Punishment by Linden MacIntyre

from goodreads

4 stars

This year I finally made it out to Waterloo Public Library's Battle of the Books. It is when local celebrities champion the books for Waterloo Reads which are the Evergreen Award nominated books by the OLA. I have wanted to go for a few years but it would never work out. Something else was always going on. But this year was my year. What a fun night! There were a lot of people and we all had a great evening of laughs, fun and really yummy food. At the end of the night we voted for what book we thought should win. If your community ever does a book battle I highly recommend going. You will have such an enjoyable evening.

Synopsis

Tony Breau is retired and moved back to his home town in Nova Scotia. He left his position as a guard at the penitentiary under a bit of a cloud. When a young woman is found dead, Tony finds himself in the centre of things. He reconnects with a love from his past, and is haunted by a young man he tried to help.

My Thoughts

There are some books that quietly get into your heart. This is one of them. MacIntyre does a superb job at showing what small town life can be like. Enchanting, yet, stifling. Tony is a great main character. He is not in your face. In fact, he is rather a reluctant hero.

This book shows the difficulties people can face when they try to repent and change. People's memories are long and they remember your misdeeds even if you have completely changed. It is hard to get out of that shadow. It is hard to be given a second chance. It is hard to be relabelled.

This book really has everything, mystery, self reflection, love. It shows the price we can pay for doing the right thing. It shows the need for morals and for honesty. It questions how we view and think of others. It is definitely a worthwhile read.

Mark of the Plague by Kevin Sands

from goodreads

4 stars

Christmas time is coming. And that means that the library is closed on more often. That means I had to do a stock up to make sure I had enough to get me through. For me nothing is worse than when you finish a book and don't have the next one waiting there to get started. I like to have at least two by my nightstand so I know I will not have in reading gap. When there are so many books you want to read you cannot have reading lulls. It is finish one, get on to the next. (Yes, I know I have a bit of a reading problem. My husband can tell you all about it.)

Last Christmas I went on a bit of a nordic crime spree reading all of Asa Larsson's Rebecka Martinsson series. This year it is a bit of a mix, yet I just noticed that three off them are either set in Scandinavia or talk about Scandinavian culture. Weird, as that was totally not planned.

What do you like to read during the holidays? Do you go for a mix or is there a particular theme?

Synopsis

This is the second installment in the Blackthorn Series. Christopher is waiting for a new master, but that is going to take awhile as the Apothecary guild as left London because of the plague outbreak. With the plague has come a prophet stating who will be the next afflicted. Then a man shows up with a supposed cure for the plague. Is this too good to be true?

My Thoughts

This was an excellent sequel. It has definitely insured success for the rest of the series.

Once again we had a fast paced story filled with riddles and codes. There was danger, friendship and sacrifice. You will laugh, gasp and cry. Your emotions will be in constant flux.

What I really like about Sands is his ability to expose kids some dark aspects of the world in which we live, without making them feel scared or making things seem hopeless. Through his characters we see people who are out for themselves, who are willing to kill in order to get what they want, we see people abuse others, we see people who are hungry an scared. Yet through his characters we see tenacity, we see people still willing to make a change and have things be better, we see people who stand by one another, we see people picking themselves up and dusting themselves off and persevering. What great lessons. Yes, life isn't perfect and there are people who do some pretty bad things but we can stay true to ourselves and do what we can do for a better world.

All in all this was a fantastic thrill ride. A strong addition to a very promising series. I would recommend this for a mature 10 year old and up.

Grounded: The Adventures of Rapunzel by Megan Morrison

from goodreads

5 stars

This year we decided to give Miss G quite a few books for Christmas. Man, picking them out was so hard to do. My husband and I had a limited time to be out together getting gifts and by the time we got to the bookstore Mr. S was done. I mean for a kid who usually makes no noise and is chill, he was starting to fuss a bit and we knew we had about 10 minutes before total meltdown. There are so many cool looking books out right now that it was hard to choose. You need to pick a book that is not too easy but not so long or difficult otherwise they will get frustrated. You need to make sure it is about something they are interested in, but that you wouldn't mind reading aloud to them with out going insane.

In the end I went with some classic children's stories. You can't go wrong with books that have stood the test of time, right?

Synopsis

Rapunzel is living an idyllic life up in her tower. When a young man climbs her tower and steals a flower from her she decides to leave and get it back and protect Witch.

My Thoughts

I think the majority of the world would agree that Harry Potter is one of the best if not the best kids series of all time. Well, this new Tyme series by Megan Morrison is going to give Harry Potter a run for its money. Morrison has created a well thought through, rich world.

I love how this is not just a retelling of the same old story. Morrison puts her own twist on things as she tells the story of a girl who has lived in a tower, who has been loved by witch. You see from her perspective how witch wasn't the evil person everyone thinks she is. You see how Rapunzel truly loved her, she knew no different. You see how the world is so much bigger than Rapunzel's tower. The land of Tyme is truly interconnected.

