58. Catching Fire

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) Suzanne Collins. 2009. 391 pages. [Source: Library] [5/5 Stars] [Dystopia, YA]

First sentence: I clasp the flask between my hands even though the warmth from the tea has long since leached into the frozen air. 

This is THE year I am rereading all the Hunger Games books. It has been over a decade since I've read the original trilogy. I do watch the movies every few years. I was SHOCKED (though I shouldn't be) how much doesn't make it into the movies. I was reminded again that the books are so much better than the movies. I think because I do enjoy the movies so much, I forget how different the experiences are from one another. Hence why I didn't reread the series for so long. But the books offer SO much more depth and substance. 

Premise/plot: Peeta and Katniss should be safe now that the seventy-fourth hunger games are over. But they are far from safe since their controversial win in the arena. President Snow has MANY thoughts and opinions. His mind is made up--despite his offering Katniss an out, essentially. Katniss and Peeta's mere existence is an ongoing threat to "peace" in Panem. But he and his cohorts have a plan for the seventy-fifth game....

My thoughts: Catching Fire IS my favorite of the trilogy. I love and adore this book so much. I like the other books in the series. I do. But this one has EVERYTHING. I love, love, love, love FINNICK. I do love Peeta and Katniss. (Not such a big fan of Gale, though I'm not sure if that's legit because of the first two books or because I can never forget book three). Reading the book for the first time in such a long time--over a decade--was like reading it with fresh eyes.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

178. Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia

Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia. Brandon Sanderson. 2009. 299 pages. [Source: Library]
 

First sentence: So there I was, hanging upside down underneath a gigantic glass bird, speeding along at a hundred miles an hour above the ocean, in no danger whatsoever.

Premise/plot: This is the third book in the Alcatraz fantasy series. IN this one, Alcatraz and company arrive at last in the Free Kingdoms, in Nalhalla. Alcatraz wrestles with fame and ego in this one. Though raised in the Hushlands in a Librarian-controlled nation, he's FAMOUS in Nalhalla already, even starring in his own book series. (The book series being written by the Prince himself). Open up one of his books, and his theme music plays. You don't really get more famous than Alcatraz Smedry, of course, it's not really, truly HIM that is famous, more an idea of him. Also in this one, Bastille is put on trial. Will she be stripped of knighthood? How long will her punishment last? I should also not forget to mention that the LIBRARIANS want to come to peaceful terms and end the war at last. But Alcatraz and his friends suspect the WORST. But so many people want peace that they seem willing to give the Librarians the benefit of the doubt....

My thoughts: This one is an action-packed read full of fun and humor. I love this series. And I think I enjoyed this third book even more than the first two books. Folsom was a great new character to introduce--loved his talent, by the way. And it was nice to meet a librarian who wasn't evil for a change!!!

ETA: I reread this one in December 2022. I've reread the first three books in the series. I am enjoying the reread so much. The last time I read this book was 2016. It's been just long enough that there is so much that is 'new' to me. These books are holding up well, in my opinion.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

102. Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians

Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians. Brandon Sanderson. 2007. 308 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: So, there I was, tied to an altar made from outdated encyclopedias, about to get sacrificed to the dark powers by a cult of Evil Librarians. As you might imagine, that sort of situation can be quite disturbing. It does funny things to the brain to be in such danger -- in fact, it often makes a person pause and reflect upon his life. If you've never faced such a situation, then you'll simply have to take my word. If, on the other hand, you have faced such a situation, then you are probably dead and aren't likely to be reading this.

Premise/plot: It's the story of a boy--Alcatraz Smedry--who receives his inheritance--a bag of sand--on his thirteenth birthday. His parents are dead, and he's been in the foster care system for years. He has difficulties in settling down with families--he's been moved from foster home to foster home--because he has a way of breaking things just by touching them. When we first meet Alcatraz, he accidentally has broken a stove and set the kitchen on fire. Most would say this 'gift' makes Alcatraz extremely unlucky. But, it may just be his saving grace. When a mysterious old man claiming to be his Grandpa Smedry appears the day after his birthday, the boy is in for a shock or two. Fortunately for us readers, we're along for the ride! What follows is one exciting adventure. Grandpa Smedry claims this world is controlled by a cult: a cult of evil Librarians. Evil librarians that have stolen Alcatraz's inheritance: the bag of sand is missing! Can these two team up and reclaim what is rightfully theirs?

My thoughts: Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians is one of those rare gems of a book where you could open it to practically any page and find treasure. It's funny. It's fun. It's exciting. It's clever. Take for instance, this little treasure found at the beginning of chapter four:

Hushlanders, I'd like to take this opportunity to commend you for reading this book. I realize the difficulty you must have gone through to obtain it -- after all, no Librarian is likely to recommend it, considering the secrets it exposes about their kind.

