Randi
This was definitely a “meh” kind of book. First of all, the cover art is VERY misleading. All that makeup on a girl that is supposed to be living in Puritan New England? Never. Secondly, you could tell what'd happened (though what DIDN'T happen was a bit of a surprise), you could tell how it was going to end up.
The only thing that kept me reading was the little surprises in who befriended her (and meant it), and the chronology of the storytelling. It was out of sync, and I liked it that way. It got confusing at times, but like I said, I think that's what kept me reading.
All in all it was a good “blow through it in one day” kind of book.
I did enjoy this book. It was well written and artfully handled tragedy in a way that was heart-wrenching without being oppressive. For most of the book, the author's grasp of what it is to be a scared and lonely 10 year old boy. At other times he just seems a bit too mature. But then again, tragedy forces many people to grow up and there ARE people in the world that are naturally loving and forgiving.
Anywho, the conflict is what got me. Call me a wuss (or a “victim” of DODDS education), but I hate conflict centered on race. It just makes me all squirmy inside and I vacillate between wanting to put the book down or jump to the defense of the characters (which is ridiculous, because it's a story). At one point I had put it down and saw on the back cover that it'd been given a rave review by David Tennant (of Doctor Who fame), and then discovered he'd narrated it for the audiobook. So, of course I had to see what he thought was so amazing about it.
Like I said, it was an enjoyable book treating real-life tragedy and conflict in a touching way that wraps itself up in a neat little bow at the end. Perhaps not as neat a package as Jamie would like, but that's life.
So, I know I'm sleep-deprived and all, but the fact that I TOTALLY FORGOT I read this book shows me how much it didn't register on my “wow-dar”.
It's a good story and I enjoyed reading it to pass the time and all that, but I honestly forgot until Goodreads reminded me to update my progress that I'd even read it. I even recall listing my husband all the books I'd read in the past 3 weeks, and KNOWING I'd left one out.
This one.
So, it was fun, but not enough to encourage me to continue the series. I mostly read it because I'd watched the television show and enjoyed that as well. Looks like I enjoyed the show more than the book (GASP!).
So, I'd read this trilogy when I was a kid and remember REALLY enjoying it. This time around, though, I kept peeking at the end page number and wondering if I'd missed a fourth book all those years ago. It ends quite suddenly, tied up in a neat little package (except for the overwhelmingly encompassing arc of the tension between Elvenlords and Wizards which was simply dropped) with THIS book's (and in a way the last book's) main opposition disposed of.
The introduction of and focus on the new character is confusing simply because he seems to be an afterthought. Even those characters familiar with the Lords hear his name and tend to think, “oh, him? He's some crazy recluse. Never really think about the guy.” However, it is enjoyable to have a fresh perspective that isn't solely antagonistic.
But again, the sudden end: disappointing. Overall story: good.
So, just over 200 pages and I nailed it in 4 hours. Perfect! It was fun, it was exciting, funny, and I could read it without having to spend days on it. As a new mom, that's VERY important to me.
****
Second read and it admittedly took a little longer (darn obligations, haha), but still just as enjoyable! It had been long enough that I remembered few enough details that it didn't spoil anything. Still 100% will be recommending to anyone who seems inclined.
Listened to this on audio book and it was so great! The reader either had or used just enough of a Northern accent to make it believable, but not so overdone that you might roll your eyes (like when you hear some British people trying to sound cowboy, or some cowboys trying to sound British). The story was cute, too, another interesting look into a typical kid's life when she's faced with some extraordinary (and yet ordinary) challenges.
Ok, so THIS is the long-lost book I read while volunteering at Broward County Library way back in the 90s. Finally found it!
That said, I've re-read it and it is funny and smart and the twist was an actual twist! I didn't get it until the main character revealed it (he's one smart cookie). Part of the reason I didn't recognize it (I think) is that the cover art is completely different from what I'd seen on the book I'd read. However, the local library here had the same cover art as the book I'd originally found. Excellent, no?
This book is definitely for younger readers (I'd say around the elementary to middle school range), but it's a fun light read for anyone. The sequel is on my holds list so I'll finally find out how that one is/how the story ends!!
PG-13 to R for graphic violence
Ok, so many people came out of reading this book polarized. They said, “either you love it, or you hate it.” I'd have to say that (obviously) I loved it, though admittedly I could've been happier with a few differences. For the sake of those who haven't read it, let's just say I wish a certain someone hadn't died.
Beyond that, it was bound to happen. I was actually very happy with the ending of the book. It was very unlike J.K. Rowling's epilogue to the seventh “Harry Potter” where it seemed she'd turned into a 14 year old fan of her own work. Collins - while providing a slight concession for the sake of the readers and tying up loose ends and all that - remained true to her characters rather than to the fans.
So, why the rating? Well, as with the previous books in the series, there was graphic violence. This being the final book encompassing the final revolutionary and civil war in Panem, there was more death and carnage than before. As I have said before regarding the “Hunger Games Trilogy”, I really don't think this is material appropriate for the YA age group. The themes of death and betrayal are just - well, they're a little much for developing youth. They already think the world is out to get them, we don't need to reinforce that anymore. I understand, some teens are more mature than others and could probably handle it, but it just rubs me the wrong way. Like when my parents wouldn't let me watch “Congo” when I was 13, but gave me the book to read as a consolation. As if my imagination couldn't create scenes more horrific than could be produced on film in the mid-90's. So, that's kind of how I feel about these books: if they were movies, there's very little chance I'd let my kids watch them (unless they were tastefully edited, which isn't likely), so why would I be ok with reading them?
Not very clear that I loved them, but I did. I really, really did.
A very interesting and yet logical take on the existence of toleration in Europe before, during, and after the Protestant Reformation. The author takes the stance that tolerance was practiced as the word is defined: tolerance - “endurance, fortitude,” from O.Fr. tolerance, from L. tolerantia “endurance,” from tolerans, prp. of tolerare “to bear, endure, tolerate” (see toleration). Of authorities, in the sense of “permissive,” first recorded 1539; of individuals, with the sense of “free from bigotry or severity,” 1765. Meaning “allowable amount of variation” dates from 1868; and physiological sense of “ability to take large doses” first recorded 1875.
One must keep this definition in mind while reading because today's definition of tolerance has distanced itself greatly from what it was only 20 years ago. The gap of over 400 years between these two definitions carries with it a great deal of social baggage, so open-minded reading is a must.
Fabulous book.
I was really interested in this book, at first because of the premise which I found fascinating, but then also because I have friends from Bixby. I read this book and was very entertained, but something bothered me about it. I couldn't put my finger on it until I started the second book and actually googled Bixby and talked over the landscape setting with my friends. If anyone bothers to read this and then google it, you can understand why I'm offended by the irresponsible writing exhibited by the author. I suppose I took it for granted that an author who chooses to use an actual place would research it and possibly some of the history. Just a thought.
This was a read that I was interested in. I tend to devour YA fiction/fantasy over summer breaks, but I've been rather disappointed this year. Most books I read would lead into a series that I found myself uninterested in following. “Birthmarked” kept me guessing and wanting so badly for Gaia to discover the secrets surrounding her, and for her to overcome her own shyness (poor thing). I finished it and actually looked for the copyright date and was more than frustrated when it read 2010. I simply can't wait for the next book!
This book was really fun. I listened to the audio book and had never experienced a layout like this one: each character was played by a different actor. I really enjoyed not having to guess who was speaking all the time! Also, music plays a vital role in this book, and they actually wrote music to go along with the lyrics written in the book.
Perfect for me when I was taking an intro to art and drawing class (took my mind off the art enough to not over-concentrate, and distracted me so I could spend a good deal of time working on it).
The main character is a foundling who is not very pleasing to look at, but she has the most beautiful singing voice - a treasured trait in her country. Through several peoples' good and bad intentions, she is thrown into the royal court and turned into a scape goat. She must do all she can to clear her name, but being the very caring and insightful person she is, she knows that those responsible for her shame are not fully responsible for their actions. How to achieve justice and mercy at once? It's quite a quandary, and makes for great reading!
PG-13
It was an interesting premise, for sure. The whole “strong woman leading role” thing is starting to wear on me, though. These girls need flaws! And not sexual ones, though that may have been the author's idea of diversifying her character, but it just made me like her less. I just find it hard to believe that a girl living with her family and just coming into marriageable age (which is in the early to mid-teens) and is also a victim of an almost-rape turns into a sex-aholic. What does she even see in these guys? Any relationship development is passed over in favor of teen girl outcast trying to prove herself angst. Everything the men do is wrong and stupid, and the girl knows all. Not buying it. It was one of those books that got a good rating from me for the writing (which was beautiful), and the even more impressive story I wrote in my head while reading it.
PG-13 to R
Death, death, and more death. I don't know what my fascination was, but I read the whole trilogy one after another and then read this. It is an amazing collection of short stories for those who couldn't get enough of the Abhorsen and her mystical world clashing with a more sedate one close to our own. The zombies, monsters, death, and overall vivid accounts of sounds, smells, and sights rate it up there with the PG-13 and R lot. There were often times that I would look up from the book on purpose to remind myself that I wasn't there; I was here, in my apartment, far from zombies, but within running distance of my friend Luke who has a plan for the zombie apocalypse.
Yeah, it was that good.
PG to PG-13
This book was absolutely fun. A quick read that was entertaining throughout. The character was fresh and snarky in a way that was real and yet endearing (it's often hard to find that combination in teen leads these days), and you share her frustration at solving the puzzles but also her intrigue. The ending was a bit saccharine, I'll admit, but then it's YA fiction: what do you expect?
Fun for all ages, for sure!
