Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody by Ludworst Bemonster aka Rick Walton, Illustrated by Nathan Hale

from goodreads

4 stars

I don't know about the timing of things in retail. I can't find a bathing suit in July but I am able to find my Hallowe'en costume. How can that be right? When I was visiting a friend in Michigan a couple weekends ago we went to Hobby Lobby (that store is dangerously awesome) and they were already having sales on their Christmas decor! What is going on!

Well, at least the library waited until last week to bring out their Hallowe'en books. That is a bit better. So to help get me into the Hallowe'en spirit I got out a whole bunch, so you will be seeing a lot of Hallowe'en books over the next little bit. Happy Hallowe'en in a month!

Synopsis

A clever and spooky tale inspired by Madeline. But instead of little girls it is little monsters.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. It made me laugh and smile. The similarities in style to Madeline were spot on which made this book all the more awesome. I loved how it was "twelve little monsters in two crooked lines". Awesome.

Where the book fell from a full 5 for me was the ending. It seemed to fall a bit flat. It was almost as if the author was like, "well we need to wrap this up, lets just end it now". I don't know it just was weird and left me feeling lacking. The rest of the book was so spot on perfect that you can almost forgive the strange ending.

So if you are looking for a book to get you into the Hallowe'en spirit pick this one up. It is a hoot!

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

from goodreads

2 stars

I know that you can't judge a book by its cover. Though, it would make choosing books a lot easier. The prettier the cover the better the book and vice versa. Nothing is worse than getting a book that you think will be awesome and then having it totally tank. While I don't use the covers as my sole means of choosing my books I will say that sometimes they do play a substantial role. There have been quite a few books that I hadn't planned on reading this year but I picked up or put on hold purely because of the cover. For the most part I haven't been disappointed.

Covers play such an important role in the seduction of reading. The people who design covers truly are artists. Some covers are so beautiful and intricate it can truly take your breath away. Others not really. I guess as long as they engage the part of your brain that thinks "hey, I wonder what that book is about?" then it has done its job.

Synopsis

Nella comes to Amsterdam, the young bride of Johannes Brandt, a man quite a few years her senior and a very successful merchant trader. While the house looks like a typical wealthy household it is anything but and Nella has to piece its secrets together with the help of the mysterious miniaturist.

My Thoughts

This book had so much potential. The elements were all there. Yet, it managed to fall flat and I was left wondering why I bothered to read it. I probably wouldn't have kept going if it wasn't a book club pick.

I found some of the prose to be repetitive. Because of this repetition it really hindered the story from progressing. And I found that the story pace was slooow. The characters never really developed into full people. This made it hard to really like any of them, or feel sorry for them or find compassion for them. I did like that near the end Nella finally seemed to get a backbone and took charge of her life, but by that point it really didn't matter.

I really don't know what the point of the character of the miniaturist was. And it was never explained whether the miniaturist was really a seer or the other people were just crazy and seeing things. And what was the point of the bird? I don't know.

I found the atmosphere of the story to be cold and grey. There is nothing wrong with that type of atmosphere, but I found it rather distracting and that is bad. The book took place in the winter and the author describes how cold and icy the house could get. It seemed weird to me, and I found myself getting distracted trying to figure out how these people didn't get frostbite or loose some toes, especially if it really was as cold as the author seemed to be describing. Like was it really cold, like Canadian cold, or was it more European cold that is usually around the freezing mark? There is a difference.

For a first book it wasn't too bad, and I would probably give the author another chance. This was just not my favourite.

In English, Of Course by Josephine Nobisso Illustrated by Dasha Ziborova

from goodreads

4 stars

I feel really lucky to have been born and raised in Canada. Canada is a pretty nice place to live. But even here, sometimes the grass seems greener in other places. Growing up, and even now to a certain extent, I have wanted to live in Europe. How awesome would it be to have so many different countries and cultures so close by and how cool would it be to learn a bunch of different languages. While Canada has two official languages I must say my french is not at all where it should be in order to converse easily with the francophones of this country. While english seems to be becoming the universal language, I feel I am am sort of doing myself a disservice by not trying to learn other languages.

