Serafina's Promise

Serafina’s Promise by Ann E. Burg, 299 pages

This novel in verse follows the life of Serafina, a young girl in Haiti, who wants to go to school. Her family doesn’t have much money and her mother needs a lot of help because she is about to have a new baby. Serafina’s big ambition is to become a doctor and she is determined to convince her parents that she said be able to go to school. This book would be appropriate for most 4th to 6th grade readers. The story would probably appeal to children who like to read, but reluctant readers might be convinced to try it because of the amount of white space on the pages. It was an uplifting story, although a little sad at times.

The Caged Graves

The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni, 329 pages

Verity Boone is returning to her home in Catawissa, Pennsylvania after fifteen years living with her cousins in Massachusetts. She was sent away when her mother died but now she will be living again with her father, until her marriage to their neighbor, Nathaniel. However, Verity finds that Nate may not be exactly the boy she met through their written correspondence and that something odd is going around surrounding her mother’s death and burial. Also, there is some talk that her father and uncle uncovered a treasure that they’ve been hiding for several years. Any of these things could prove to be Verity’s undoing. This was an exciting, edge-of-your-seat read, good for teens who like mystery/suspense type novels, especially those with some romance and/or historical setting.

Innocence

Innocence by Dean Koontz, pages 338

Dean Koontz writes another unusual story, not quite horror, but certainly with an element of fear. Addison has been reviled since birth. His appearance inspires fear, horror and revulsion in others, to the point that most people he encounters try to kill him. After his mother kicks him out, when he is eight, he makes his way to a city, where he meets and lives with a man he calls “father”, who has the same affliction he does. Although life is not wonderful, Addison enjoys the status quo until the night he encounters a girl. He and she seem destined to meet and accomplish something big, but evil seems determined to thwart them. I was somewhat dissatisfied with this offering. The ending seemed somewhat unfinished and I’m not sure I liked the underlying premise of the book. However, the story was interesting and engaging and well-written, as Dean Koontz always is. His fans will probably like this story and it’s a decent introduction for new followers of the author.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

Yaqui Delgado Wants To Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina, 260 pages

Piddy has always been good in school but now she has moved and is in a new school, where a girl has just told her that “Yaqui Delgado wants to kick your ass.” Piddy doesn’t know why; she doesn’t even know Yaqui, but it soon becomes clear that Yaqui is after her just the same. Piddy’s days become filled with trying to stay away from Yaqui to the point where she starts neglecting her school work, and because she doesn’t want to narc, she can’t explain why. This is an excellent, fast-paced read for any high school teens or older middle school students.

Roomies

Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando, 279 pages

EB and Lauren have been assigned each other as roommates at Berkley for the upcoming year. EB, flying across the country to San Francisco from New Jersey, immediately e-mails Lauren, already living in San Francisco, only an hour away from the college to make arrangements for things like microwaves and mini-fridges. Thus begins an e-mail exchange between the two that lasts all summer. With all of the drama and problems in each girl’s life, this exchange could lead to a great friendship. Or, it could be destroyed before it even really gets started. This was a fun book about relationships that would be good for any college bound teen girls.

Grand Strategy of Philip II

The Grand Strategy of Philip II by Geoffrey Parker, 446 pages

In 1556, at the age of 29, Philip II inherited much of the Habsburg patrimony possessed by his father, Emperor Charles V, including the Low Countries, Milan, Naples, Sicily, and Spain with its American possessions.  In 1581 he became King of Portugal as well, which also bought him control over extensive colonial holdings in Brazil, Africa, and India.  His was the first "empire on which the sun never sets".  His reign is often regarded as the golden age of Spanish power and prestige, but the decline had visibly begun well before his death in 1598.

Geoffrey Parker's book is not a biography, but rather a study of how decisions were made, and sometimes not made, in Philip's government.  Such a far-flung empire, even the European parts of which were neither geographically nor linguistically united, did not lend itself to a single "Grand Strategy"; therefore, of necessity, Philip's policies tended to be reactions to crises.  Still, all was pursued in the perceived interests of the whole, united in the person of the sovereign, none more so than the "Enterprise of England" which culminated in the sailing of the Armada.  It is the decision-making surrounding this event that is analyzed most thoroughly, for the excellent reason that it is so well documented on both sides.  Although Parker does not diminish Philip's failures - especially in the Netherlands and England - he also acknowledges his successes - especially in the Mediterranean, Italy, and France.  In his thorough, balanced presentation, Parker manages to simultaneously use modern experience to critique Philip's leadership and analyze Philip's experiences as a lesson for modern leaders, even as he illustrates how structural and personal factors combine to make history.

