Sunday, December 31, 2017

Parnassus on Wheels

Parnassus on Wheels is by Christopher Morley. A book lovers historical fiction novella set in the early 1900s. Roger Mifflin roams the country in a traveling book wagon he has named Parnassus. His goal is to convince everyone he meets of the importance of reading. When he decides to sell Parnassus to Miss Helen McGill, who buys Parnassus to make sure her brother doesn't, rollicking good times result. Helen discovers a woman can have adventures of her own and that books really can change people's lives. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Conference of Birds

The Conference of Birds is retold by Peter Sis. This book is based on a 12th century work by Persian poet Farid Ud-Din Attar. Sis has taken the epic poem and reworked in a beautifully illustrated story. The poem is an allegorical tale of a group of birds who band together to seek their true king, Simorgh, who lives on a distant mountain. The text is compelling and the artwork is simply gorgeous. A wonderful book for reader's of all ages.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

My Friend Dahmer

My Friend Dahmer is by Derf Backderf. Ok, this is creeeepy! A nonfiction graphic novel written by a high school classmate of serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer. Backderf manages to make you feel pity for Dahmer, while never excusing his horrendous crimes. The graphics are extremely well done and give you a real feel for what is happening. You will walk away from this book asking the same question Backderf asks, "where were the adults"? If someone had paid attention, would Dahmer's victims still be alive?

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

One

One is by Sarah Crossan. Wow, just wow! This is a fiction-in-verse novel about two co-joined twins, Grace and Tippi. A moving piece of realistic fiction that gives the reader an inside look at what it means to be an individual, what it means to love, and what it means to face adversity in life. This book will make you laugh; it will make you cry; most of all, it will make you feel. A must-read for all young readers.

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

Rain, Four Walks in English Weather

Rain, Four Walks in English Weather is by Melissa Harrison. A magnificent little nonfiction work! This is Harrison's account of four different walks she took in various parts of England in the rain. The four essays are short, but beautifully and descriptively written. A great example of beautiful nature writing; it will make you want to book a flight to England and pray for rain.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.

Bluebird Bluebird

Bluebird, Bluebird is by Attica Locke. Darren Matthews is an African American Texas Ranger. On suspension pending a grand jury decision, Darren is contacted by a friend at the FBI and asked to investigate two murders in a small town in East Texas. The bodies of a black man and a white woman have been found, and Darren must decide if race is a factor in the murders. But is anything in this case what it seems, can Darren solve the crimes and save himself in the process? An excellent work of multi-cultural crime fiction.

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

Friday, December 29, 2017

Yentl

Yentl is by Leah Napolin based on the short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer. This classic play is the story of a Jewish girl, Yentl, who wants to study the Torah, an activity forbidden to girls in Poland in the 1800s. After the death of her father, she sells everything, cuts her hair, disguises herself as a boy, and leaves town. She enrolls in school in a nearby town. There she falls in love with Avigdor, and decides to marry the girl he loves - because nothing can possibly go wrong with that.

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

The Tempest

The Tempest is by William Shakespeare. The classic play following the adventures of Prospero and his daughter Miranda who have been shipwrecked on an island with only the creature Caliban and the spirit Ariel for company. Prospero is the former Duke of Milan who was ousted by his brother Antonio with the help of the King of Naples, Alonso. Prospero is a magician and arranges for a ship carrying Antonio, Alonso, Alonso's son Ferdinand, and various others to be caught in a storm and shipwrecked on his island so he can seek his revenge and regain his dukedom. A classic tale of revenge, forgiveness, and love. This particular version of the play is perfect for students who have limited knowledge of the Bard' work.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe is by Douglas Adams. The second installment in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. This science fiction classic follows the continuing adventures of Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and the robot Marvin. The hapless crew finds themselves involved in a plot to meet the person who rules the universe, someone only Zaphod can find; and the quest for the ultimate question, the answer is 42, which Marvin informs Arthur he already knows - he does, and the hilarity of the question is worth the price of the book.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is by Douglas Adams. The first book in the series of the same name. This science fiction classic tells the story of Arthur Dent, who is rescued by Ford Prefect, from the destruction of Earth - the Vogon's needed an express route through the galaxy and Earth was in the way. Ford, an alien himself, is conducting research for a revised edition of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Dent and Ford find themselves traveling the galaxy in a space ship stolen by Zaphod Beeblebrox and his girlfriend, a fellow Earthling named Trillian. The is a must read farce for anyone who loves science fiction, skip the movie it sucks.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.