Learning other languages helps develop different ways of thinking and communicating what is really in your head and heart. It bridges gaps between others. Also, think of how many more books you can read instead of having to wait for a translation. How awesome would that be?

Synopsis

This is a story of a young immigrant girl in New York. She and her other classmates are trying their best to understand this new world and being understood themselves.

My Thoughts

This was such a fun read. You never really think about how kids might feel in their new surroundings and a new language. You kind of figure they will manage. People always say "oh they will pick it up so quickly" and while the case may be true it is still difficult for them.

It was interesting to see the girl's thoughts about what they other students were saying, and then the thought process for what she was trying to say. We learn that a lot can be lost in translation.

I liked at the end the girl takes what she learned and expresses how motivated she is for her next story. She is not going to give up.

This is definitely a story that helps promote, patience, empathy, and love for those who are new and learning english or any language for that matter. They are people too with intelligence, charm and wit. May we all be kind.

The Alphabet House by Jussi Adler-Olsen

from goodreads

2 stars

There are a few authors I know if a new book of theirs comes out I will be reading it. Most of them are Nordic crime writers. I love their series, but there are a few others.

Sometimes these authors branch out and do a stand alone book or a book in a different series or even a completely different genre. I am always excited to read those because really its a crap shoot. You never know what you are going to get.

Sometimes it is interesting to see a different thought or side of that author. You are so used to them writing one way that you marvel at their brilliance when they write a different way. Or the flipside happens and you think to yourself, stick to what your good at, which is not this.

I must be difficult for writers, especially those with a huge following to branch out and take a chance. I think they have the furthest to fall and the harshest critics. No wonder J.K. Rowling used a nom de plume for some of her books. Or perhaps, once someone is so well established, they don't worry about it and write for the writing's sake. All I know is, I will keep reading.

Synopsis

Two british pilots are shot down over Germany while on a reconnaissance mission. To evade capture they jump a train. This train happens to be full of wounded SS officiers, some wounds more in the head then anything.

They have to pretend to be sick and a bit crazy at the hospital, but are they the only ones?

My Thoughts

I do love Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q series. I did not like this book as much. The idea was quite interesting. What toll would happen to you if you weren't crazy but were living in an insane assylum. Would you eventually go crazy? Also, you would have to try to figure out if others crazy or are they acting too.

The execution of this story was good, but the pace was slow. Nothing much happened except lying in bed, or trying to figure out how to escape, or steeling yourself up to pretend.

When the story went thirty years in the future it was interesting but weird, and by that point I didn't care what happened. I kept reading anyway. It was sort of weird that James' character didn't do more to try to get out, he seemed more the leader in the beginning and then that died.

Anyway this book was okay, but I probably shouldn't have spent as much time reading it as I did. I will continue to read Adler-Olsen's books, but this one was definitely not my favourite.

Sadie the Ballerina by Joan Betty Stuchner Illustrated by Bruno St-Aubin

from amazon.com

3 stars

Seriously what is it about little girls and ballerina's. It seems every time we go to the library we always end up with a Ballerina book in our bag. Maybe the ballerina books on the shelf can sniff out little girls who love to dance and some how zoom into their hands. Sort of like magnets. The kids can only see are the spines of the book yet they are able to sifter and sniff out books that deal with dancing or princesses or have glitter on the cover. It must be a gift, or some inner radar. I am definitely puzzled.

I guess there is nothing wrong with ballerina books. I should just be glad that they got something. But seriously, I don't care if the little girl wants point shoes or a tutu. And seriously, how many of them can really ever be the sugar plum fairy? Is there no other ballet that they can discuss? Maybe I should write a ballerina story, I could discuss a more obscure ballet and maybe the girl does not want to be a ballerina but a monster truck driver. That would jazz things up a bit.

What I do know is that I need to branch out the book selection. I don't think I can handle another ballet story for quite a while.

