Perfect Square by Michael Hall

from goodreads

5 stars

I like math. In fact, I'm pretty good at math. Adding a long list of numbers without a calculator does not phase me in the slightest. Heck, calculus is pretty awesome. As long as it is high school level and I don't have to understand why it works, I just have to know that it does. Yet, despite this non-abhorrence to math I am an artsy at heart. My major was in history and I would much rather be researching in archives and have my backpack full of books then take a university level math course or science class. Writing lab reports, blah. Give me an essay any day, well a history essay at least.

I married a mathy though. He is one of the weird ones that actually enjoys statistics. (Most people I know hated the stats courses they took.) When we were first married I went and sat in on one of his math lectures. The prof was proving that a circle was a circle. He used all this complicated mumbo jumbo and did indeed prove that a circle was a circle. In my head I'm like, why don't you just use your eyes. If it is round and looks fairly uniform it is probably a circle. When I told my husband that he did not seem as impressed with my astute powers of observation as I was. Oh well. Thank goodness for diversity, it keeps circle proving professors employed.

Synopsis

A square, as perfect as it is, is so much more than a square. In this book watch as it becomes a fountain, a garden and so much more.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading this book. My kids really enjoyed reading this book. They would look at it on their own, each choosing their favourite picture. They were excited to show me which picture they chose and telling me why it was their favourite.

I loved how they used the square shape in so many different ways to create so many beautiful pictures. Who knew just by scrunching a square or tearing a square and adding a few lines you can make the square into something totally different. I also liked the textures and colours that were used in the collages. It enhanced the visual appeal of the book.

It was really interesting how the author was able to make what seemed like random pictures into something cohesive in the end. They linked together seamlessly in a way that made complete sense and gave a real sense of completion to the book. It wasn't just a book of pictures made from a square just to do it. There was actual thought and a story to go with it.

This is one book that any artsy and mathy could love. It would appeal to a wide variety of children, boys or girls. And that is something that doesn't always happen.

Still Foolin' Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going and Where the Hell Are My Keys? by Billy Crystal

from goodreads

4.5 stars

I like funny things, I like to laugh an not feels so serious about everything.During movies I laugh, out loud, for everyone to hear. If my kids do something funny I laugh, out loud, so they know what they did was funny. When reading something funny I rarely laugh out loud. I will think something is funny and laugh, but usually the most sound I make is a kinda "hmm" type sound. I don't know if that is because reading is a more internal stimuli type of thing and thus any emotional output remains inside. Perhaps I am just a strange duck, which could very well be. When reading something funny do you laugh out loud?

Synopsis

Billy Crystal tells of memories throughout his life and gives us tips of what he has learned along they way. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be in awe of this funny man.


My Thoughts

I loved this book. In fact... I even laughed out loud while reading it. Now I wasn't going completely nuts but a small chortle did escape my lips. Enough that my husband looked up from his baseball game to ask me about it. I'm not sure which is the greater miracle. When I tried to read a passage aloud I had to stop because tears were streaming down my face I was finding it so funny.

I love Billy Crystal. Ever since seeing him play Miracle Max in The Princess Bride when I was seven, I was hooked. He has a distinctive kind of cadence and voice. While reading this book it felt as if Billy Crystal was narrating it to me. I think that was what made it even funnier, knowing exactly how he would be phrasing the ridiculous scenarios he was telling us. In fact, I am tempted to listen to the audio version because Billy Crystal narrates it. It would be a great summer listen.

This book really showed different sides of Billy Crystal. We see is strong devotion to his family. His marvelous and meaningful friendships. You see him at times of insecurities and at times of feeling on top of his game. He comes across very humble and he feels so blessed to be able to do what he loves. This is not just a slapstick comedy book. It is a book of varied emotions and he brings you through the highs and lows of his life and career.

Though he is writing to the "zoomer" generation, I was able to glean much wisdom from his words. He left me looking forward to the next steps I have waiting for me in life and he left me feeling grateful for the time I am living now with my husband and children. I love that he and his wife have married for over forty years. In this day and age that is amazing.

There were times in the book where I felt it to be a bit crass and at times surprisingly sweary. I don't mind swearing or crassness if it adds to a character or what is being said. But, when it is just thrown in for no reason, I don't really see the point.

