Mary > Books: Read‎ (623)
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A Face Like Glass
Mary's rating
Wow! For good or ill, I have a tendency to mentally edit as I read, and here's a book where I would scarcely change or cut a single word. The style is Wow! For good or ill, I have a tendency to mentally edit as I read, and here's a book where I would scarcely change or cut a single word. The style is so good, and as for the setting!
It begins with a little redheaded girl lost among a cheesemaker's tunnels, and ends with a daring escape to a new world. That little girl, Neverfell, is a vivid character. Smart, loyal, optimistic, hyperactive, and a born tinkerer, she is growing up with what is, in her world, a serious disability. Everyone can tell what she's thinking by looking at her face. She cannot lie. As she enters the court, where secrets are everywhere and everyone is plotting against everyone else, Neverfell's innocence and openness may well get her killed.
This is one of those books--like Michelle Paver's or Megan Whalen Turners--that makes you put aside other books because they grip you so much. At least, if you're me! It reminded me a bit of The City of Ember, but is more sophisticated in both style and plotting. I think Jonathan Stroud and Diana Wynne Jones fans would love it, but it honestly also reminded me a bit of Pamela Dean, Susanna Clarke, and Joan Aiken.
Really, really good. I am going to be reading more by this author.
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The Greengage Summer
Godden, Rumer
really liked it
What I thought about this book can be summed up by looking at the way Rumer Godden writes Paul. This orphaned boy and hotel dogsbody is ignorant, What I thought about this book can be summed up by looking at the way Rumer Godden writes Paul. This orphaned boy and hotel dogsbody is ignorant, dirty, vicious, cowardly, pathetic--and yet he breaks your heart, even as you're appalled by him. He's magnificently written, and so is this book. But, as you can imagine from this summary, this story is not always easy to read.
Cecil, the 13-year-old narrator, is also a wonderful achievement. Honest, perceptive, jealous, confused, and self-absorbed in the way of a young teenager, the little girl is still, fundamentally, innocent. And the story she perceives just around the edges of some terrible events in a small French hotel is at once redemptive and disturbing.
This is not my favorite Godden book, but I have never come across any book by her that didn't reward a thoughtful reading. Other readers may find this tale of unsupervised adolescents the perfect place to start. ...more
Where the World Ends
A really unique and beautifully written survival tale that is also well-researched. The people of St. Kilda, off the west coast of Scotland, live by A really unique and beautifully written survival tale that is also well-researched. The people of St. Kilda, off the west coast of Scotland, live by small farms and by hunting seabirds for meat, feather, and oil. Every year, a group of men and boys go by boat to the Warrior stack, depicted on the cover. This bleak, mountainous rock is four miles from their home, and covered by nesting seabirds. The boat leaves the hunting party there and then comes back for them about three weeks later.
One year, in the early part of the 18th century, eleven people were put ashore --eight boys and three men. The boat did not come back for them. They had to survive alone on this rock for nine months.
On this bare fact, McCaughrean has woven a gripping and disturbing tale of survival, stress, love, and loss. The main character is Quilliam, one of the older teen boys. In the fiction, there are nine boys, not eight as in the factual story. A couple of the boys have secrets, and, though two of the men are decent and protective, the third is selfish and manipulative. The way these varied characters respond to the stresses they are under is utterly convincing.
I had some quibbles as I was reading, especially about how religion was presented. Showing the most spiritual people as either deluded or hypocritical is a modern cliche. But, otherwise, the fact that most of the people wouldn't have been very religious, and that Protestantism was quite new to them, is actually accurate. There's an awful lot of bird-killing, and one horrifying scene I skipped, but for the most part the violence isn't graphic. Note: I usually give five stars to books I'd like to own. I am not sure I would want to own this, but I would recommend it heartily to young (and adult) fans of survival stories, and to readers of all ages who like to explore cultures and lifeways in their reading. ...more
How Your Story Sets You Free
Box, Heather *
Clearly laid out, inspirational--and I really think, even if you've been writing (or speaking) for a long time, you will find something in this little Clearly laid out, inspirational--and I really think, even if you've been writing (or speaking) for a long time, you will find something in this little book to help you. I had never heard of a life map, for example, and another example the authors give, of finding your perfect audience and focusing your story on that person, is truly helpful. I'd recommend that all writers and artists at least glance at it. But the authors mean their advice for everyone, not just artistic types, and I think that's wonderful! Like Brenda Ueland, they affirm that everyone is important and valuable and has something to say. ...more
Ormeshadow
Sharma, Priya *
Well. I really don't know how to rate this. On the writing (except for the occasional muddling of "like" and "as", which drives me crazy) this is a Well. I really don't know how to rate this. On the writing (except for the occasional muddling of "like" and "as", which drives me crazy) this is a solid five stars. It's just gorgeous. And also grim, grim, grim. But I could not put it down, and I won't soon forget it. Still, because of the relentless cruelty and the amorality of the ending, it's not a book I'd actually want to own or reread. Thus the four-star rating.
