heading up there to check out a trail by the river. I want to make sure that it's not flooded. But we might have prime gator spotting!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week.

Friday Films - Nightmare on Elm Street

2011-10-21T08:09:00.000-04:00

You guys! I only have two Friday's left in this month...so it was a bit difficult narrowing down my final two posts on spooky Halloweenrific flicks.

So, let me talk about a FAVE. I mean a FOR REALZ FAVE.

(You'll notice I slightly cheated here and posted all six, but I'm only really going to gab about the first one. And truly the only other one that I really REALLY liked was #3).

Moving onward...the top 5 reasons why I <3 Nightmare on Elm Street:

5. Burnt face, raspy voice and -
4. Uh, hello? Knives for fingers?
3. He comes after you in your dreams. YOUR DREAMS!!!
2. Creepy little girl jump roping and singing creepy lil' song*
1. Holla! Johnny Depp looking delish!

______________
* Creepy song goes like: 1, 2, Freddy's coming for you // 3, 4 better lock your door // 5, 6 grab your crucifix // 7, 8 stay up late // 9, 10 never sleep again

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

2011-10-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Pages: 352

Pub: Quirk; 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Time Travel

Etc:

*sigh* I absolutely loathe books with long titles. They seem overly ambitious and I NEVER get them straight. I think I've referred to this book as: Mrs. Pedigree's Unique Children, Mrs. Uhhh, School for Strange Children; "The book with the strange children in it". You see what I mean folks? How can I suggest a book when I can barely get its title out.

Luckily for the author, this book has entered the blogsphere by storm so just a random "Mrs." and "Children" and you're able to find it via google or amazon. *pressure averted*

And I totally GET why it's taken readers into a whirlwind frenzy of OMG-ing and ooohhing et al. The use of such disturbing and creepy pictures interspersed within the pages was a #win for the author. Because ya'll...those pictures ARE creepy. It is reminiscent of the circus folk that evidently used to traipse around the country. Those people really did exist, right? Back before it wasn't PC to gawk at strangeness. (Quinkydink enough, Miss Peregrine's children used to travel with the circus. Or at least some did).

What I didn't expect, even though I skimmed most reviews, was to find a time travel novel. Immediately I wanted to begrudge the story because of this. Time travel just does.not.interest.me. It's so hard for me to suspend my disbelief. Even though why yes, I could believe in a young girl whose body doesn't seem to follow the law of physics OR the gravitational pull. So shoot me.

There is also an adventure and a mystery and even a little bit of romance.

BUT, I was pretty meh about the whole thing. Perhaps it was the hype? Or perhaps because the cover looked so freakin' creepy and the book fell short because my mind is too twisted and ITS creepiness is in the subtleties and not knowing.

If you haven't read it yet, I'd still say go for it. The pictures alone made it worth the purchase.

Cryer's Cross

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Cryer's Cross
Author: Lisa McMann
Pages: 233
Pub: Simon Pulse, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Etc.:

First, I truly love a good ghost story. The problem with ghost stories however is MOST of them aren't that good. It's a real easy downward spiral from being creepy and believable to over the top and b-flickish.*

And I was a bit nervous about this one. But there's more haunting and less spooking so it was fantastic!

Kendall lives in a small town. (I pictured Little House on the Prairie, but not so pious?) Everyone knows everyone else, so when a sixteen year old goes missing the whole town joins together. Tiffany is never found.

There's a small schoolhouse which includes all grades, so Kendall is constantly reminded of her missing friend. And it's even a bit enhanced by her OCD, which was handle smashingly.** THEN her boyfriend, Nico, disappears months later. Uh, something pretty freakin' weird is going on in the CC. So it makes perfect sense when new boy Jacien moves into town with his family he is immediately questioned. Who would have thought that after Kendall begins to notice odd things going on that Jacien is the only one that believes her. (Oh who am I kidding?! OF COURSE we knew that would happen. What's better than a paranormal read other than a paranormal read with ROMANCE).

Here's the thing that I loved the most. And aren't you going to be surprised when I say it's not the paranormal or highly-involved thriller aspect of the story. Nope. It was the realism of it. You know, besides the missing folk and town clues.

Check it out. Kendall has been with Nico ALL HER LIFE. The are in Lurrrvvee and destined to get married because that's what folks do in this town. Who cares that she is only sixteen. So when he goes missing and she finds herself attracted to Jacien, well, hello. Of course I'm cheering her on, but she's so guilt ridden over her disloyalty to Nico. Two thumbs up for not forgetting about your young love before moving on to a new boy.

