"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. Seri"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.
Know what would be really cool? If I could go back say twenty years and head out to a summer camp for gifted kids. Oh yeah, I could sign up for cool sKnow what would be really cool? If I could go back say twenty years and head out to a summer camp for gifted kids. Oh yeah, I could sign up for cool seminars on archeology, classical music theory, and other -ologies or theories. Which already makes this an uber cool book because that's exactly where it takes place.
Nicola ends up at Siegal Institute's Gifted program over the summer to explore her interest in archeology. She ends up making some friends while there, a pretty cool geeky group actually. One new friend is Battle, this gorgeous North Carolinian who has major hidden issues.
And then there's summer love. Unexpected summer love. (But I probably led you to the the unexpected part, huh?) Nicola and Battle end up realizing that they are into each other more than friends. This happens to be a first for them, since neither has had a girlfriend before.
I really dug this book. Not only did the characters remind me of the good ole WB18 days of Dawson's Creek and Gilmore Girls, but the interactions were so right on real. I loved how Nicola questions her feelings toward Battle and it wasn't just a quick "oh yeah, I'm into her" realization. She has this moment where she thinks back to who else she's liked, realizes that it's been both boys and girls, and viola we have an ALMOST bisexual character in YA lit. (I've only seen a bisexual character in Brent Hartinger's books).
Plus there's not any HUGE I will love you forever moment when summer comes to an end. Yay for Honest and Delivery.
There's a sequel out and I have it on my PBS wishlist. Fingers crossed.
Anke lives in a tumultuous world. Her father is abusive to everyone in the household excThe Short of It
Being ignored can be abusive too.
The Long of It
Anke lives in a tumultuous world. Her father is abusive to everyone in the household except her. Immediately you can see her struggle between not wanting the abuse, but then still wishing that she was at least acknowledged, even if that means, being abused. Anke also has a problem with the silence. Why isn’t anyone talking about what is happening? Why are your siblings and mom remaining silent?
The Thoughts about It
The novel is told in verse and I absolutely loved it. I thought that Anke’s story is told sensitively and realistically. I think it’s important that she acknowledged that she was being ignored. She knows her sister is being sexually abused and part of her is frustrated because it’s not her.
What’s even crazier is NO ONE in her family even talks about what’s going on. How crazy is that? In fact, Anke is the only one who is willing to let the family secret out.
Because I can’t do it justice, let part of the novel do so:
It just occurred to me. It’s her choice.Yaicha chooses not to tell anyoneAnd Darren does too and Mom. Am I the only one bothered by this?I meanbothered enough to think about it? So all the pressure is on me,the Youguest and Most Bothered.or maybe I am justoutside enough,being the footstool observing from the corner,that I have a view of reality. And I can’t stand it anymore. Why me?I don’t need this crap....more
Kylie has this problem where she sees this military dude and no one else can. Then her boyfriend breaks up with her because she won't put out. THEN heKylie has this problem where she sees this military dude and no one else can. Then her boyfriend breaks up with her because she won't put out. THEN her parents announce that they're getting a divorce. To say that the year is a bit sucky is putting it mildly. But, oh yeah, it gets worse. Her mom, after the recommendation of her shrink, sends her to a summer camp for problemed-teens. And she has a problem all right. A problem with the camp.
Because it's really a camp for unique teens. And by unique I mean paranormally different. Vampire? Werewolf? Fay? If you're young and finding out for the first time, then this camp is for you. They'll help you with the transitional process. Kylie's sorta hoping that they're wrong and she has a brain tumor.
Only a bit hoping.
Born at Midnight is a slow leisurely paced book that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. The differences in the teens new abilities provided for an interesting examination of biases and cliques that most teens will be able to easily identify with. I also thought it was pretty cool that Kylie wasn't stoked about her abilities and instead met it with fierce resistance. Her awkwardness and inability to grasp that her roomies include a vamp and a werewolf are so Real. And Yay for realness in a totally unreal concept.
And because I know you're gonna ask, yeah there's a love triangle. But it's not the central plot line which means I can overlook it. Plus the actual plot was pretty normal. And hello for normal in an abnormal book.
Once again it's a series that took me by surprise. (What is up with picking up a book and not knowing it's a series? Can't they have bright yellow stars on them or something??) I'll be checking out the next one for sure.