Actually, my experience has been that people generally don't recommend this kind of book at all. It is far too interesting. Perhaps you have had other kinds of books recommended to you. Perhaps, even, you have been given books by friends, parents, or teachers, then told that these books are the type you "have to read." Those books are invariably described as "important" -- which in my experience, pretty much means that they're boring. (Words like meaningful and thoughtful are other good clues.)

If there is a boy in these kinds of books, he will not go on an adventure to fight against Librarians, paper monsters, and one-eyed Dark Oculators. In fact, the lad will not go on an adventure or fight against anything at all. Instead, his dog will die. Or, in some cases, his mother will die. If it's a really meaningful book, both his dog and his mother will die. (Apparently most writers have something against dogs and mothers.)

Neither my mother nor my dog dies in this book. I'm rather tired of those types of stories. In my opinion, such fantastical, unrealistic books -- books in which boys live on mountains, families work on farms, or anyone has anything to do with the Great Depression -- have a tendency to rot the brain. To combat such silliness, I've written the volume you now hold -- a solid, true account. Hopefully, it will help anchor you in reality.

So, when people try to give you some book with a shiny round award on the cover, be kind and gracious, but tell them that you don't read "fantasy," because you prefer stories that are real. Then come back here and continue your research on the cult of evil Librarians who secretly rule the world.

I think everyone should read this book. Seriously. I love, love, love the narrative style. I love how he speaks directly to the reader. I love his asides about authors and writing.

ETA: This is my third time to read this book. I almost hate to admit it...but I think I love this book more than The Lightning Thief.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

130. The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline. (Enola Holmes #5) Nancy Springer. 2009. [160 pages] [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Miss Meschle," said Mrs. Tupper as she took my empty plate away, "if ye 'ave time to set an' talk a while..."

Premise/plot: Enola Holmes' newest case involves her landlady. Her landlady, Mrs. Tupper, just happens (oh-so-conveniently) to be receiving threatening letters in the mail. These threatening letters followed a little while later by a kidnapping....

Enola Holmes will have to outsmart the kidnappers and sort out WHY her landlady is being threatened. All while continuing to outwit her two older brothers.

My thoughts: I didn't like this one as much as I wanted to. I did really like the fourth book in the series. This one not as much. Again, Enola Holmes always manages to find and solve all her cases almost by coincidental circumstances. She is just always in the right place at the right time. I'm not entirely convinced it is her amazing detective skills solving these mysteries so much as coincidence and luck.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

93. Smile

Smile. Raina Telgemeier. 2009. 214 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Smile!! Good! Let's get you set up in a chair, and the orthodontist will look at your teeth in a few minutes.

Premise/plot: Smile is an autobiographical graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier. The graphic novel chronicles her middle school adventures and misadventures. (The novel opens with her in sixth grade. It closes with her in high school.) The novel focuses on her...you guessed it...SMILE. And she has a lot of reasons to NOT want to smile. Growing up is tough. Growing up with braces is tougher. Growing up with braces and missing two front teeth....well....that's the kind of tough that leads you to write books as an adult. It all starts with an accident...

The book is about growing up, struggling with friendships, the increasing tension in her family, puberty, and self-esteem issues to a certain degree. She's certainly self-conscious about her smile!

It is autobiographical. It is set late 80s to early 90s.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed reading Smile! I found the book relatable. It was a quick read. I loved the artwork. I loved the family dynamics. I loved the story. I loved the characters.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

59. Mr. Malcolm's List

Mr. Malcolm's List. Suzanne Allain. 2009/2020. 254 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The Honorable Jeremy Malcolm, second son of the Earl of Kilbourne, was the biggest catch of the season the year of our Lord 1818.

Premise/plot: The premise of this one is relatively simple and straightforward. Mr. Malcolm, our hero, has a list--a list of qualities he's looking for in a wife, a life partner. When the existence of this list comes to light, a "scorned" (and I use that term VERY loosely) lady, Julia Thistlewaite, decides to get revenge. She writes an acquaintance, Selina Dalton, and invites her to town. SURPRISE, now that you're here, I've got a great idea! I want my ex to fall madly in love with you and then you can reject him. When she doesn't jump on board with enthusiasm and glee, well, Julia doesn't quite understand why her friend doesn't get it. As Selina and Jeremy grow closer together, Selina becomes more suspicious. Mr. Malcolm seems the sane one, and her friend is obviously not. But how can Selina get out of this messy situation?

My thoughts: I'll share the sentence from the book's description which hooked me: "It is a truth universally acknowledged that an arrogant bachelor insistent on a wife who meets the strictest of requirements--deserves his comeuppance." I was disappointed with this one.