Rapunzel and the character Jack were the perfect combination. Witty dialogue, they could be silly but also serious when necessary. The dimensions of these characters were amazing.

I like how Morrison takes care of possible plot holes. For example. Rapunzel had a ton of hair. Hair is heavy. How would she be able to walk around through the woods with all that hair and not get it all messed up and crazy. Well Morrison had a great answer that made sense. So smart. There were some other things like that were taken care of easily and believably. See, what I mean about a well thought out world. I also loved the acorns. Read the book and you will see what I mean.

This is a book of adventure, discovery, resourcefulness, trickery and ultimately love. This is a fantastic debut to what is sure to be a fantastic series. My words cannot do justice to how great these books are. Don't let the childish cover fool you. This is a book that any YA reader or adult would love. Pick it up. Read it. You will not be disappointed.

Stalker by Lars Kepler

from goodrerads

5 stars

I don't know what it is about Nordic Crime novels, but I can't get enough. I try to read a variety of things, you know, to keep things fresh. But, I think if I was stuck on a desert island and only had one genre of books to choose to have with me, it would definitely be Nordic Crime. Perhaps I like it so much because I secretly (okay to anyone who knows me it really isn't that secret) wish I lived in Norway or Sweden. I think their government set up is neat, the landscapes are amazing and come on, ABBA is from Sweden. How much cooler can Sweden get. It is the birthplace of IKEA, another love  obsession of mine.

I think I really like these novels because they are creepy but not in a horror movie way just in a ick way. I love how the main characters have complex back stories (at least the ones in the series I have read do). They are not your run of the mill beefcake cop. They have troubled pasts, issues they are trying to get over themselves, secret lives. I like that. It makes it all the more real.

So, if you haven't picked up a Nordic Crime novel in awhile I definitely recommend it. I really like the Department Q series, the Rebecka Martinsson series, and of course the Joona Linna Series.

Synopsis

There is a serial killer on the loose in Stockholm. Joona Linna, comes out of hiding and is on the case.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. I had been waiting a while to read it. It had been on order at my library for a long time and I put it on hold so long ago that it got to the point where I wouldn't have been able to delete it or freeze it or anything. (I didn't know the that could happen). The publisher must have been pushing back the date. But after the long year or so of having it on hold I finally got to read it and man, it was worth the wait. It was definitely Lars Kepler at their finest.

This book was a perfect blend of character development, twists, and creepiness. Just when I thought I knew how something was going to happen, a twist happened and I was like whaaat?! In some books the amount of twists and turns would definitely get annoying and old, but in this book they were awesome and kept you on the toes. They held your interest.

The book was suspenseful and scary. It was little bit graphic in the mode of murder but nothing that made me feel too icky. I may never look into my backyard at night in the same way again, but other than that I am not loosing too much sleep over some plot points.

I liked how the beginning wrapped up the previous book. It allowed all the characters to move on. I wasn't sure how they were going to wrap it up because they could have gone down a completely different path and story line with the characters. In the end I am glad they did what they did, it made everything that much more believable.

I wished there was more about Joona's personal life, but then it makes sense that there wasn't. He is just getting back into the swing of things and hasn't established a personal life again yet. So I'll just wait for the next book.

This was a thoroughly engaging, edge of your seat book. Definitely read it. While it is in a series you don't need to read the other books to enjoy this one. Though you should read them because the rest of the books are pretty awesome too!

If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School Don't! and If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach Don't by Elise Parsley

from goodreads

5 stars

As a parent I have come to the understanding that kids aren't going to believe you or at least will take what you say with a healthy dose of skepticism. I don't know why that is. I don't lead them astray, yet with everything I say or try to convey to them I can see their inner dialogue going "sure mom, like that's true".

I am sure I am not the only parent who have kids like that. When you tell them something isn't a good idea, but they have to do it anyway as if it is something to prove. And when you the parent are proven right, it doesn't change things. That skepticism will remain. My hope is that when they are older, perhaps when they have their own kids, it might go a way, at least a little bit. Until then I'll just keep on trucking.

Synospis

These books centre around a girl named Magnolia as she gives us some very sage advice.

My Thoughts
These books are such a fun read. My kids enjoyed reading them and I enjoyed reading them. I even made my husband read the piano one and I heard him chuckle.

The alligator one is more geared to the children's audience. A teacher or school administrator might appreciate it as well. It is still funny and enjoyable on many levels.

My favourite of the two is the one about the piano at the beach. Why? Well first of all it is ridiculous thinking about getting an upright grand to the beach, and that is kind of the point. Second how many times have we said "don't bring that" to our kids and then when they remained insistent we said, "You have to carry it and make sure it doesn't get lost. You are responsible."? The author does a great job at showing the logic behind why we suggest the kids leave their treasures at home. Since the kids laugh at what is going on it shows that they get the logic. It totally gets the whole parent-child struggle of having nice things and then seeing them lost or ruined. This book helps us recognise that the struggle is real and that we are not alone.

