I have set up a bunch of Google alerts to help give me blog post ideas for my work on the Cheshire Library blog. But, since I only need to post there once or twice a week, I have much more interesting fodder for writing than I need. So begins my weekly post of new bits and like around the web that relate to book news.
For instance, The Guardian reports that Jim Carrey is self-publishing a children's book. Not just any children's book, but one about a wave's metaphysical understanding of his existence and his part of the world at large. My biggest question on this article was not about the book, by why they ran a goofy picture of Carrey rather than a normal one.
The New York Times ran an article about how authors are starting to tackle bullying in a more determined manner. While bullying and the struggle to fit in has always been a part of literature of all genres, it has gotten much more attention and become the focus of many more titles lately. One I am eager to get my hands on is an collection of essays “Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories,” (HarperTeen 2011). It includes true stories from writers such as R. L. Stine, about how they faced bullying and how it honestly does get better. The best part is that a portion of the proceeds go to charity.
On a similar note, the Mercury News published an article about how books are tackling a variety of very tough ideas. Crisis and struggles such as school shootings, rape, sex, war, terrorism, post-traumatic stress disorder, homelessness, discrimination, substance abuse, death, and grieving might have always been found in books, but they are becoming easier to find and can hopefully help young readers (and their support systems) deal with how this things affect them both directly and indirectly.
BuzzSugar published an article about popular young adult books that you should read now, before they hit the big screen. The picks run a wide gamut of styles, from John Green's The Fault in our Stars to The Spook's Apprentice by Joseph Delaney and the eagerly awaited The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
And then there is Amazon buying Goodreads, which could change a great many things, but we wont see the fall out of this decision for a while.
Have you read any interesting book news you want to share?
Book Review: Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula by Elise Stokes
Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula is the first book in the Cassidy Jones Adventures for young adults by Elise Stokes. Cassidy has always thought of herself as a normal fourteen year old girl. that is until the day she accompanies her father, a local television reporting star, to an interview with a geneticist that promises to be dull. However, the boring interview becomes anything but when Cassidy's stool collapses and she receives a lung-full of unknown gas and a nasty gash on her head from the fall. The side effects of that fall are varied, but more complicated when the geneticist is kidnapped and her son Emery comes to stay with her family.
Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula is a great opening to a series. Cassidy's voice is very well done, with the snark and teenage angst one might expect from a fourteen year old. However, her attitude is not all bark, the accident gives her some bite (and added worries) to make her thoughts and actions even more interesting. I liked that her angst read with humor, rather than feeling old and overdone. Stokes even avoided the very tempting romance pitfalls that i thought were sure to come, but thankfully Cassidy has a romantic back story and is secure in where her affections lie, and the mistakes she has made. do not let all this talk of emotions make you think that there is not plenty of action and superpower discovery, because there is plenty of that as well. there are some scary moments, those that had me holding my breath for a moment, but there were a couple moments that had me giggling as I stayed up far too late to finish the story as well.
I highly recommend Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula to tweens and teens that enjoy action, adventure, and unsuspecting superheros. There is some violence, but not enough to bother most tweens or teens. However if you do not like an occasional fight scene or moment where you worry about a character's survival, then you probably would have already stopped reading. I am incredibly glad that I read this book, and will be reading the second book in the series, Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift as soon as I can, and hopefully the third book Cassidy Jones and the Seventh Attendant which is due out in May 2013 soon after.
Book Review: Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter
Last Kiss Goodnight is the first book in the new Otherworld Assassin series by Gena Showalter. Supernatural black ops agent Solomon Judah wakes up caged in a twisted zoo where he and other otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, has a soft heart and is charged with the care and feeding of all the otherworlders, including Solo. She wants to set them free, but thanks to her cruel father's precautions needs to wait for the perfect moment. Hostility and cruelty fill Vika's life, but something tips the scale and changes the hostility from Solo turn into a forbidden attraction, which is shared.Last Kiss Goodnight was the great start to a new series from Showalter. The main players were all extremely well designed, and the further explanation of how otherworlders came to be in the world was perfect. And of course, while paranormal black ops has been touched on before (think Feehan's Ghost Walker series), this is a new angle that I really enjoyed. Solo is a strong man, who also happens to be non-human and thought of as a monster by most. The fact that he is huge, and turns into a snarling red demon-like creature when angered, does not help that perception. Vika is a girl that has learned to work within the confines of her life to survive. Her father is a cruel man, that does horrible things. She has always tried to help others, and that has always ended badly for her, but she has not stopped trying. Her strength, and constant mistakes in commonly known phrases, made for a character that I enjoyed reading about. Their happy ever after takes a lot of work, but the ride is a lot of fun and peppered with plenty of action, making for a great read.