Also, once again. Hello to the ocd-ness. I think it's awesome that her disorder(?) dysfunction (?) lifestyle (?) isn't the center. Uh hello to three-dimensionalism. Believe it or not, when not in extremes, people carry on and live normal lives. Mostly. I refer to them as my ticks. And sure they get exacerbated when I'm stressed. But they're well-hidden and only those who either live with me or I choose to tell would know.

Evidently McMann has also written a trilogy. The WAKE trilogy? Has anyone read it? Is it good?

___________
* Is there a term for a book that has the same cheesy elements as a B-Flick movie?
** Coming from someone who HAS ocd, I decree it so.

Friday Films - Cabin Fever

2011-10-14T11:26:00.000-04:00

I love me some Eli Roth. Man why hasn't he done MORE movies?!

Cabin Fever is one of my all time favorites. It's absolutely gory, not terribly scary, AND has some funny parts to boot. The premise is pretty simple: these good friends decide to rent a cabin in the woods. Basically your R 'n' R kinda week. And all is going warm fuzzy well until one of the guys comes in contact with the flesh eating virus. Obvs all hell breaks loose at this point.

Hellloooo Gore Fest.

Here's the trailer:

And here, because Mr. Roth has such a great sense of humor, is the Family Version:

FINALLY, the inspiration for this movie? When Eli was a kid he ACTUALLY GOT THE FLESH EATING VIRUS.

Bwhahahahaha. Happy Horror folks.

Pemba's Song

2011-10-13T12:23:00.000-04:00

Title: Pemba's Song: A Ghost Story
Author: Marilyn Nelson
Pages: 109
Publisher: Scholastic, 2008
Genre: Middle Grades, Paranormal, History,
Etc: POC, Sunshine State

FIRST holla to POC on the cover. Especially because it's a MIDDLE GRADES book man. And I tell you what, teaching at a school where the minority are the white kids, it means a lot to my kids to see POC on the books that I bring in. AND it's especially thumbs up in my book because THIS ONE isn't about gangs.*

Pemba is in high school. She's groovin' in the city, learning her step moves and listening to hip-hop when her mom decides that they need to move to someplace a bit more wholesome. Like a small town in CT where she swears she's got to be the only black person. Well, except for this goofy old man named Abraham.

As soon as she enters her new house though she begins to have this weird unexplainable moments of blackouts and headaches intermingled with what she concludes are odd daydreams. Finally the frequency of them leads her to confide in Abraham and together they unravel a mystery, and murder, and a an untold slavery story.

I LOVED this little book and read it in one quick setting. It's the perfect read for a kid who wants to get into a spooky spirit for Halloween. In fact, it didn't make it a day on my desk before one of my students picked it up. For any of you Read-A-Thoners who want to find a quick read, I would recommend this one for sure.

____________
* My students dig the gang books, mind you, but COME ON!!! Every black or Hispanic person is not in a gang.

Tris and Izzie

2011-10-11T18:05:00.000-04:00

Title: Tris and Izzie

Author: Mette Ivie Harrison

Pages: 272

Pub: Egmont; 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Etc: ARC via Netgalley

The Short of It

Magic in the world causes strife.

The Long of It

Ever read that epic “Tristan and Isolde” by Wolfram von Eschenback? I have to admit, I didn’t, but it’s their story that caught my attention. I watched the movie Tristan and Isolde ages ago (although I can’t remember what it was about. At. All.) I cannot, therefore, honestly tell you how similar this story is to the original.(1)

So it begins with Izzie and Mark and they are THE cutest couple. Or at least in Izzie’s opinion. Life couldn’t be grander, except her bestie, Branna, is crushin’ on someone but won’t say who and Izzie JUST HAS TO get Branna hooked up with someone so they can do cutesy things like double date. About five minutes later, Mark introduces the girls to his new friend, Tristan. Of course Izzie gets the BRILLIANT idea to create a love potion and get Tristan and Branna to hook up.

Oh wait, didn’t I tell you? There’s magic in this world. Like, Izzie’s mom is a witch, which is why she drives an ambulance to help those who need more than normal science inspired medical needs.

But then there’s trouble in paradise because Izzie drinks the love potion instead of Branna and then finds out a bunch of secrets that she wasn’t really prepared for and BAM the world is in danger by evil magic.

The Thoughts about It

Uh, first off…isn’t that cover just freakin’ gorgeous! I wish I could blow it up, frame it, and hang it somewhere where lots of people can see it. Kudos to whoever the art director was.

Unfortunately, my feelings for the book were pretty lukewarm. Part of me had to be my own personal cheerleader pushing the reading on. I’m pretty sure that if the book wasn’t YA, I’d have put it aside. But I kept holding out.