I totally recommend these books. Young and old will love them.

Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff

from goodreads

4 stars

Summer!!! The sun is out, the beach is calling my name and I have finally had the frozen lemonade I have been craving. Summer and its hot weather has finally arrived.

I have signed up the kids for the library reading club. The girls are actually excited and are really thinking about what kinds of books they want to get from the library. It always makes my heart happy when they are excited about going to the library and not grumpy or making it feel like a chore.

Yesterday we went to one of the kick off parties our library is holding to celebrate the summer reading club. Being there helped remind me that no matter where you go, or what branch of your library you go to (we went to a party that was held at a different branch than our regular one) there are always dedicated staff ready to help you. The staff created a warm environment that allowed the kids to explore, want to share what they made and discovered, have fun, and get excited about reading. It was such a nice morning and a lot of that had to do with the great staff. Here's to a magical summer of reading.

Synopsis

Red's granny is sick and Red goes on a quest to find a cure for her granny. A cure that Red hopes will make her granny live forever.

My Thoughts

This was great! This is a fun story that still teaches you, or at least allows you to think about, life, death, the ability to let go, accepting change and being happy and grateful for what you have.

One of the most prevalent, and I think best, themes is looking at what scares us and how these fears can limit us or hold us back. We need to work through these fears and be willing to try again. Yes, there may be risks involved, but, there are always risks in whatever you do so you might as well keep trying.

I love how Shurtliff blends different stories together. Yes, it deals with Red Riding Hood, but it also has elements of one of my favourite stories Snow White and Rose Red. There were also other fairy tales that were thrown into the mix such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Beauty and the Beast. All these different tales flow together seamlessly and helps create this fantastical world that makes sense and you think it is real.

I loved the dwarfs. Now I know why they are always mining for gems. Ingenious!

This is a fun fairy tale retelling that you definitely have to add to your summer reading list. This would be good for ages 9 and up.

Pinkalicious: The Pinkamazing Storybook Collection by Victoria Kann

from goodreads

5 stars
Birthday season number 2 is upon us. And this year I told the girls no birthday parties. I am just over them and really don't feel like figuring out how to entertain a bunch of children for hours, or paying others to do it. But, I have allowed them to have some friends over for a more subdued celebrations, and no presents! (Seriously, they have so much they really don't need anymore.)

I am looking forward to Miss G's playdate this Saturday. Miss G decided to have a spooky tea party with two of her friends. They are going to decorate cupcakes, make flubber and do a monster craft. It was fun seeing Miss G's creative side (and her not going crazy over accessories or mandatory things).

Miss V is also fine to go with a subdued approach. She is going to invite 3 or her friends over for a movie night and some pizza. I can handle that.

Perhaps by the time Miss P gets to school I might feel like doing birthday parties again, but for now low key is the way to go.

Synopsis

This is a collection of 6 stories from Victoria Kann's Pinkalicious collection of books. They are The Pinkerrific Playdate, Pinkalicious:The Princess of Pink Slumber Party, Pinkalicous and the Pink Hat Parade, Pinkalicous:Flower Girl, Pinkalicious: Soccer Star and Pinkalicious and the Pinktastic Zoo Day.

My Thoughts

I really have mixed feelings when it comes to book collections. While it is nice to have a collection of books for the kids to read all in one place, the books themselves are heavy and sometimes cumbersome to read. Sometimes when people give us the collection we already have some of the books so now I have duplicates happening. And often I get stuck reading more stories then I wanted to at the time. This collection, however, I love.

What is so great about this Pinkalicous collection. Well the first is these are books that I would not have readily on my shelf. Some are from her "learn to read" pinkalicious books, which are actually good stories. The others are from her actual story book series but are not her first ones that we would already have.

Second. When the story ends the kids can't see the title page of the next one. This makes it easy to read one story and only one. My kids have a Dora collection story book and I always end up having to read the whole thing because when the story ends they can see what the next story is and of course beg for it. Now, I am all for reading to kids, but at bedtime when you only have time for one story and don't want to start a whine fest it is nice when they can't see what is coming next and can easily accept it is the end. So thank you book editor/designer for making it easy to close the book without tears. Yes, it is more paper, but it makes the transitions so much nicer and makes the stories feel complete and separate.

Third. How can you not like Pinkalicous. The flower girl story is my favourite and I love it. But the other stories help with problem solving, using your imagination, and being nice and supportive to one another. As always the illustrations are fantastic. If you don't like pink you might not like this book as much because there is a lot of it.

So, if you are going to take the plunge and get a story collection book that you aren't going to groan over or wish you never brought into you house, then I would recommend this one. It has fun stories, is easy to read, and it is easy just to read one story and not all of them. And since I recommend it, it must be good because, as I alluded to, I usually can't stand these all in one books.

