The Bat by Jo Nesbo

from goodreads

2.5 stars

It is always nerve wracking when you are reading the book club selection that you have picked. Especially if you haven't read the book before. It really is a crap shoot. Either people will love it or hate it. It is really nerve wracking if your first choice of the year totally tanked, and your second choice is up. No one wants to be labeled with being the worst book chooser of the year.

The Bat was my choice this month. This is a series I want to read and so I thought, let's start with the first one. I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't have. Oh well. Hopefully my next book choice will be better received, especially by me.

That is what I like about book clubs. You often get to read a variety of books. Books that stretch you as a reader. In my book club, we vary in our reading comfort zones, yet we are willing to embrace others choices and are willing to give them a try. So I encourage you, whether you are in a book club or not, to break out of your reading comfort zone this month and read something you might not regularly do. Let me know how it goes.

Synopsis

When a Norwegian expat is found dead in Sydney, Norway sends Harry Hole to help look into the death. What he finds is more intrigue than what he bargained for.

My Thoughts

I probably should have started with a later book in the series. From what I have read, this wasn't the first book in the series translated into english. When it finally was translated there was some excitement of finally being able to read the first book in the Harry Hole series. Many people were disappointed. I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but I was expecting a bit more. Now that I know seasoned fans of this series also didn't like this book as much, I will probably continue on with the series.

What this book did do is set up the character of Harry Hole. We now know his weakness, alcohol. We know his past life a bit, his mother is dead and an ex-lover committed suicide. And we know that Harry was involved in a deadly cover up which helped him clean up and sober up. I think now that those bookkeeping items are out of the way the rest of the series will be able to unfold without to much trouble. Because of these bookkeeping items the book definitely wasn't as action packed as it could have been and sometimes when he was reminiscing it read a bit disjointedly.

I found the language to be a bit abrupt as well. I am not sure how much of that is due to the translation or how much is the actual author being more crisp and concise. It is definitely not a lyrical masterpiece. It often felt jarring. But then, that is the type of character Harry Hole seems to be, concise and to the point. He does not mince words.

For all that the book did keeping me guessing until the end. I had so many different theories going through my head that it was kind of neat. I felt bad about Birgitta and I found the actual ending to be a bit anti-climatic.

All in all, it was what it was. I neither loved it or hated it. I think I will stick it out with the series. I'm just not sure when I'll get to the next book. My to read pile on my night stand seems to be piling up!

You Wouldn't Want to Live in a Medieval Castle!: a home you'd rather not inhabit by Jacqueline Morley Illustrated by David Antram

from goodreads

4 stars

I know I seem to go on and on about the weather, but dang! It's cold. It's not so much the actual temperature. It is the wind chill that get's you. Just like in the summer. It is not so much the temperature, but the humidity. Oh well. Southern Ontario will probably be my home forever so I better stop the griping and just get on with it.

I think that is what we do. We always think the grass is greener somewhere else. If I only lived there, life could be perfect. But then, when you take a closer look at it, things might not be better at all. Example, Hawaii. It looks beautiful, the beaches look great, but, there are giant cockroaches. Eww. Sweden sounds cool, but I don't speak swedish. No place is perfect, so you make due with what you have.

It is the same with time periods. Some people would love to live in some era in the past. Meanwhile I am quite happy to be living here. Women have more rights, their are no rigid social conventions, we have antibiotics and know about the importance of sterilization and sanitation. It is quite nice. To quote Dorothy, there's no place like home.

Synopsis

Ever want to live in medieval times surrounded by knights and in castles. Well you might want to rethink that. This book takes a look at the Rochester Castle, just before and during a siege. It gives great detail to what life was like back then for the ordinary person. I'm glad I don't live there.

My Thoughts

This is one of a series of books that look at different places to live and different historical times. It seems like a great series.

This is a well researched and I would say fairly accurate representation of what life was like back then. Though the pages are full of details and information it does not feel overwhelming. The layout of the page allows you to read as little or as much as you want about castle life.

I liked how the author wrote from the perspective of a young girl. You are better able to grasp what everyday life was like. It was also cool how she based all the information around a real life event. It gave the book just that much more historical context.

This would be a great book/series to look at if your older child has to do a research project. This book would give them enough information to be a launching pad to other books and facts to look up. It is great for background information. This book would be great for ages 8 and up.

The Last Word by Lisa Lutz

from goodreads

4.5 stars

Before university I read all the time. At least, whenever I wasn't doing homework, I would be reading. At the time I wasn't the fastest or most discerning reader, but it didn't really matter. I just loved reading. (And here I mean reading for pleasure, not because I had to.)

During my university time, I didn't have time to read anything except my text books. There was studying, euchre, doing crazy things with friends, that kept my leisure reading at bay.

After university the kids came a long and I was in a daze and wasn't even thinking about reading. But, eventually, by the time Miss G. was one, I knew I had to get back into the habit of reading. Reading for me, not reading stories for the kids. I had that habit down. It helped that I was in easy walking distance from the library at that time. I joined the book club at that branch  (that is where I met my current book club ladies, whom I am thankful for every day!) which totally helped me get into the habit of reading. It did start with being only a book a month. Now, I am reading more, much to the detriment of the tidiness of my house.

I am so glad that I got back into reading. I feel like I am playing catch up with all the books I missed during my non-reading time. So many books, so little time.

Synopsis

This is the next document in the life of Isabel Spellman, a PI living in San Francisco. Her family is crazy, her "friends" are interesting, and her life seems a bit of a mess.

My Thoughts

The Spellman series is one of my favourites. I recommend reading the series from the beginning. While the 5th book wasn't my favourite, I still was looking forward to reading this latest installment. I was not disappointed.

I love the character of Isabel (aka Izzy). She is raw, real, and completely true to herself. In other books I wanted to yell "grow up already", as she could be rather immature at times. But in this book I didn't feel like doing this. While she still came back with one liners or responses that made you roll you eyes, she seemed to be more comfortable in her own skin. I love how she treats everyone the same, whether it is a CEO of a company or a homeless person on the street.

Even her family seemed to be getting into a groove of being comfortable with each other and not always sabotaging or spying on each other.

From what I understand this is the last book in the series from Izzy's point of view. But, I think the Spellman's stories are going to be told but from the point of view from Rae. It will be interesting to see if I like Rae's voice or not, as for most of the books she was one of my least favourite characters.

Since this is most likely to be the last Izzy book, I liked how Lutz ended things. It was not all wrapped up pretty with a bow, and that's a good thing. Izzy is not a wrapped up in a pretty bow type of person. I felt that this book really stayed to true to her and to the readers.

In the acknowledgments, I love to read them for some reason, the last paragraph was written to the readers. She said "Finally, I'd like to thank my readers for staying with me all these years. I especially want to thank the ones who understand that the world isn't made up of happy endings, but messy, complicated, and untidy ones." I loved this. If Izzy's life all of the sudden was perfect, with a functioning relationship, success in business etc., it wouldn't have been real and probably would have put the readers up for a loop. I'm glad that Lutz, stayed true to her character and thoughtful to her readers. This was the perfect way to end. While I will Miss Izzy's adventure, I feel satisfied with things, and where, it seems, her life is heading. It is nice when you can feel satisfied at the end of a series, instead of wishing for more.

If you are looking for a bizarre, funny and charming series, give the Spellman's a try. It starts with The Spellman Files.

Selina and the Bear Paw Quilt by Barbara Smucker Illustrated by Janet Wilson

from goodreads

4 stars

 

I woke up today, not knowing what it would hold. Little did I know that I would be a winner! "What did you win?" you might ask. Well, I'll tell you. Waterloo Public Library had a contest yesterday (it was a holiday hear in Ontario) and you had to email this person a book tittle with the word Walk or Walking in it. So I emailed the title The Walk by Richard Paul Evans. This morning when I was checking my email there was a message from the library saying I won. I won a pedometer!!! Pretty swanky, I'll say. I'm am super excited to pick it up. I have been thinking for while that I should wear one, and now I can. My only question is... was I the only entrant, or was the competition fierce. I think I will go with the fierce description as it makes the winning all that more awesome! Yes I know I am a geek for being this excited about winning a pedometer. I gotta take my excitement where I can get it.

 

Synopsis

 

Selina lives on a farm in Pennsylvania. She loves looking at the bits of material her grandmother has in her stash. Each piece is a memory of their life. She especially loves the Bear Paw quilt top her grandmother has made. Selina's family has to move from their farm because the camps on each side of the civil war are leery over the Mennonite community for not taking a side in the war. Selina's family has to move to be safe from harm. This is a beautiful tale of family, sacrifice and memories.

 

My Thoughts

 

I wasn't sure what to think about this book when it was brought home. Miss G., my 5 year old, brought this from her school library and was so excited to have it read to her. I was like "really?!?"  as this is not her usual book (thank goodness!) So, we read it. I think my daughter liked it because around each picture is a quilted boarder with beautiful material. And as we read the story she was got even more excited because the place where Selina and her family move to is where we live. I got to tell her how we had been to the train station that Selina got off the train at, and that maybe she even walked where our street is now. (Back in those days our street was probably someone's field.) After reading it Miss G. asked, "Did this story happen in real life?" I told her, "While this story and Selina were probably made up, this happened to people and so in that way, yes, it did happen." She was super excited.

 

So this book was a hit. I even enjoyed it too. It is a bit wordy for really young children. The story flows beautifully. I love how the story shows so much fun and warmth within the family. Yes, living on the farm was hard work, but it was still fun and the family truly loved each other. I loved how special Selina's character felt when her grandmother showed her the scraps of material. It allowed me to catch a glimpse into the lives of these people and it was beautiful. I also liked how the story told a bit of history that might not be known too much. I knew that some of the Mennonite families around Waterloo came from Pennsylvania but I didn't really know the reason why. I just figured they wanted some more nice farm land. It is great when a kids book can tell history without it seeming dull and boring.

 

The illustrations were beautiful. As mentioned before I loved the quilt boarders that are around each illustration. It adds so much character. 

 

It was very cool to learn that the author lived, for many years, close to where we do. I read her book Underground to Canada growing up and loved it. I visited Waterloo a lot as a child (I am not originally from here), I wonder if I ever passed her at the market or at the University? It is very cool when there are those connections.

 

The only thing about this book that is a negative is now I am itching to get out my sewing machine and start quilting. (I don't have the time for that right now). Miss G. has already demanded a bear paw quilt for her bed. I guess I will have to add it to my to do list.

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

from fantasticfiction.co.uk

3.75 stars

January was such a book reading month. I feel like those log chutes, where there are so many logs waiting to be sent through that they are jamming up because there is only room for one. I am trying to go in the order I finish them, but then I don't because for whatever reason I feel like talking about a different book and then boom, I realize I forgot one.

This is a series I read during Christmas, and I am finally getting to them now. Oh well. Better late than never!

Synopsis

It is the world after world war four. The North American continent is now on big country called Illea. Illea is in conflict with New Asia, and society is set in a caste system with 8 castes.

America Singer is in one of lower castes, a five. When a chance comes for her to enter a contest to marry the prince, soon to be king of Illea, her mother convinces her this is a great opportunity to advance. America isn't that sure. Why? Her heart is already given to another.

My Thoughts

When I think of how to describe this series I think, Hunger Games meets the Bachelor, only with way better accessories. I'm not sure why I picked the first book up but I am glad I did. I read the entire series during Christmas. While most of it is just fluff, there is still some substance in there. And reading these books made me so happy that I don't have to be a teenager again with the whole does he like me or not dilemma.

I think I liked this series the most because of the world that the author created. While the main crux of the story is the "Selection" and the love triangle between Prince Maxon, America and Aspen, Cass created a world that was very layered and seemingly well thought out. This is a society that was turned on its head to nothing that we recognize today. We learn that the first King of this new country was not as altruistic as he is remembered. The whole idea of two different kinds of rebels was interesting and I would have loved to learn more about them. The Northern rebels, who want information, and want to make a better society that is more just and fair. And the Southern rebels who just want to be elevated so they can squash those who squashed them. Those types of dynamics are part of life to day. The whole justice vs. revenge take on the ills of our lives/world. Very interesting. Perhaps she could do a spin off story that looked at the different rebel camps. (She has written a few spin off novellas available in ebook format.) There are also wars going on, but I don't think everything is truly on the up and up there. So many questions that just don't really get answered merely, teased at. Perhaps a longer book and one not written in the first person would have allowed her to focus on that a bit more too. It would be interesting to know more.

Near the end of the third book The One something is revealed about her father, and then that's all you hear about it. More answers and explanantions would have been nice. Why mention it or reveal it if it's not going to be explained later or bear any meaning after. It does connect one minor plot thing, but that's it. It would have been nice to know more and know if her father held some other role than just being an artist.

These are not books you want to read if you are looking for a serious book. But if you don't mind a little bit of teenage romantic fun once in a while this would be good a great pick. I think your teenage girls will like it, while you might be yelling at it saying "Just tell him/her how you feel!" "Be honest!!!" "Geez, just believe him already." I also found that some of the lines were a bit repetitive. 

I did like the characters. While sometimes I found America a little annoying, I liked her. She is not as strong as Catniss but she is not quite so foppish as Bella. America sticks to her moral character and does things she knows is right.

There is a fourth book coming out this year called The Heir.  It takes place many years after this series ends. I wonder if it will cover any of the changes of the society and delve more deeply in the rebellion stuff.

There was so much that was cool about this series, I just wanted a bit more substance and less "does he like me or not? Who to choose, Maxon or Aspen?" I wanted to know more about the world and society outside of the Selection. It seemed there was more going on, yet we never got to explore it.  I wonder if a movie or mini-series would be a good platform to address some of the questions I have about the society at large.

So, if you are into the YA book scene, I definitely recommend this series. It was a fun read.

Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton

from goodreads

5 stars

Man, yesterday seemed like such a busy day. I hardly had time to check my email let alone put up the post.

We had a pretty slow January, but our February seems to be picking up. That is a good thing activity wise but, reading wise, not so much. It is a good thing I got so much reading done in January that I can allow myself a bit of a slow down if needed.

I definitely am feeling a touch of the February Blahs. I think it is because we are having round after round of sickness lately. It will be nice when Miss P. goes to sleep and stays asleep in her own bed! I don't mind sharing, but, between my darling husband's snoring and Miss P.'s need to touch me, it does not make for a very nice sleep.

Are you in the February Blahs? Do you have any tricks for getting out of them?

Synopsis

Little Owl falls out of his nest and a squirrel helps him find his mommy.

My Thoughts

This was a fabulous book. I loved the illustrations. I loved that half page flip book that showed the little owl falling and then bouncing from his nest.

I loved that it was a nutty squirrel who tried to help Little Owl. Seriously. Squirrels in book are so nutty. They seriously make the best characters some time. I loved how the squirrel took Little Owl from animal to animal thinking that they would be Little Owl's mother, because of one physical feature. Awesome!

I like how it ends... though, that mother owl should really invest in some taller walls.

The kids liked this book too. Miss V. would read it to the younger two. It warmed my heart seeing them cuddled together on the couch reading. (And it takes a lot to warm my heart as my husband can attest. ;)

While there is no real depth or super moral of the story, this was still a fun one. I think your family will love it just as much as mine.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

from goodreads

4 stars

Lately I have been in a children's book reading mood. They just seem to be the books I have been gravitating to. Does that happen to you?

Sometimes it is a Nordic crime fascination and then next it is classics. Well for me it is now children's books, and man they are good.

Synopsis

Molly and Kip are orphaned siblings who have secured employment at the Windsor house in the Sourwoods. While there, they encounter a dark force that helps them realize the danger of greed, but at what cost?

My Thoughts

This was a great book. I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew that it would be creepy just from looking at the cover, but I wasn't sure if it was going to be scary creepy, or silly creepy, or just plain old creepy. It was creepy but with a great story.