Synopsis

Sadie wants to be a ballerina and wants to go to ballet school. Her mother responds with the dreaded words, "We'll see."

My Thoughts

This was an okay read. Kind of your typical little girl wants to be a beautiful, graceful ballerina, but sometimes is clumsy. Nothing too new or inventive.

What irked me was what Sadie did at the ballet. I was like "thanks author for now making every little kid think that they should all sneak on stage and dance with the performers." Like seriously. Sadie didn't even really get reprimanded and in the end her parents agree to let her go to ballet school. If my kid did something like that we would leave as soon as she got back to her seat and we would be talking about proper etiquette while out in public. And they probably wouldn't be going to ballet school. At least not for a while. That kind of behaviour can be dangerous and absurd. Adults who did that would probably get arrested or something. I just could not believe it! It irked me so much.

So if you like ballet and you can handle ill-behaved disobedient children then this is the book for you.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

from goodreads

2.5 stars

Classics are a funny breed of book. It seems when you read them either you love them or you hate them. Very rarely do you fall in between, though it does happen on occasion.

Usually when I look back on the classics I have read I feel a great love and happiness come over me. I love thinking of sweet Jane Eyre and my heart still aches for her sadness but then rejoices at the happiness of her life. I remember the first time I read Great Expectations. I can still remember my exact location when I was reading the final revelations at the end of the book of the connection between the characters. (It was in the back of our car and we were driving back from Owen Sound and we were just passing the turn to Haliburton that is found in the little blip on the map called Tory Hill.)

I don't know what it is about classics that speak to us so much. Is it the wordiness? Is it the fact that they have stood the test of time and these are the books that we still know about in today's day and age? I don't know. Perhaps it is the difference in the language. The need to actually think about what the author was trying to say that makes them so enjoyable, or unenjoyable, to read.

All I know is I haven't read nearly as many classics as I wish to and I am looking forward to reading more.

Synopsis

This book follows the life of Dorian Gray. He is young and impressionable. He has his portrait painted and when he sees the beauty of it he makes a wish. He wishes that he would remain beautiful and young and that the portrait would age. As his life unfolds he begins to realize that that was not just some idle wish.

My Thoughts

I so wanted to like this book more than I did.

The actual story line was great and interesting and some of the social issues of the time that were dealt with were rather intriguing. Yet the execution of the story just wasn't there.

I found the monotonous and contradicting monologues rather tedious. I think you have to be in the right mood for the ridiculous and I was not in the mood when I was reading this. I also found the pages and pages of descriptions of embroidery and jewels almost unbearable. I almost quit reading then and there. During the monologues and descriptions I will admit that my eyes glazed over a bit and I did quite a bit of skimming. I know that you shouldn't skim but it was the only way I could get through it.

If the book was just the story of the painting and Dorian it would have been so great. When there was action happening in the book I loved it and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. If only Mr. Wilde could have stuck to that type of narrative instead of having to put in his "witty" banter and descriptions, because the idea behind the book was quite awesome.

So all in all, I guess I am sort of glad that I read it but I was left unimpressed. It could have been so much more than just a "when is it over" book.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

from goodreads

4 stars

While I do not consider myself to be a "Trekkie" I do really enjoy the Star Trek franchise of shows. I love how it can deal with social issues such as racism, sexuality and identity without it being in our face. Because it is dealing with alien races and cultures those topics seem to be less taboo then if it were on other shows.

I particularly enjoyed how TNG dealt with the character of Data. He was an android that was very human like and wanted nothing more than to be fully integrated into human life. Many times during the series the talked about questioning what was human and what wasn't. Did Data have humanity? Did he have a conscience? Were his emotions any less valid than that of a flesh and blood human? These kind of questions can be posed in various ways in the non Star Trek world too, but the concept of what makes us human is a very interesting topic to explore. Are we as human as we really think we are?

Synopsis

It is near the turn of the twentieth century. Chava is a Golem, a woman made of clay, whose soul purpose in life is to serve her master. When her master dies shortly after she is awoken, Chava finds herself in New York City. A city full of people's desires that she feels drawn and overcome to fulfill.