I highly recommend Last Kiss Goodnight to all fans of paranormal romance, especially to those that enjoy Showalter's other works. The characters are solid; with wit, intelligence, and determination on their side at every turn. The set up for the rest of the series does not interfere with the story line in this installment, but definitely left me looking forward to see where we go from here.
Book Review: Lord of Lightning by Suzanne Foster
Lord of Lightning by Suzanne Foster is a 2011 reissue of a novel originally published in 1990. A mysterious stranger in the small town of Shady Trees is bound to bring suspicion from the locals, especially when combined with stopping clocks and children insisting they have spotted a UFO and a strange figure glowing green that just happened to bring a bird back to life. Miss Lise Anderson is the straight laced school teacher trying to convince her students, and the town that nothing extraterrestrial is happening. But after a few encounters with the mysterious Stephen Gage Lise is certain that there is some electricity in the air.Lord of Lightning left me with mixed feelings. It feels a little dated, but since it is a reprint that is not too unexpected. Lise is a prim school teacher in an extremely small town. She does not believe in the crazy rumors surrounding the newest member of the town, but seems willing to take whatever he is willing to offer her- although she does offer up the token protests. Stephen is certainly mysterious, and I like that his character keeps the mysterious air through out the book. In fact, there were moments when readers might find themselves wondering if he really is an alien or something paranormal. He has a tragic back-story, and an attraction to Lise that he seems unable to deny. The book walked the line between category romance and erotica, but never really seemed to excel at either one. I was left feeling rather let down, only because I have enjoyed more recent books from Foster, and thought she could have done much more here. But, perhaps this just shows how far she has come as an author since this book was originally published.
Lord of Lightning has great potential to be great category romance or erotica, but missed the mark. It seemed to walk the unexpected line between the two. It was a quick read, and showed me how much Foster has grown as an author, but was not a book I would widely recommend. Readers that are big fans of Foster might want to give it a look, to see the photos and information she has included about her life in the back, and to appreciate how much she has grown as an author.
Book Review: The Chieftain by Margaret Mallory
In this installment, Connor is the new chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat. He spends his energy trying to protect his people, and to stay alive. Rival clans and his treacherous uncle are plotting to take over his lands. He is aware that duty and circumstances not of his making will determine whom he will fight, who he can trust, and who he should marry. Connor depends on Ilysa, a young lass who has always been a good friend and just happens to be his best friend's sister. Ilysa runs a household so smoothly that she tends to fade into the background, and she likes it that way. However, her gift of foresight, show danger at every turn for Connor, and she can not let the man she has loved for years fall into dangerous traps even if that means losing him forever by way of his marriage to another.
The Chieftain is a well done, and well researched, historical romance. Connor is a strong man, with a sense of honor and duty that drives his very survival. I like that he seems aware of everything, and yet fails to see past the less than attractive clothes Ilysa wear to see the real woman. So typical and realistic, because people rarely look past the surface or what they expect to see. Ilysa is a woman that knows her own mind, and the power she has inside her. She might dress plainly and speak softly, but she makes things happen.I really like that Ilysa holds on to her values, even when it might be easy to follow one path, she knows what she is capable of and does what is right for herself, and Connor, even when it promises to hurt. Their happy ever after is hard won, and the journey holds a few surprises, one of which I admit to having seen coming, and is well worth the read. I liked that Mallory, as usual, includes further information on the historical facts that have an impact on the story in the back of the book. She includes the reality of the day, as where as where she took some liberties.
I recommend The Chieftain to fans of historical romance, particularly those that seek out the highland heroes. Readers that have enjoyed other books by Margaret Mallory will certainly enjoy her latest as well. Readers that have never read anything by Mallory, might want to get started soon, because the combination of historical research and powerful characters makes for a great read.