My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises by Fredrik Backman

from goodreads

4 stars

I feel like I haven't been super branchy outy lately in my reading. If I read a book from a series I feel compelled to read the entire series right away (If the books have all been published and I actually liked the first book). This means that I am not getting much done on my to-read list for this year, which is fine. That list is more there for if I am stumped for what to read next. But still, it would be nice to tick off a few. It also means that I am not as far ahead on my book club reading as I would like to be. But, I am sure I'll manage.

Do you get like that with reading. Where you feel you can't read anything else until you read everything by that author or in a series?

Synopsis

Elsa is a 7-year old who is different and much more grown up than you would expect. Her best friend is her free-living grandmother. When her grandmother dies, she leaves Elsa a treasure hunt to figure out and more is revealed about the neighbours around her then Elsa realizes.

My Thoughts

This was such a delightfully fun read. When I loved A Man Called Ove so much I was nervous if I would like this one as much. I really shouldn't have been.

This book had enough happiness, sadness, quirkiness, mystery and lovingness that you couldn't help but love Elsa and her family. You want to envelope Elsa in a big hug and let her know things are going to be just fine and that she has people she can count on.

Sometimes the narrative got a bit lost when things got switched between the imaginary world that Elsa's grandmother created and the real world. You had to work at it to keep things straight, at least I did. And sometimes the imaginary world took over too much, it would have been nice just to get on with the story sometimes.

My other beef was, Elsa was only 7. How is it okay that she was running around by herself so much. I don't consider myself to be a helicopter parent, but there is no way I would be fine with my 7 year-old running around the city streets and being as independent as Elsa was. It just didn't seem realistic to me and kind of bothered me.

Those minor criticisms aside I thought this was a beautiful story of love, loss and forgiveness. You should definitely put this on your to read list. (Please note, I read the British version of this book, it is also known as My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry.)


 

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

from goodreads

5 stars

Do you ever feel like time flies by yet stands still. That is how I am feeling right now. I can't believe it is the end of March already, yet, I feel like I am not getting any closer to the end date of June 4 (my due date). I will never get there.

Not that I can complain. I am not large. I can still easily put on tie up shoes. I don't have horrendous heartburn. And, in general, my energy level is pretty good. I guess it is just the sense of impatience, of wanting to get on with life instead of being in holding mode.

Oh well, I guess I should take this time to be grateful I can still use both hands to hold a book instead of juggling a book and a feeding baby or not having to remember to download an audio book and fiddle with electronics. Now if I can only make a dent in my to read list before June I will be a happy camper.

Synopsis

The bards of the land tell tales of Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, but the princes of the story are only known as Prince Charming.

This is a book where we get to know the princes behind the tales. And, how happily ever afters aren't really what we expect. This is a tale of vengeful witches, bandits, dragons, giants and trolls. It is so much fun!

My Thoughts

This was such a fun book. It was a delight from beginning to end. Really, what's not to love? It had adventure and love and action and learning about yourself. Everything that belongs in a great tale. It was action packed and silly but not in corny or obvious ways.

I loved the personalities of each prince and princess. They were all unique and had qualities that they learned to appreciate in each other. Each character was well thought out and added so much to the stories. Even the secondary characters had a place and would have been missed if they were not in the story.

I loved the whole bard aspect of the book. What a novel approach. I also loved the illustrations by Todd Harris. They added so much to the book.

This is a tale you can just get lost in and love. I am excited to read the rest of the series. I think this would be a great book for ages 10 and up. It is just great, clean, good fun.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

from goodreads

4.5 stars

In life I think most of us try to be our genuine self. But there are times when we just plaster the smile on our face and fake it until we make it. That is not necessarily bad, but we need to have a safe place where we can be our genuine self. Whether that self is grumpy or sad or annoyingly happy it is important to have a time to express that.

In books it is exciting because you get to see the characters' genuine selves. If there is a faker we know it, and we usually know what their true self is as well. I think that is why some of the most beloved characters in literature, such as Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Bennet, and now Ove, are so well liked and treasured. They act as their true selves always. They act as they would always act no matter who is around or what is going on. They stay true to themselves.

What is one of your favourite characters that stay true to themselves?

Synopsis

Ove is a man who is set in his ways and some would say was grumpy and obstinate. Through the antics of crazy neighbours we learn of the love and loss of Ove and how one person can truly touch countless others.

My Thoughts

I could sum up this book in one word: delightful. Who knew that a tale of a man trying to end it all could be so lighthearted and fun.

This is a story that shows the magic of letting people enter your life, whether you let this happen willingly or not. It shows that love and pain that is in all relationships, new and old. This book shows that sometimes it is necessary to break out of our shell and sometimes we need to cling to what makes us us and not compromise our values.

The characters is this book were beautifully created and orchestrated. Ove, though thorny, is so lovable. You want so much good for him. And while some times you are like "It doesn't matter Ove, just let it go" you love him even more for being cantankerous. I love the hospital stuff. Hilarious! The rest of the cast of supporting characters are vastly different from each other but when put together works so well to support a funny and moving story.

I loved this story. There were times I was reading it and thought "Oh my gosh, Ove is my husband". That made reading it even more fun. It was like I was getting a glimpse into the future.