Ahmad is a Jinni who was set free by a tinsmith and has to come to grips with being bound to human form and not be as free as he is used to.

Both creatures have to figure out how they will fit into this new world they are in. When they meet they learn things from each other that help them find their path.

My Thoughts

This was a really interesting book. I really enjoyed the question of humanity. Does the golem have a conscience. Can she be empathetic and can she think for herself despite the limitations and drawbacks that being a golem has. It was interesting to see the struggle the rabbi had when he was helping her and trying to figure out what he should do about her. I really loved the character of Chava. My heart went out to her and I was hoping that she would be able to find her way and find happiness at the same time.

The book also discussed the topics of free will, thinking for yourself and things that are pre-destined or inherited. It also discussed the concept of "just because you can doesn't mean you should." How we need to overcome our selfish desires and look outside ourselves to help with our own contentment.

The book itself was sort of a mishmash of a lot of things. It was a fantasy type book with characters like the golem and the jinni. But it also seemed to be part historical novel as the setting of New York at this time was almost a character unto itself. It was obvious that a lot of research went into New York at the turn of the century and I learned a lot more about it then I thought I would ever know. Because of these many differences in genres at play there were times when the story sort of lagged a bit. Other parts seemed to speed ahead. I am glad that I persevered to the end. It was definitely worth it.

There were jumps between timelines. When it first happened it was a bit awkward because I didn't know what was happening and if other parts were connected or what. Everything made sense in the end but some of the transitions were a bit awkward. And some of the things in the desert kind of went on and on. I'm glad that I got some background knowledge on the jinni but some of it could have been a bit better edited to make the story a bit tighter.

There were also a few characters that I wasn't sure what the point of them was. They could have been out of the story and it would have flowed just fine. They didn't detract from the story, but their impact on either of the two main characters didn't enhance the story very much and the plot could have been changed to go around their absence. But that was really a minor thing.

All and all I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the main story more than the fringes that it sometimes went off on. I found the character of Chava to be quite lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed her development. Ahmad was a bit harder to like but by the end you love him and find him actually quite admirable. When I started this book I really didn't know what to expect but what I got was great. Definitely worth the read.

I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers by Tim Madigan

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I have been really blessed in this life. I have parents who supported anything I wanted to do. They weren't in my face and all up in my life, but if I wanted to do something, like spend a month in Quebec doing a program, they would drive me out there and let me do that. Even though it might not have been said often I knew my parents loved me and I knew that I had support and a soft place to land if I needed it. While I didn't do anything too world altering I knew that my possibilities really were endless.

Not everyone is that lucky. It wasn't until reading this book that I fully understood the roles of shows like Mr. Rogers or Mr. Dressup. These were where children could go and have a friend who thought they were pretty special for 20 minutes in their life. They really were like surrogate parents for children whose home life and school life might not have been the best. I'm not sure if there is anything like it on t.v. now and t.v. is the poorer for it if there isn't. We need more kids feeling they are great and can do anything and shows like Mr. Rogers helped accomplish that.

Synopsis

Tim Madigan, a journalist from Texas, has a chance interview with Fred Rogers, known better as Mr. Rogers, and that interview changed both of their lives. Tim gained a friend he could lean on and share things with when he felt he had no where else to go. Fred also gained that type of friendship. This is a book where you learn there are truly love filled people in this world with no cynicism attached.

My Thoughts

Growing up in Canada, and having only three channels, I did not grow up watching PBS or Mr. Rogers. I knew of him from spoofs and I finally watched a show when I was like 17 and it was kind of crazy. But there was something about this book that intrigued me, so I read it. After reading it, oh how I wish I could have watched his shows. Knowing what I know now, I think I will have to watch them on youtube or something. He seems really great.

What comes across in this memoir more than anything is Fred's unconditional love. He did not judge he just loved. He was so genuine. He was a rare commodity in this world where people are afraid of real emotions. They are almost afraid to love and truly open themselves up.

It helped me think about friendships I have. Am I as loving and genuine with my friendships?