Let me just tell you there was this one part of the novel that was pretty huge and it bothered the hell out of me. I hated the unbelievable aspect of it, which is saying a lot when I can buy into magic. And all I’m sayin’ on the subject, without giving anything away is people don’t just give up something or someone that they love without having icky feelings. Icky feelings like, jealously, possessiveness, frustration. Not. Believable.

The ending was pretty fierce though. I liked all of the fighting and manipulation of magic.

Finally, it seems as though it is set up for a series (aren’t they all?) but I’ll be passing.

_________

(1) But check out the author’s website. She does a phenomenal job sharing the process of re-writing a classic. Also, I encourage you to explore the web-o-page. Lots of cutesy stuff, like LOVE POTIONS!

Evelyn Evelyn

2011-10-10T06:49:00.001-04:00

Title: Evelyn Evelyn

Author: Amanda Palmer; Jason Webley

Pages: 144

Pub: Dark Horse Comics

Genre: Comics, Fiction

Etc:

The Short of It

Illustrated story of musical Siamese twins.

The Long of It

Conjoined twins were born in the 80’s in a small town in the middle of nowhere, USA. The mother dies at birth and the doctor who delivered them is mortified by their unique connection. So, he does the first thing that any small town doctor would do – find a powerful tool that will rip them apart. No worries though, they miraculous get saved and their journey in life continues until the meet Amanda Palmer and ason Webley on MySpace who decide to produce them.

The Thoughts about It

Un-freakin-believable! YOU ALL! I totally heart Dark Horse Comics. So far this is a two for two win on what they publish. But Evelyn Evelyn? Really? Ah-MAY-zing. And AMANDA – freakin- PALMER? Is there anyone else cooler? I truly don’t think so.

Now here’s the thing, I am not going to give anything else other than the summary that I – er – summarized above BUT I do want to tell you that I did some research about the Evelyn Evelyn tale and lordy it is SO meta. Sure, sure, Amanda and Jason deny being Evelyn Evelyn and I most absurdly believe them in this alternate universe. Because, you know, E & E ? They’re an entity of their own.

Quickly close the window of this review and run – RUN – to the nearest book buying plaza and pick this zinger up. And anything else you see Dark Horse comics publishing. I know I will.

And for your viewing pleasure if you need to wait on the purchase. (*nudge* uh, why?) watch some E&E talent.

*off humming elephant elephant*

TSS - Unwrapped

2011-10-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hey guys. It has been AGES since I've done a Sunday Salon post. And honestly, you know what? If I hadn't stored up on some reviews this lil' blog would have been a deadbeat one here recently. Things have been a Roller Coaster (seriously, that's two words?) and I'm ready for the ride to be over.

First and foremost, I know that I mentioned that my BooBear (also known as Corki, Corkmonster, Corkadoo) had been sick and we were hoping for the best. Well, the final verdict is in and he definitely has cancer. The doc estimates that we have anywhere between two weeks to two months left. It's been crazy emotional and I've been trying to do as little as possible but spend time with him. Right now I am trying to spend as much time with him. Running back and forth to vet appointments on top of regular school activities equals a very exhausted and non-reading book blogger.

BUT

On a more positive note, every Friday I "do" DEAR (drop everything and read) in my classes. I highlighted the do because I definitely sit on my bum and read with the kiddos every period as well. I told them straight up that I'm not assigning them to read so I can play catch up. I assign it because (a) I love to read and think everyone should too and (b) kids are always obligated to read, I want them to choose and finally (c) duh it will help them in their studies. Well, I've heard SO MANY FREAKIN' TIMES that you can't do independent reading with low level readers or reluctant readers or kids who hate reading and man I just want to say: in your face folks. Seriously. I have some of my more than a wee bit pain in the butt kids asking if we can read for thirty minutes instead of twenty. (I had no problem, so now that's our standard rule). Dude. I have nearly one hundred students (I also teach the LY - beginner English - kids and they won't start DEAR until next marking period) silent for thirty minutes reading a book of their choosing. It's Ah-May-Zing. Especially since they're usually antsy and talkative and out of their seat and usually doing everything other than what they are supposed to be doing.

AND

helllooooo booknerds I hope everyone signed up for Dewey's Readathon. I'm planning to do some major reading that weekend. Let me know if you're participating. I'd love to keep an eye on everyone.