I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry, a book that will make you feel happy and fulfilled at the end, A Man Called Ove is your book.

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein

from goodreads

4 stars

Every time I read a book, whether I end up liking it or not, I am usually in awe of the author's imagination. It is amazing how every author comes up with a unique take on some aspect of life, or adventure, or creates a whole new world. The execution may not always be up to snuff, but the seed of greatness is always there.

That is probably why so many movies are made from book adaptations. The movie people see that seed and what to enhance it. Sometimes they do an excellent job. Sometimes not. There are times when I am reading a book and I say to myself, "I can't wait to see this as a movie". Or, you read a book and it plays in your mind as the movie. You can see it so clearly.

So thank you authors for putting your seeds of inspiration down on paper and giving us worlds and ideas we, ourselves, had not thought of. You open us to so much!

Synopsis

All over the U.S.A. complaints have been coming into Mr. Lemoncello that he didn't allow his last contest to be opened up to them. They want a chance to prove their library know-how. So here comes the library olympics, with the best of the best competing for supremacy and the hometown team feeling the need to prove themselves.

My Thoughts

I always get nervous with sequels, especially after the originals were so good. This did not disappoint. While I still liked the first book Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library a little bit more, this one was still right up there. There is enough of craziness, yet normalcy that would appeal to every reader. I love how he mentions books so that those reading are encouraged to check them out. And, it is fun! I want Mr. Lemoncello to build his next library in my city.

I also liked how this book addressed censorship and banned books. Though he didn't come out in a preachy way, he did express the idea that censorship of books is not a good thing. We should be able to have the right to choose for ourselves what books to read or not. Who is one person, or group of people, to say what book is good for me or not. Grabenstein introduces this idea if a fun way, that hopefully plants the seeds of anti-censorship into his young readers, or at least helps them start thinking about it and start a conversation about it.

As an adult reading it there were some plot points that seemed obvious and I guessed at. But, it was still a fun read and I know that the kids reading this book (10+) will love it!

The Rebecka Martinsson Series by Asa Larsson

 4 stars

About a year ago I picked up The Second Deadly Sin by Asa Larsson. I didn't know at the time that it was the latest in a series of books. That sometimes happens to me where I start reading a book and then realize later on that it is a book in a series, and it is not the first one. Sometimes it doesn't seem to matter if you read books out of order. Other series it totally does.

During the Christmas break I decided to read all of the books in Asa Larsson's Rebecka Martinson Series. Christmas isn't Christmas without murder and mayhem, right? Do you do that sometimes? Binge read a series that has been out for a while so you feel all caught up?

Synopsis

The series is set in northern Sweden, and when I looked at the map it actually is very northern, in the area surrounding Kiruna. The stories are centred around the character Rebecka Martinsson, a native of Kiruna, who had moved south, and is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life and the events that haunt her.

My Thoughts

This is a great series. While it may not be as dark, or as long, as some nordic crime novels, it is definitely a great series to whet your appetite for the genre.

None of the books are overly long or drawn out. This makes the pacing nice. Since I knew where the story arc was heading, since I had read the last published book in the series first, the stories and characters probably unfolded differently had I been going into it blind. I did enjoy learning the back story of the characters, not just Rebecka, but also Anna-Maria and Krister and Sivvig.

I love how Larsson really builds relationships and shows the characters' lives beyond their job. I love seeing Anna-Maria dealing with laundry and other household chores that make us all tick. I love seeing Rebecka outside the office. I like that there are friendships and relationships that seem real and that you get. You can tell that all the characters, even secondary ones, are well thought out. They could literally step right off the page and be totally believable people. They are definitely not flat.

Bad things happen in this series, and I appreciated that we got to see the emotional fallout from it. Rebecka is fragile yet strong and that is refreshing to see. In so many books things happen to characters which would make a normal person need therapy or something, but the therapy never happens they just keep on trudging through. Larsson didn't shy away from showing vulnerability.

The first book is not her best, but Larsson has definitely honed her craft throughout. It is such a great series. You should read them without delay.

Fairest of All by Sarah Mylnowski

from goodreads

4 stars

I have come to the conclusion that children are very inconsiderate. How was this conclusion decided upon? The stuffiness of and congestion of my head nose and sinuses. On the weekend Miss P was sick. She had a slight fever and was slightly congested. I was the person she decided she had to cuddle with all day. She was back to normal the next day. Monday rolls around and I am congested, can barely think and supremely irritable. And my thought was "doesn't she know this is the week that I need to organize some bins and tidy the mudroom?"

Now I know, you can always put off chores, but not these ones this week. I have already put off the mudroom since October and the bins are from last week. And my sister and her family are coming on Friday meaning 6 extra people in the house. So... these chores really can't be put off. No way, no how. Hopefully I will be less fuzzy tomorrow and can get to tackling these things before the masses descend. But, all I can think of is the inconsiderateness of Miss P, the germs she transferred to me (next time her dad can be her snuggle buddy) and the person that gave the germs to Miss P. Thanks for this cold which makes thinking hurt... how kind of you. NOT!