If you are not a Billy Crystal fan (oh! the horror) or not really into comedic reading I would still recommend this book. There are great life lessons that he teaches and some of his accomplishments are quite interesting. This is definitely a book to be on your reading list.

Hello Arctic! by Theodore Taylor Illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

from goodreads

3.5 stars

Well, Easter weekend has come and gone. This morning I had to wake up and make lunches and make sure mailbags were found. I think I am ready for summer vacation! Sometimes you just want to be on a holiday schedule and not have to worry about the hustle and bustle of "real life". Oh well. I did enjoy this teaser holiday. We made some fun family memories and I was able to provide service to other family members. It is so nice when you can feel useful and what you did really mattered and contributed to another's happiness. I hope your Easter weekend was fabulous and that you are able to ease back into "real life".

Synopsis

This book takes you on a journey through the arctic's seasons. You experience the cold monotone of winter and then the vibrant brightness of summer.

My Thoughts

While this book is simplistic in language, which makes it great for little kids, this was a delightful read. When you think of the arctic quite often you think of the bleak winter snow times and forget that in the summer the tundra is full of colour and flowers and life. It is not a barren landscape at all. The simple words combined with the simple drawings were quite effective in teaching the differences of seasons and showing the range of wildlife that the arctic has to offer.

The book was a bit confusing in the way that Taylor organized and introduced and then said goodbye to the animals. He introduced each animal by saying "Birds return. Hello, birds." or something to that effect. And there were quite a few animals such as polar bears, seals, an assortment of whales etc. When winter is coming and the animals go away there is not that feeling of progression that you felt earlier. It is basically goodbye birds and polar bears and that's it. What about the seals and whales? It just felt abrupt and did not have the symmetry that is often in children's books of this nature. It had a nice steady incline and then you fall off a cliff.

The book does capture the beauty of the arctic and makes me want to visit there. Perhaps when my children are all grown my husband and I can go on a Northern adventure. For now, I am content to experience the north through books.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

from goodreads

4 stars

I seem to be in a young adult phase or something. Sometimes that just happens. I get into a reading genre groove. Be it mysteries, or Nordic crime, or fluffy romances, or young adult or non-fiction. You just get into a genre and stay there until you need to move on.

With the warm weather I am so excited to read out in the yard. I am also less inclined to do my spring cleaning. Clean or read? Hmm... I think we all know the answer to that one.

Synopsis

This is book one in a series called The Mortal Instruments. Clary is an ordinary New York girl. When she goes to a teen club one night and witnesses a murder, where the body disappears she is thrown into a world of demons, werewolves, vampires and shadow hunters. When her mother goes missing the next day Clary has to quickly learn how to navigate this new world in order to save her mom, and possibly the world as well.

My Thoughts

This was a fun book. When I read it was about demons and demon hunters I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. I don't want gruesome creepy. This book reminded me of the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There were demons which were cool, demon hunters who were kind of quirky and people who didn't take themselves to seriously. Clare wrote some pretty fun banter between Clary and Jace. The characters seemed like normal teenagers, not the super grown up ones that seem to plague young adult literature. Clary was great. She had the same insecurities as most teenage girls yet when push comes to shove, she was ready for action and had a heart of gold.

I think the quote on the cover sums up this book perfectly, "funny, dark and sexy". Not sexy in a raunchy way but in a romantic, that guy seems hot kind of way. This is a great book for your teen. It is action packed but funny. What more could you ask for.

Have a great Easter!

The Apple-pip Princess by Jane Ray

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I am coming to realize, now that my kids are getting older, that what they think is cool and what I think is cool is, quite often, completely different. It's shocking, I know. I was cool and hip back in the day. But it seems, each year they get older I seem to lose a bit more of my coolness factor. I still feel cool, sometimes. I think I have a lot of hipness still happening (although that last sentence has probably proved otherwise). Perhaps that's the dilemma. Coolness changes with each generation. Once we have discovered for ourselves what is cool it is hard to change from that model. It is also hard when wearing your stretchy mommy uniform black yoga pants and blahzay t-shirt to really be feeling the cool vibe. Oh well, times and seasons. Hopefully by the time my oldest is a teenager I will be back on the cool bandwagon. Teenagers think their parents are cool, right?

