Book Review: Wild Magic by Tamora PIerce

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series consumed my youth. I LOVED these novels as a kid. After re-reading, I understand why.

Things I liked:
-great character development
-interesting, fast-paced plot
-there are no lags in the story
-the world and the characters are charismatic and beautiful
-tactful dealing with difficult issues


Things I Didn't Like:
-sometimes predictable
-somewhat optimistic: many of the plans succeed. I would like to see more struggle.

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Book Review: Beautiful Creatures Manga, (Caster Chronicles #1) by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl & art by Cassandra Jean

Beautiful Creatures: The Graphic Novel by Kami Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will preclude this review by saying I have never seen the film or read the novel version of this story, but now, I'm planning on doing both.

What I Liked:
-great characterization (for everyone except Lena)
-impacting images
-artistic symbolism and imagery
-interesting blending of supernatural/fantasy mythos
-elements of mystery
-beautiful art (other reviewers have complained about the sketchy style, but I think it added a depth and rawness to the characters)


What I Didn't Like:
-distinct lack of Southern culture
-Lena felt very flat until the end. There was no character progression for her until the final few pages.

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Book Review: Gandhi: A Manga Biography by Kazuki Ebine

Gandhi: A Manga Biography by Kazuki Ebine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This manga was a solid 3. There are things that could have been improved upon, but overall, I enjoyed it and learned a great deal.

Pros:
-the transitions of Gandhi's lifetime were made clear (sometimes with manga, the passage of time is not made so clear)
-the different perspectives were refreshing
-the dialogue was human and was excellent integrating real quotes from Gandhi's life

Cons:
-the editor/translator should have paid better attention. There are many misspellings in the dialogue
-sometimes the transitions from one character to another were abrupt

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Book Review: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I won't lie to you. I probably would never have read this if my boyfriend had not been so incredibly passionate about it.

I would have missed out on a story that may very well do for my adulthood what Harry Potter accomplished in my youth.

Things I loved:
-Kvothe's character development was astounding. Seeing his past self and his future self side by side gives such a significant juxtaposition between then and now.
-The side characters are just as amazing. They have depth and breadth and lives that are just as complex as Kvothe's, and Rothfuss treats them with human respect.
-The story was beautiful, intricate and detailed yet still wild and unkempt, just like traditional oral epics. There is a method to this madness.
-The world. Rothfuss has created a mysterious world full of familiar faces that I just wanted to learn more about (and I will continue to in book 2).

Things I did not care so much for:
-Repetitious phrasing (usually in descriptions). When Rothfuss said something he liked, he returned to it.
-References back to foreshadowing
-There were some typos and grammatical errors (but that's more on the editor than the writer)

I loved this novel and I'm ready to get back to this world.

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Book Review: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this as continuing education for my school per request of my principal. This is a solid 3 star book, and I'll tell you why. The beginning was good, but toward the end, it started to feel too fluffy. I would have liked to see some real challenges overcome through being positive and patient. I mean, it's likely I missed the point.

I've always considered myself a positive person and a great many of those rules are applicable in life as well as within my faith. I think a true cynic would get nothing from this book, but I still agree with the premise.

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Book Review: Still Life by Louise Penny

Still Life by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel like my review is probably NOT the most accurate because mysteries are generally not my cup of tea, however, Still Life is the exception. Still Life is like a strong cup of Earl Grey with just enough kick and a little sugar thrown into the mix.

The beginning was slow. I'll tell you that right off, but so many first novels in series are slow. The world, characters, and environment have to be set up, understandably. Once you get past the set-up, however, there is no turning back.

The characters are flawed and beautiful. It is quite rare that one finds a novel with characters who are so inherently human that you understand them, even to the point of committing murder. More than anything else, however, Still Life is about relationships. There are breathtaking and sometimes poignant romantic relationships, complex mentor/mentee relationships, and relationships among friends and neighbors in a small town. There are quirky and enigmatic side characters whose stories I so DESPERATELY want to know!

On a technical note, there were some grammatical errors and typos, but Louise Penny's style makes them almost unnoticeable. She switches seamlessly from one perspective to another- sometimes with as many as three or four perspectives on one page. It makes for a fast-paced read.

I will continue this series because I've fallen in love with Three Pines (and who doesn't have at least a little crush on Jean Guy Beauvoir?)