Synopsis

Abby and Jonah have just moved to a new town where things are different. Abby is having a hard time adjusting. Then one night Jonah and Abby get sucked through a mirror into the story of Snow White, which they manage to mess up and have to put right.

My Thoughts

This is the first of a series of books in the "Whatever After" series.

This was such a delight. I read this book out load to my older two and they loved it.

I thought that it was quite clever and showed the weirdness and timelessness of fairy tales perfectly. Mylnowski allowed Snow White to be someone who had ambitions and ideas. Snow White was definitely not going to be a girl who simply went a long with things just because it was her story. She wanted to write her own destiny which was quite cool.

We are all looking forward to continue the series. This is a perfect book for girl bonding moments.

Winter by Marissa Meyer

from goodreads

4 stars

So, this post was supposed to be done on Christmas Eve and totally wasn't. It seemed to be a pretty crammed day and I didn't even touch a computer until today. Our weekend didn't go as planned to do an unforeseen family circumstance, so it changed our Christmas plans slightly.

While I didn't get as much reading done as I would have liked I had a great Christmas and I am looking forward to a great New Year of reading and other fun things. The next big project is renovating part of our basement to become our new office and then our old office will become a bedroom for Miss G. We'll see how that goes.

I will do my best to do my regular Thursday post tomorrow. It might be a bit tight as we are going to watch Star Wars tomorrow morning! Very excited. But, if for some reason I don't get around to it, have a very Happy New Year!

Synopsis

This is the conclusion of the Lunar Chronicles Cinder and her friends infiltrate Luna in the hopes of bringing down the evil Queen Levana. This chapter of the Lunar Chronicles is loosely based off of Snow White.

My Thoughts

When it comes to an end of a series, especially one as fun and awesome as the Lunar Chronicles, either you will feel satisfied or you won't. There have been many endings where you are left feeling a bit jipped really and you feel a bit disappointed, or a lot disappointed. This was not the case at all with Winter. While it was not my favourite book of the series, I felt satisfied with how it ended. Everything got wrapped up in a way that made sense and stayed true to the series. It had romance, adventure, battles, deception, humour, the perfect blend of sci-fi and fairy tales. It was great!

The book is long. It is double the length of previous installments. The length came in part because of multiple/simultaneous story lines that caused some repetitiveness. It was helpful to help keep everything straight, but it did add to the length of the book. And we get it. Princess Winter is beautiful...you don't need to beat us over the head with it!

I found the last battle a bit drawn out and melodramatic. And, the fight was really intense and then just seemed to end which felt a bit anti-climatic.

I appreciated how well thought out the society of Luna was. It was interesting to learn of the different sectors and how things are labeled and what people do. This helped the characters become memorable and real.

My one other beef has nothing to do with the story it is more of the construction of the book. I get that 800+ pages is a lot of pages and that using normal paper would cause it to be super thick, but, the pages were almost too flimsy and I found it quite difficult sometimes to turn the pages as the paper would sometimes stick/turn together. I am not sure what they could do differently, but it was bit frustrating.

All in all, if you liked the rest of the series you will like Winter. While it is a bit more serious in tone there is still a playfulness that sets this series apart from all other dystopians. While it won't leave you in breathless awe it will not leave you disappointed. Now I think I will have to find the time and reread the series... I think I have my summer planned out!

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

from goodreads

5 stars

I am so excited for tomorrow! Yes, it is Christmas Eve. But that's not why I'm excited. My husband is off tomorrow so he can help the kids and I might be able to have some uninterrupted reading time in the morning. I love lazing in my nice, warm and comfy duvet in the morning just reading. I sure hope he isn't expecting a lazy morning... I think we might have to have a discussion tonight.

Synopsis

Christopher is an apprentice for an apothecary, Benedict Blackthorn. Apothecaries are being targeted by some cult. Christopher has to decipher clues in order to save the guild and stop these murders.

My Thoughts

What an awesome book! I read it in a day. I just could not put it down. It had suspense and intrigue and funny bits and puzzles. It was just great.

I will admit I went into the book with a bit of trepidation. This is the author's first book and it seemed to be heavily pushed and that combination does not guarantee a success, quite often it is hit and miss. This is definitely a hit.

I liked how he was able to incorporate historical detail without it feeling like a history book. He is able to create this great world without the reader feeling bogged down in details. You are learning, but you don't feel like you are learning.

He doesn't shy away from the brutality of life in the 1660s. He also doesn't shy away from the brutality of torture and murder, so if you are squeamish, this might not be the best fit for you.

Even though it is set in the 1660s, the characters are relatable and you would love them as your friend.

This is a great mystery and a great adventure. If you are looking for a last minute book for someone on your list pick this up. While anyone could read this book, this might be a good one to introduce to a preteen boy who might not be as interested in reading as you would like. The suggested age for this book is 10-14. I would think that the 10 year old would need to be a bit on the mature side and be able to handle some gore. Just love this book!