The Best Buddhist Writing 2011

2011-10-08T11:13:00.002-04:00

Title: The Best Buddhist Writing 2011
Author: Melvin McLeod
Pub: Shambhala, 2011
Pages: 336
Genre: Non Fiction, Religion, Essays, Buddhism
Etc.: via Netgalley

I fancy myself a bit of a collector of religions. Growing up I was exposed to various Christian churches (Adventist, Non Denominational, Baptist, Lutheran), Catholicism, a Jewish temple, and Spirituality. The first few selections are pretty acceptable, so let me explain just a wee bit about the Spirituality. Being a Florida Native, I'm a hop-skip-and-jump away from Cassadaga, which, if you are unaware, is the Spiritual Community of the state. Seriously. Driving into this town every house has signs hanging sharing their specialty (medium, palmist, plain ole psychic). Mom and I would go there a handful of times, and even in my early 20's had attended a few services in their town hall.

At this point in my life, I associate more with Agnosticism. The idea of religion makes sense for me, I can see how Man needs to feel a spiritual support "out there", but the realistic side of me just can't buy into this godly figure, no matter how cool he might be. (Shout out to Jesus, man. No disrespect intended. Seriously.)

BUT if I had to find a religion that met my personal criteria, Buddhism would be just that. As Agnostic, I believe that there is a purpose (although I did go through an existential atheist period) Ultimately, I believe that everything is interconnected. I buy into the idea of karma, but hate how trendy and hippie-ish the term is associated with now. I have even found a Buddhist temple locally that I have attended for mediation.

And that's sorta where this collection of essays comes in. It helps me understand more of what leading a Buddhist lifestyle looks like. I mean, let's face it. I could go to a church this weekend and the pastor or preacher or minister or whomever could illustrate what Christianity looks like in the everyday world. It's DIFFICULT to find that for Buddhism, unless your reading it from some esoteric monk. I wanna no what the regular Joe looks like. And this book did it.

I read it slowly and sporadically. So, unfortunately I cannot go into much detail about specific essays. But I can tell you that it covers everything from marriage to death. And it's all real. This people are people that I could be sitting next to in the local Starbucks. And for that alone, I give a two thumbs up.

Friday Films - In the Mouth of Madness

2011-10-07T08:32:00.000-04:00

Hiya folks! I don't usually write about movies, but I thought I would share my top favorite horror films this month because, well, it's OCTOBER and I freakin' LOVE October. The weather actually drops below the 90's, there's tons of good (and awful) scary movie-athons on the tele, AND it's the month for the biannual Readathon.

The first movie on this list* is In The Mouth of Madness. I suspect not many people have heard of it and my guess is most would consider it a b-flick. I saw it in college and still own the VHS that I purchased. ITMOM pays homage to both HP Lovecraft and Stephen King, which is Awesome Point #1. Awesome Point #2 is it's directed by John Carpenter. and Awesome Point #3 is the premise, which is as follows:

We meet this cat** named John Trent and he's this investigator who is asked to search out a missing author, Sutter Cane. The publicist needs the final book in the popular horror writer's series. So, Trent decides to read some of Cane's novels to get an idea about this mysterious author, which leads him to having this horrific nightmares. The search leads Trent to a small New Hampshire town and murderous mayhem ensues. Essentially reality blurs and Trent goes a wee bit berserk.

There are parts where the movie is a gore fest, but it's done in a cheesy gory glop of goo manner. This causes me to be both horrified and giggly. The Best combination for a scary movie.

Check out some You Tube action.

And also, what the what?! These people are mad dedicated to the flick:

___________
* my list is not in any particular order
** and by 'cat' I am referring to the 50's slang

Without Tess

2011-10-06T07:58:00.000-04:00

Title: Without Tess

Author: Marcella Pixley

Pages: 288

Pub: Macmillian; 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic

Etc: via Netgalley

I am SO glad that I stumbled upon this book via Netgalley because I absolutely know I would have skipped over it at the bookstore. The cover is just not oooh la la for me. And yes, although I know one should not judge a book by its cover, I'm superficial like that.

This book is A-May-Zing. I was immediately drawn into Lizzie's story as she sits in the office with her shrink going through her sister Tess's journal. Tess is dead and even though it's years later, Lizzie isn't dealing with it so well.

Lizzie and Tess had a unique relationship. Tess creates these fantastical scenarios where magic happens, mermaids exist, and Merlin whispers secrets to her. Lizzie adores her sister and is always willing to play along. Except there finally comes a time in childhood where Lizzie is done pretending and Tess is adamant that she's not.

So what makes this book A-May-Zing? Pixley's description of an emotionally sick little girl is gut wrenching and so realistic that I truly felt I KNEW Tess and Lizzie. At parts it was painful to read. Lizzie doesn't realize how disturbed her sister really was and the biggest obstacle in dealing with her death is accepting that bit of knowledge. There were moments when Tess was vicious and manipulative, always testing Lizzie's love and loyalty for her. Often, these tests would put Lizzie's life in danger. Yet young Lizzie loved her unabashedly. It's the older Lizzie that can't make sense of her adoration and hate.