If you are feeling strong enough, have any taste at all for both Le Guin and classic British authors such as Emily Bronte, this is a must-read. As to the ending and what drives it, you may well see far more in it than I did. I was just horrified, though the final pages aren't without hope. ...more
Call Down the Hawk (Dreamer, #1)
Stiefvater, Maggie *
**spoiler alert** Um--what to say? I love Maggie Stiefvater, and have enjoyed her books, but I found this one heavy going.
"What does a dream want?"
That question, and the answer, are gripping. I was happy to encounter Ronan and Matthew again, and to learn more about Declan, who, unsurprisingly, isn't quite the straight arrow he seems to be.
There are lots and lots of new characters, also, and a couple of these are actually likeable, though many are not. There are also multiple points of view. In this book, Stiefvater has a way of getting you into a new character's head just before she kills them, which is disturbing. The book also raises many more questions than it answers, and it's horrifically, and sometimes graphically, violent. I lost track of the body count. And I'm not quite clear on what the visionaries are, nor why they exist in this universe. Nor why they have to inadvertently kill everyone near them. Nor why dreamers, in general, are considered so dangerous that a government organization hunts them down to murder them. And then there's a recurring nightmare called the Lace, which seems to threaten the dreamers, and may threaten the entire world.
But perhaps the most disturbing concept, to me, is that dreamers have the capacity to dream copies of themselves. There's a question, because Matthew is one of Ronan's dreams, whether dreams can be real people. But if they are copies of real people? Copies those people dreamed into being? It's all the more puzzling because Jordan (one of the copies) and Matthew are about the most likeable and relatable characters in the book.
So--brilliant in places, gory, confusing, frustrating, and sure to please Ronan fans. There may not be enough Ronan and Adam for some, but I appreciated Ronan's attempt to let Adam have his own life.
And I was quite intrigued by Declan. He, Jordan, and Matthew are the characters I'll most want to follow as the story continues. But I'm not sure I can follow it if the story remains this brutally violent, and keeps hanging out with gangsters. ...more
To the Land of Long Lost Friends (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, #20)
McCall Smith, Alexander *
"...you know something, Charlie? If a bad dog tells you he has become a good dog, don't believe him." (His girlfriend's father to Charlie, page 204 of "...you know something, Charlie? If a bad dog tells you he has become a good dog, don't believe him." (His girlfriend's father to Charlie, page 204 of the U.S. hardcover).
This was a quieter and slower book than some in the series. However, there were nevertheless some very touching scenes. And I found Charlie's story (referenced above) quite gripping. As lovers of the series know, Charlie is the more bumptious and less skilled of the two apprentices. Like his friend Fanwell, who (unlike Charlie) is now a full-fledged mechanic, Charlie has his burdens, and he actually bears them with considerable grace. It's good to see him take a long step toward maturity in the conversation above.
The short version of this review: if you love the characters, you'll enjoy this read. The main story isn't quite as gripping as some of the side stories, but there is a consistent theme here (how men treat women, and how they should). And Mma Ramotswe herself is always a pleasure to visit for a few hours. ...more
Vaughan, Brian K. *
Um--okay. No political ax to grind here; just a well-crafted, tragic tale of animals in war. A horrifying "rape" scene (involving my favorite of the Um--okay. No political ax to grind here; just a well-crafted, tragic tale of animals in war. A horrifying "rape" scene (involving my favorite of the lions, the senior lioness Safa), and lots of fairly graphic violence, so I can't honestly say I enjoyed this. But I did admire it a lot. ...more
Ogre Enchanted (Ella Enchanted, #0.5)
Levine, Gail Carson *
Well. This is a delightful piece of fluff for fairy-tale loving youngsters. I really enjoyed Evie and her spunk and common sense. Between 3 and 4 Well. This is a delightful piece of fluff for fairy-tale loving youngsters. I really enjoyed Evie and her spunk and common sense. Between 3 and 4 stars for me, really, because in some ways the story was a bit obvious, and because I got so annoyed at Evie's friend's nickname. Wormy? Really? No wonder she doesn't think she loves him!
