Tuesday, May 30, 2017

The Bestiary

The Bestiary is edited by Ann VanderMeer. A bestiary is a collection of descriptions of animals, usually fantastical ones. Bestiaries trace their origins to Ancient Greece, but rose to popularity in the Middle Ages. VanderMeer has drawn together quite a collection of authors to create entries for this little volume. The beasts are indeed fantastical, some hilariously so, and the illustrations are beautifully drawn. A wonderful way to fill a couple of hours of your time.

Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10.

A House at the Bottom of a Lake

A House at the Bottom of a Lake is by Josh Malerman. A creepy little novella about two teenagers on their first date who discover a house at the bottom of a lake. There are many creepy things about the house and it does not end the way you would think. I'm still contemplating the ending and what might happen next, and what the ending might mean for the characters. If you like creepy mysteries that aren't filled with gore, this little book might be for you.

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

Carmen

Carmen is by Prosper Merimee. The wonderful little novella upon which the opera "Carmen" is based. This is the story of a solider who descends into banditry due to the influence of the beautiful gypsy Carmen. Carmen loves Don Jose in the way only a gypsy can, and his jealously leads him into a great deal of trouble. If you loved the opera or the ballet, read the original classic.

Ratings: 10th grade - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Thursday, May 25, 2017

The Encyclopedia of Early Earth

The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is by Isabel Greenberg. A charming graphic novel relating the supposed-mythology of Early Earth. Many of these tales will sound eerily familiar, although the names have been amusingly changed. The tales are all linked by the plight of a storyteller who is traveling from the North Pole to the South Pole to find the missing piece of his soul, while being both aided and impeded by the gods. The stories are entertaining and the artwork is lovely.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

The Girl on Legare Street

The Girl on Legare Street is by Karen White. The second book in the Tradd House series. Melanie's long estranged mother has decided to move back to Charleston and buy the old family house she sold thirty years ago when she deserted Melanie and her father for a career in the opera. Of course, the family house is haunted and Melanie, Jack, and her friends must uncover an ancient family secret to pacify the family ghosts. Melanie's problems with Jack and an old flame, and her issues with her parents make things even more problematic. This series is a nice blend of Southern mystery and ghost story.

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Yvain: The Knight of the Lion

Yvain: The Knight of the Lion is by M.T. Anderson. This is a beautifully worked graphic novel retelling one of the more obscure of the Arthurian legends. Yvain goes off to seek adventure, kills a knight in a battle, marries his wife, and then leaves her to go on more adventures. This is one of the few legends in which strong women are main characters. The illustrations are exquisite. Boys and girls will enjoy this story.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Mooncop

Mooncop is by Tom Gauld. This is a charming science fiction graphic novel about the last policeman on the moon. The moon has been colonized, but everyone is leaving. The last police officer continues his patrols even though there is nothing really to do. The beautifully drawn graphics in the book really make you feel the extent of his aloneness and wonder about how we would deal with similar feelings. A quick, but thoughtful, little book.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Fup

Fup is by Jim Dodge. This short little novella is fantastic! This is the story of Grandaddy Jake, who believes the whiskey he brews keeps him immortal; Tiny, his grandson who comes to live with him after his mother's death; Lockjaw, a nasty old wild board; and Fup a mallard chick Tiny saves from Lockjaw and raises as part of the family. This story is laugh-out-loud funny, touching, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I can't recommend this novella strongly enough. It is definitely a Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read. READ THIS BOOK! Share it with all your friends.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - (P) profanity - AC (some mature thematic content).

The House on Tradd Street

The House on Tradd Street is by Karen White. The first book in the Tradd Street series. The story is set in Charleston, South Carolina, where family and status is all important. Melanie Middleton, is from an old Charleston family, but she is now working as a successful realtor. She also sees dead people. She unexpectedly inherits a run down mansion on historic Tradd street, complete with all its secrets and ghosts. Jack is a writer from another wealthy old Charleston family; he convinces Melanie he can help her solve the mystery surrounding her new home, but does he have ulterior motives. A quick and fun mystery with ghosts thrown in. If you like mysteries and ghosts this series will work for you.

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).