Brianna and Sarah have been best friends since elementary school. They are also The Short of It
Love your best friend’s boyfriend? Ooops.
The Long of It
Brianna and Sarah have been best friends since elementary school. They are also polar opposites. Brianna is ostentatious, flirty, and self-absorbed; Sarah is a dedicated, a bit of a wallflower, and loyal. In fact, other than their history, the only thing they really have in common is Ryan, Brianna’s boyfriend. Sarah is torn between her feelings for Ryan and her loyalty toward Brianna. Is he worth the end of a forever friendship?
The Thoughts about It
Pretty much, “whoa!”, right? This book is SO believable. And maybe it’s not always true love as it is portrayed in The Unwritten Rule, but let’s face it, girlfriends often fight over boys. It’s a pastime that doesn’t change, no matter the decade. I knew what this book was about, obvs, when I picked it up. It was no shocker that there would be a triangle of sorts. Rather, I was interested in seeing how the author pulled it off. Would it be this dopey little romance without any core? Or could it really do the situation justice?
Well the jury’s out folks, Scott managed to take a topic that could have easily gone into the rose-tinted rabbit hole where it all works out in the end. And, I guess, to a certain extent, it DOES work out. It’s just more of a purple-ish shade rather than rosy red.
I have to be honest; I was not so much rooting for either of the characters. It’s not as though I grew attached to them in any emotional way. But you know, that didn’t seem to matter here much. ‘Cuz even though I didn’t grow attached, I understood what motivated each of the three. And even though I’d probably not have been friends with any of them…well, okay, maybe I would have had a crush on Ryan. BUT Brianna and Sarah? Nu uh. If I had a shot for every time I rolled my eyes at Brianna’s behavior, I’d surely be getting my stomach pumped right about now. AND Sarah? If she was my friend and she confided in me with this lurve thing going on, I’d have to lay down the law, grow a bit catty, and point out all of Brianna’s self centered qualities and then say something to the effect of: you either figure it out or shut up. And I don’t mean that in a any way that Sarah was a whiny character. ‘Cuz she’s not. It’s just, it was so in your face that Brianna had isthues (way more deep than issues) and man, she didn’t even LOVE Ryan.
Ultimately, two thumbs up for Elizabeth Scott. The ending was handled PERFECTLY and (wait for it…wait for it) REALISTICALLY. As I’ve stressed many times, don’t market yourself as realistic fiction and then do something wacky like they lived happily ever after. *snort* ...more
The Short of It Move; start over; become someone new.
The Long of It McClean has been many people since her parents divorced, but never McClean. You see The Short of It Move; start over; become someone new.
The Long of It McClean has been many people since her parents divorced, but never McClean. You see she was named after a famous ball star from a team her father was obsessed with. And then, her mom left her dad to marry the coach of the famous team. Obviously, things would never be the same. McClean’s dad left his position as Chef and goes to various restaurants throughout the country fixing them up. Think of that show Kitchen Nightmares. This travel allows McClean to reinvent herself every six months. Her motto is to keep life simple. And simple means nothing complicated like friends or relationships. Until she meets Dave and all of his friends and she begins to go by McClean.
The Thoughts about It
Okay, the first couple of pages I had some concerns. I admit it. There were some baseball terms and positions that I just wasn’t too keen on paying attention to. I just have a difficult time visualizing that sort of information. But, knowing that Dessen usually delivers a decent story, I persevered. And man, oh man, am I glad that I did. Seriously. Within the first twenty pages I was hooked. I loved McClean, and for personal reasons, her can resonate totally with her choices, especially the need/desire/compulsion to change aspects of herself with her names. (It’s her middle name she alters – Elizabeth).
McClean is totally authentic as are the relationships within the book. I love how Dessen created the necessary tension between McClean and her mom. For very obvious reasons, McClean blames her mom for the new lives she’s had to repeatedly start over. And yet, as readers, it’s pretty apparent that the marriage had obvious issues because McClean’s dad was hardly ever home.
Then you have this AMAZING supporting character, Deb, who would seriously win awards if there was an award show that gave out character awards. Deb is this awkward girl that introduces herself to McClean on her first day of school as an ambassador for the welcoming committee. McClean finds out that Deb’s actually the only one on this committee and most of her peers shun her for being an odd duck. But then Deb does this awesome favor for McClean, which leads to McClean inviting her to lunch, which THEN leads to all of these little Deb Quirks coming out. And man her quirks are seriously quirky. I love her. I want to be her friend. And I especially wish that Dessen would write a story about Deb.