Characters. Did I like any of the characters? I liked Selina okay. I thought she showed lack of discernment in friends certainly. I can't imagine Selina and Julia ever being close at any point in their life because they are so completely different--different values, morals, ethics, and expectations. But Selina seemed like quality for the most part. Julia was a hot, hot mess. She was just a wreck of a character--unbelievably so. She was so angry that Mr. Malcolm wasn't proposing marriage to her after ONE EVENING at the opera. (They had one date and only one date. It did NOT go well.) To make it her life goal to ruin his life seems a bit much. Surely readers aren't the only ones to detect Julia's lack of common sense and decency. It was almost more annoying that there were people surrounding her that were supportive and seemed to like her. Like Lord Cassidy, or Cassie. He's the one who tells Julia about the list in the first place. And he's 100% on board with this scheme even though he's good friends with Malcolm???? Surely he's missing a few brain cells to observe Julia in action and think she has any grasp of reality. And then there's Henry. HOW IN THE WORLD ANY ONE LIKE HENRY COULD FALL IN LOVE WITH JULIA IS BEYOND ME. SERIOUSLY. Henry was otherwise a seemingly intelligent, kind human being. I wouldn't mind Selina and Henry together honestly. Now to Mr. Malcolm, Jeremy, he was a bit all over the place for me. I certainly didn't dislike him for most of the novel--until the big reveal--and then his character flip flopped to an angry, hateful, abusive man. I don't know that I ever regained my respect for him. To be clear I was not bothered by his list.

Plot. I thought the plot itself was a bit soap opera-ish. It certainly didn't actually feel historical or historically accurate. I don't know that it even tried to feel genuine to the actual times. And that's okay, not every book is meant to have substance. Some are 100% written to be pure fluff.

The best thing I can say about this one is that it is clean. It is not a smutty novel. Not unless you consider kisses--barely described kisses at that--as smut. So if the most important thing to you is that a book be clean and free from smut, then you might find this worth your time.

Apparently this one is also soon to be a "major motion picture." I don't know if I should be shocked or not by this.
 

It didn't seem unreasonable to me that someone would have in mind the kind of person they hope to spend the rest of their life with.

Jeremy Malcolm's Requirement for a Wife

1. Amiable and even tempered

2. Handsome of countenance and figure

3. Candid, truthful, and guileless

4. Converses in a sensible fashion

5. Educates herself by extensive reading

6. A forgiving nature

7. Charitable and altruistic

8. Graceful and well-mannered

9. Possesses musical or artistic talent

10. Has genteel relations from good society.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

World at War: Evil for Evil

Evil for Evil. (Billy Boyle #4) James R. Benn. 2009. 320 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This was the Holy Land, and I had never felt so far from home.

Premise/plot: Evil for Evil is the fourth book in Benn’s historical mystery series starring former police detective Billy Boyle. In this one, “Uncle Ike” sends Billy Boyle on a dangerous mission in Northern Ireland. It will require him to ask a lot of questions—questions that could get him killed by the Red Hand or the IRA. (I think there’s another extremist group as well...) Boyle has always been sympathetic to the IRA before—growing up in an Irish Catholic community in Boston. Will seeing the extremists on both sides change his mind?! This one has a massive body count. It may be the largest body count I’ve ever encountered in a murder mystery. Will Boyle make it out of Ireland alive?

My thoughts: This one started off on the slower side—especially considering how the third one begins. But by the end it was intense and packed with action. I was surprised a time or two with this one. Kaz and Diana are absent and nearly absent respectively in this one. I missed Kaz especially. Plenty of new characters were introduced. The storytelling is still hooking me this many books into the series. I also have my mom hooked on the series.


© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

World at War: Crossing Stones

Crossing Stones. Helen Frost. 2009. FSG. 184 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: You'd better straighten out your mind, Young Lady.

Premise/plot: Crossing Stones is a historical verse novel set during World War I in a small community. Two families are super-super close: the Jorgensens and the Normans. Everyone expects Muriel Jorgensen to one day marry Frank Norman. Ollie Jorgensen is definitely hoping to one day marry Emma Norman. But plans and expectations have little place in a world turned upside down by war.

Frank isn't at home. He's a soldier getting ready to be shipped overseas when the novel opens. Ollie is a few years younger but his mind is filled with the war too. He wants to be a part of it with Frank. Where Frank goes he wants to follow. That's the familiar way of things.

Muriel wants nothing to do with the war and not because she's like Scarlett O'Hara. Muriel is an opinionated young woman not at all convinced of the merits of this war--or any war. She has little interest in becoming a wife and mother. She may follow in the footsteps of her suffragette aunt.

As for Emma...she's got a brother and an almost sweetheart in the war.

My thoughts: I first read Crossing Stones in October 2009. At the time I loved it. Did I love it just as much the second time around? Not really. Oh, I still liked it. I enjoyed spending time with the characters. My favorite characters are by far Emma and Ollie. I need them to get a happily ever after. Or at least a semi-realistic version of that. After all, if these two do marry they'd likely have children just the right age for being drafted into the second world war. And then there's the Depression to consider. There lives wouldn't be challenge-free by any extent. But. I think Ollie and Emma could handle what life gives them and find a way together.