Luke Skywalker Can't Read: And Other Geeky Truths

Luke Skywalker Can't Read: And Other Geeky Truths is by Ryan Britt. A brilliantly written series of essays about everything science fiction and fantasy related. Britt discusses the important works of both genres and examines their effects on society. From Star Wars to Dr. Who; from Star Trek to Back to the Future; from Barbarella to Batman, Britt regales readers with thought provoking, and humorous, insights into our fascination with other worlds and the characters who inhabit them. A must read for lovers of both genres.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity).

The Duel

The Duel is by Giacomo Casanova. A re-working of the duel Casanova described in his memoir. It tells the tale of his trip to Eastern Europe and the duel he engages in after being insulted after a ballet. The novella is a look at society in the mid 1700s, and Casanova's travels in Europe and the social strata in which he moved.

Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

The Name of the Star

The Name of the Star is by Maureen Johnson. The first in the Shades of London fantasy series. Rory Deveaux has come from small town Louisiana to a boarding school in London. As she arrives, a series of murders begin which mirror the infamous Jack the Ripper murders of 100 years previous. While visiting a murder site near her school, Rory sees a man who might just be the killer; the problem is only she can see him. Rory has a unique, but previously unknown talent, she can see ghosts. Now she must work with a small group of others who share her "gift" to stop the new "Ripper" before he kills again.

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

Portrait in Black

Portrait in Black is by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts. A magnificent realistic fiction play about murder and guilt. A shipping tycoon has died, but was it a natural death or murder. The play centers around the tycoon's widow, his lawyer, his doctor, his daughter, and her boyfriend who is leading a labor strike against the shipping company. One murder leads to another, and the ending is marvelously vague. This drama is definitely worth a read, if you can't find a performance of it to attend.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Duel

The Duel is by Heinrich Von Kleist. This brilliant historical fiction novella is set in the Middle Ages. It is the tale of a noblewoman accused of sexual impropriety with a nobleman. This Count uses his alleged liaison as an alibi for his brother's murder. When Littegarde's friend demands trial by battle, an appeal to God's judgment on her guilt, the result is a stunning piece of realistic fiction where everyone gets what they deserve. A wonderfully engaging story of justice being served.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Horla

The Horla is by Guy De Maupassant. This magnificent little novella chronicles one man's descent into madness, or does it? The narrator claims he is being stalked by an invisible creature he calls "the Horla." De Maupassant wrote three versions of this realistic/historical fiction tale, all are contained the in edition published by "The Art of the Novella" series. All three are well worth the read and make a wonderful study in an author's process of revising his work.

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10.

Don't Go Away Mad

Don't Go Away Mad is by William Saroyan. A strange drama set in a hospital. The play revolves around patients in a hospital who all have chronic illnesses, which are never defined. These six men are struggling to find some meaning to their deaths, meaning they lacked in their lives. It is a powerful poignant, but challenging play.

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity).

Bartleby the Scrivener

Bartleby the Scrivener is by Herman Melville. Widely regarded as the beginning of modernism, this novella is the tale of a strange clerk. Bartleby copies legal documents, but refuses to complete tasks he "prefers" not to complete. It is a strange, yet compelling, tale and well worth the short amount of time needed to read it, which is much shorter than the time you will be thinking about it after reading it.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10.

Museum

Museum is by Rita Dove. An amazing collection of poetry by this prize-winning poet. A great introduction to her poetry, and a nice collection for poetry lovers in general.

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is by Tennessee Williams. Williams' famous drama about two brothers vying for their dying father's fortune. The play centers around Big Daddy who is dying of cancer. His two sons, and their wives, have come home to the plantation house to compete for their father's multi-million dollar inheritance. The play is filled with family drama, family secrets, and loads of sexual tension. A must-read play for those interested in the great works of the American theater.

Ratings: 12th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 is by Lauren Tarshis. A great introduction to historical fiction for younger readers. This is the story of the a young boy who survived the great white shark attacks off the Eastern seaboard in 1916. These attacks were the basis for "Jaws." Some of attacks occurred in a river, not in the ocean; this is the story of one of those attacks.

Ratings: 5th grade - 6 out of 10.