I ended up reading this book in two sittings. The second one caused me to stay up past my bedroom and tearing up. I couldn’t help it. I was just that touched. Who knew? ...more
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 iThis 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)
Set in the midst of a small town, the wind seems to blow in more than just a new drama teacThe Short of It
When the mood does not strike!
The Long of It
Set in the midst of a small town, the wind seems to blow in more than just a new drama teacher. Fran Heller, drama teacher extraordinaire chooses the Greek play Lysistrata for her debut. Lysistrata tells the story of women protesting war by withholding sex. Very few question the appropriateness of the play since Heller promises to tone down anything terribly inappropriate. Unfortunately, the play seems to have a ghost like charm on the townsfolk as everyone from the very sexually active school psychologist, the lovingly married English teachers, the middle-aged couple, and the explorative high schoolers begin to snub their noses at sex.
The Thoughts about It
This is my first Meg Wolitzer book and I must admit, two weeks since reading it, I am still very much on the fence. Part of me wants to be enthused. Choosing a Greek play as the backdrop is quite smart and the writing ultimately was astute and witty. BUT sometimes it just felt like it was trying too hard to be that a SMART book. Does that make sense? Like, maybe it felt a little pretentious to me? And the ending. Sheesh. The whole time the novel is moving along I’m an intelligent buckaroo…and then as soon as the ending strikes, it’s as though the Cliff Notes version wrapped it up just in case I missed something.
But here’s what I did really like: Robby and Dory, the two English teachers who worked together, loved together, and lived together? They’re relationship was great. It was humorous and yet still a bit snippy. Plus, I thought Wolitzer nailed it how the lack of desire can just sometimes HIT YOU without you expecting it. It’s brave, in my opinion, to bring up in a book the possibility that you could love someone deeply but cringe at the thought of them touching you.
Plus, because there were so many different sexual relationships going on in the novel, it allowed for sexual affections to be explored in all forms. I especially dug the high school girls and their reactions to sexual discovery. Or in the case of the dramaqueen, the possibility of using sex to make a point.
Ouch and there was this one scene…and if you’ve read it, YOU KNOW what scene I’m talking about…between the middle-aged couple that just made me want to turn away, close my eyes tightly and cover my ears. I didn’t want to be privy of their conversation. And I guess that ultimately does say something HUGELY positive about Wolitzer’s writing. Because there were enough scenes that I felt I was wrongly eavesdropping in on. She captures human interactions PERFECTLY.
So you see why I’m on the fence here? I could easily be swayed either way....more
Hannah Baker kills herself. And maybe it was unexpected and maybe her friendsThe Short of It
Haunting voice identifies pain and despair.
The Long of It
Hannah Baker kills herself. And maybe it was unexpected and maybe her friends would have questioned why… But she doesn’t really give them an opportunity to ask questions. Through a pre-recorded tape she shares thirteen moments in her life that changed her. Thirteen reasons why she could never be the person she felt she was inside. Thirteen people who hurt her in ways that perhaps they didn’t even realize. Like a bad chain letter, these tapes end up in the hands of every person mentioned on the recording.
The Thoughts about It
Whoa! How’d I wait this long to read this book? And god, what are even the RIGHT things to say about it? Thirteen Reasons Why is an emotional experience. I read it during the read-a-thon and literally had to step away from books while I brought myself back to the present.
Some thoughts: many of the suicidal warning signs were there but overlooked. Maybe because some are unassuming, maybe because most are not aware enough to call a spade a spade, who knows.
I do know that this is perhaps THE BEST book I’ve ever read dealing with suicide. Following Clay Jensen through his whole process of the tapes grounded the tale. I travelled with him as he followed Hannah’s walk. I ached every time he anticipated hearing his name on the tapes.
I am desperate to get my hands on the audio version of this book. ...more
The Dashwood women are in a precarious position. After the death of their father, Elinor,The Short of It
Sensible or not, Love is tricky.
The Long of It
The Dashwood women are in a precarious position. After the death of their father, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret are essentially forced to move from their comfortable and majestic estate to the farmland in a different area completely. And although there are multiple characters in S&S, the story primarily follows the two older siblings, Elinor & Marianne. Polar opposites, they must come to terms with their role in society and love.