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Book Review: Book Love

The Book Hacker is back! Sorry for my temporary absence. In the past few months, I've experienced a break-up, got a new (and AMAZING) job, relocated my entire life, and attempted to adjust to all of it.

I'm so excited that this is my first book to review since my sabbatical. I highly recommend it!


Book Love: Developing Depth, Stamina, and Passion in Adolescent Readers by Penny Kittle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've only been on the teacher side of the desk for four years, but I'm thoroughly convinced that this idea is what's going to change education. It would have changed my education for sure. Penny Kittle clearly knows the students of today.

Not only does she enlighten on her philosophy, but she also elaborates on practical ways educators could apply this in the classroom. My whole classroom format will change because I read this book and I believe my students will be better for it.

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Book Review: Peter Pan

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read this before but it's been ages. I love the tale of Peter Pan and Wendy, of the Lost Boys and poor, arrogant Captain Hook, and reading it again via audio certainly gave me a new appreciation for the Boy Who Will Never Grow Up and the Girl Who Wanted to Grow Up.

It's a beautiful story, and the audio, narrated by Jim Dale who also read the Harry Potter audio books, is breathtaking. I wish I had heard this before I read it in book form because it truly is one of those books made to be read aloud. Jim Dale does every single voice differently and is able to capture these personalities with skill and imagination.

Reading this is truly like a return to childhood, to a self you forgot you knew.

Just like Peter, this book awaits children and adults everywhere who may have forgotten the beauty of imagination and the power of hope and joy.

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Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know other reviewers have used words such as "blase" (which, to be fair, is quite 'blase' in and of itself) to describe this novel, but let's get down to the nitty gritty of it all. I know it's the "hip" thing to not like the books everybody else is reading and, honestly, before I picked up one of John Green's novels (this is my first, but NOT my last) I figured he had to be overrated.

I. Was. Wrong.

Write that in your datebooks because I don't say it often, but I was very wrong in my prejudgment of this novel.

Pros:
The characters are charming, poignant, and painfully real. In the face of tragedies too huge for most adults to experience with a smile, they manage to insert light, carefree, intellectual humor. I laughed as much as I cried in this novel, and let me tell you, that's saying something. Green does not romanticize the struggle with cancer, but rather gets deeper into the fact that no matter how old a person is, he or she has an identity. No matter what their struggle, they have a sense of humor and the ability to be a beautiful soul. The love story here is one of the truest and greatest I've ever read, perhaps because of the short time frame, perhaps because of the circumstances. I don't know. Either way, it's a book I will use in my classroom and recommend to anyone I meet.

Cons:
... I can't really think of any, unless you include massive emotional upheaval and tear-wrenching catharsis.

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Book Review: Where the Stars Still Shine

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Firstly, I really liked this book. I will probably read it again and I will DEFINITELY use it in my classroom. That being said, there were some weak spots.

Pros: Excellent character development and story arc within a relatively short period of time. The main character experienced major changes from the beginning to the end of the story and showed maturity and growth. Actually, all of the major characters are surprisingly well developed. The imagery Doller uses is phenomenal. She uses lovely and interesting metaphors in her descriptions. It also includes such a beautiful and realistic representation of mental illness that is severely lacking in YA literature. I also love the big crazy Greek family!

Cons: There were some instances where authenticity was an issue for me. I felt like some of Callie's reactions were unrealistic. It seemed to me like she would be the kind of person to push back more during certain instances where in the book she passively went along with it, but at the same time, I understand why she didn't.

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Book Review: Can You Keep A Secret?

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Sophie Kinsella! Her heroines are relatable without being overly incompetent and irritating. I wasn't the biggest fan of Jack, but Emma felt like my BFF. Loved it! Definitely going to re-read!

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Book Review: Board Stiff

Board Stiff by Kendel Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I. Love. This. Book!

With her debut novel, Kendel Lynn introduces us to the spunky, albeit unlucky board-director-turned-private-investigator Elli Lisbon, for whom Murphy's Law is a daily plague. She is smart, though, and her guts get her into and out of many a tangle. While mysteries are generally not my cup of tea, I am a huge fan of this novel and now the entire genre and I want to devour them all! The writing is intelligent, the wit quick, and the humor rampant.