Also, Lucinda the fairy is supremely annoying, but a hoot at the same time.
The ogres, however, were interesting monsters. Why on earth would such creatures ever band together? And why on earth do they have the gift of persuasion? The unconscious magic bit knocked off a half star for me.
Finally, given the situation one of Evie's friends is in at the end of the story, I felt I needed to (a) reread Ella Enchanted, and (2)find the sequel forthwith. In other words, to me, this doesn't--quite--stand alone. But a fun and clever MG fantasy. ...more
The Hidden World of the Fox
Brand, Adele *
Okay--I love foxes! I also love natural history, and graceful writing. You can find all three in this book. My only quibble, and it's minor, is that Okay--I love foxes! I also love natural history, and graceful writing. You can find all three in this book. My only quibble, and it's minor, is that there are a couple of awkward phrases and one section toward the end (minor spoiler: it has to do with a fox biting a couple of small children) where I really wanted to know more. It was as if Ms. Brand said to herself: of course, everyone knows this story, so I don't have to go into detail about exactly what happened. But I had never heard the story. Fortunately, the children survived. And, as Ms. Brand explains, such incidents are vanishingly rare. Foxes normally prey on rodents, and their interactions with people are usually peaceful.
I had the joy of watching a pair of foxes trot across my parents' back yard one snowy New England winter. Suddenly, one of them leapt up with all four feet and landed again with his/her nose in the snow, chasing a mouse or other small creature. Another time, while waiting for their raspberries to ripen, my parents spotted a fox sitting among the bushes, nipping berries off the canes. My dad promptly fetched a colander and went out to pick the berries the fox had left them.
Which has nothing to do with this review! It's just that foxes are such fun to watch, and anyone who has had the pleasure of watching them will surely love Ms. Brand's thoughtful and well-written book. ...more
The Heretic's Apprentice (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, #16)
Peters, Ellis
This, and a Star Trek episode I recently watched, show us dramatically what the prayer, "lead us not into temptation" can mean. It's another solid This, and a Star Trek episode I recently watched, show us dramatically what the prayer, "lead us not into temptation" can mean. It's another solid entry in a well-crafted, well-researched, and humane mystery series. Peters' settings are always great, but, to my mind, where her books shine is in her characters, and the young couple at the heart of this story are terrific--both of them brave, smart, and loyal. But what I loved about Peters from the first (my first book of hers was "The Sanctuary Sparrow") was her compassion for her villains. At least, sometimes! Some of them are truly evil sociopaths. Not in this case--at least, not as far as I can see.
And I found the theological questions that are raised intriguing. (I'm a practising Catholic, and I tended to agree with young Elave, who gets accused of heresy.)
I liked the emphasis on mercy and truth, wrapped up in a solid historical mystery. ...more
The War I Finally Won (The War That Saved My Life, #2)
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker *
In which the story of Ada and Jamie continues and gets very, very sad in places. Solidly done, and if you loved the first book (which I found In which the story of Ada and Jamie continues and gets very, very sad in places. Solidly done, and if you loved the first book (which I found gripping), you'll love this as well. Ultimately, it is about loss and forgiveness, but also friendship and growing up. Ada is so darn brave you might almost think her a Mary Sue. But she comes across as a real girl. And the way her relationships with the women in her life develop is very satisfying. There is tension, but also reconciliation and understanding.
(I'm talking particularly about Ada's relationship with Lady Thorton, which evolves logically and beautifully. But Susan also has a path, and Ada--a young teen by the end of the story--is growing old enough to understand it.) ...more
The War That Saved My Life (The War That Saved My Life, #1)
Oh, my gosh, I loved this! Very nearly a five-star book for me. I felt so much for Ada, little Jamie, and their foster-mother Susan. The animals were Oh, my gosh, I loved this! Very nearly a five-star book for me. I felt so much for Ada, little Jamie, and their foster-mother Susan. The animals were great, too. The only (very minor) flaws are:
Ada's basic situation reminded me of Magorian's Good Night, Mr. Tom.