This is the Story of a Happy Marriage

This is the story of a happy marriage / Ann Patchett.  306 Pages
Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors so I automatically buy her books when they come out.  You would think that I would then read them immediately, but no.  I'm usually trying to finish a book from the library that someone else is waiting for before I get to those books I purchase.  In this case I've been able to read the book bit by bit because it is a series of essays that Patchett had previously published in various magazines over the last 20-30 years.

Although the essays cover a variety of topics,  all reveal something about the author; how she writes, her background; her life.  It is something akin to finding and reading someone's diary.  What is more important, Patchett's talent as a writer shines through and will hopefully leave the reader wanting to go back and read her other books, both fiction and non-fiction.

The Spy Who Loved Me

The Spy Who Loved Me by Ian Fleming, 221 pages

I did not care much for this novel. It is written in the first person and through the eyes of a Canadian woman named Vivienne Michel or Viv. The first third of the novels tells of her growing up and forays into adulthood. From her first parties to her first crush and first heartbreak it tells it all in explicit detail. The story seems to hop from one love affair to another with not much of her life in between. Finally it finds her working at a small motel in the Adirondack Mountains.

In the second third she is being harassed and abused by some street toughs named Sluggsy and Horror. They claim to be sent by her boss but they mean her no good. Finally in the third part we get to see Bond show up and do what he does best. Despite the slow start the book manages to end with explosions and gun battles that really should be in every Bond novel.  The book ends with a moral that we are supposed to take away but it seems halfhearted at best.

Hopefully the next Fleming novel will return to the old style and give us the thrilling story that Bond is supposed to be.

The Last Olympian

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan, 381 pages

This is the fifth and final book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I must say Riordan did a wonderful job of ending the series. Not only did make it a thrilling ending we were all hoping for, but he gave it just enough of a twist that helps us accept it. The book is filled with battles and action and reads very fast. It still has some of the humor the series started with, the giant pink flying pig in this one is a good example, but has developed a more serious tone that is needed.

After reading it however I wonder if Riordan has something against St. Louis or the Arch. In the first book he blows a hole in the top of it and in this book a monster destroyed most of the city. Maybe we need to have him come and do a book signing or something so he will have some happy memories form here and be less likely to destroy us in the future.

Sadly this concludes the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series, but it is not the end for most of the main character. Riordan continues the same themes in his new series Heroes of Olympus. Of course I will be reading them, so come back and read reviews for them in the future.

Far Far Away

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal  371 pages

'What Follows is the strange and fateful tale of a boy, a girl, and a ghost." 

This is how the tale of Jeremy Johnson Johnson and the ghost of Jacob Grimm begins.  A National Book award finalist, this young adult novel is described as a contemporary fairy tale that readers of Neil Gaiman would like.  I found it to be an enjoyable read, especially for young adults.

Jeremy is able to hear the voice of Jacob Grimm, one of the Brothers Grimm who compiles the famous catalog of fairy tales.  Jacob mentors Jeremy and tries to protect him from an unknown evil.  When Jeremy starts to hang out with Ginger Boultinghouse, Jacob finds himself unable to protect Jeremy from the evil intentions of a shadowy figure known as the Finder of Occasions.  Jacob must face his past if he wishes to save Jeremy and Ginger.

Battle of the Labyrinth

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan, 361 pages 

This is the fourth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Despite some setbacks Luke’s army is still trying to destroy Camp Half-Blood. While the magical barrier that surrounds the camp protects it from being invaded outright, there are still other ways to get in. One of those ways is through Daedalus’ Labyrinth. The Labyrinth is a dangerous place as it is designed to confuse and trap you. It is believed that only Daedalus or Ariandne’s string, which Daedalus has, can safely guide you through the maze of corridors. It then becomes a race against time to reach Daedalus before Luke.

There are numerous sub plots happening at the same time but all have spoilers so read the book if you want to know. Again we continue the theme of meeting more titans and more Olympians. There is also a ranch where we meet some of the creatures of mythology. Examples of those are Apollo’s red cows, flesh eating horses, and some giant scorpions featured earlier in the book. Again the heroes meet some of the same challenges that the heroes of old faced like mucking out the stables and wax wings.

I am really starting to enjoy the series and can’t stop reading them. I hope the final book will do the series justice and end in a satisfying manner.