Told in flashbacks, you'd think that it'd get a bit confusing. But it never does. The writing is that seamless.

I read this book in one sitting.

Sleepwalkers

2011-09-30T13:28:00.001-04:00

Title: Sleepwalkers

Author: Gabriel Gates

Pages: 336

Pub: 2011; HCI

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Horror

Etc: via Netgalley

The Short of It

Man man controls sleepwalkers to kill.

The Long of It

Caleb receives a cryptic letter from a childhood friend begging him to return to his hometown and rescue her. Enlisting his best friend for help, he finds Christine locked up in a mental asylum. Caleb decides to ask around after he finds his father missing. As it turns out, his father isn’t the only one that’s disappeared. Many of the town’s children have vanished, and rather than ask questions, the townfolk look the other way. Caleb is confronted by his worst fears as he uncovers the mystery that lies in Hudsonville, Florida.

The Thoughts about It

Aiight. There were some parts of this book that just didn’t do it for me. The writing seemed almost like Mad Libs, the dystopian/horror version. Standard scenes accumulated in pages with fill in the blank adjectives. BUT somewhere in the novel, the author managed to hook me, because I stayed up way past desired to finish.

And seriously? The idea of hypnotized child sleepwalkers invading your home and overpowering you definitely falls in the Stephen-King-creepness. I and dig me some horror that can kinda be plausible. I mean, hello? Children of the Corn,much? Plus, by the time you get to the end, you realize that there was so much more to this story than what you initially thought. AND THAT is very cool.

The only downer? I didn’t really care for Caleb’s best friend. I mean, I can’t even remember his name, even though he was in more than half of the book.

Sleepwalkers is definitely a great read for the month of October!

Envy

2011-09-27T07:38:00.000-04:00

Title: Envy

Author: Gregg Olsen

Pages: 304

Pub: 2011; Splinter

Genre: Young Adult; Mystery

Etc: ARC from LibraryThing’s Early Review

The Short of It

Unusual death: unexpected, dark, and mysterious.

The Long of It

Katelyn dies from electrocution. An odd kitchen appliance in the bathtub. It HAD to be suicide. Right? Twins with a paranormal sense, Hayley and Taylor (HayTay) immediately begin to get glimpses of what might have really happened in that bathroom the night Katelyn died.

The Thoughts about It

So, as if I needed another series to get into, Envy is Book One in the Empty Coffin series. HOWEVER, what I dig about this series is it’s totally groovy if I don’t read any more in the series. Sure there was a bit of a hanger that makes you go, huh, wonder what that’s about, but it’s not enough that I’m going to feel like I’m missing something if I don’t ever get around to finding out. THIS is the kind of serious that I wish would come out more often.

What I do have to admit, ya’ll, is this book had me going back and forth between hatin’ it and lovin’ it. Irksome? I didn’t really FEEL for any of the characters. And the paranormal aspect? Well, I just didn’t like how it was done. Bottom line. BUT I thought the story line was pretty nifty (and I dug how Olsen brought up his true crime inspiration of the mom who bullied the girl on facebook. Ya’ll that’s just sick!) Also, the writing felt authentic. And maybe it’s because the author is a true crime writer prior to turning into a young adult novelist? The writing made me think of a newspaper. Informational, interesting, but unfeeling.

If you’re into mystery I’d definitely pick it up. It’s a quick read. Captivating enough that I finished it in one sitting and stayed up past my bedtime.

The Last Dragon

2011-09-20T14:04:00.004-04:00

Title: The Last Dragon

Author: Jane Yolen, Rebecca Guay

Pages: 144

Pub: Dark Horse Comics

Genre: Comics, Fantasy

Etc: via Netgalley

The Short of It

Maybe dragons really aren’t completely extinct.

The Long of It

Set in a small town, the discovery of one last dragon leaves the townfolk distraught. After all, there has not been a need for heroes so they have no one local to kill it or protect them. With no other choice, a couple of boys seek out a hero to bring back to their land and slay the dragon. What they find is more like an antihero, and the town’s safety is questionable.

The Thoughts about It

I jumped instantly at the chance to read this via NetGalley because HELLO!! it’s Jane Yolen and she rocks my fantastical world. Can I just say that this did not disappoint. It’s a wonderful fairy tale that has a contemporary spin on it and I think that it would fit perfectly into my fairy tale unit. I don’t want to give away too much because it really is worth the read but feel like I must comment on one aspect which gets the most accolades from me – THE STRONG FEMALE role. I freakin’ adore that the “hero” wasn’t so much of a hawt prince and the damsal didn’t need that much rescuing. And this sounds super cheesy but the ending? It reminded me of that line in Pretty Woman which says (paraphrased) “and the princess and prince saved each other”. Fist pump!