The ending seemed a bit abrupt.
But I was cheering for Ada all the way through, and I can't imagine any reader from about ten on up who wouldn't feel the same way. Well--this is a book that parents ought to read with the younger middle-graders, because there are things in it (especially Mam's horrible cruelty to Ada--mild spoiler) that call for discussion. I read this in two days, and now I'm off to read the sequel.
Oh, and my sister reminded me that this author also wrote the excellent WWII spy novel, For Freedom, which I bought for the teens at my library when it came out. ...more
Grey Mask (Miss Silver Mystery Book 1)
Amy, Elles Dora
B07XHQL6ZK
Three and a half stars, actually, but I am rounding up because of of Wentworth's sparkling style and her excellent villain. Those things, plus the Three and a half stars, actually, but I am rounding up because of of Wentworth's sparkling style and her excellent villain. Those things, plus the atmosphere and a couple of really charming minor characters (I loved Archie!) are the pluses. As others have said, we get no real sense of who Miss Silver is in this book. She, too, is a minor character, and a rather disconcerting one, and that strikes me as a drawback. She is not so vividly alive as Miss Marple or Miss Climpson, though the character certainly has possibilities.
A bigger flaw, to me, is that the initial viewpoint character, Charles, is quite unsympathetic for quite a long time. He seems a self-righteous and unforgiving young man. I liked his fiancee better, and came to worry about them both, so that the ending had me properly horrified. But--
The villain needed to read Peter's Evil Overlord list, and/or watch a couple of classic Doctor Who/Sarah Jane adventures!
Still, if you like classic British mysteries, you'll probably enjoy this. I liked it well enough to want to try a couple more in this series.
Why Do They Hate Us?: Making Peace with the Muslim World
Slocum, Steve
B07KLWW867
The short version: every American adult should read this book. No exceptions.
The longer version: a readable and informative introduction to Islam, its The short version: every American adult should read this book. No exceptions.
The longer version: a readable and informative introduction to Islam, its history, its varieties, and to the interactions of Christians and Muslims. It's well-researched, fair-minded, and in general clearly written. I do wish it had been better edited in a couple of places--that's why it's not five stars for me. But it's so close!
Things I really appreciated:
1. This may be the best, clearest explanation of Mohammed's life and how it influenced his spirituality I have ever read. I especially appreciated how Slocum, by examining Mohammed's life story, puts some of the harsher verses of the Koran in context. Like Christ, Mohammed put a great emphasis on justice to the poor, generosity, and compassion.
2. Along the same lines, I appreciated knowing how the house of Saud gained power and where Wahabism came from. (I agree with Slocum that the men who founded this movement were demonic. It is a very minor branch of Islam, seen as heretical and hated and feared by the vast majority.)
3. And I really loved his examination of the anti-Muslim stereotypes in American popular culture. The Palestinians, in particular, have been demonized. It's a safe guess that most Americans don't know who the Palestinians are, where they came from, or what they actually want. To read about some of the ways they're portrayed in film and TV is both laughable and horrifying.
4. Finally, his call for peace-making and personal friendship is empowering to good people on both sides. There are actually things we can do to make things better!
On the minus side, I wish the book had been better edited in a couple of places. For example, here's a quote from page 103. "In pre-Islamic times, there was no concept of one all-powerful and loving God who cared for his creation and involved himself in their lives on an individual basis." Really? You mean the Jewish and Christian God did not do so? If you read on, it becomes clear that Slocum is referring to the spirituality and perceptions of nomadic Arab pagans, people who had never heard of Jesus or Yaweh. And, as Slocum explains, part of Mohammed's purpose--a large part--was to bring knowledge of Yaweh and Jesus to these people. Still, sentences like these could be a turn-off to the Christian readers Slocum is trying to reach.
