A Wall Across Your Mind

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis

Why did I read it?

I read this book for pretty much the same reason that I read The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Basically, its a book that once again had caught my eye, and I finally picked it up as part of my Master's class. Even though I didn't enjoy it as much as Hugo, it was still an interesting find.

What happened?

As you may have noticed, most of the books I've reviewed have been YA fiction. Alternately, this title is more of a non-fiction title. But, the artist (Peter Sis) is writing an autobiography of his own childhood through childlike pictures, so it is something of a story anyways. Through pictures and pretty simple text, Peter tells us about his childhood during the Cold War. He grew up on the Soviet side of the Iron Curtain in Czechoslavokia and was told what to think, what to do, and what to draw. Even though he lived behind the Iron Curtain, Peter's parents allowed him to draw anything he wanted to at home. This freedom kept him interested in what the government wouldn't let him see, think, or do. He couldn't draw enough, his hair could never be long enough (even though they would make him cut it), and he couldn't wait for something else. When things like "blue jeans" and "The Beatles" started to slowly slip through the Iron Curtain, Peter knew what kind of freedom he really wanted.

What did I like or not like?

Even though this isn't a book I would normally read, it was really cool. The pictures are reminiscent of childhood, but have a very muted color pallot which seems to symbolize the kind of childhood he led. The story itself is also interesting and informative. In a very short book, Peter gives us an excellent idea of what growing up behind the Iron Curtain would have been like.

Picture Book, Movie, or Novel?

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Why did I read it?

This is a book that has caught my eye for a couple years now. I heard it was a combination of text and pictures to tell the story, but I never found the time to read it. So, when one of my Master's classes required me to read all the Caldecott Medal winners from 1990-2009, I got to read it (it won the medal in 2008).

What happened?

Hugo works on the clocks at a Paris train station, without anyone realizing it is him. Technically, it is his drunken uncle who is supposed to be keeping the clocks ticking, but his uncle disappeared a while back. So, now its just Hugo, and the automaton that belonged to his father. Several years before, Hugo's father died in an accidental museum fire, and Hugo believes his father has left him a message in the automaton. Striving to get the automaton working again, Hugo steals from an old toy maker, who eventually catches him and takes the notebook that he was using to rebuild the automaton. Why did the old man want the notebook? Is there more to this old toy maker than Hugo knows?

What did I like or not like?

This was a fascinating book to read. In addition to mixing text and pictures, it also had elements of a graphic novel, picture book, novel, and a black and white movie. Apart from the interesting way it is written, the story itself is an interesting examination of dreams, purpose, film, magic, and family. I really enjoyed it!

Ever Find Yourself Listening to Music Online?

Anybody use Pandora or Grooveshark when they need to hear a song or fill the room with tunes? Well, as I checked my email yesterday (seems my email is full of useful info) I came across Turntable, and I thought it was an interesting idea.
In essence, its a social media format built around listening to music. You can create a "room" or join a room where DJ avatars are mixing music. You can vote the song that is playing up or down, and you can also join the action by taking your turn as a digital DJ. While you listen, you can also chat with the other listeners in the room via a chat box.
Most of the time I don't quite have the time to listen to music online. But, I thought this idea would be super fun with a group of friends, or to connect with people that you normally wouldn't be able to listen to music with.
If you want more information on Turntable, check out this NPR article.

My Dad...The Rat

Beige by Cecil Castellucci

Why did I read it?

I'm a sucker for an interesting cover. I've wondered by this book many times on the shelves, so I figured I'd read it and see what it was about.

What happened?

Katy and her mom are a tight team. Her dad lives in Los Angeles, and hasn't been in the picture since she was a little girl. But, Katy is in for a bummer of a two weeks when her mom goes to Machu Picchu and sends her to spend the time with her dad. As if it isn't bad enough that her mom went to an archeological dig without her, Katy and her dad have absolutely nothing in common. He's a loud, ex-drug addict who is trying to make another go at being a drummer with his band Suck, and she is quiet, loves silence, and can't stand his brand of music. To add insult to injury, The Rat (her dad) has bribed an aspiring musician to "hang out" with her for the two weeks, and she and Lake (the bribee) have absolutely nothing in common either.

What did I like or not like?

As music plays a huge part in the story, each chapter has the title of a different rock song, which is pretty cool. The story and motivations also seem very realistic. The point of the book is finding your own personal voice and story, and it takes her polar-opposite dad to break that to Katy. Even though the story is not a feel-good type of story, I enjoyed it. P.S. For those who would like to know, there are some cuss words in here.

Does Beta Mean Under Construction?

Howdy everyone.
So a resource that I haven't mentioned yet is our new Community Library Network website. We launched the website last month, and we're still working on it. Part of that process is figuring out what you think about it.
Do you like the way it is set up? Can you find what you are looking for? Do you like the colors?
This new website has all of the features from our previous website, just a little reorganized and repackaged. We have a list of databases you can access for free under On-Line Resources, a list of our network's social media under Social Networking, and book lists and information under Good Reads. There is information on each library's programs and events, and you can access your account and our catalog as well.
Take a look at it and let me know what you think :)