 But I didn't like Muriel nearly so much this time around. I found her opinionated voice to be pessimistic and at times unfeeling. Muriel is well on her way to an unconventional life. Perhaps she'll become a 'wild' girl in the big city.

War disrupts lives, changing everything. This is very much an anti-war novel. I don't have a problem with the message in general. It just left me sadder this time around.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Eyes Like Stars

Eyes Like Stars. Theatre Illuminata #1) Lisa Mantchev. 2009. 352 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The fairies flew suspended on wires despite their tendency to get tangled together. Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, busy assessing her reflection in the looking glass and thinking perhaps she shouldn't have dyed her hair blue on this particular morning, turned to glare at them when they rocketed past the end of her nose for the third time in as many minutes.

Premise/plot: Beatrice Shakespeare Smith has no memories prior to her arrival at the Theatre Illuminata--a place that she knows as HOME. Her bedroom is on stage; her friends are the players. Who are some of her friends? Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustardseed. (They are from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.) Then there's Nate. He's a pirate from The Little Mermaid. If only he'd hang around MORE. (He only shows up when his name is posted on the Call Board.)  Ariel from Shakespeare's The Tempest is a rule-breaker. She's been warned time and time and time again NOT to hang around Ariel. But. There's something about him that makes her lose her common sense. Is he friend or foe?

When the novel opens, Beatrice (aka "Bertie") is facing a crisis. The theatre manager is threatening to KICK HER OUT of the only home she's ever known. She begs for a little time to make herself useful. Surely if she becomes a DIRECTOR and stages a successful play then she'll be allowed to stay. It will require a sold out performance and a standing ovation. She thinks that restaging HAMLET but set in Egypt instead of Denmark will be just the thing. But is it as easy as that? HARDLY.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, CRAZY LOVE this one. I love it just as much upon rereading.  (I first read it in 2009.) I love the characterization. I love the humor. I love the romance. I love the mystery and suspense. Who is Bertie? How did she arrive at the theatre? Who are her parents? Why was she abandoned? Why is the Theatre Manager afraid of her? It's just a giddy-making read.

Quotes:

The majority of the Players drifted in and out of existence according to the summonses pinned to the Call Board, but the more flamboyant, dashing, or mad the character, the more freedom they had to move about the Theatre. The fairies dogged Bertie's every step, whereas Nate was one for protocol. (5)

The more time the Players spend with you, the more they transform, the more they exceed the limitations of their written parts. Your closest friends come and go as they please with no thought as to the consequences. (111)

"You're a bit young to be so very cynical," Mr. Hastings observed.
"Mrs. Edith said the same thing to me yesterday," Bertie said with a lopsized shrug. "But I'm older than Juliet, and she was plenty cynical by the end of that mess."
Mr. Hastings winced. "Touche." He pushed a teacup at her. "Drink up. It won't restore your soul, but it might settle your thoughts."
"Can you put some pirate rum in it?"
"I find myself fresh out," he said. "But would you care for a bit of unsolicited advice instead?"
She sighed and wrinkled her nose. "That depends. Is it the kind of advice that has me pulling myself up by the bootstraps and slogging my way to school barefoot in the snow, uphill, both ways?" (172)

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Black Moth

The Black Moth. Georgette Heyer. 1921/2009. Sourcebooks. 355 pages. [Source: Review Copy]

Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where's the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?
Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and I turn
And I dream of what I need ... ~ Bonnie Tyler, "Holding Out For a Hero"

First sentence: Chadber was the name of the host, florid of countenance, portly of person, and of manner pompous and urbane.

Premise/plot: The Black Moth was Georgette Heyer's first novel; it is a historical romance set in the Georgian period. There are many, many characters and the relationships between the characters can be complicated at times. To clarify, NOT complicated for the reader to understand. But instead complicated to summarize in a review.

But. Essentially it's the story of two brothers: John Carstares and Richard Carstares. (John is also called JACK, Anthony Ferndale, Earl of Wyndam,Wyndam, Mr. Carr, to name a few). Richard, the younger brother, cheated at cards. John thought he was being a hero when he took the blame--the dishonor. He left the country and disappeared from public view. Richard married the woman--Lavinia--that they were both in love with. Richard has been plagued with his wife and HER BROTHERS ever since. One of those brothers is a dashing womanizer, the 'black moth' of which the title speaks. His real name is Tracy Clare Belmanoir, Duke of Andover. (He has aliases as well.)

The novel opens with Jack back in England. He's taken up an eccentric hobby: highway robbery. (Though he is far more principled, I imagine, than an actual highway robber.) Only a few know his real identity--at least so far--but he does have some business to handle. His father has died and he is the heir. He wants Richard to keep everything, but Richard is disgusted by his brother's endless generosity. He is determined to come clean and go public. There's only one thing stopping him, perhaps two: his wife and his lack of backbone.

