Sunday, September 24, 2017

Jackaby

Jackaby is by William Ritter. The first book in the Jackaby series. A charming fantasy series that the "Chicago Tribune" hales as a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The story takes place in New England in 1892, in the fictional town of New Fiddleham. Abigail Rook has recently arrived and desperately needs a job. She spots an advertisement for an assistant and proceeds to the home of R.F. Jackaby who investigates the "unexplained." Jackaby agrees to a trial period and Abigail finds herself helping him track down a supernatural serial killer. This is a wonderful series that is fast paced and action packed. You won't be able to wait for the next installment.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw is by Henry James. The classic tale of two children haunted by ghosts, and the devoted governess who tries to save them. This novella is a classic must read tale with an ending that is completely unexpected. If you love gothic ghost stories, then this is one you shouldn't miss.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.

Fluff My Life: I Hate Fairyland Volume 2

Fluff My Life: I Hate Fairyland Volume 2 is by Skottie Young. The story continues with Gertrude, who is now Queen of Fairyland, continuing her quest to find a way back home. Hijinx, of course, ensue and Fairyland itself may not survive her quest. A bloody and "bloody" funny series of graphic fantasy novels.

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

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Passing

Passing is by Nella Larsen. This historical fiction novella is the story of two acquaintances who chance to meet at a hotel in Chicago. Clare is so light skinned she is able to "pass" as white, and has married a racist white man who has no idea is wife is mixed race. Irene is also fair skinned enough to "pass" as white, but she has acknowledged her heritage and has married an African-American doctor and lives in Harlem. Both are wealthy, although, Clare's husband is very rich. Clare wants to spend time with her "people," but she can't risk her husband discovering her secret heritage. Irene finds herself swept into Clare's life, not entirely willingly, and both women must confront the truth of being African-American in the 1920s and the lies we tell ourselves to cope with life. A wonderful book and one that everyone should read.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - P (racial language of the time).

The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man

The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man is by James Weldon Johnson. The classic historical fiction story of a light skinned African-American who is able to "pass" as white. His mother is African-American, his father a well-to-do white man who will not acknowledge his mixed race child. The unnamed narrator describes his childhood in Connecticut, his brutal realization that he is "not white;" his decision to go South to college; and his later experiences in New York City. The story is moving and a powerful look at the African-American experience in America. This is definitely a book everyone should read.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content) - P (racial language is of the period).

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is by Frederick Douglass. The short, but poignant, autobiography of Douglass and his struggle from slave, to free man, to writer, to abolitionist leader. A must read for everyone, and a book you must read before you die.

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