The Titan's Curse

The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan, 312 pages

This is the third book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The titans of old are gaining more power and are starting to emerge into the world. Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia are continuing their fight against Luke and his army of monsters. We meet some more modernized gods like Apollo and his twin Artemis. We also meet Artemis’ group of immortals known as the Hunters. They are a group of maidens that have pledged themselves to Artemis and sworn off all male contact. They never age and can only be killed in combat, or if they break their vow.

It is interesting how much mythology the books almost make you learn or remember. Did I know previously that Apollo and Artemis are twins, vaguely? But will I remember it now, at least for a little while. The demigod heroes also meet some of the monsters from the story of Hercules. This is possible because monsters never truly die; they just vanish for a while. As the heroes struggle to remember how Hercules banished the monster, I also find myself trying to recall the stories.

This series is starting to get better as more mythological figures are added. Again I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

The Source of Magic

The Source of Magic by Piers Anthony, 326 pages

The Source of Magic continues the Xanth series. It also continues the weirdness that is the Land of Xanth. As anyone can probably guess by the title, this story focuses on Bink’s quest to find the source of all magic in Xanth. To do this he brings along some familiar faces from the first book like magician Humfrey, Chester the centaur, Crombie of the king’s guard and a new character named Grundy who is a golem.

Again the book is filled with puns and play on words. Examples would be butter flies actually produce butter, stag beetles have antlers, breadfruit trees produce bread, etc. There are also many strange creatures like mind controlling brain coral, vegetarian ogres and an ouroboros (mythological serpent that refuses to let go of its own tail). Perhaps the strangest is the demon known as X(A/N)^TH. I can’t say much about X(A/N)^TH without spoiling part of the story, but I will say he takes his games very seriously.

The novel is very fast paced with action happening in every chapter. So far the series has been worth reading and I have enjoyed the novels and characters.

Our Guys

Our Guys: The Glen Ridge Rape and the Secret Life of the Perfect Suburbs, Bernard Lefkowitz
516 pages


        This is a book that you would have to get from the stacks, and its just as well.  While I do enjoy reading True Crime, sometimes it is more disturbing than I would like.  What was most upsetting was that something like this even happened in the first place, let alone reading an account of the whole egregious event. I was outraged every time I picked up the book and read more.  This book is fairly old, and he crime happened five or six years before the book came out.  It was also a grueling read because it was simply way too long, and Lefkowitz rehashes a lot of points along the way.
         The main thing that kept me hanging on through this was the examination of the affluent suburb where the accused were born and raised, and of the attitudes of the people who lived there at the time. No one wanted to believe this could happen, but it was a place not unlike any other in the country.  The perpetrators of this crime were young men who were outwardly successful in sports, and in school, yet rarely had to suffer any real consequences for their actions.  Glad to be done with this one.

The Murder Room

The Murder Room, PD James, 415 pages

      I can't believe I have never read PD James before now. Perhaps I wasn't ready, but wow can she write a suspenseful mystery! In the last year or so, I have become enamored of British mysteries. This may have something to do with enjoying Masterpiece Mystery on PBS as well as other BBC mysteries that are floating around Netflix.  I just find the writing to be a little better, the narratives more twisted, and the characters more engaging.
       The Murder Room is number 12 in a series of novels centered around Adam Dalgleish; a poet, a detective, and a very private man.  James masterfully takes her time in setting up the crime, and it took at least a hundred pages before anything major happens. I was most surprised by her eloquent use of language; most of her characters are well spoken, and her description of their habits and of the landscape around them made the book worth reading regardless of the mystery. The story may not be as modern or gritty as people may be used to when reading mystery, and I don't feel that it takes anything away from it. Sometimes its refreshing to read a book where cursing, sex, and graphic violence aren't what keeps the reader turning pages.

Ivan Ramen : Love, Obsession, and Recipes from Tokyo's Most Unlikely Noodle Joint

Ivan Ramen : Love, Obsession, and Recipes from Tokyo's Most Unlikely Noodle Joint
by Ivan Orkin with Chris Ying. 211 pages

     I saw this on our scrolling new books list on our catalogue and thought it looked interesting, which it was. This was a very quick read, with a little over half of the book being a short autobiography of Ivan Orkin followed by a step by step recipe for Ramen from scratch.  I have to say I enjoyed the quick narrative quite a bit, as I have been working as a line cook most of my adult life (and still do) and although I have no desire to ever become a chef, I do enjoy reading about them.
      Ivan Orkin is from New York City and managed to pull off an amazing feat: He opened his own Ramen shop in Tokyo and was a huge success.  We are not talking about Top Ramen that you buy at Schnuck's for 39 cents a pack.  This is the real deal, gourmet style.  The recipe for his signature Ramen in the tail end of the book is so complex that I dare not even attempt it, although it has given me some great ideas for my future Japanese dishes- It isn't that his recipe is impossible, its just that you must be patient and set aside the appropriate amount of time to dedicate to the recipe. After reading this book, I am sorely in need of some Japanese noodles ASAP.

Atlas Shrugged

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, 1168 pages

Atlas Shrugged is probably the only novel I both hate and love at the same time. I love the philosophical debates that undermine religion, society, the government, and nearly any other system in existence. I love the way the novel challenges you to think though it takes a couple passes before you can realize what the novel wants you to think about. I hate the way every character goes into a rambling debate every time they speak. I hate that some of their speeches take forty pages to get through, and that they are never interrupted or questioned as they go. I love seeing people fighting against what has become a moocher society were everyone considers their need more important than ability. I hate to think that this could be a possible future for the country but as I read the novel I keep seeing signs that this future might be possible.

I find it really hard to talk about Atlas Shrugged in any way that makes sense and I don’t want to try and explain the plot. I just don’t have the ability to express how the book makes me feel. Something about it speaks to me deep inside but in a way I can’t express. While I know that some people will hate the book, I still think everyone should read it.

Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light

Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the "Saint of Calcutta" by Mother Teresa, edited and with commentary by Brian Kolodiejchuk, MC, 404 pages

"In my heart there is no faith...  no trust - there is so much pain..."

These words probably wouldn't raise many eyebrows, except when they are written by a world-famous nun, a beata of the Catholic Church, a woman regarded by many during her lifetime as a "living saint".  Nor were they written in her youth or in an isolated moment of crisis, rather, they were the result of a "dark night" that lasted decades, beginning shortly after the founding of the Missionaries of Charity.  When some of these writings became public, there were loud voices which proclaimed Bl Teresa of Calcutta a fraud who had proclaimed God to the world despite not believing in Him herself.

"Edited and with commentary" is a bit of an understatement, since Father Kolodiejchuk's contribution probably constitutes over half of the actual text, but this is no Pale Fire.  The commentary is absolutely necessary in order to link together an extremely heterogeneous collection of journal entries, letters, and retreat notes.  What emerges is a deeply compelling portrait of a soul seeking her Spouse on a cross and fully inhabiting His words, "I thirst."  In the popular imagination saints are often imagined as credulous persons who ask no questions.  This book reveals perhaps the most visible modern "saint" as a woman who daily lived in despair and yet, greater even than faith, kept her love.

"I no longer pray. - My soul is not one with You - and yet when alone in the streets - I talk to You for hours - of my longing for You. - How intimate are those words..."

Sea of Monsters

Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan, 279 pages 

Having recently seen this movie and read The Lightning Thief I continued my reading of the Percy Jackson series. The first thing I noticed was the movie did not follow the book. There were a lot of differences that changed the story in major ways. It might be cliché but the book was far better than the movie.

Camp Half-Blood is protected by a magical barrier generated from a tree. Someone has poisoned the tree allowing monsters to attack the camp. In a quest to save the tree Percy embarks on a quest to find the Golden Fleece as only it has the ability to save the tree and camp. Percy also has a new half-brother named Tyson. Tyson is a Cyclops.

What follows is a hilarious quest that involved undead confederate soldiers, an ironclad steamboat from the civil war, monsters of all shapes and sizes, interfering gods, a satyr in a dress, drunken centaurs, and some carnivorous sheep.

This book was well worth the read and better than The Lightning Thief.

A Spell for Chameleon

A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony, 344 pages

A Spell for Chameleon is the first novel in the Xanth series. The series was started back in 1977 and continues today with over 35 books.

I can remember reading this book over ten years ago because I saw my dad reading this series. I found the cover image with the manticore intriguing and read it. I only made it to the third or fourth book back then before I gave up on the series and had ignored it since. While I am not sure what made me go pick up the book again I’m glad I did.

Not only is the story interesting but there is enough humor and word play that makes it funny as well. The story follows a character named Bink as he tries to find out if he has any magical talent. A magical talent is needed to stay in Xanth, and Bink is down to his last year to discover his or face expulsion.

If you enjoy a good sci-fi novel you should check out this book and others by Anthony.