The Black Moth has a love triangle: Both TRACY and JACK fall for the same woman, Diana...

My thoughts: I can't believe it's been six years since I last read Georgette Heyer!!! I do hope to reread many--if not most--of her romance novels in 2019! I'm not sure I'll take the same approach--chronological--but I might.

I enjoyed this one. I loved, loved, loved Jack. And the romance between Jack and Diana is great. Jack definitely qualifies a sweep-you-off-your-feet, larger-than-life, HERO. But his heroic qualities shine bright because of the blackness of the villain, Tracy.

Diana would definitely have ample cause to join the #metoo movement. She finds herself TWICE kidnapped. Tracy's idea of "wooing" is extreme--no matter the century. There's no excuse for his behavior. Actions speak louder than words. He may profess great, deep, abiding love for Diana. That he HAS to have her to live. He can't live without her. But if he really loved her, he wouldn't kidnap her, hold her hostage, threaten her. It matters little whether the marriage ceremony is before or after the consummation--to him. He boasts that her FAMILY will be so THRILLED to get him as a son-in-law--any family would--that it doesn't matter if he "ruins" her. They'll welcome him with open arms and consider themselves lucky and blessed. 

Does Tracy get away with too much? Yes. Probably. He does NOT get the girl. But he doesn't ever get punished or ostracized because of his behavior. He gets to stay a dashing, daring social darling--though a known rake--and the happy couple allows him. After all, they will be in-laws in a fashion. Lady Lavinia--Richard's wife--is his sister.

This one certainly has characters that you can just LOVE. But it also has characters that you love-to-hate and hate-to-love.

The writing tends to the witty side. And when Heyer isn't delighting us with dialogue...she's giving us ACTION and DRAMA.

A scene between Lavinia and her brother, Tracy, (Duke of Andover)

She stamped angrily. 'Oh, where's the good in being flippant?'
'My dear Lavinia, where's the good in being anything else? The situation strikes me as rather amusing. To think of the worthy Richard so neatly overturning all my plans!'
'If it had not been for you, I might never have married him. Why did you throw them both in my way? Why did I ever set eyes on either?'
'It should have been a good match, my dear, and, if I remember rightly, no one was more alive to that fact than yourself.'
'Still,' he continued reflectively, 'I admit that for the smart lot we are, we do seem rather to have bungled the affair.' (63)

A scene between Lavinia and her husband, Richard...

'Richard, I was coming in search of you! Tracy has invited me to Andover for a week--he purposes to ask several people to stay, and there will be parties--and entertainment! You will let me go? Say yet, Dicky--say yes, quickly!'
Carstares bowed to his Grace, who stood watching them from the stairs. The bow was returned with exaggerated flourish. Carstares looked down at his wife.
'So soon, Lavinia?' he remonstrated, and indicated her mourning. She shook his hand off impatiently.
'Oh, Dicky, does it matter? What can it signify? I do not ask you to come--'
'No,' he said half-sadly, half-amusedly. 'I notice that, my dear.'
'No, no! I did not mean to be unkind--you must not think that! You don't think it, do you, Dick?'
'Oh, no,' he sighed.
'Good Dicky!' She patted his cheek coaxingly. 'Then you will allow me to go--ah, but yes, yes, you must listen! You know how dull I am, and how silly--'tis because I need change, and I want to go to Andover. I want to go!'
'Yes, dear, I know. But my father is not yet dead six  weeks and I cannot think it seemly--'
'Please, Dick, please! Please do not say no! Twill make me so unhappy! Oh you will not be so unkind? You will not forbid me to go!'
'I ask you not to, Lavinia. If you need a change, I will take you quietly to Bath, or where you will. Do not pain me by going to Andover just now.'
'Bath! Bath! What do I want with Bath at this time of the year? Oh, 'tis kind in you to offer, but I want to go to Andover and I want to see all the old friends again. And I want to get away from everything here--'tis all so gloomy--after--after my lord's death!'
'Dearest, of course you shall go away--but if only you would remember that you are in mourning--'
'But 'tis what I wish to forget! Oh, Dicky, don't don't, don't be unkind.'
'Very well, dear. If you must go--go.'
She clapped her hands joyfully.
'Oh thank you, Dicky! And you are not angry with me?'
'No, dear, of course not.' (66-7)

 A scene between Lavinia and Tracy...