A Pirate's Night Before Christmas by Philip Yates Illustrated by Sebastia Serra

from goodreads

5 stars

I don't know what it is about pirates, but man they sure are fun. As soon as my kids' eye catch a pirate book they have to get it. Miss G even wants to make pirate gingerbread men for Santa because of the book The Gingerbread Pirates.

When you think about the history of pirates and what they were like in real life, they really weren't so fun. In fact, I would not want to encounter them or encourage my kids to learn of them and their ways.

I guess that what happens with the distance of time. Things, that in reality were quite horrible, become fun through nostalgia. We have the luxury of picking out the good things so we can have fun and casually ignore the horror.

So, thanks time. Modern pirate kid books will have a place on our shelves because of you.

Synopsis

It is the night before Christmas on the Sarrk and the pirates are waiting for Sir Peggedy. A great piratey take on the Clement C. Moore Poem, The Night Before Christmas.

My Thoughts

This was such a fun book. Like his other book, A Pirate's Twelve Days of Christmas, Yates does a great job of planting you into pirate's life and becoming one of the crew.

I love the pirate jargon, and Sir Peggedy. I love how Yates is able to keep true to the original yet make it completely his own. Serra's unique fun style of illustrations add life and vibrancy to the tale.

This is a great, fun, Christmas book that is definitely going to be a classic in our house.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

from goodreads

5 stars

Have you ever felt that there are so many books and so little time? My to read list keeps growing and growing. With so many interesting books being published ever day, plus the books that are already published that I haven't discovered yet, it seems like I will never read everything that I would like.

This past year I made a list of books I would like to read. I only have two left on my list, so I made it through. While it was a good method to get some books done, it felt a bit constricting because there were some other books that caught my eye and I wasn't sure if I should go for those books or keep to the list. Thanks to some awesome reading months, where I got so much done, I was usually able to do both. But not always.

This year I have decided not to have a set reading list. Instead I have a list of suggestions where if I don't know what to read I can read something from that list. I'm not going to feel rushed to read those books but I will never be stuck with the question what to read next. I'll see how that goes.

Synopsis

Alice is a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard. She has built a successful career and is a sought out lecturer. But when words start to go missing and she gets lost in areas of town she knows very well, she knows something else is going on, early onset Alzheimer's.

My Thoughts

What a simple, elegant, breathtaking story. I ended up reading it in a day. I could not put it down.

I thought it refreshing to see the disease of Alzheimer's from the perspective of the patient. I think it illuminates many aspects and deficiencies in the support for patients and the differences in opinions, limited trials and slow diagnosis that sometimes occur.

I liked how it showed how those with Alzheimer's get frustrated too. While sometimes they don't remember and so things aren't a big deal, there are times when they are lucid and know that something is not right, or want to have a say but not sure how to say it. Yes, it is frustrating for the caregivers too, but sometimes when we give people labels it is easier to take away what little humanity and dignity they have left by just doing everything for them, even decision making.

I really loved seeing the different relationships in Alice's life. Her disease brought her closer to one daughter, and really, closer to her family in general, as she is realizing that family is the most important thing, not the accolades of the world.

The relationship with her husband was at times hard to watch. Here is a man, who's work is everything to him. Yes, he loves his wife and family, but he feels that his work in cancer research is what he needs to focus everything on. When he stops having time to run with her because of his lab I wanted to slap in on the head. Pass the torch man, there are times and places for things and it was sad, yet understandable how he was putting his work first and wife second as that was his way of dealing with the devastating prognosis.

While I'm sure there is poetic liscense and it might not be 100% accurate for what the patients with Alzheimer's think and feel, I think this is a great book to help get rid of the stigma of Alzheimer's, especially the early onset of it, and to increase our empathy for those living with it and those in their family.

The only drawback to the book is that now any memory slip or lost word I have makes me think I have early onset Alzheimer's. I am a lot more paranoid about it now. Maybe that is a good thing?

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

from goodreads

4 stars

One of my book club friends is in a total reading slump. Even some of her go to authors haven't helped. How frustrating that must be.

I, on the other hand, seem to be on a reading high. Lately I have been reading some awesome books. The book I just finished yesterday I read in a day. I couldn't put it down. Poor Miss P probably felt neglected. Thank goodness for Peppa Pig compilations.

My fear now is that this high won't last and I will soon be in a slump! hopefully that won't happen, but you just never know.

Synopsis

Rose, a young American pilot, is caught by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbruck.

My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it is a companion/continuation of Code Name Verity, it could be its own stand alone book. You would not have to read Code Name Verity to understand the story.

I have read quite a lot about this time period and studied it in university. Yet, whenever I read a new book about this era it amazes me just how much more there was to WW II. It was all encompassing war and it seems that the Nazis were scattered in what they were trying to achieve. Instead of being focused on one way of achieving their goals they were spread all over the place trying tons of different things. I don't know if anyone could learn everything that went down back then in a life time. It overwhelms me.