In the beginning of this book I kept thinking, man all this guy does is take and take. how can Fred truly value this friendship? But then later you saw a more give and take relationship emerge and that was great.

I am glad that the author touched on what he called the furies and how now he is so happy with his life, a life he almost destroyed. It shows how important it is to surround yourself with great people and hope when you go through times like that.

While the authors trials, heartaches, and breakthroughs are worth reading, they are not what held my interest. I liked learning about how Fred was kind, compassionate and loving, and learning how I can incorporate that better in my life.

Don't read this is you are looking for a biography on Fred Rogers. This is not it. Instead read it if you would like one more role model in your life, one more person who would be proud of you.

Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson

from goodreads

5 stars

Well school started. Miss G was a bit nervous. She started grade one today and was worried that she would only get to play at recess. I told her that she would be singing songs and playing games to help learn things especially the french language, as she is in french immersion. When I left her this morning she was holding hands with one of her friends and gave me a big smile to let me know everything was going to be okay. I can't wait for her to tell me about her day.

It still feels like summer here so this review is for you if you are looking for a late summer read.

Synopsis

Lilly, aka Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford feels fenced in her life. She would love to travel, gain skills, learn science and shocker, perhaps go to university. But her mother has different plans which involves finding an eligible match, marriage and children.

With the outbreak of WWI and the meeting of one of her brother's friends, Robert, a scottish doctor from humble beginnings, Lilly find the strength she needs to break from her mothers hold and go on her own adventure, perhaps finding love along the way.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. I totally met it at the right time and just loved it. It has the perfect blend of history, adventure and romance. Seriously what more could you ask for in a book. If you are looking for a great summer read this is it. It is not too heavy but there is enough happening to keep your interest. I stayed up till one in the morning reading it (which any busy mom knows is really dumb). I could not put it down.

I liked that the story didn't concentrate on the horrors of the trenches but dealt with the wounded and medics. It was great way to talk about what was happening in the war to these men without having to go through graphic battle scenes.

I liked that the characters showed a bit of restraint for most of the book. And when they finally got together, though it was a bit longish of a sex scene, it seemed sweet and lovely. It showed kindness and true intimacy. Lilly was completely naive to the sexual side of relationships and I loved how Robbie took his time and explained things to her so that she didn't feel dumb or confused. It felt that they were truly in a relationship where both partners were equal and looked out for each other. We need more examples of that I think.

The ending was a bit abrupt and left me with a few questions. Like did Edward and Charlotte have some sort of a past? There are other questions but they would give some of the book away and I wouldn't want to do that.

So to sum up, while this is essential a romance novel it is not your standard chick lit, shirtless guy with rock hard abs kind of story. It is a war story, with great historical details, a romance that is so nice to see unfolding  and just a great story to fall into. It was the kind of book I needed this summer, maybe you do too.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

from goodreads

4 stars

School starts tomorrow but it is rather hard to believe. Today was one of the hottest days we have had all summer. Hopefully it cools down this week so the kids don't bake in their classrooms!

People keep asking me if I am excited that they are going back. To me I am pretty indifferent. When the older kids are home from school I barely see them anyway. They are usually out in the back yard or playing in their room. They only surface when they are hungry then they grab a snack and disappear again. Also, I don't know why, but my kids really get a long. It is only rarely that they freak out on each other and need to be separated. So that is nice. Also, it has been feeling so much like summer still this week that I have a hard time to believe that it is back to school time.

I am looking forward to getting back into the the swing of things with a bit more routine in life. I am looking forward to going to library programs with Miss P. I am looking forward to the turn of the seasons and the beautiful autumn colours. What are you looking forward to?

Synopsis

Mindy Kaling talks about her life growing up and how she became part of the awesome team of writers and producers of The Office.

My Thoughts

Sometimes you are in the mood for a serious heartfelt memoir and sometimes you just want to laugh. I was feeling like the latter and this book did not disappoint. I laughed many times and it was great.