While the back of the book talks of how it deals with the moral of not being greedy, it also is a tale about the definition of honesty. The greed is dealt with through the tree. The tree can grant your hearts most sincere desire but at the cost of your soul. I like how the author shows that the thing you could be greedy of does not necessarily have to be monetary gain. It can be having familial connections or regaining affection that was lost, or simply having a good story or fantasy world to escape to. It shows that we need to do things in moderation and that if we want something we need to work for it, otherwise the price might be too high.

Honesty, though not mentioned by other reviewers, is also a moral that is discussed. The character Molly is a natural storyteller, yet she uses stories to shield her brother Kip, and the Windsor's daughter Penny, from the truth. The book looks at when is a story actually a lie. It makes you look at your intentions, even for the white lie. Sometimes people need to learn hard truths and if we constantly shield them from that truth and brush it off, are we really shielding them for their benefit or ours? It was a really neat discussion point.

I loved the characters in the book. Each character was pivotal, even if they were merely a secondary character. Everyone played an essential role in the plot. It was nice not to have random characters thrown in. They all seemed well thought out.

My favourite character was Kip. I loved how stalwart and brave he was. He seemed wise beyond his years. And I loved how true he was to himself. While the tree might have been able to grant his wish, he knew he would be dependent on it forever and that he was happy with himself as he was, even if he was lame. That takes a maturity that most adults don't even have and it was just beautiful watching it unfold.

I also loved the character Hester. Even though she played a small role, I loved it. She is the kind of spunky old person I want to be when I reach that certain age. I was a little shocked about what happened to her, but I don't want to give it away, so that is all I'll say about that.

This is a great book to introduce kids to the supernatural/suspence genre. (I guess some might classify it as horror, and maybe it is, but I don't think I would classify it as such.) There is just enough scariness to put you on edge but not so much that you will have trouble sleeping.

This would be a great book for ages 10 and up.

Evergreen Nominees for 2015

The Ontario Library Association has announced their nominees for this years Evergreen award. I have listed in them in the Waterloo Reads tab. You can also go here to see the books and a synopsis.

To get the other nominees in the Forest of Reading program you can go here. There are books for all ages to enjoy and discover. Some of my favourite books have come from the nomination lists. It is a great way to discover new books when you are stumped for what to read. And it is a great way to discover Canadian authors.

Happy Reading!

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

from goodreads

5 stars

We are all better in the household. The sickness is gone. And that was perfect timing. Yesterday was a SNOW DAY!!!! When Miss G. woke up and learned that she didn't have to go to school, because there was so much snow, she ran down to the mud room to start putting on her snow pants. My husband told her she had to wait until Mommy was up (7:00 does not exist in my world right now, come talk to me at 7:45 earliest).

She patiently did, and while I was snuggling with Miss P. I heard Miss G. creep into Miss V.'s room and excitedly tell her (while channeling her inner William Shatner) there was no school because there was Too. Much. Snow. 

It is nice when you get to see the excitement of the snow day personified. I love watching the snow fall, but, the aftermath of shoveling and dripping snow clothes don't fill me with the excitement it used to. But, when you have a 5 year old so excited it is hard not to have a smile on your face. I love the magic of childhood.

Synopsis

The plain brown tree has magic to be unleashed. Follow the directions and see the tree be transformed.

My Thoughts

This was an absolutely lovely book. It is interactive and you learn things. The best part is that the kids are having so much fun they don't even know they are learning things. It is kind of like Don't Push the Button. Instead of simply pushing the button though, you get to tap the tree, rub the tree, brush the tree, give the tree a kiss, blow like the wind and more.

The tree starts just bare and with the first tap a green leaf appears, then more. Eventually the tree goes through the stages of an apple tree, with blossoms then fruit, then fall colours back to winter. It is a fun interactive way for kids to learn about the cycle trees go through with the seasons.

When Miss P. had to blow on the tree she did and then said "ooh hot". So precious. When Miss G. made the blossoms appear she was so excited and you could see her eyes just light up.

This is a great book for little kids. It is beautifully illustrated. It is just as much fun to read as an adult as it is for the kids. This will definitely be a family favourite.