'In love? You? Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! You do not know what the word means. You are like a--like a fish, with no more of love in you than a fish, and no more heart than a fish, and--'
'Spare me the rest, I beg. I am very clammy, I make no doubt, but you will at least accord me more brain than a fish?'
'Oh, you have brain enough!' she raged. 'Brain for evil! I grant you that!'...
'Altogether she's as spirited a filly as you could wish for. All she needs is bringing to heel.'
'Does one bring a filly to heel? I rather thought--'
'As usual, my dear Lavinia, you are right: one does not. One breaks in a filly. I beg leave to thank you for correcting my mixed metaphor.' (75)

Diana meets Tracy

Then came his Grace of Andover upon the stage.
He drew Diana's attention from the first moment that he entered the Pump Room--a black moth amongst the gaily-hued butterflies. (83)

Frank to Tracy

'If you will not try the straight and narrow way, I can only hope that you will fall very deeply and very honestly in love; and that the lady will save you from yourself.'

Jack to his servant, Jim

'I have conceived a dislike--nay, a veritable hatred--for puce. I will wear blue.' (150)

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Indifferent Stars Above

The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride. Daniel James Brown. 2009.  352 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The night before Sarah left Illinois for California, a full moon--as plump and promising as a pearl--hung over Steuben Township.

Premise/plot: This nonfiction book focuses on the Donner Party through the perspective of Sarah Graves Fosdick--a newlywed traveling with her new husband, Jay, and her family (father, mother, siblings).

My thoughts: The Indifferent Stars Above is above my maturity level apparently. I found myself screaming at Sarah--and some of the others--almost from the very beginning. DON'T GO TO CALIFORNIA. MARRY JAY AND STAY IN ILLINOIS.

The book is compelling enough I suppose; it certainly lends itself to DRAMA and ACTION.

But I also noticed something about The Indifferent Stars Above. It doesn't stick strictly to the subject--the journey of the wagon train or the pioneer families. It has asides--dozens and dozens of them. This one has so many pages of info dumps. I started imagining these info dumps as being narrated by Sheldon Cooper. They generally consist of facts that he would more likely or not find fascinating and feel compelled to "work naturally" into conversation.

I found it equal parts fascinating and horrifying. It would have been helpful to have a list of people in the wagon train--those that went with/joined the Donner party. The book does include a list of the camps at the last-last stage of their journey. But I didn't find that helpful enough.

Other books I've read on the subject:

• Donner Dinner Party. (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #3). Nathan Hale. 2013. Harry N. Abrams. 128 pages. [Source: Library]
• To Stay Alive. Skila Brown. 2016. Candlewick. 304 pages. [Source: Review copy]

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-so-Fabulous Life

Dork Diaries #1: Tales From A Not-so-fabulous Life. Rachel Renee Russell. 2009. 282 pages. [Source: Borrowed]
First sentence: Sometimes I wonder if my mom is brain dead. Then there are days when I know she is. Like today.

Premise/plot: Nikki Maxwell, the heroine, is a self-professed dork keeping a diary. A diary wasn't her idea--it was a gift, a gift she HATED. But it's a gift that becomes super-practical as the book progresses. If it's practical to keep a log of every angst you experience in your life that is! Nikki has enough angst to spare. She doesn't like her mom, her dad, her younger sister, her new school, etc. The school mean-girl has a locker next to hers--her name is MacKenzie. Nikki would have us believe she is evil through and through. (From what we can gather, she almost is.) The only thing Nikki does love is ART. That's not quite true, she also has a HUGE crush on a boy named Brandon. But is that love? Perhaps.

This first book in the series chronicles her angst in September and October.

My thoughts: There comes a point in every life when reading about middle school angst is too trivial to be authentically enjoyable. A few things annoyed me about Nikki: 1) she hates books and thinks reading is boring. 2) she is super-disrespectful to her parents and dismissive of her sister.

I don't expect every heroine to love, love, love to read or even to like to read. But it's a far cry from being a non-reader with a couple of other hobbies that take up all your free me-time to being anti-book altogether. Yet at the same time a character who doesn't like to read is a beloved heroine in a book. The series--the characters--are getting kids to enjoy reading.

I can understand being embarrassed by parents in front of your peers. Like not wanting your parents to drop you off at school. Like not wanting to be seen hugging your parents. Like wanting your own space and some privacy. But I don't understand how in her own home she can dislike--dare I say hate--her parents so much? Same with the sister. She is so selfish and self-centered. She begrudges her family the air they breathe. Yet. Perhaps she is using her diary to vent. Maybe her worst feelings and reactions are saved for print, for her diary. Maybe she's getting it all out of her system in a way that doesn't hurt others.

The book also is a bit dated. If I had a dollar for every time Tyra Banks and/or the Tyra Banks talk show was mentioned, I'd have enough money to buy the next book in the series. The show was canceled in 2010. I'm guessing that most of the people reading this book today would have been born circa 2008-2010. I would further guess that most kids know her more from America's Got Talent.

All that being said, almost any book that get children--tweens--reading is a good thing. Be that Dork Diaries for later generations or Babysitter's Club for my own generation.