Picturebook Review: Isabella: Star of the Story by Jennifer Fosberry and Mike Litwin
Isabella: Star of the Story is a picturebook written by Jennifer Fosberry and illustrated by Mike Litwin, which is scheduled for release today, April 1 2013. Isabella is a girl with a love of books, a big imagination, and snazzy purple hair. When Isabella and her parents head to the library Isabella becomes the characters from some of the most popular children's books. Isabella is briefly Alice, and Dorothy, Peter Pan, and a number of other well known personas. When it is time to check out and head home, Isabella decides that it is best just to be herself, at least until it is reading time again.Isabella: Star of the Story is a fun story which highlights an early love of reading and the use of imagination. The pictures are bold and colorful, matching the story with exactly what was needed to really bring the entire story alive. As the mother of to young children with imagination to spare, I have to say that it can be both a blessing and a curse at times- but I would much rather my children have their extremely active minds than the alternative. Isabella is a girl that falls completely into the books she reads, and loves to imagine herself in the story. I loved her spunk and imagination, and her hair of course. On the other hand, I was less than thrilled with the image of the librarian towards the end of the book, as it was closer to now outdated stereotypes of librarians rather than the reality. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the story as a whole, and the additional information about each of the books alluded to in the story and their authors.
I recommend Isabella: Star of the Story to readers of all ages. It is a great book for encouraging reading, the use of imagination, and library use. Children, and adults, that are already book lovers will recognize a kindred soul in Isabella, and make this book a fast favorite.
Hero of My Heart Blog Hop
Do you remember my review of the novel Hero of My Heart by Megan Frampton? If so, keep reading. If not, go take a peak and then come back. It's okay, I'll wait.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now that my thoughts on the novel are fresh on your mind, the lovely folks of Romance@Random are having a blog hop with chances to win a free book, or even a box of books including the newest release from Debbie Macomber. Here is all the information you need to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Early Picturebook Review: Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by by Mélanie Watt
Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping is fun, silly, and simply a good time. Scaredy is not very comfortable with the idea of camping, or much of anything really. He has lists of fears, what to avoid, and how to avoid them. rather than risking zippers or skunks, he plans to camp from the safety of his couch, in his home. but as usual, once Scaredy gets out into the world, he discovers that the world will not destroy him and can enjoy himself. he is not worry free at the end, and still treats the world in his own special way, but gets a little closer to enjoying nature.
Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping, and the entire series of books by Mélanie Watt, is fun and entertaining. it does not make outright fun of Scaredy's fears, but instead shows young readers how to deal with and face the things that make you uncomfortable without completely letting go of who you are. I plan on reading the entire series with my children, especially my son who fears getting the bottom of his pants wet or dirty. maybe seeing Scaredy face the perils of the world will encourage him to let go of those pant legs!
Book Review: Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food by Jodi Carmichael and Sarah Ackerley
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is divided into chapters, each one focused on a specific part of Connor's day. The story is fun, and easy to follow. Connor's unique trains of thought are easy to follow, and soon we are able to better understand just how his brain is making connections. Readers of all ages will find it funny, but it is also a great resource for children, parents, and teachers in better understanding how those with Asperger's Syndrome see the world. It is good for helping everyone better approach those that see the world a little differently, regardless of why, and remind us of the importance of good listening and patience.
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is a fun and important book to read. It would be a wonderful classroom resource, part of an organizational library, or addition to personal collection. Even if you have never met anyone with Aspergers, you must have had an encountered someone with a different way of seeing the world and communicating. There is wonderful insight and information here that can help us all understand each other while allowing everyone to be themselves rather than forcing conformity.
Picturebook Review: Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident by George McClements
Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident by George McClements is a picturebook about a young evil genius realizing that life is just no fun without a challenge. Baron von Baddie keeps creating great devices to battle superhero Captain Kapow, and losing. When he accidentally wins, he is convinced that his life will now be loads of fun, and it is for awhile. He begins making mischief, rearranging the days of the week, unleashing ice-cream-stealing robots, and binging on doughnuts. However, the Baron is quickly bored with his uncontested evil schemes. It seems that even villains need a superheroes.
Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident is a picturebook that is both great fun, and sneaking about delivering a message. The illustrations are bright, bold, and well detailed. they will appeal to most children, particularly those well on their way to enjoying graphic novels. Beyond the story of the young genius, there is the idea that getting what you think you want, and winning, does not equal happiness. All young Baddie ends up with after having his way with the world for a week, was some boredom and a stomach ache from all the ice cream and doughnuts. While it is hard for kids to understand that adults so no to things like staying up late and unlimited doughnuts, it is for their long term happiness not out of a desire for a fight. (Can you tell I have small children?)I recommend Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident to children and adults alike. the story and illustrations are fun and extremely well done. It would be a nice addition to home, school, and library collections. The message is clear, but not told in a high handed manner. Rather, it is told with humor so that no young listeners will feel the story is directed at them. Perhaps the story will have the added bonus of interesting more young children in science, even if for nefarious purposes.
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