BTW - Dark Horse Comics is quickly becoming my snuggy of graphics.

TSS- Out for the Count

2011-09-18T09:54:00.001-04:00

Hey y'all! This is going to be short and sweet since I'm officially without a colored for a few weeks.

Corki is on a medical maintenance plan, which means he's not out of the woods but providing he stays his happy go lucky self there's no point to have surgery.

Which leads me to how the computer went BOOM. We brought the Cork home from the vet and he was still under anesthesia. And because he is The Cork Monster he climbed up on his tower WHICH WAS A BIG NO NO. Sooooo I went out on the porch to keep an eye on him. Figured I'd write some reviews, catch up on my online time.

AND THEN !!!!!! He stretches and rolls over but because HE'S STILL DRUGGED he loses his balance and is about to fall head first on the ground. I immediately jump up to the sound of my laptop crashing to the floor to save his butt.

I have reviews saved and scheduled. I'm hoping to resolve this computer crisis after a few paychecks.

I will miss everyone terribly.

Tankborn

2011-09-15T07:24:00.000-04:00

Title: Tankborn

Author: Karen Sandler

Pages: 373

Pub: Lee & Low; 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Etc: via Netgalley

FIRST AND FOREMOST - didja check out that cover? Yay to POC. I adore that this is a dysfic and it's all about caste systems and allusions of discrimination and race WITHOUT being about race itself, but more about "who and what" defines humanity.

And yes, I'm all *fingers crossed* that this book is a hit because folks I'm not a huge dysfic kinda reader and I have to admit that in the beginning I almost stopped reading. Which would have been devastating because there is just SO MUCH to discuss.

S'okay, my gripes. And it's really my biggest gripe. There are way too many new words for words that already exist. I think that this is a science fiction thing? I've heard of people refer to two different types of science fiction - high and low. Is there truth to that? (1) And if I'm remembering it correctly, "high scifi" is where worlds/universes/allofexistences are created (think Lord of the Rings) whereas "low scifi" is maybe more like how True Blood is urban fantasy? I don't know I could be talking about of my arse...but the thing is, the GRIPE is the unnecessary jargon. It's what causes me to shy away from any type of "high scifi" I am awful at learning languages and my mind just can't keep up with these new verbal symbols. Tankborn had its share of new verbal symbols. I found them to be like little speed bumps in my reading, and it absolutely put me off.

But I persevered and here's the DL.

Kayla and Mishella are best buds living in a slummed district known as Chadi. They're GENS, which means their lives aren't their own. They were created by humans with human DNA but are considered non-human. Each GEN is gifted with a specialty: for Kayla it's her strength and for Mishella it's her nurturing spirit. Upon their fifteenth year, the GENS are sent away from their nurturers and home life to work for a trueborn.

There's a caste system going on here where trueborns rank the highest and GENS are the lowest, and a couple of other "middle class" borns in between.

Tankborn, like I think most dysfic's are suppose to do, brings forth an interesting commentary about racism, humanity, economic status. THESE are all of the right reasons to read dysfic.

There were many occasions where the similarities of GEN-ism and segregation were unnerving. For example, I recently saw The Help (2) and there was a specific collection of scenes where the whites were appalled at using the same toilets as the blacks because gawd only knows what diseases they might catch. And really, it's for the best of BOTH races ..blah blah blah. Well, dude, in the case of Tankborn, GENS can't touch trueborns (and if you haven't figured it out yet, trueborns are those born from the womb) because of one reason or the next. Obvs there are those moments and you're like I-see-the-similarity-thanks. That's not what makes this book great...it's much deeper than that.

What makes this book great is the intricate creation of the GENS and the questions of their existence and what that means to humanity. It's how GENS have their own religion and how that's used to define them and even manipulate them. It's how close we are to creating GENS ourselves. Oh and don't forget that little nagging voice that wants to ask when is the use of science a disservice, a ticking bomb, a near explosion to what makes LIFE so miraculous.

This is the type of book that would be a godsend to teach in upper level high school.

And yes, I have to admit, part of me was a bit jealous of the capability of datapods. I can't help it...even though in this book they are Evil..or at least Not Good...I partly still kinda want an exterior brain pod with a circuit board where I could just upload information to whenever it benefitted me. By gawd, I do want to be a walking encyclopedia. There. I said it.