Series books can be satisfying for readers of all ages. There is great comfort to be had in knowing that there is more to come. Binge-reading can be just as giddy-making as binge-watching. 


© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Al Capone Shines My Shoes

Al Capone Shines My Shoes. Gennifer Choldenko. 2009. 274 pages. [Source: Review copy]
First sentence: Nothing is the way it's supposed to be when you live on an island with a billion birds, a ton of bird crap, a few dozen rifles, machine guns, and automatics, and 278 of America's worst criminals--"the cream of the criminal crop" as one of our felons likes to say. The convicts on Alcatraz are rotten to the core, crazy in the head, and as slippery as eels in axle grease.

Premise/plot: Al Capone Shines My Shoes is the sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts. Both books are set on the island of Alcatraz in 1935. Both are narrated by our baseball loving hero, Moose Flanagan.


In Al Capone Does My Shirts a desperate Moose turns to Al Capone for help. His sister, Natalie, needs to be admitted to a special school--a school for special needs children. The school has rejected her twice claiming that she's too old to be helped or that she's just not a good fit for their program.

Moose's plea for help worked--or at least he thinks it did! Natalie is now away at school. Life should be moving smoothly. But it isn't. It's a MESS. His relationships with his friends are all over the place. There's his off-island friend, Scout, his on-island friends Jimmy, Annie, Theresa, and PIPER. From day to day, Moose is never sure who is going to be MAD at him. But his problems aren't just juvenile. He's got a few ADULT problems as well. Al Capone wants a favor. How can he say yes? How can he say no? No matter what happens next, it could be big, big trouble for him and his family.

My thoughts: Al Capone Shines My Shoes is an action-packed, emotional roller coaster. There's some melodrama with Moose and his friends, but, there's also some very real DRAMA with an attempted prison escape.

I definitely liked this one. It was a quick, compelling read.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Hat

Hat. Paul Hoppe. 2009. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day, Henry found a hat. "Can I keep it? Hat would be so cool!" Hat protects from the sun. Hat keeps off the rain. Hat is great for catching mice and performing magic tricks.

Premise/plot: Henry finds a hat on a park bench one day. He wants it as he imagines that it would be awesome to have. Henry has a BIG imagination. Hat--as seen through Henry's eyes--is anything but ordinary. Will Henry take the hat? Or will he leave it on the bench?

My thoughts: I love this one. I love, love, love the illustrations. I love the story and the writing. I love the joyfulness of this one boy's imagination. One of my favorite scenes in the book is..."Hat saves Henry's life." In the illustration, readers see a smug looking Henry. An alligator (or perhaps crocodile?!) has been foiled from eating Henry by this awesome red hat you see in its jaws. But I think what I love most of all is how we revisit all his original ideas in a new way after his mom asks him, "But, Henry, what if someone else needs this hat?"

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Quinito's Neighborhood

Quinoto's Neighborhood/El Vecindario de Quinito. Ina Cumpiano. Illustrated by Jose Ramirez. 2005/2009. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My mami is a carpenter. My papi is a nurse. Mi mami es carpintera. Mi papi es enfermero.

Premise/plot: Remember the song, "Who Are The People in Your Neighborhood?" This picture book is a bilingual answer to that question. It is written in English and Spanish and is set in a colorfully diverse neighborhood. Readers meet not just his immediate and extended family, but the people that he meets each day.

Mrs. Hernandez sells Rafi's bread at her bodega, too. And her daughter, Sonia Isabel, counts the money in the bank on the corner. Guillermo is our mailman. Guillermo is going to marry Sonia Isabel.

My thoughts: I like this one. I can't say it makes much of a story--more of a friendly conversation. But the illustrations are wonderful. Perhaps with one exception!!! I could have done without the clowns!!! (Why did his grown-up cousin Tita have to go to clown school?!?!)

Text: 3.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4.5 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10



© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Finn Throws A Fit

Finn Throws A Fit. David Elliott. Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. 2009. Candlewick. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Finn likes peaches. Usually. But today, Finn doesn't like peaches. Today, Finn doesn't like anything. Today, Finn is cranky. Anything could happen.

Premise/plot: Finn is having a bad day. Perhaps even a terrible, horrible one. No one knows why. Least of all his parents. Elliott writes to parents, and for parents in this one. The narrative is descriptive and practically perfect in every way.

Thunder in the nursery! Lightning in the kitchen!
He cries. The house floods.
He kicks. An earthquake shakes the world.

But I think my absolute favorite part is:

The FIT goes on and on. It lasts until it doesn't.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, LOVE this one. Who hasn't met a Finn? Who hasn't seen a Finn in action? (I know I've seen Finn in a couple of restaurants.) I love the narrative. I love the descriptions. I love how true-to-life it is. I love how it captures the wild, fierceness of emotions. Some times emotions do RAGE out of control. I love how quotable it is. So much can be communicated by these two simple sentences: "Finn likes peaches. Usually;" and "It lasts until it doesn't."