I liked how she talked about how she had to study and work at honing her craft and that success didn't come out without having to try hard, having skill and a bit of luck. I liked how she sometimes went on mini-rants. I liked how it was fun and light hearted. I liked how she wasn't trying to preach to us. I am glad that she talked about some of her less glamourous jobs as well. It was just her and how she thought and what she did and that was great. She stayed true to herself and how we need to do that too.

I am looking forward to reading her new book. I am on hold for it at the library and can't wait until it comes my way.

The Heir by Kiera Cass

from goodreads

3 stars

I seem to be the type of reader that once I start a series I want to see it through to completion even if some of the books are sub par. There is a feeling of being incomplete that just irks me. I need to know what happens. The worst is when you have to wait for the next to be published. Sometimes it is nicer discovering a series once most of the books are already out. Then you can go through the series at your own pace without having to wait for the next ones.

Right now there are a few books that I'm waiting to be published. Since I have such a long list of other books I want to get through I don't feel the impatience I might ordinarily feel while waiting. Now I just need to make sure I remember the plot line once they are finally out!

Synopsis

This is a continuation of The Selection series. Fast forward 20 years in the future and it is now Maxim's and America's daughter Eadlyn's turn to be part of the selection.

My Thoughts

This was okay. While this series is in no way high brow and adventure packed there was something about the original series that sucked me in. I definitely considered it to be my guilty pleasure read. This addition to the series did not suck me in at all.

I found it really hard to like the main character, Eadlyn. I found her whiney and rather clueless. You would think with parents like America and Maxim she would be way more down to earth, but nope. She seemed to use her "power" to threaten people instead of help. I also didn't like how America seemed to change into being more in line with royal thinking instead of being her usual rebellious self. I know that as you grow older you tend not to rebel as much but I would still expect some boundaries to be pushed.

I also found it weird that America and Maxim's kids didn't know more about their parents story and their selection experience. You would have thought it was common knowledge.

I think it would have been nice if there was a book that bridged the two series. I would have liked to know more about how they dealt with the rebels and made change in their kingdom.

So this book was definitely not as fun to read as the others but it hasn't prevented me from wanting to read the next one when it comes out.

Tallulah's Toe Shoes by Marilyn Singer Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

from goodreads

3 stars

It always amazes me how inherent certain things are. When the kids hear a groovy beat their body automatically moves with the groove. I did not have to teach them that. All three of my girls naturally gravitated to nurturing their dolls. While perhaps I modeled it, I did not force them to pick up the dolls (there are tons of other toys they could have chosen to play with) they just did it. Miss P's doll is glued to her hip all the time right now.

There are some things that are different. Miss V has really been drawn to drawing intricate and beautiful pictures. That is an inherent gift to her. Miss G likes to be fashion and come up with some interesting clothes combinations. That is an inherent gift to her. Miss P, well I'm not sure what her inherent gift is yet. She probably has one that is great and unique just like she is.

I think it is harder to know for certain what your own inherent gift is. Sometimes it is easier to see it in others than yourself. People sometimes search their whole lives before they find it. I'm not sure what mine is, but that doesn't bother me. I am enjoying exploring new things and gaining new skills. And I guess that's just it. We need to be happy with where we are and find joy in the journey.

Synopsis

Tallulah dreams of having a pair of toe shoes of her own. When will she be big enough?

My Thoughts

To me this book was just meh. To my kids they loved it. I don't know what it is about little girls and ballerina's but, they love them.

I like how the story teaches them that sometimes we need to be patient. That somethings are just impossible until our bodies grow bigger and that we need to be happy where we are now. I also like how it talks slightly about how we need to work hard to perfect things. Most people when they have a talent make it look effortless, little do we see the hours of practice and the tenacity it took to perfect the moves etc. It is usually anything but easy at the beginning.

The story itself wasn't all that mind blowing or anything. It was sort of the run of the mill dancing story.

This is one of a series off books about Tallulah and her ballet adventures. While you might not care about the story your little girls (and I guess boys if they are into dancing and ballet) will love this book and the beautiful drawings.