Now. Do yourself a favor and run out and purchase this book.

(1) I realize that I could just google it, but I'm lazy.

(2) For those of you who just read the novel, I'm sure that this scene is in it as well.

TSS - Some Thoughts

2011-09-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Some thoughts:

Today is the ten year anniversary of 9/11. My students ranged from 2 - 5 years old. It's strange that they don't have a concrete memory.
I was working at a country club. My roommate and I e-mailed back & forth with updates. If we were texters back then, we'd probably been texted.
For awhile, I held on to a copy of that e-mail exchange.Since then, though, it's been lost along with many e-mail accounts.
I was lucky enough to not know anyone personally involved.
I was also lucky enough to not know anyone who knew anyone personally involved.
I remember being especially touched by the Jon Stewart show. His genuine emotion upon returning to the studios was powerful.
Watching the visuals over and over again that day almost made it seem unreal. Surreal?
Since then, I have known many people to serve in the military.
I think they are all brave.
And regardless of your politics, I'd like to think that we all support our troops.

TSS - Emotional Week

2011-09-04T10:13:00.000-04:00

Hey guys. My brains sorta not focused this three day weekend. We're in the midst of processing some bad news about one of our babies. So...I'm spending most of the days lounging around wherever he is, trying to spend as much time as possible with him. Tuesday Corki goes back to the vet for a full body ultrasound and we'll find out the final prognosis.

Ultraviolet

2011-09-01T08:06:00.000-04:00

Title: Ultraviolet

Author: RJ Anderson

Pages: 316

Pub: September 1st, 2001 ; Lerner Publishing Group

Genre: reality bending (?) fantasy (?)

Etc: received from netgalley

The Short of It

Seeing the world differently can hinder.

The Long of It

Alison is first introduced to us awakening from a fugue. She has been admitted into a mental institution due to a violent outburst and inability to coherently share what happened. Oh yeah, and the blood on her hands didn’t help the situation NOR the fact that there’s a missing girl that she’s been known to verbally spar with. Doesn’t look good.

Alison also suffers from synesthesia, which is the ability of seeing letters distinctly colored, etc. In Alison’s life, it really is a hindrance; her world is turned upside down because of this extreme sensory ability. She can taste sentences and her world is filled with personifications. Because her mother has ignored her symptoms, Alison has grown up in an environment where she denies these experiences and hides them within herself.

Which definitely allows for the sensation of a “crazy” narrator and makes her very unreliable. She knows what happened to the missing girl, she saw her disintegrate right in front of her. Alison keeps this quiet because she knows how it sounds. And the shrinks already think that she’s schizophrenic.

The Thoughts about It

As many of you know I absolutely freakin’ adore books that take place in mental institutions, asylums, or have any sort of mental illness. When I saw this book I hardly knew what to expect, and even while reading it, I had no idea what to expect.

I am not very familiar with synethesia, but I think that it was cleverly used in this situation to make Alison even more unreliable than if she was just in a mental institution. Believing that the girl disintegrated right in front of her hardly fit that disorder, but her ability to “see” the world differently led me to question the reality she was experiencing.

I read some other reviews that were not as impressed by the book as I was. In order to fully explain my position, there might be some SPOILERS. Ultraviolet did move toward a science fiction ending which seems to make some ill at ease, maybe like a cop out? I don’t’ know. I had no problem suspending my disbelief. It led me in that direction perfectly, and maybe it was merely because I looked at Alison as the unreliable narrator that she was. After all, how can you fully believe a character when you first meet her in a state hospital and a possible criminal?

In a nutshell, this was an enjoyable read.

Imaginary Girls

2011-08-29T07:29:00.000-04:00

Title: Imaginary Girls

Author: Nova Ren Suma

Pages: 352

Pub: Dutton; 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

Etc: magical realism

The Short of It

Loyalty to your sister above everything?

The Long of It

“London didn’t know she was supposed to be dead. Anyone who did wouldn’t be laughing so loudly opening her mouth that wide and letting out those sounds. A girl in her grave wouldn’t knock back that Pabst like she didn’t care how it tasted, then smile so sloppy and let the beer dribble down her chin.”

Chloe might not be as beautiful as her older sister, Ruby, but that doesn’t matter. Ruby makes her feel special. In fact, Ruby can weave a story like magic making anyone feel special. That is until that awful moment at the reservoir when Chloe finds the dead body. Ruby couldn’t comfort Chloe that day so Chloe went away. Two years go by when Ruby comes back for her, to bring her home. But now, things are different. Ruby’s different. The town is different. And Chloe can’t help but ask questions that might eventually lead her on a path that she’s not prepared to travel.