It Devours

It Devours is by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor. Another Welcome to Night Vale novel, this entertaining science fiction series is a delight for those who follow the "Welcome to Night Vale" podcast, but you don't need to follow the podcast to enjoy the book. Nilanjana is a scientist who works with Carlos, they are trying to investigate the pits that are appearing in the desert and are also destroying buildings and people in Night Vale. Nilanjana discovers a link between the phenomena and the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God; she befriends Darryl, one of its most ardent members, to get inside the church and find out what is going on - typical Night Vale hijinks ensue. Fans will be thrilled; this is also a great introduction to those new to Night Vale - be warned this podcast is highly addictive.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity).

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas Days: 12 Stories & 12 Feasts for 12 Days

Christmas Days: 12 Stories & 12 Feasts for 12 Days is by Jeanette Winterson. A collection of magical short stories all revolving around Christmas. Some of these selections are creepy ghost stories, "The Second Best Bed, "A Ghost Story;" others deal specifically with the special magic of the Christmas season "Spirit of Christmas" and "The SnowMama." They are all worth reading. The stories are interspersed with Winterson's remembrances of past Christmas celebrations and the food associated with each memory. Some of the recipes are definitely worth trying. A magical way to prepare yourself for a magical season. You can try reading one story of day, but will find it hard to stop at one.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Snow Child

The Snow Child is by Eowyn Ivey. A brilliant piece of historical fiction with touches of magical realism, this book is a real gem. Set in turn of the century Alaska, it is the story of a middle aged couple who moves to the Alaskan frontier after the death of their newborn child. Jack and Mabel drift apart as they struggle to carve out a farm in the forbidding environment of Alaska. Then one winter they make a "snow child" in the snow, and the next morning see a small child hiding in the forest. The story follows the evolution of their relationship with the mystical Faina, the daughter they never had, and their own struggles to restore their marriage. This is a touching and wonderful story. Alaska is every bit as much a character in this book as the human ones, a beautifully written tale of the power of love.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Picnic, Lightning

Picnic, Lightning is by Billy Collins. Collins is a wonderful poet, my favorite modern poet, after Mary Oliver of course. His poems are brilliantly written and a joy to read. If you are looking for an entrance point into modern poetry, you could hardly do better than this small collection.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Painted Queen

The Painted Queen is by Elizabeth Peters and Joan Hess. The final installment in the Amelia Peabody series of mysteries. This unfinished manuscript was completed by Ms. Hess after the death of Ms. Peters. Fans of this series of historical fiction mysteries set in Egypt will be sad the end has come. Amelia and Emerson are trying to track the down the original bust of Queen Nefertiti which has been stolen and is being copied by forgers, while being chased by a family of assassins. Another day in the life of the Emerson family. I love this series and am so sad to see it end. Amelia's snarky humor and the adventures of the Father of Curses, Sitt Hakim, the Brother of Demons and Nur Misur will be missed.

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence).

The Melting of Maggie Bean

The Melting of Maggie Bean is by Tricia Rayburn. Maggie is an overweight teenager who wants to become a member of the school synchronized swim team. She began gaining weight when her father lost is job and things at home began to be tense. She tries hard to loose weight and practice the routines with help from a friend; things of course, don't go as planned. A cute middle grade realistic fiction; a quick and easy read.

Ratings: 7th grade - 7 out of 10.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories

"The Yellow Wallpaper" and Other Stories" is by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. A wonderful book of realistic short stories from a woman's point of view. "The Yellow Wallpaper" is probably Gilman's most famous story a woman going mad. "Cottagette" is the story of a woman trying to convince a man to marry her. "Turned" is the story of a wife who discovers her husband has been unfaithful with a servant. The other stories are equally brilliantly written. A great introduction to the art of the short story.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (some mild adult content).

Monday, December 4, 2017

An Antic Disposition

An Antic Disposition is by Alan Gordon. This is the fifth in the Fool's Guild Mystery series. I admit I love this series. This particular installment is a retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet from the view of the Fool's Guild. Gordon manages to beautifully weave the play into the mythos of his Fool's Guild characters. This historical fiction mystery made me want to read Hamlet again. Fans of this series, of which I am one, will enjoy this installment.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Graphic Novel

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Graphic Novel is by Nel Yomtov. A wonderful introduction to Shakespeare's classic play. This graphic novel is beautifully drawn and well written; it is easy to read and faithful to the original. This would be a great way to introduce young readers to Shakespeare.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.