But there are only a couple such glitches in the book, which is both eye-opening and inspiring. It should be read and discussed--yes, and acted on. ...more
To Be Taught, If Fortunate
Okay. I had a hard time with some of the scenes here (one, in particular, is horrifically violent, and one, toward the end, struck me as illogical). Okay. I had a hard time with some of the scenes here (one, in particular, is horrifically violent, and one, toward the end, struck me as illogical). But I think this novella may be Chambers' best book to date. Things I loved about it:
1. In this, as in all her books, Chambers writes about relatable, and often admirable, human beings. Her narrator, Ariadne, and the rest of the crew are thoughtful and genuinely trying to do the right thing. Sometimes tragedy results, nevertheless. (Witness the horrific scene I referenced above.) Sometimes there is friction. But Chambers' work is generally optimistic about us flawed humans and our capacity for goodness and growth. I appreciate that.
2. With the exception of the illogical scene, the science is strong and well-explained. The concept of the patches that transform astronauts so they can adapt to their environments is really cool.
3. I also appreciated how the novella, as a whole, deliberately tries to break the "fourth wall" and draw the reader in to the story. This will make it a natural for book groups, even for those that don't usually read SF or fantasy.
So I found this book well worth reading. If you've enjoyed Chambers' other books, or have any taste for positive, forward-thinking space opera, it's a must-read. ...more
Prima Facie (Medicus Investigation #8.5)
Downie, Ruth *
B07SH693ZW
"Flora, gentle and fair? Alas has slain me...(Morley)" No, that's not a spoiler!
"I felt sorry for him..he was never allowed to do anything useful" "Flora, gentle and fair? Alas has slain me...(Morley)" No, that's not a spoiler!
"I felt sorry for him..he was never allowed to do anything useful" (paraphrased. The prime suspect speaking to Ruso about the boy he's supposed to have killed.)
What fun! Here, we find out what happens between our young family's disastrous sojourn in Rome and their settling back in Britannia. Needless to say, they stop in Gaul to visit Ruso's family. Needless to say, there is a murder--or is there? And did Flora's boyfriend actually kill the young heir of a major household in the area? If he didn't, can Ruso and Tilla find out who did?
I enjoyed every word of this, and only wished it had been slightly longer. I also thought the solution to the mystery was very fair-- both true to the characters and relevant to our present-day real world. Perhaps not my absolute favorite of the series, but still a little gem, IMHO. ...more
Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper, #1)
Older, Daniel José *
Well. First things first: love, love, love that cover! Second, Sierra, the protagonist, is an extremely courageous young girl. A total Gryffindor, for Well. First things first: love, love, love that cover! Second, Sierra, the protagonist, is an extremely courageous young girl. A total Gryffindor, for good and ill. Third, the depiction of her family and friends was outstanding. Yet--
Not quite a five-star read for me, mostly because I'm not this book's target audience. I also had a few quibbles with the plot, which centers on cultural appropriation, and with the voice. Older's dialogue is excellent! But he is another modern writer who makes no distinction between dialogue and narration. I think Flannery O'Connor is right; if you fail to elevate the narration, you flatten your tone. That seems to be standard practice these days, however, and Older does do a superb job on his characters and setting.
The cultural appropriation thing: this is a very important theme. It's an ongoing practice throughout the world today, and it does great harm to indigenous communities. There's a very strong metaphor at work throughout the novel: to deny someone's history and culture is to deny their very existence. Thus the erasure of the murals. And boy, were those zombies creepy!
But the "big bad" was, to my eyes, something of a stereotype. I would actually have liked to have known a bit more about his/her motivations. This person apparently meant well, at least in the beginning, but did great evil. How did they get there, and why?
A couple of very minor quibbles: This is a Puerto Rican American girl. This community is usually Catholic. But the only faith explored is that of the Shadow Shapers, and the only church is a ruin haunted by evil spirits. Also, why on earth were the zombies called corpuscles? That word? I do not think it means what you think it means.
But these quibbles are minor and personal. This is a well-worked out story that will appeal to many teens. Recommended. ...more
The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions
McNamee, Thomas *
This captured me from the first page--a tiny black kitten abandoned in the snow. That kitten was Augusta, the author's beloved cat, and he This captured me from the first page--a tiny black kitten abandoned in the snow. That kitten was Augusta, the author's beloved cat, and he intersperses scientific observations about the species with the story of his life with Augusta. It's very well-written, but a bit disturbing at times--when, for example, he hints at troubles in his marriage. Then, too, he cites the British research on the depredations of house cats, but nevertheless lets Augusta go out and kill things. Well, that's what cats are born to do! They can't help it. Still, you would think that, after this research, the author might have been more responsible. That's especially the case because cats are also prey animals, not just predators. There were a couple of occasions when Augusta vanished for days. All I could think as I read was that another animal had killed her.