The Thoughts about It
Jane Austen books have a way of welcoming the soul. And I have to admit, I’m slightly restless knowing that I only have three more novels of hers to experience “for the first time”. Sense & Sensibility stole a piece of my heart immediately. I love the contrasting roles of Elinor and Marianne. Elinor constantly tries to follow proper etiquette and attempt to make others feel at ease. Marianne, genuine and authentic, believes it is more important to live in the moment, at its fullest, with complete honesty. Both are admirable women, even when their views conflict with what they know or what they hope.
The men, compared to Emma and Pride & Prejudice, didn’t stand out as much for me. And I still stand by my decision that Mr. Knightly is the dreamiest.
But Sense & Sensibility didn’t strike me as a romance novel in the same way that Emma and P&P did. Rather, it was much more a commentary of female roles, breaking free from those roles, and growing comfortable in them. Perhaps the most tragic, the love affair between Marianne and John Willoughby was a train wreck to read. How much did I want to tell Willoughby off for being such a wuss! To leave Marianne as ill and wretched as she was because he couldn’t move past his financial placement? I mean, of course I get it. I understand that these were different times, but the “Me” of 21st century sexual politics grows nearly riotous when it comes to this cultural and historical norms, especially when the romantic in me wants love to conquer all.
Oh and also, even though Lucy was hardly someone who I would sip tea with, I couldn’t help but feel bad for her role in the Elinor, Edward, Lucy triangle UNTIL she did that awful unimaginable deed that caused me to go, “Oh no you didn’t!” Finally, do you guys remember those internet crazes…Celebrity Death Match? Or was it an MTV show? Anyways, I’d love to see Fanny and Lucy duke it out. If there were two women that deserve to be back-stabbing and bitter besties, it’s those two for sure.
Overall, Emma is still my Austen favorite….BUT Sense & Sensibility definitely took second place, leaving Pride & Prejudice resting in at third. ...more
Southern gris-gris makes for fulfilled debutantes.
The Long of It
Alex ‘s life took a tumultuous turn when her mother dies in an unexpectThe Short of It
Southern gris-gris makes for fulfilled debutantes.
The Long of It
Alex ‘s life took a tumultuous turn when her mother dies in an unexpected car crash causing her to leave the commune that she has loves and the boy that she’s been involved with to the slow Southern culture of Savannah. And as if that isn’t bad enough, her wealthy grandmother who expects her to refer to her as Miss Lee, expects her to carry on the family legacy and become a Magnolia. The Magnolias are the most desired and elite group in Savannah. But they have secrets of their own…their enchantment might be a little bit more than natural beauty.
The Thoughts about It
This book immediately caught my attention. Firstly, I love the cover. And I know that most authors don’t have the opportunity to choose the cover, but I’m a lame-o and of course I judge a book by its cover and WOW haunting, right? And then it’s in Savannah, which is such an amazing small town with gorgeous scenary and tons of history to boot. FINALLY, there’s a bit of dark magic and a lesson between hoodoo and voodoo?! It didn’t take me long to get sold on this one.
Which is why I am only mildly pleased. The Magnolia League wasn’t a no-hitter, but it doesn’t earn homerun status for me either. (And uh, dude, where did the baseball terms come from?)
I think what frustrated me the most about the story wasn’t the story itself, but the main character, Alex. Quite frankly, I just didn’t really like her. I wouldn’t want to hang out with if I was her age and so I just can sympathize with her problems that much. I’m all about saving the environment and what haves but even I grew annoyed with her soap box stance on SUVs, purchasing clothes, and so forth.
Alex’s mother’s story interests me. She escapes the history and legacy of the Magnolias. I want to know HOW. I hope that the sequel indulges this curiosity. ...more
Alexandra Robbins looks at the not-so-key players in high school and suggests thThe Short of It
Unique teens make for interesting adults.
The Long of It
Alexandra Robbins looks at the not-so-key players in high school and suggests that their creativity, introspection, and ability to deal with conflict makes them future innovators in society. In other words, she coins a new psycho-socio term, quirk theory.
Quirk Theory: Many of the differences that cause a student to be excluded in school are the identical traits or real-world skills that others will value, love, respect, or find compelling about that person in adulthood and outside of the school setting. (p 8).
Robbins introduces readers to seven high school students and their stereotypes. Through a case study approach of each student alongside data, The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth covers a range of topics and asks readers tough questions on individual and perceived roles.
The Thoughts about It
I literally must have squealed in delight when I opened my mailbox and found this book. The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth is SO up my alley. It manages to combine both my interest as an educator and as a therapist. Needless to say, I hopped, skipped, and jumped my way back home, curled up on the couch and dove right in.
And here’s the thing. I dig me some nonfiction, but I generally have to be in the mood, ya know. Like, it RARELY happens when I see NF and immediately go for it. I baby step up to it. Not here and man it DID NOT disappoint.
I loved Robbins format. By combining both the case studies as well as the data I felt I had real life applications to theories that might have seemed unimportant. In this sense, I’m looking right at all of the readers out there who may not be in the educational or psychological field. If you have an inkling of an interest in high school roles or sociological curiosities, this book is for you. It will not make you feel dumb while reading it NOR does it dumb itself down.
There were a couple of individuals that I bonded with more than others. And interestingly, they’d probably be on the opposite spectrum had they been in the same high school together. Whitney is the “Popular Bitch” and she exposes how tough it is to be a mean girl and insecurities that go along with it. There were moments actually when Whitney reminded me of Veronica from the movie Heathers. Sure Whitney is popular but she feels conflicted about her popularity, oftentimes implying that she is compromising her own authenticity. The other girl that I really grew attached to was Regan, the Weird Girl. Regan toes that line of punker/thespian/literary nerd. Ummm, LOVE HER.
I marked up this book like there was no tomorrow. It’s flagged and highlighted and notes are written in the margins. Oh, and also, I read it in two days. Which is obscene for me and non fiction.
This is an important book for parents, teachers, and hell, even students to read. Robbins exposes secrets of school hierarchies that exist but are normally not TALKED about. She points out why middle school years, especially 7th grade, is the most difficult. (Um, holla! I’m with them more than their parents. These kids don’t know if they’re coming and going). And then, sheesh, we consider the technology that is second nature in their lives and it makes the whole experience scarier. Consider, if a rumor starts in 1st period, it’s already facebooked, tweeted, and texted by 3rd. Pictures? Oh yeah, that’s proof that you really DID wear that outfit, got THAT tanked, kissed WHO and went to WHICH party! There’s no running away from your mistakes or choices in middle/high school.
*sigh*
I could continue on and on about this book. But I won’t. Because there’s so much about it that’s a process and I want each and EVERY one of you to process it yourself. Hell, I think that you might even be able to find out aspects about yourself that you overlooked. Have your own aha moments.
Bottom line is I wish I could make all of my colleagues read this book. I wish that professors would make it required reading in secondary education courses AS WELL AS group theory, psychology, AND sociology classes. ...more
Because her parents have taken refuge in Canada due to political reasons, BlisThe Short of It
Sometimes school pariahs should be avoided.
The Long of It
Because her parents have taken refuge in Canada due to political reasons, Bliss moves in with her wealthy grandma and goes to a private prestigious school. Life is definitely different from the commune she spent most of her life living on, so Bliss is shocked when she hears about segregation still going on and the influence of the KKK. Bliss gets accepted pretty readily with a new group at school but risks it all when she befriends the school’s loser, Sandy. Sandy is not like the other girls in the school. She’s smart and cares about what is going on in the community. Bliss and Sandy spend hours talking about the Manson murders, and the mysterious death of a girl decades earlier at school. Unsuspectingly, Bliss doesn’t realize that Sandy might have been the school pariah for a reason.
The Thoughts about It
Holy ba’joly folks. Bliss was TOTALLY suspenseful and surprising and I DEVOURED it all in one sitting because I just COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT WAS COMING NEXT. And really, how did I miss the bloody name on the cover? There are ghosts and there are ghostly stories and dead people and half dead people. Oh and people who CONTACT THE DEAD.
Plus, Myracle includes historical events in the characters’ daily lives perfectly. “Oh yeah, that Manson family, crazy shizat huh? I wonder if he’ll get convicted…” and “Oh my family’s not involved in the KKK but you know, so-and-so’s is…” That kinda tuff.