Read it.

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Book Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the literary equivalent of a well-sewn quilt. It's worn in, familiar, comforting, and surprising all at the same time. It's so great going back to this series, back to the beginning, and getting to know them all again. It is quite different once you know how it ends.

Harry and his comrades astound me, each and every time. J.K. Rowling created a world I love to escape to, over and over again.

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Book Review: City of Lost Souls

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

*********SPOILERS!*********************

This was an enjoyable read and a necessary step in the story, not unlike City of Ashes, but it is not a life-changer. For the most part, I think most of the tension is broken. I felt like a great deal of the plot was predictable, especially when Jace's mark is torn. I have to admit, I really like Clary. I've liked Clary since City of Bones. She's brave and impulsive and sometimes selfish, but she is human. Unlike characters who always do the right thing, she went against everything she knew to save Jace's life, much like many real life people do when choosing to take their loved one off life support. She knew that the person she loved was still in there and therefore couldn't let him die, but then she turns around and stabs him through the chest with the archangel's sword! It's so ridiculous that it works. I'm expecting the next one to be epic.

Lastly, I would like to add:

SIMON AND IZZY FOR THE WIN!

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Book Review: Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my.

This novel is like quicksand. Once you start to sink into it, you're done! The story was fast-paced and oddly realistic. I love the flawed characters. The kids still act like real teenagers, and Tris is truly brave. And she knows it!

This Dystopian is a great reflection on society and values, but it is also a terrifying world to imagine living in. One of my favorite books. Ever.

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Book Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, I know I will be a bit biased because I LOVE the 1920s. As far as American History goes, it is probably my favorite decade. I also have a bit of a thing for the Lost Generation participants, however, I want this to be less about Fitzgerald and more about Gatsby.

The first time I read this novel, I was a teenager and Gatsby seemed like the ultimate playboy, rich, powerful, confident, arrogant... This time around, I was able to see past his facade better. He is not so confident. In fact, he questions everything until he meets Daisy again (and don't even get me started on her). I liked Nick much better. He is a good man and a good friend who sticks with Gatsby but does not let Gatsby believe that he can behave however he wants.

It was perhaps even more delicious the second time around and Fitzgerald's writing is perfect. Nothing superfluous, nothing superficial. It is honest, clear, and human, as are his most famous characters. I have to say, I'm highly looking forward to DiCaprio's portrayal of the lovelorn New England millionaire.


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Book Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really loved this book. Han really captures what it's like being a teenage girl having to deal with real issues, and what it's like to feel invisible. Albeit, Belly got irritating at times, but I think that's a teenage girl thing. Those boys are fantastic and what a great relationship they all have.

The book is not a difficult read, but it goes rather quickly, even at that. The pacing of the chapters and the speed of the book...you can almost feel the summer slipping past you. The descriptions of everything beautiful about the beach and the ocean and even the gritty sand were mesmerizing. Now I need a beach house to escape to so I can read the next two...


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Book Review: The Lifecycle of Software Objects

The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an odd one. AI has always been an odd realm to tackle. Why create artificial beings that make you feel like they're human? Then you've created another life (albeit a mechanical one) you're responsible for... The humanity in this story is refreshing. Ironic, I know, in a story about robots...but real human questions exist.

The formatting was excellent, and the flow superb once you wrap your head around the concept. It's entirely new, but very possible, and in the iWorld we live in, it makes one question if this sort of world is in our immediate future.

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Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How was I so late getting into this? I LOVE this book. I've decided I'm going to teach it. Generally, in YA lit, I am not much of a fan of the heroine, but I really love Katniss. She's a powerhouse female lead, awkward and socially inept, but strong. She is her family's only source of food after her father's passing so she has to become a survivor so that her mother and sister will survive, too. This is not typical, predictable dystopian lit. I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone.
It is adventure, romance, lies, survival, perseverance, death, family, and friendship.
GO READ IT IMMEDIATELY.



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Book Review: Smokin' Seventeen

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'm not going to say that this is a pivotal, change-your-life type novel, but it was really funny and presented mystery through humor and quick wit. Stephanie's at it again, chasing bad guys, being torn between two guys, and getting Cluck in a Bucket w/her partner in crime, Lula. Hilarious. Smarty, humorous, yet fast read.



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