In spite of this quibble, this is a very entertaining and informative book that cat owners should enjoy.
River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey
Prejean, Helen
What can I say? I devoured this book in three days, but I'm sure that I will reread it, perhaps more than once.
I was moved, appalled, and deeply What can I say? I devoured this book in three days, but I'm sure that I will reread it, perhaps more than once.
I was moved, appalled, and deeply troubled by "Dead Man Walking", perhaps Sister Helen's most famous book. This autobiography is very different. To me, the one downside is the present-tense narrative, which sometimes gets confusing as Sister Helen switches back and forth in time. But this is more than made up for by the book's great strengths: her simple, clear voice and her honesty. Insulated by her middle-class, warm, close family, and later by her community, it took Sister Helen many years to come to the understanding that her Catholic faith had to be lived out serving the poor. That insight--and what "service" actually meant--hit her like a bolt of lightning, and changed the course of her life.
As I read this book, I felt that Sister Helen was talking directly to me, as a sister in Christ. You don't have to be a nun to understand the struggle to find a balance between deep friendship and physical attraction. You don't have to be a nun to empathize with the joys, as well as the labors, involved in deep friendships and family relationships. You don't, I think, have to be a nun, or even a Christian, to understand the desire for vocation and to do good in the world. And the final letter! Certainly, every Catholic should read that letter.
I was happy to have read this book. I mean that literally. Recommended, both for adults and for young adults, who may themselves be going through some of Sister Helen's youthful struggles. ...more
Verax: A Graphic History of Electronic Surveillance
Chatterjee, Pratap
Here is a book every U.S. citizen should read--regardless of your politics, whether or not you like graphic novels, no matter what you think about the Here is a book every U.S. citizen should read--regardless of your politics, whether or not you like graphic novels, no matter what you think about the drone wars. I think I am a well-informed citizen. Even so, I had no idea exactly how much influence certain tech companies had over our politicians, and thus, over us. And I'm not talking about Apple and Google, nor even Facebook, though they are all mentioned. I mean companies, often based in Paris, that enable spyware and drone surveillance.
The book is not exhaustive, and doesn't pretend to be. It details the experiences of Pratap Chatterjee as he researches spyware companies and then learns a young Afghani boy (age 16) whom he met at a conference has been murdered by a drone. The pretext was that the boy was Al Qaida. Mr. Chatterjee asks himself, if our intelligence is so good, how do we make so many mistakes? And who makes the decision to murder people from afar, anyway?
These are important questions. Indeed, they are essential. This book gave me enormous admiration for Snowden, but the whistleblowers who broke my heart were drone operators--both men and women--currently suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Broken lives are everywhere. Privacy has vanished. In the meantime, the wars go on, and lives continue to be destroyed.
Because of the graphic novel format, this book lacks some things I'd like to see, such as a bibliography, footnotes, and a list of sources for further research. In spite of this flaw, it's a fine and utterly chilling piece of work.
Basically, people, we are living on Ferenginar. People are dying not because they are our enemies, but because we are being sold the equipment to kill them. Cutthroat capitalism is coming to its logical conclusion. Millions live in dire poverty and increasing terror, while the arms dealers and sellers of surveillance software and spy equipment grow rich. ...more
DK Biography: Helen Keller: A Photographic Story of a Life
Garrett, Leslie *
Extraordinary. Though aimed at children (specifically, young teens), adults can also enjoy this well-laid-out, clearly written biography. The book is Extraordinary. Though aimed at children (specifically, young teens), adults can also enjoy this well-laid-out, clearly written biography. The book is worth having for the photographs alone, many of which I'd never seen before. As to the story--
If you've read Helen Keller's own (really beautiful) autobiography, or seen the play or movie "The Miracle Worker", you'll know the main facts, especially of the early sections. This book is by no means a substitute for those, which enter much more deeply into Helen's lived experience as a child. Where this book shines is in giving an overview of the great woman's entire life, including some unexpected struggles and difficulties, her great compassion for the poor, her fight against blindness, her mature writings, and her politics. In short, I thought I knew Helen Keller's life story. I only knew half of it. And those photos!