And also, let me just tell you that I’m over the top impressed with Myracle as a writer. Man does she just cover it all or what? First, my students ADORE her TTYL series. I’ve never read them, but my kids will vouch. Then she writes realistic fiction, horror, what’s next? I don’t think I’ve actually gushed about a writer since my initial love affair with John Green and David Leviathan. ...more
Violynne is the daughter of smart archeologist on a planet where the exploration oThe Short of It
New species discovery may cause misery.
The Long of It
Violynne is the daughter of smart archeologist on a planet where the exploration of the Croon civilization is paramount to finding more about the planet’s history. What should have been a relatively safe exploration turns brutal when Violynne’s parents disappear leaving her to figure out the mystery.
The Thoughts about It
What? I read this book because it’s the last one for my students’ book group and I thought it was a snore. The coolest thing was the house that Yiolynne lived in – it was built like a crescent moon. Seriously, how nifty of a house would that be? The story didn’t seem terribly original and the characters were afterthoughts as soon as I closed the book. I definitely could have skipped this one and not felt like I missed out....more
Laurel is going through a LOT of changes. She’s no longer homeschooled, she’s a teenager, The Short of It
Smell good? Maybe it’s a fairy.
The Long of It
Laurel is going through a LOT of changes. She’s no longer homeschooled, she’s a teenager, she has new friends, she met a boy, and oh yeah – she’s got wing-shaped flowers sprouting from her back. You could say life has gotten to be a little strange. Freakin’ out about this smelling sprung surprise, Laurel returns to her childhood home to get some quiet sob time in the woods. Of course this is where she meets a faerie, Tamini, who tells her about her legacy. Thank god she has David (cute new boy that she digs) to hold her hand through most of the weirdness. It’s also a bonus that he’s a science whiz.
The Thoughts about It
First, before I share my opinions, open up a tab on your browser to meet Jenn. I don’t want you to miss out on her review of Wings either. Don’t worry. I’ll wait.
Okay. Back? So where do I begin. First, I’ve been on this amazing YA roll. Every book I’ve picked up has been FANTASTICAL. For realz. I’ve been feeling pretty sure of myself – OVER CONFIDENT, if you will.
So, let’s just call Wings my little speed bump. ‘Cuz I just wasn’t feelin’ it. First off, Laurel doesn’t sprout wispy feathery wings that allow her to fly. Nope. She sprouts a ginormous flower from her back. A flower, yes, that smells beautiful. But it’s still a flower. I had such a HARD time suspending my disbelief for this. And an even more difficult time buying that a young girl can hide these flower petals. Or that she’s not FREAKING OUT and running to her parents asking WTF?! And okay, so sure, she freaks out a little. But not in the natural way that I’d be running around freaking out.
Oh and her parents…really. I just did not believe they were real people who took care of this gal from when she was a little tyke. Pont One – the mom couldn’t say the word period. In: Hey honey, have you started your period yet? Nope, it was more of a *shudder*: Hey honey, so have you started…you know…is it that time? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What mom cannot handle menstruation? (I’m sure Jenn will point out in her review that Mom had no problem talking about sex though. *befuddled*)
Also, wait for it…wait for it…there’s a LOVE TRIANGLE. I know. You’re shocked aren’t ya? ‘cuz we all know, you might be YA paranormal if you have a love triangle. I know, that’s a bit of snark isn’t it? It’s just, it was so expected. I do have to say that I like both characters. And not in a Team Jacob or Team Edward sorta away. Both David and Tamini are interesting. They both have characteristics that are separate from their interest in Laurel. That’s pretty nifty.
Finally, I’m going to end on a positive note. I really dig the story of the Fae world that Pike created. (I’ll give you a hint, there is a mention of King Arthur and the Knights). I wish that this was explored more and perhaps that would be the only reason why the second in this trilogy (?) would interest me. ‘Course, Jenn has already admitted she’s gonna read it to find out what happens between Laurel, Tamini, and David. Maybe I’ll just quiz her afterward. ...more
Max and Zoe, like many other infertile couples, spend years attempting InVitro. Each go aroThe Short of It
Who has the rights to embryos?
The Long of It
Max and Zoe, like many other infertile couples, spend years attempting InVitro. Each go around though, they end up disappointed, and Max finally says ‘enough is enough’ and asks for a divorce. Zoe is devastated.
