August 2008 Archives
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Fiction
Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas
Firoozeh Dumas writes her memoir with humor and detail, but what really struck me was the sweetness that she treats others with, even her "evil" mother-in-law.
Straight Into Darkness by Faye Kellerman
Thank goodness I chose this book during the summer, when I had lots of beach/pool time to devote to it. I couldn't put it down! It was really good, and the historical slant was interesting too. Her descriptions of the beer halls & Hitler rallies made you feel like you were right there. Would definitly recommend it.
A Friend at Midnight by Caroline B. Cooney
I am a big fan of Caroline B. Cooney. There has never been a book of hers that I disliked, but this one came close. It picked up near the end but for most of the story I found myself shouting at Lily and Michael over their actions. Michael because he didn't want anyone to know what his father did at the beginning of the story. I can understand that he wanted to forgive him but it was not right to keep it a secret from the rest of the family. Now onto Lily. She seemed to think that what a eight year old boy wanted was the right thing to do. I think the book would have worked much better if Michael or Lily had told someone before the last few pages of the book. I really found Lily to be very off-putting for most of the book, and mabye that was the intention of Ms. Cooney when she wrote the character but I just couldn't find my self feeling sorry for her ( and I usually like the closed-off in a hard shell type characters). So really all I can say is I had high expactations when I picked this one up but besides the last chapter or two the A Friend At Midnight failed to live up to most of them. 2.5/5
When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
This was a very good book. I also read the first of the series, When the Heart Cries. I am looking forward to the third in the series, coming out in September, When the Soul Mends. If you like Jeanette Oakes, you'll also like Cindy Woodsmall.
Nonfiction
Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith
Rafe Esquith's book is realistic, enthusiastic, and encouraging. He focuses his teaching on meaningful interactions and is able to communicate his passions to the reader. I recommend this book to teachers, parents, and young adults thinking about a career in teaching.
Star Trek Movie Memories by William Shatner
After having read other books by William Shatner, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Mr. Shatner shares his memories as well as getting other key players to share their memories about the creation and filming of every Star Trek movie up to Star Trek VII. The book is well organized and easy to follow. I think it is a must read for any Star Trek fan as it helps to explain the who, what, where, and why of the Star Trek movies.
For Kids
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Her redoes of the famous faerie tales are wonderful. She shows imagination and wit. She brings you into a new world, a world were anything can happen, even the impossible. Its the most fairylishious book I have ever read.
Yikes! Bikes! by Abby Klein
My son has read all of Abby Kleins "Ready Freddy" books and loves them. This one is great for kids learning to ride bike. It also encourages children to be involved in their community actively.
Shark Tooth Tale by Abby Klein
Yet another fine story teaching good values about working for and saving money for something special.
For Teens
Generation Dead by Dan Waters
Dead teens join living teens at Oakvale High in this book filled with plot. Most of the living feel strongly about the dead and not in a good way. Segregation, friendship, and authentic relationships are explored in this altered reality. Fans of the Twilight series are likely to enjoy this book as well.
Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
This book was very good though at parts it drifted of the subject. Some of the chapters really had nothing to do with the subject itself it was just kind of random. But overall I loved it and I would read it again and again.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
This is an amazing end to the Twilight Series! It concludes in a unexpected twist that I believe will leave almost everyone happy. If you haven't read the first three books I wouldn't read this one yet, start with Twilight. I garantee that you will love these books! It is impossible to get a copy of any of these books in my library because they are is such high demand!
Audiobooks
Last Shot by John Feinstein
Sports journalist John Feinstein reads his fictional account in this final four mystery. The plot is littered with detailed information about journalists, student-athletes (players), coaches, and New Orleans. Some of the characters are real people while others are fictional. Basketball enthusiasts will enjoy this mystery involving blackmail.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
My son and I listened to the CDs. Great book... connects with youth relationships, being honest with self and parents, responsibilities as a young adult, plus a little history about Alcatraz (not boring at all).
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The characters in Water for Elephants are detailed, realistic, and interesting. They will draw you into their world and story. I especially liked the character of Jacob as an old man. It made me feel more empathetic for the elderly. The story was grittier than I expected, yet the book still appealed to me.
Movies
Bella
This is such a great movie--with a beautiful pro-life, pro-adoption theme. Both my husband and I enjoyed, so it is one for both sexes. Be ready to cry a bit, though. I would highly recommend this movie.
Silk
Pittsburgh Paints has standard latex wall paint that will dry in about one hour. That beats this movie which seems to go on forever and is less interesting than watching the paint dry. The priciple character, Herve Joncour talks and moves about like he's had a frontal lobotomy. He's supposed to be a smuggler! Except for the visuals of location shooting, this film is a turkey. Keira Knightley plays the wife of the zombie and I'll bet she has nightmares about being in this film.
Music
Free the Bees
This is a lucky find. A band I never heard of and loved it instantly. Best song for me is Chicken Pay Back.