Synopsis

An aging king has decided it is time to figure out which of his three daughters will sit on the throne after he is gone. He says that they have a week to do something that will make their mark on the kingdom and make their father proud. He says at the end of the seventh day he will make his decision.

My Thoughts

This is one of those books where I, as the adult, loved it, my daughter, as the child, could have taken it or left it. I got it from the library solely on the title. We sometimes call our youngest Pips, so when I say pip in the title I knew I had to check it out.

I love the fairy tale quality of this book. It has everything a fairy tale ought to. A widowed king, a kingdom that doesn't bloom now that the queen is gone, a vain sister, a proud sister, and the humble sister. The moral that kindness and trying to something to help everybody is better than doing something for your own glory. A hint of magic. It was great.

I think where it lost my daughter was with the wordiness. She is four almost five, and it just didn't hold her interest as much. She was ready for me to turn the page before the page had run out of words. It could have also been where we were reading the book. We were at the pool waiting for the older sister's swimming lessons to be over and it was loud and the baby kept on trying to eat the book and so it was hard to hear and see.

Both my daughter and I agreed that the pictures were fantastic. My daughter loved seeing the transition of the kingdom and would comment on the pictures. You know they are good when a child actually comments about them. I also loved the way the illustrations were done. The textures and collage-like quality added to the feeling of the story and were beautiful.

This is definitely one of the kids books that is more artsy. (I am not sure if that is the right term, but I hope you know the type of book I mean). I think kids six and up would like it more than younger ones. But also, if you are going to read it, try to do it in a non-distracting setting. Even if your kids don't like it,  read it for yourself. It is lovely.

Cinder and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

from goodreads

4 stars

I like quirky things. I think that may be why we bought our house. It is sure quirky. What other house would have a load bearing movie poster of Final Analysis which depicts Richard Gere and Kim Bassinger on the verge of kissing. I assume it is a load bearing poster because it is screwed into the wall. Or perhaps the original owners who put up that poster wanted a bit of heat and romance when going to do laundry. (The poster is in our laundry/furnace room). Whatever the reason it is the quirky things in life that help put a smile on your face and reminds you that life doesn't have to bee super serious all the time. It is okay to be lighthearted and fun, perhaps, dare I say, even whimsical. So I say carry on Richard and Kim, carry on.

from goodreads

Synopsis

Cinder is a futuristic telling of the fairy tale Cinderella. But, instead of a beautiful maiden it is a beautiful cyborg, whose name is Cinder. It takes in the future in a place called New Beijing. There is handsome prince Kai, a plague that has no cure, and crazy space people called Lunars. The Queen of the Lunar people is always threatening a war with Earth and the only way to avoid war, in her opinion, is to marry Prince Kai. Lunars also have a special ability in which they can control people's minds. Cinder is caught in the middle of all this, and despite being a second class citizen (cyborgs are not thought well of) she is willing to risk it all to protect her world and Prince Kai.

Scarlet is loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood. Scarlet's grandmother has disappeared and Scarlet is desperately trying to find her. She meets a man named Wolf and although she doesn't completely trust him, she allows him to help her look for her grandmother. It also picks up Cinder's storyline from where it left of in Cinder.

My Thoughts

What a fun series. It is fairytales meets Star Wars meets our galaxy. It is definitely quirky but it is so fun to read. I love that is is a teen series that isn't yet another dystopian angsty thing. The main characters accept help from others yet are still strong. The banter is witty and doesn't seem full of doom and gloom as you get from Divergent or the Hunger Games.

I love how the author is able to interweave different storylines in a way that makes sense and how she was able to merge them together without if feeling awkward or too predicable. It was nice that different characters didn't just play a cameo appearance other characters storylines but actually served a purpose for being there.

I have the third book in the series, Cress, on hold right now. I am currently the third hold and I am super excited to read it. Despite some cliche's you really start to care about the characters and you want to know if the queen is going to get her comeuppance.

This is a great summer series to read. I think your teens will thoroughly enjoy it. It is nice to read a non-angsty teen story. This series may make even the most sullen teen laugh.