Then let’s move forward, in an attempt to stay sober and get his life back together, Max joins his brother and sister-in-law’s evangelical church. Meanwhile, Zoe falls in love with Vanessa, a high school guidance counselor.
Things might have gone along smashingly…both exes doing their own thing. EXCEPT there still remains a couple of frozen embryos at the clinic and it was never settled in the divorce agreement whose property they were. Zoe and Nessa want to begin a family and need the eggs. Max wants to give them to his brother and sister-in-law, who also have fertility issues.
The Thoughts about It
Alrighty then! EVERYONE knows that when you pick up a Picoult book you’re planning on tackling an Issue. Her books are dramatic and fierce and pulls at your heart strings. I often refer to them as my Lifetime Movie books. There’s gonna be some CONTROVERSARY. And it’s usually done in such a wonderful way that even if you are absolutely devoted to one camp, you can kinda get the other side. (I did say kinda people because let my opinion be known – I do not believe that frozen ANYTHING prior to conception is a baby. In fact, I don’t think I necessarily believe that anything that cannot survive outside of the womb (read: 9 weeks preggers?) is a baby. Life begins at birth. *stepping down for soap box*)
So here are some of the Issues that are raised in Sing You Home:
· Who gets the frozen wanna be babe? · Where does life begin? · What of same sex parents? · Depression and anxiety when you don’t fit in?
For the record I have OPINIONS about ALL of these topics, plus many more. I’ll refrain from going into them because I doubt that most of you care really.
BUT I do have to make a comment on how Picoult handles the relationship between Zoe and Vanessa. Can I just say, LOVE IT. Truly, it was written remarkably well. I love the fact that Zoe, who has OBVIOUSLY been attracted to men prior, points out that it’s ABOUT THE PERSON. Not only do I get that, I live it. Hands down awesome when Zoe told her mom. And the relationship was absolutely REAL. I mean, there’s even a bit of commentary about how roles need to be renegotiated because gender issues don’t exist. Man, Jodi Picoult is astute. Nothing is overlooked.
Plus her characters are thorough, full of faults. Which I lurve! Sure there were times I wanted to hit Max upside the hand but he wasn’t this caricature of a man who hits rock bottom. Max really is that guy.
Sing You Home. The highest praise I can give for this book is it’s a book you want to read WITH someone. I yearn for someone to discuss this book with. Why am I not a part of a book community in real life? Oh yeah, because not many people I know read. Such is another topic completely.
[ed. note - I was so passionate about the story itself I completely forgot to mention THERE'S A CD that goes along with the book. How cool is that? Each chapter has a song devoted entirely to it. Multimedia man, at its finest!]...more
Annie just finds out her husband is in love with someone else and wants a divorce right The Short of It
Home holds the heart and answers.
The Long of It
Annie just finds out her husband is in love with someone else and wants a divorce right around the time her daughter graduates high school and goes off to Europe for the summer. Having always identified herself through her husband and daughter, Annie does the only thing she can think of – pack up her bags and return to the small town she grew up in.
Much like stereotypical small towns, not everyone gets out, including her high school sweetheart, Nick. Nick’s wife recently committed suicide and he is having trouble raising their daughter, Izzie, solo. Doing what she knows best, Annie offers to babysit and learns more about her owns self and what she wants in a family.
The Thoughts about It
S’okay, if you’ve been reading this book blog for sometime it might strike you that this book is SO FAR AWAY from what I normally read you might be scratching your head going, “huh”? I get it. It WAS weird for me to read it. But I had a handful of Hannah’s books dropped off at my house by a family member and I knew that I should read AT LEAST one to discuss. Figuring it would be a quick read I decided to give it a fair chance.
And I did give it a fair chance. I kept my snark in check. I didn’t roll my eyes even though there were parts that tempted me to do so.
Y’know what it reminded me of? Hope Floats, that flick with Sandra Bullock. Nothing in the story shocked me. Nothing made me think. It was a book I could curl up with right before bed and it wouldn’t give me nightmares or even make me stay up all night reading it. It would nicely lull me to sleep.
Does that mean I thought it was dull? *shrug* You take what you will with it. I’ve heard that many folks love them some Hannah…maybe I’m just not part of that norm. I think the next time I want some chicklit I’ll go for Sophie Kinsella. I need more chuckles and less drama. ...more
Educating Drew
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Books:
2011
(93)
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