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia

Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia. Brandon Sanderson. 2009. Scholastic. 299 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: So there I was, hanging upside down underneath a gigantic glass bird, speeding along at a hundred miles an hour above the ocean, in no danger whatsoever.

Premise/plot: This is the third book in the Alcatraz fantasy series. IN this one, Alcatraz and company arrive at last in the Free Kingdoms, in Nalhalla. Alcatraz wrestles with fame and ego in this one. Though raised in the Hushlands in a Librarian-controlled nation, he's FAMOUS in Nalhalla already, even starring in his own book series. (The book series being written by the Prince himself). Open up one of his books, and his theme music plays. You don't really get more famous than Alcatraz Smedry, of course, it's not really, truly HIM that is famous, more an idea of him. Also in this one, Bastille is put on trial. Will she be stripped of knighthood? How long will her punishment last? I should also not forget to mention that the LIBRARIANS want to come to peaceful terms and end the war at last. But Alcatraz and his friends suspect the WORST. But so many people want peace that they seem willing to give the Librarians the benefit of the doubt....

My thoughts: This one is an action-packed read full of fun and humor. I love this series. And I think I enjoyed this third book even more than the first two books. Folsom was a great new character to introduce--loved his talent, by the way. And it was nice to meet a librarian who wasn't evil for a change!!!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Grand Mosque of Paris

The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Saved Jews During the Holocaust. Karen Gray Ruelle. Illustrated by Deborah Durland DeSaix. 2009. Holiday House. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In 1940 war came to Paris, and life was turned upside down.

Premise/plot: Quite simply this is a picture book for older readers. Dare I say it's even a picture book primarily for adults?! This picture book is definitely text-heavy, and the subject is a heavy one. The book brings to light something you may not know: the North African Muslims of Paris rescued a lot of Jews during World War II. (Others were part of the French Resistance.)

This is not a well-documented, well-known part of history. Rescuing Jews (hiding Jews, creating new identity papers, forging documents, smuggling them out of France) was deadly dangerous. So it makes sense that it was not well-documented, that they did not leave a paper trail to show how many hundreds or thousands they rescued during the war. This is a story of what we do know--a handful of cases, examples, of men, women, and children rescued by Muslims.

My thoughts: This one is packed with information, most of it all new-to-me. Because I am interested in the subject, I found it fascinating. It isn't a storytelling narrative. The text doesn't thrill you with its beauty. But it is dense with information that you probably can't find elsewhere. I can guess why they went with a picture book format. The illustrations are LOVELY and truly complement the text.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

An Apple Pie For Dinner

An Apple Pie for Dinner. Susan VanHecke. Illustrated by Carol Baicker-McKee. 2009. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: One day, old Granny Smith wanted an apple pie for dinner. She looked around her cozy kitchen. She had flour and butter. She had sugar and spices. But there was one thing she didn't have.

Premise/plot: Granny Smith wants to make an apple pie but has no apples. What will she do? She'll take a good look at what she does have--plums, in this case, and make the most of it. She herself has no use for plums--at least not that day--but someone, somewhere will. So Granny Smith sets off to go trading...

My thoughts: I really LOVE this one. It's based on an English folktale. I'm not sure how familiar that original folk tale is today, but, it felt vaguely almost familiar to me. It was a relief to learn that it was inspired by a folk tale. I liked Granny Smith very much. I liked how she set about to do things and actually got things done. I liked all the people she met along the way. I liked how she included them in the ending and asked them to share the pie! The illustrations are very unique and handcrafted.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced. Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui. Translated by Linda Coverdale. 2009. 188 pages. [Source: Library]

I am certainly glad I read this one. I wouldn't say it's one anyone could--or should--enjoy reading.

Things you should know:

 1) It is a memoir; there are two authors. 2) It opens with Nujood feeling vulnerable as she seeks justice at the courthouse. 3) Though the title gave it away, readers soon learn that she is ten--give or take a year or two--and she's desperate for a divorce. 4) Several months previous, her father announced he had found her a husband who was around 30. 5) Though his age has something to do with the distastefulness of it, HER age is what is shocking. 6) Though he agreed or should I say "agreed" not to consummate the marriage until one full year after her she comes of age--so to speak--he rapes her on their wedding night. 7) She is raped and abused repeatedly. 8) The couple lives with his family, but, Nujood receives no support or comfort from her in-laws. 9) Her case isn't an isolated one. Sadly, some children are forced into marriage by their families. 10) I probably should have mentioned this before, but, the book is set in Yemen. 11) The book has a definite framework. It opens with her seeking a divorce, and, then flashes back in time at several different points. 12) The book is dramatic and emotional. It may not be literary. But does a book have to be literary to be worth reading???

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews