James, Rebecca Beautiful Malice
Bantam see Random 2010 260p 25.00
978-0-553-80805-6 hs Grief, friendship, revenge VG
Katie changes schools and her name after the murder of her younger sister, and tries to blend into the background for her senior year. When vivacious Alice befriends her and draws her out, it seems too good to be true. A first novel that rises above a fair amount above the majority of current chick lit. The portrayal of Katherine’s friendship with the mercurial Alice is believable and slighty disconcerting, keeping the reader on the edge of the seat, and eagerly reading to find out what makes Alice behave in the way she does. The reason, when revealed, seems almost contrived, but readers will look past that to the resolution of the frightening tale.
The subplot of the “love-at-first-sight” relationship between Katherine and Mick seems almost too easy, providing predictable angst in first the unwanted pregnancy and then the death of the too-perfect Mick. This said, the plot is riveting enough, and Katherine’s character development well-done enough, to reel in even reluctant readers and leave them hoping for a sequel.
The portrayal of drugs and alcohol, mention of rape, teen sex and pregnancy will make this a book for older teens. Conflict Naismith, Pat
Showing posts with label Bantam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bantam. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Girl Who Chased the Moon
Allen, Sarah Addison. The Girl Who Chased the Moon
Bantam see Random 2010 269p 25.00
978-0-553-80721-9 hs/adult Fantasy VG
Emily moves in with the grandfather she never knew after her mother’s death. Secrets spill out including the suicide Emily’s mother was blamed for, the reason why a family stays inside after dark, and an unknown teen pregnancy. For older teens and adults.
The cast of characters seems overwhelming at first but as the novel progresses, the reader realizes all the story lines intertwine. After Emily’s mother’s death, Emily goes to live with a grandfather she has never visited. This eight foot giant of a man has quirks as do members of the local small town community. Magical lights at night are caused by Win, the nephew of a man whose suicide has been blamed on Emily’s mother, who glows with a warm embracing light when moonlight hits him. The attraction between Emily and Win raise the hackles of the community. A neighbor, Julia, has returned to the small town she left as a teenager to run her father’s restaurant. Julia confronts the now grown man who got her pregnant in high school. As Julia’s secrets are revealed, her baking skills draw in the community. A hot steamy love scene between Julia and her now grown teenage love may limit this book to grades 10 and up. Adults who like fantasy based in reality will also be drawn to this book. Grab a piece of cake and settle into the magical world of Mullaby and be startled yet reassured that the secrets will all sort themselves out. The cover features a dark haired young lady that words describe as Julia, but actually seems more to be Emily from the pose - part of the intentional magical confusion? A magical read about needing to be accepted for who you are! Recommended where books about fantasy based in reality are popular. The characters are quirky and numerous, but the story line hooks the reader. Page 183 has a grammar problem: “Emily was beginning understand”. McNicol,Lois
Fantasy
Bantam see Random 2010 269p 25.00
978-0-553-80721-9 hs/adult Fantasy VG
Emily moves in with the grandfather she never knew after her mother’s death. Secrets spill out including the suicide Emily’s mother was blamed for, the reason why a family stays inside after dark, and an unknown teen pregnancy. For older teens and adults.
The cast of characters seems overwhelming at first but as the novel progresses, the reader realizes all the story lines intertwine. After Emily’s mother’s death, Emily goes to live with a grandfather she has never visited. This eight foot giant of a man has quirks as do members of the local small town community. Magical lights at night are caused by Win, the nephew of a man whose suicide has been blamed on Emily’s mother, who glows with a warm embracing light when moonlight hits him. The attraction between Emily and Win raise the hackles of the community. A neighbor, Julia, has returned to the small town she left as a teenager to run her father’s restaurant. Julia confronts the now grown man who got her pregnant in high school. As Julia’s secrets are revealed, her baking skills draw in the community. A hot steamy love scene between Julia and her now grown teenage love may limit this book to grades 10 and up. Adults who like fantasy based in reality will also be drawn to this book. Grab a piece of cake and settle into the magical world of Mullaby and be startled yet reassured that the secrets will all sort themselves out. The cover features a dark haired young lady that words describe as Julia, but actually seems more to be Emily from the pose - part of the intentional magical confusion? A magical read about needing to be accepted for who you are! Recommended where books about fantasy based in reality are popular. The characters are quirky and numerous, but the story line hooks the reader. Page 183 has a grammar problem: “Emily was beginning understand”. McNicol,Lois
Fantasy
Sunday, August 16, 2009
In Lincoln’s hand: his original manuscripts.
Holzer, Harold, Ed. In Lincoln’s hand: his original manuscripts. Bantam see Random, 2009, 195p, 35.00, 9780553807424 all ages
A wonderful collection of Abraham Lincoln’s letters with commentaries from distinguished Americans. A book that will get you as close as you can get to the actual letters. This beautifully illustrated volume of Abraham Lincoln’s letters are a unique and educational opportunity for anyone interested Lincoln’s his writings. A copy of the actual letters, poems, essays, or his written thoughts were copied and included with a typewritten copy along side of it as well as a commentary from a distinguished American. Among those who have written comments include: Sandra Day O’Connor, John Updike, E. L. Doctorow, Toni Morrison, Walter Mosley, Mario Cuomo, and Liam Neeson. The commentaries are very insightful and relevant to Lincoln’s writing.
What the reader receives from this volume is that Abraham Lincoln was truly a wonderful writer and he wrote about anything and everything letting people in into his most inner thoughts. It seems he enjoyed writing and answering letter and we are fortunate that we have this wealth of written collection of a man who’s life was cut short.
The illustrations are very well chosen and give life to the book. For civil war fans this book will be a great addition for school, this book will give children thought about writing and the legacy left behind. This volume can be used at every step of a writing course.
A must have for all library collections. M. Diaz
A wonderful collection of Abraham Lincoln’s letters with commentaries from distinguished Americans. A book that will get you as close as you can get to the actual letters. This beautifully illustrated volume of Abraham Lincoln’s letters are a unique and educational opportunity for anyone interested Lincoln’s his writings. A copy of the actual letters, poems, essays, or his written thoughts were copied and included with a typewritten copy along side of it as well as a commentary from a distinguished American. Among those who have written comments include: Sandra Day O’Connor, John Updike, E. L. Doctorow, Toni Morrison, Walter Mosley, Mario Cuomo, and Liam Neeson. The commentaries are very insightful and relevant to Lincoln’s writing.
What the reader receives from this volume is that Abraham Lincoln was truly a wonderful writer and he wrote about anything and everything letting people in into his most inner thoughts. It seems he enjoyed writing and answering letter and we are fortunate that we have this wealth of written collection of a man who’s life was cut short.
The illustrations are very well chosen and give life to the book. For civil war fans this book will be a great addition for school, this book will give children thought about writing and the legacy left behind. This volume can be used at every step of a writing course.
A must have for all library collections. M. Diaz
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Virginia Woolf Writer’s Workshop.
Jones, Danell. Virginia Woolf Writer’s Workshop.
Batam (Random House), 2007. $24.00 164p 978-0-553-80650-2
Jones invites the reader to enter a creative writing classroom taught by Virginia Woolf through quotations taken from her writing. At the end of each chapter are writing exercises called writing sparks. Suitable for teachers to use in the classroom or an aspiring writer to practice the craft of writing. Genres discussed to include nonfiction, essays, fiction and poetry. For grades eight and up.
An enchanting approach to creative writing, Jones uses quotations from Virginia Woolf as a basis for encouraging, critiquing and explaining the craft of writing. The reader is drawn into a classroom taught by Woolf as she addresses her students, inexperienced and thirsting to find out what makes a good writer. Seven chapters describe fundamentals, and habits needed to become a writer: practice, hard work, creative ideas, walking to clear the mind and observe, reading many types of authors, publishing hints, and having a case of doubt when excellence has arrived. The last part of the book covers techniques of writing nonfiction, essays, biography, poetry, and fiction. Stressed most of all is to try a variety of voices, styles, and to write without thinking about perfection on the first try. A background in classical literature will help the reader understand all the nuances Jones provides. Or the mention of famous literature may cause the less experienced reader to read books never before sampled. Woolf’s words inspire readers to hone their craft. The exercises can only help the budding writer explore diverse aspects that make for excellent writing. Stressed is the art of reading that only makes the writer stronger in the art of writing. Even reading “bad” literature helps the writer become better. Developing writing partners or a writing community will provide discussion and constructive criticism and insight into bettering oneself as a writer. The author presents good strong advice for budding writers. This book also will prove informational to teachers who wish to have a variety of writing exercises to stretch their students. The exercises pull on events, ideas, and literature common to all high school students. Contains and index and bibliography. The reader can track a Woolf quotation to its source.
Strongly recommended as a writing exercise workbook for teachers and as a treasure trove of advice for budding writers. The exercises will stretch the student to look at events, write more descriptively, and in a variety of styles. For grades 8 and up. LMN
Batam (Random House), 2007. $24.00 164p 978-0-553-80650-2
Jones invites the reader to enter a creative writing classroom taught by Virginia Woolf through quotations taken from her writing. At the end of each chapter are writing exercises called writing sparks. Suitable for teachers to use in the classroom or an aspiring writer to practice the craft of writing. Genres discussed to include nonfiction, essays, fiction and poetry. For grades eight and up.
An enchanting approach to creative writing, Jones uses quotations from Virginia Woolf as a basis for encouraging, critiquing and explaining the craft of writing. The reader is drawn into a classroom taught by Woolf as she addresses her students, inexperienced and thirsting to find out what makes a good writer. Seven chapters describe fundamentals, and habits needed to become a writer: practice, hard work, creative ideas, walking to clear the mind and observe, reading many types of authors, publishing hints, and having a case of doubt when excellence has arrived. The last part of the book covers techniques of writing nonfiction, essays, biography, poetry, and fiction. Stressed most of all is to try a variety of voices, styles, and to write without thinking about perfection on the first try. A background in classical literature will help the reader understand all the nuances Jones provides. Or the mention of famous literature may cause the less experienced reader to read books never before sampled. Woolf’s words inspire readers to hone their craft. The exercises can only help the budding writer explore diverse aspects that make for excellent writing. Stressed is the art of reading that only makes the writer stronger in the art of writing. Even reading “bad” literature helps the writer become better. Developing writing partners or a writing community will provide discussion and constructive criticism and insight into bettering oneself as a writer. The author presents good strong advice for budding writers. This book also will prove informational to teachers who wish to have a variety of writing exercises to stretch their students. The exercises pull on events, ideas, and literature common to all high school students. Contains and index and bibliography. The reader can track a Woolf quotation to its source.
Strongly recommended as a writing exercise workbook for teachers and as a treasure trove of advice for budding writers. The exercises will stretch the student to look at events, write more descriptively, and in a variety of styles. For grades 8 and up. LMN
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