Telling the story using "the rabbits" was an interesting angle. I know people know of the experimentation done in Auschwitz but I did not know about the experimentation in Ravensbruck. What horrible things to have happened to these women.

The cast of characters allowed for the portrayal of the various types of prisoners in the camps. Some of the situations or relationships were, perhaps, a bit contrived but it did allow for a broad overview of the camp and all the facets that went with it.  I would not call this the definitive work on Ravensbruck but it is definitely a great jumping off point to delve and gain an interest in this subject.

I like how this book was able to go beyond the war and showed the Nuremberg trials, and other tribunals, that went on to hold those people who did such gross things to humanity to account. That is one thing I think I would like to research more myself.

One character that I appreciated being included was Anna. She was a german prisoner who actually used to work at Ravensbruck and administered sedatives to the rabbits. Her character shows that there is a big grey area when it comes to the war. Some were all about inflicting pain and horror onto others. Some were merely trying to figure out how to survive themselves. Her character throws a wrench in the simplistic view of good and evil that is sometimes caste up on the German people when discussing this era of their history. It was not an all or nothing scenario.

Whenever I read stories like this, set in concentration camps, I always wonder to myself, what type of prisoner would I be? I would like to think I would be noble, and decent. But then, part of me things I might be like those prisoners who were kind of crazy and would grab food wherever they could and fight over a sock. For those who were able to keep part of their humanity I totally salute them.

This was a great and heart wrenching read. I think it was done very well. It was not over the top graphic, but it also didn't try to downplay the horrors. That is a balance that is hard to perfect, yet Wein did so. Definitely a must read.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

from goodreads

4 stars

Miss G is always inventing things. She has heaps of drawings and plans and goes through so much tape is is rather ridiculous. Some of her creations are pretty interesting. Often she runs to her room saying"I have a great idea for the best thing ever!"

What can be frustrating at times is when she needs help with her creation and she expects you to know exactly what she needs and wants. When you tell her you don't know what you want her to do, she does not always believe you and then gets mad when you tape something at the wrong spot. Or sometimes her plan does not always work out the way it did in her head... that can be frustrating too.

When I say this book on my library's main page I knew I had to get it out. It screamed Miss G because I had heard those words before.

Synopsis

A little girl along with her puppy assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing.

My Thoughts

This author totally got the little girl inventor thing down. The brilliant ideas, the thorough drawings, the many, many, many trials and the frustration when things weren't going quite as planned.

I liked how the author shows that many of the greatest things are created through the trial and error process and that you might not get it perfect the first time. I liked how methodical the process was. I liked how a cooling off period or walking away period is sometimes what is needed when you are stuck. I also liked how the author showed that while some of her models weren't good for what she wanted they worked for other people. Sometimes when we set out to create something we might create a thing we didn't expect but is useful for others.

The drawings were quite nice. They were simplistic yet exactly what this story needed.

This is a great book to encourage kids to solve their own problems, think things through and keep trying. I really enjoyed it.

The 13 Days of Halloween by Carol Greene Illustrated by Tim Raglin

from goodreads

4.5 stars

Well, Halloween is coming up this Saturday. I am still making some last minute tweaks to the kids costumes but for once I am feeling like we are ready.

Miss V is going to be Little Red Riding Hood. I made her a red and white tutu style skirt and a nice warm fleece hood and cape. Hopefully the cape will help her stay a little warm when they are out on Saturday. Halloween can be pretty chilly in Canada.

Miss G is going to be a ballerina witch cat, the last time I checked. Hopefully it all works out for her and she will be happy with the result.

With Miss P I totally thought we would have an extra year of putting her in whatever costume we wanted, but nope. She is determined to be a dinosaur/dragon. Luckily my friend has a dragon costume lying around and I think it will be perfect. Seriously, how did my 2.5 year old get so opinionated?!

I am looking forward to a nice quiet Halloween. Our neighbourhood is an older one so there aren't as many kids. Last year I think we got 15 kids at our door. So, it should be a nice time of reading and relaxing while my husband take our our kids and I wait for whoever drops by.

Yay for Halloween!

Synopsis

A nicely dressed, gentlemanly ghoul gives gifts to his friend.

My Thoughts

Well here is another book where they take a familiar song and change the words around to be a fun Halloween book.

I loved the illustrations and the toads. The toads were probably my favourite.

I loved how everything worked with the tune so we could all sing along. My kids liked seeing all the different gifts. Miss P especially liked the spiders and the worms. She also liked the lady's dresses. Every time we turned the page she would exclaim "ooh pretty dress". She likes her dresses, what can I say.

All of us were a bit disappointed at the end when we don't get to see what the gift is that the lady gives the the man. I tried to make it fun by saying "oh, we get to use our imaginations. What do you think she gave?" But the kids weren't buying it. My husband even exclaimed "Laaame!"'

This is a fun book that will definitely get you in the creepy and fun Halloween spirit. Happy Halloween!!