The Thoughts about It

Wow. Freakin’ absolutely WOW folks. This book was almost as confusing as my freshman geometry class, except not nearly as dreaded. I had no idea what to expect walking into this book other than the brief snipped on the back (which I sorta gave you in my own words above) and man oh man am I so glad that’s all I knew going in.

Because of that, my “thoughts about it” section isn’t gonna be as thorough because I don’t want ANYTHING to slip out. But this book was BEAUTIFUL like those creepy porcelain dolls are beautiful where the eyes look like they might be real human eyes? But creepy like, did anyone see that Criminal Minds episode where the psycho cut out peoples eyes and then put them in the animals cuz he was a taxidermist and he wanted the eyes to look REAL? It’s kinda creepy in that way. So yeah, except there is no murderer who hunts people down and there are no incredibly freaky looking porcelain dolls.

There’s only a small town, a legend, and two sisters who would do anything for each other.

//welcome to the jungle//

2011-08-21T19:07:00.000-04:00

Ah yes, the beginning of middle school years starts AGAIN tomorrow. First day jitters for all baby 6th graders, emotional turmoil for all 7th graders as their bodies begin to change, and GROWN-UPEDNESS for all of those 8th graders who are finally on the top.

Needless to say, this past week has been filled with meetings (*snore*) and MORE meetings (*drool*) and my muddled brain came home and could not even focus long enough to read my reader. I imagine this coming week will be the same as I attempt to learn 120 new personalities in a six and a half hour time period. Expect nothing too excited over the next couple of weeks. Oh wait, sorta like the LAST couple of weeks.

I admire all of you bloggers who are consistent.

Cheers!

Beauty Queens

2011-08-18T08:02:00.000-04:00

Title: Beauty Queens

Author: Libba Bray

Pages: 390

Pub: Scholastic, 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Satire, Science Fiction?

Etc:

The Short of It

Lost meets Ms. Congeniality with pirates?!

The Long of It

The Teen Miss Dream contestants are in dire straits. Their plane crashed on what appears to be a deserted island. Only a handful survive and they must pull their skills together if they hope to stay alive long enough for The Corporation (sponsor of Teen Miss Dream and just about everything else in the good ole U. S. of A.) to rescue them. Unfortunately, there is a wee bit of power and manipulation going on behind the scenes of The Corporation and the individual who Teen Dreamers admire the most might just be behind it all.

The Thoughts about It

I knew that I had to get my hands on this book after I first heard about it. I mean, COME ON! Libba Bray? Beauty pageants? Pirates? Reality television? What’s not to love, right? This book was pretty much on top of its game and I have very little complaints. The snark and wit of it seriously had me LOL-ing every few pages. Holy chuckles, batman!

So of course it has the whole snark of reality television and corporate America™ and let’s kick up the feminism..BUT it also touches base on bi-curiousity and trans love. Libba nailed both topics and was all this is humanity ya’ll; IN YOUR FACE. And can I just tell you that male/trans-female dating is HAWT. Wish there was more of it.

And there are Pirates! Sure, sure, they’re reality television pirates, but they still come on a huge ship and drink rum and in my head they say ARRR after each sentence.

The beauty contestants were well diverse. Bray had a wonderful foundation to pull in issues of race and handicaps. It’s pretty obvs that in most pageants they have the token black contestant, Hispanic, Asian, and so forth, but it’s still very much white dominant. In the beginning when the girls still think that they’ll get rescued in a few hours and continue to practice their routines (um, yeah, really…) the girls are sizing each other up. More tension is illuminated between the two non-white girls: you know it’s only gonna be one of us in the top five; YOU’RE my competition. I love how she says things that are probably only thought quietly.

Also I have to say my favorite character was actually the Teen Dream contestant who was the most rah-rah-rah-I-love-Teen-Dream, Taylor. Also known as Ms. Texas. She was HYSTERICAL and even though quite a bit over the top in her C’mon Ms. Teen Dreamers, don’t give up now. We must exfoliate our skin., she was a natural born leader and showed the most umph.

Beauty Queens isn’t perfect though. There were some tiny annoyances. Like, first, there were a handful (okay, more than a handful) of footnotes that broke the flow of my reading. And don’t get me wrong, I loved what the footnote said, but they grew to be a trip in the mental flow. Also, the satire was obvious. You didn’t have to be a detective to figure out the hidden message AT ALL. *shrug* But I figure it’s pretty brilliant since it’s not marketing itself as a philosophy book, y’know.

All in all, I love this book. It didn’t let me down. And Libba, you’re definitely in my top five of author crushes! *swoon*