Fiction
Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas
Firoozeh Dumas writes her memoir with humor and detail, but what really struck me was the sweetness that she treats others with, even her "evil" mother-in-law.
Straight Into Darkness by Faye Kellerman
Thank goodness I chose this book during the summer, when I had lots of beach/pool time to devote to it. I couldn't put it down! It was really good, and the historical slant was interesting too. Her descriptions of the beer halls & Hitler rallies made you feel like you were right there. Would definitly recommend it.
A Friend at Midnight by Caroline B. Cooney
I am a big fan of Caroline B. Cooney. There has never been a book of hers that I disliked, but this one came close. It picked up near the end but for most of the story I found myself shouting at Lily and Michael over their actions. Michael because he didn't want anyone to know what his father did at the beginning of the story. I can understand that he wanted to forgive him but it was not right to keep it a secret from the rest of the family. Now onto Lily. She seemed to think that what a eight year old boy wanted was the right thing to do. I think the book would have worked much better if Michael or Lily had told someone before the last few pages of the book. I really found Lily to be very off-putting for most of the book, and mabye that was the intention of Ms. Cooney when she wrote the character but I just couldn't find my self feeling sorry for her ( and I usually like the closed-off in a hard shell type characters). So really all I can say is I had high expactations when I picked this one up but besides the last chapter or two the A Friend At Midnight failed to live up to most of them. 2.5/5
When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
This was a very good book. I also read the first of the series, When the Heart Cries. I am looking forward to the third in the series, coming out in September, When the Soul Mends. If you like Jeanette Oakes, you'll also like Cindy Woodsmall.
Nonfiction
Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith
Rafe Esquith's book is realistic, enthusiastic, and encouraging. He focuses his teaching on meaningful interactions and is able to communicate his passions to the reader. I recommend this book to teachers, parents, and young adults thinking about a career in teaching.
Star Trek Movie Memories by William Shatner
After having read other books by William Shatner, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Mr. Shatner shares his memories as well as getting other key players to share their memories about the creation and filming of every Star Trek movie up to Star Trek VII. The book is well organized and easy to follow. I think it is a must read for any Star Trek fan as it helps to explain the who, what, where, and why of the Star Trek movies.
For Kids
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Her redoes of the famous faerie tales are wonderful. She shows imagination and wit. She brings you into a new world, a world were anything can happen, even the impossible. Its the most fairylishious book I have ever read.
Yikes! Bikes! by Abby Klein
My son has read all of Abby Kleins "Ready Freddy" books and loves them. This one is great for kids learning to ride bike. It also encourages children to be involved in their community actively.
Shark Tooth Tale by Abby Klein
Yet another fine story teaching good values about working for and saving money for something special.
For Teens
Generation Dead by Dan Waters
Dead teens join living teens at Oakvale High in this book filled with plot. Most of the living feel strongly about the dead and not in a good way. Segregation, friendship, and authentic relationships are explored in this altered reality. Fans of the Twilight series are likely to enjoy this book as well.
Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
This book was very good though at parts it drifted of the subject. Some of the chapters really had nothing to do with the subject itself it was just kind of random. But overall I loved it and I would read it again and again.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
This is an amazing end to the Twilight Series! It concludes in a unexpected twist that I believe will leave almost everyone happy. If you haven't read the first three books I wouldn't read this one yet, start with Twilight. I garantee that you will love these books! It is impossible to get a copy of any of these books in my library because they are is such high demand!
Audiobooks
Last Shot by John Feinstein
Sports journalist John Feinstein reads his fictional account in this final four mystery. The plot is littered with detailed information about journalists, student-athletes (players), coaches, and New Orleans. Some of the characters are real people while others are fictional. Basketball enthusiasts will enjoy this mystery involving blackmail.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
My son and I listened to the CDs. Great book... connects with youth relationships, being honest with self and parents, responsibilities as a young adult, plus a little history about Alcatraz (not boring at all).
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The characters in Water for Elephants are detailed, realistic, and interesting. They will draw you into their world and story. I especially liked the character of Jacob as an old man. It made me feel more empathetic for the elderly. The story was grittier than I expected, yet the book still appealed to me.
Movies
Bella
This is such a great movie--with a beautiful pro-life, pro-adoption theme. Both my husband and I enjoyed, so it is one for both sexes. Be ready to cry a bit, though. I would highly recommend this movie.
Silk
Pittsburgh Paints has standard latex wall paint that will dry in about one hour. That beats this movie which seems to go on forever and is less interesting than watching the paint dry. The priciple character, Herve Joncour talks and moves about like he's had a frontal lobotomy. He's supposed to be a smuggler! Except for the visuals of location shooting, this film is a turkey. Keira Knightley plays the wife of the zombie and I'll bet she has nightmares about being in this film.
Music
Free the Bees
This is a lucky find. A band I never heard of and loved it instantly. Best song for me is Chicken Pay Back.
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