The Shining by Stephen King

from goodreads

1 star, but really should probably be like a 3.5-4 ish

Scary movies and I don't mix. Never have, probably never will. I remember watching the original Psycho when I was a teenager and asking to sleep with my mom for about a week after. Some scary movies I have been able to handle, like Saw II. Friends in University wanted to watch it, so I went, I feel asleep during it, so it didn't haunt me like others. I can't even watch Criminal Minds anymore. There is was one episode where a killer was dressed all in black waiting in the dark for the lead FBI guy to come home and then stabbed him severely. I was nursing my second child at the time and I had to ask my husband to escort me to her room. Seriously, that was a bit embarrassing. Books can have the same effect but not nearly as bad as seeing in a movie or show. For me, I can imagine a scary scene a lot less intensely if I must. You miss all the gore and ickiness. You can still get creeped out, but you are allowed to get creeped out on your own terms.

So, with the Shining... I got major creeped out and scared, and I didn't even get to the really scary parts. I got about 80 pages or so in and had to stop. I was having really freaky dreams and had to pluck up my courage when I had to do a night feeding with baby number 3. It doesn't help that the baby's room is at the complete other end of the hall from my room so I have to pass a hallway of doors, o.k. like two doors but still scary. Anything could be lurking in that bathroom.

So to be honest with my rating system I have to give the Shining an one star. But King has a fun writing style and I probably would have given it higher if I could actually get through it.

If you want to try a Stephen King but are like me, and a bit of a wimp, try The Stand. I read it for my book club last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Kinda long, but definitely not creepy.

Synopsis

Here is the Synopsis of The Shining from goodreads.

Danny was only five years old but in the words of old Mr. Halloran he was a 'shiner', aglow with psychic voltage. When his father became caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grew frighteningly out of control.

As winter closed in and blizzards cut them off, the hotel seemed to develop a life of its own. It was meant to be empty, but who was the Lady in Room 217, and who were the masked guests going up and down in the elevator? And why did the hedges shaped like animals seem so alive?

Somewhere, somehow there was an evil force in the hotel - and that too had begun to shine.

Don't Copy Me by Jonathan Allen

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I am the youngest of six kids. I am the youngest by a lot. And when little I probably annoyed my elder siblings by copying what they did. They say that copying is the sincerest form of flattery. It is also the sincerest way of saying 'I know how to push your buttons of annoyance, prepare to squirm'. 

I don't know how kids figure out that playing copycat will result in annoyance. I don't know why when people copy us it drives us so crazy. But they do and it does. There are many times when I hear the cries of 'stop copying me!' coming from the play room or the kids' bedrooms. I understand the pain the one is going through, and the pure pleasure of pushing someone else's buttons. What a crazy somewhat twisted world we live in.

Synopsis

All Little Puffin wants to do is go for a nice quiet walk by himself. Then comes a long three gull chicks who decide he is the best one to copy. What's a puffin to do?

My Thoughts

This is the type of book that you will either love or want to run away from. If you have a low threshold for copy games put the book down and run away. You can feel the annoyance of the puffin oozing from the pages.

At the same time I found the gull chicks to be quite cute especially the "baby" gull because he had to copy things to an imaginary bird. I liked his gumption at being the same and not letting things get in the way of his copying. Good for you little bird, good for you. Perhaps being the youngest I could identify with him.

The ending is definitely one that you roll your eyes at. You definitely don't learn how to stop a copying game. There is definitely no closure. But, I think kids will think it wildly funny as they totally will know how to relate to the situation, whether they be gulls or puffins.

This is not one that will go down in literary history as the most game changing children's book every. It will be entertaining to kids and show them they are not alone in this crazy world of copycat games. My suggestion though, if you have huge issues with the game of copycat, wait until your oldest can read the book to the younger ones, thus extricating yourself from the whole copycat mess. Happy Reading!

The Hero and Crown by Robin McKinley

from goodreads

2 stars

The sun is finally out and the snow is starting to vanish. I can actually see grass, and mud, in my backyard and I am pretty sure I can also see the shoots of some bulbs peaking their heads up and out of the dirt. Every time I look into the yard I envision my kids playing harmoniously outside, my little one not eating dirt or grass at all and me lazing in my hammock with my book, reading in peace.