As I said, this short book can't substitute for Ms. Keller's own words, which it often quotes. But it's a terrific supplement, and a very good introduction to a very great woman. Recommended. ...more
When We Were Arabs: A Jewish Family's Forgotten History
Hayoun, Massoud *
Clearly written. often lovely, and the ending is very touching. A young American, Massoud Hayoun, tells the story of his grandparents, a Clearly written. often lovely, and the ending is very touching. A young American, Massoud Hayoun, tells the story of his grandparents, a Moroccan-Egyptian man and a Tunisian woman, both Arab Jews, and equally at home in their Arab and Jewish cultures. There are, in fact, many today who insist that Christians and Jews cannot be Arabs--but many are. There is real hope in Hayoun's move to reclaim a proud culture and history that cuts across national and religious boundaries.
Hayoun gives us a clear picture of his family, of the culture they loved that has been largely destroyed, and of his own journey to find their past--and his own. His acknowledgement at the end will give you an idea of his tone.
"Thank you, in no logical order and with immense love, God.....(and many people and inspirations finishing with) Freedom of expression as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, dissent, compassion."
There is a lot more I could quote, but I won't, because I'd love people to read this book and make up their own minds. I will, however, quote Palestinian author Raja Shehadeh from the back cover--he is another writer I greatly admire for his humanity and clarity. He says, "A rare, multifaceted book that dares to tell the story of the Arab Jew as it was without propaganda or prejudice and which chronicles how the nuance that had been there in Jewish Arab political identities disappeared under the onslaught of Zionism."
A Heart in a Body in the World
Caletti, Deb *
How did I fail to review this book? It is--almost--five stars; it's so memorable and so sad. I had some quibbles as I read that caused me to do a bit How did I fail to review this book? It is--almost--five stars; it's so memorable and so sad. I had some quibbles as I read that caused me to do a bit of research (for example, in the Seattle area, a dad actually did become a Catholic priest and still has close ties to his children in spite of getting an annulment.) And, as an adult reader, it was clear to me from the outset that there was something very wrong with the taker, as the young heroine calls her ex. But--
The depictions of how hard it was for her to assert herself when he was being charming; her self-blame for the tragedy; her fears--all rang so true to me!
An essential book for high-school age kids and the adults who love them. You may not love it; you may have quibbles, but it will get you talking about a desperately important subject. (Gun control. I put off reading this because I wasn't sure I could tolerate a fictional tragedy given the state of the real world. But I am glad I read it.) ...more
Henry Reed's Babysitting Service
Robertson, Keith
You'll notice my three-star rating is quite inconsistent. In general, it means exactly what I mean here. I really, really, liked this book; it was You'll notice my three-star rating is quite inconsistent. In general, it means exactly what I mean here. I really, really, liked this book; it was almost four stars for me. It was dry, witty, believable, engaging--and quite dated in a couple of places. Henry and his friend Midge are capable and rather admirable young teens; I love Henry's voice and his no-nonsense attitude; and the trouble the kids get into is often hilarious. But every now and then you come across something like this:
(Henry is describing a very troublesome small girl) "I had begun to think she was retarded and couldn't talk, but Mrs. Osborn hadn't mentioned anything like that" (page 78, 1966 U.S. hardcover). Later on, young Midge tells a line of small children they must be "as quiet as Indians". (page 167) I can see how some readers would find little things like this offensive. To me, these are minor points in a book that's, in general, charming and positive. But a modern author wouldn't write these sentences.
The old-fashioned quality is also a strength, actually. I was a small child of the age to be babysat by these two when the book came out. Midge (13 or 14) and Henry (15) don't just babysit. They cook dinners in emergencies, run errands on their bikes, do laundry for overwhelmed mothers, and more. And they, and the little kids they care for, spend a lot of time roaming around outdoors. It's an idyllic picture of childhood, but not an inaccurate one. It seems to me, reading it, that modern kids simply don't have the freedom these children had. And that includes the freedom to use their own common sense and rise to meet challenges.
So I really liked this book, but I can see it might need updating or explaining for today's kids. Also, it's truly a children's book, not YA. Henry and Midge are simply good friends. Honestly, I found that refreshing.