I know, I know. That is just a crazy fantasy. I don't even have a hammock yet. But sometimes it is the crazy fantasies that help keep you going.

Synopsis

Aerin is the daughter of King Albreth of Damar. Her mother was from the north (that's where all the crazies live) and died during childbirth. The court of Damar and the residents don't know what to make of Aerin and don't quite trust her as she is a "witch's child". Aerin seems to make the best of a crazy situation and becomes a great swordswoman and dragon hunter. This leads her to an even greater adventure, finding the lost crown.

My Thoughts

To the people who decide who wins a Newbery Award. What were you thinking exactly. Can you clue me in, because I don't quite get it. I really didn't like this book. And I know that just because I don't like a book doesn't mean it can't win an award. But this book was so awkward to read. I felt like I had to reread every paragraph. I was constantly getting lost and not quite sure what was happening. And then Aerin goes on a crazy big adventure and it seems like it is over before it begins. Or, she is one way and then the next paragraph, boom she is different. I had no idea how it happened. (I know this is vague, I just don't want to give away too much of the story incase you want to read it.) I also found that the story line in the first half jumped around a lot. One minute we are in one timeframe, the next we are in a completely different timeframe. It would have been nice to get the memo. Because of this it was really hard to get into the story. And if I read one more description of someone doing something "as a lover" would do I am going to go crazy. This is a kids book after all.

I also had a problem with the weird love triangle near the end. Does she really love the person she ends up with or is she just biding her time until he is dead so she can get with the other guy. It is really weird and I don't know how I should feel about it.

That being said, the world that McKinley thought of was very interesting. I would love to know more about it. The ideas of different Sols i.e. levels within the aristocracy is very interesting. As well, I would like to know more about the Mages. She does a good job of introducing you to the world but doesn't do a good job of explaining how it came to be. Perhaps I need to read The Blue Sword for that. I don't know.

I looked on goodreads just to see what other people thought of the book and rated the book. I was surprised that most people rated it a 4 or 5. I guess choppy writing and crazy timeline jumps don't bother most people. So, you might still like it. Perhaps kids would like it more. The book is probably aimed at aged 10 and up.

The only reason why I finished it was for a church book club and I felt obligated. I would have shelved it long ago. For not a very long book it took me over a week to finish it, mainly because I had to reread sections so much.

Don't Push the Button by Bill Cotter

from goodreads

5 stars

My mother raised six kids. Honestly, I don't know how she did it. Three are giving me a run for my money. One thing she always said was how different we were. No two of us was a like. Now that is something I can totally relate to. While the youngest is only 1 and yet to make her true personality known (I am sure her destructive capabilities are just a faze... right?!?) the older two are quite different. The oldest is very rule oriented. You say don't cross that line she will be two feet back and not looking at it. She will not cross the line and gets antsy if anyone gets close to it. The middle child is more a "thanks for the suggestion we will see" type of rule follower. When we say don't cross the line she will walk up to the line. Put her foot by it. Slowly slide her foot so it is just touching the line, then is in the middle of the line and then her toe is just about to be on the other side of the line. If you haven't said anything by that point she will put her foot on the other side of the line. (The whole time the oldest one is freaking out because the rule is not being strictly adhered to.) If you have kids like that, this book is one that will be fun to read.

Synopsis

Meet Larry, the lovable purple monster who lives in this book. To read this book there is only one rule don't push the button. Will curiosity get the better of him? Read it and find out.

My Thoughts

This book is awesome. My oldest won't push the button, no way no how, the middle child wants to push it from page one. There is one point in the book where Larry says "Don't push the button. Seriously. Don't even think about it." To which my middle child says, "I'm thinking about it," and then laughs her head off. It is so much fun when a book engages the children and they feel they are part of the story and part of the characters life.

At first I thought this was going to be a book that the kids read once and wouldn't want to read again as they already know what is going to happen. Yet, this is a book that they keep coming back to again and again. Probably because it is so funny.

The illustrations are simple yet oddly compelling. You can see the torture that Larry is going through. The tug and pull, to push the button or not to push the button. His expressions are awesome.

Your children may not be learning about feelings or compassion or any other kind of moral while reading this book. But, they will be entertained and love reading, which is the whole reason behind kids books anyways.