3 and a half stars, shading toward four. ...more
How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals
An utterly charming book. The illustrations make it seem as though it's for young children, and, indeed, older kids and teens could read and enjoy it. An utterly charming book. The illustrations make it seem as though it's for young children, and, indeed, older kids and teens could read and enjoy it. But there are some disturbing things in it (Sy's probable abuse at the hands of her alcoholic mother, and her later suicidal thoughts) that would make little sense to younger kids.
But the animals are remarkable! I have already read "The Good, Good Pig" and recommend it highly; Christopher Hogwood the pig is a real character. As I think back on this book, he's not the only standout. I was very struck by the ermine in the snow on Christmas morning, and also by the children in South America--one of them saying, "Elle est belle, La Monstre!" (she's beautiful, the monster) as she let a tarantula walk on her hand. That little girl was braver than I would be!
The title of the book is perfect. Sy Montgomery is at pains to clarify both the uniqueness of the animals she encounters, and what she learns from them of patience, courage, and grace. It took me two tries to get into this book, and, as I said, I found parts a little disturbing. But I appreciated the author's honesty and her warm heart. I've been a fan of hers, and I'm still a fan. ...more
The Accidental Veterinarian: Tales from a Pet Practice
Schott, Philipp
Four stars only because this is a collection of essays, rather than a coherent story. But those essays are dryly funny, warm-hearted, informative, and Four stars only because this is a collection of essays, rather than a coherent story. But those essays are dryly funny, warm-hearted, informative, and extremely well-written. If you have any liking at all for animals, or any interest at all in what it might take to be a vet, you should read this book.
One of my favorites: the story of the fierce little Chihuahua, Oscar. Dr. Schott describes this little dog as a potato with toothpicks for legs and an angry walnut for a head. Can't you just see him? You will have to read the rest for yourself, but I will add that one of three or four dogs I was truly scared of in my life was a Chihuahua cross. Oscar reminded me of that dog.
I also loved the story of Dr. Schott's first pet, and how he picked his career (if you've never heard the German phrase "brotlose Kunst", you'll know what it means by the end of that chapter!), and much, much more. This book is illuminating as well as charming, and it's a quick, easy, read. Recommended to all animal-loving teens as well as adults. ...more
Arab in America
Rassi, Toufic El
Not much to say about this except: wow! The hatred and ignorance of my fellow Americans is really disturbing. Not a beautiful book, but well-laid-out, Not much to say about this except: wow! The hatred and ignorance of my fellow Americans is really disturbing. Not a beautiful book, but well-laid-out, powerful, and effective. I read it in an hour and really couldn't put it down. ...more
Murder at The Mill (An Iris Grey Mystery #1)
Shaw, M. B.
The q and a at the end of the book focuses on Ms. Shaw's plotting, and the story is indeed well-plotted. But, for me, it was just a little bit out of The q and a at the end of the book focuses on Ms. Shaw's plotting, and the story is indeed well-plotted. But, for me, it was just a little bit out of focus, largely due to the frequent shifts in point of view. I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I was also frustrated by the heavy hints about the main character's sister. Since almost nothing was revealed about the sister except that she was bipolar, it seemed like a ploy to get readers to pick up the next book. I'm also a bit wary of stories that posit mentally ill characters as pure evil, as this one does with the sister. Evil is a choice, at least in my theology. Illness is not. ...more
Forward Me Back To You
Perkins, Mitali *
Another really, really good book by Perkins, in which believable young people cope with their own traumas by helping others. Among the many things I Another really, really good book by Perkins, in which believable young people cope with their own traumas by helping others. Among the many things I liked and admired in this book:
1. The characterizations.
2. The friendships
3. The vivid settings
4. The adult characters, who acted like adults. They gave the teens freedom to act, but also gave them limits and had high expectations for them.
I also liked the way faith was handled, with one minor quibble. The Latina character, Gracie, is Catholic. It's a slight cliche that she comes from a huge family and therefore has tons of experience with babies. As a Catholic, I also didn't believe such a devout young woman would attend Mass on Fridays and then go to church with her Protestant peers on Sundays. But these are very minor quibbles. Though think "You Bring the Distant Near" would work better for an intergenerational (teens and adults) readership, with its focus on generations of women, adults, as well as teens, should enjoy "Forward me back to You". Four and a half stars, and warmly recommended.
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