Midwinterblood: Lovers Back Through Time

Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick

Why did I read it?

One of my coworkers read it as it won The Printz Award, and even though she wasn't sure what she thought about it, she said it was definitely worth reading.

What happened?

While the island was called Blessed, and the kindness and hospitality of the island dwellers seems to support that name, Eric Seven's natural journalistic curiosity was definitely aroused with this assignment.

First there are the rumors that no one on the island has aged in years. Secondly there is the fact that the island produces many medical remedies that no one can quite explain. Then there is the reality that Eric doesn't seem to notice his curiosity anymore. He is more enthralled with a young woman on the island that he has never met before, and yet, has...Merle...who is she?

So begins a novel sweeping backwards through history. Tragedy in the present seems to relate to similar events in the past. Events in one time relate to and effect another. Two lovers, Eric and Merle, call, long, and reach for each other through time.  

What did I like or not like?

This novel is divided into seven parts; each one set in a different time period. It begins in the future, and then each part travels further back into the past. Each time a new period is introduced, we are offered another look at the characters, and given more revelations of their story throughout time. This unique writing structure kept me turning the pages wondering what pieces of the first story would be revealed and explained in the past. 

Even though the book was well-written, had an interesting writing structure, and felt like a fairy tale mixed with poetry, it wasn't one of my favorites. I don't think it was a particular element in the book that turned me off; it apparently just wasn't my particular cup of tea. That notwithstanding, my coworker was right; it was definitely worth reading =D

The Phantom Toolbooth: An Oldie-But-A-Goodie

The Phantom Toolbooth by Norton Juster
with illustrations by Jules Feiffer

Why did I read it?

Because a friend told me to lol.

What happened?

Milo is a kid who doesn't know what to do with himself...ever. He comments, "there's nothing for me to do, nowhere I'd care to go, and hardly anything worth seeing." That is, until a magical toolbooth appears in his room, and takes him to the Lands Beyond and the Kingdom of Knowledge.

As it turns out, these lands have become troubled of late. In the golden age of the Kingdom of Knowledge, a wise king fought back the demons of ignorance and set up a glorious kingdom...but it wasn't to last. His two sons, King Azaz of Dictionopolis and the Mathemagician of Digitopolis, constantly bickered over the superiority of words or numbers. They eventually banished their step-sisters, Rhyme and Reason, and the kingdom quickly fell into disrepair, disorder, and chaos.

For instance, some of the inhabitants never took the time to look around, so their town slowly vanished without them even noticing..another group had fallen into absolute silence because they could no longer appreciate beautiful sounds...and some miners only ate when they're full and didn't stop until they were hungry...

But, there might be hope for the Kingdom of Knowledge. A newly curious boy from another world, a faithful and literal watchdog (a dog with a watch for a body), and an adult-sized Humbug are struggling and bungling their way through this broken world...and they don't seem to know any better than to save the world by turning it right-side up again.

What did I like or not like?

This book is the definition of an oldie-but-a-goodie. The book was first published in 1961, but its metaphorical lessons on not taking things for granted, learning as a noble pursuit, and putting importance on what is actually important will resonate with readers of all ages.

As the synopsis hints at, this book is full of pithy sayings, anthropomorphic concepts, and fantastic puns, and it's way too much fun to read. If you haven't read this book before, stop what you are doing and start reading it right now. If you have read it before, stop what you are doing and read it again =D
 

The Water Nymph: A Local Author's Original Fantasy

The Water Nymph by Alysun Sanders

Why did I read it?

When Alysun finished her first book, Talli's Tale, she was able to swing by the library to talk about it. So when she finished her second book, I was really excited when she contacted me again. We're looking forward to chatting with her this Saturday, January 19th, from 2-4pm.

What happened?

Cort Edson would rather not deal with the deaths of his father and brother. He's been keeping to himself and doing just fine for the past couple of years, and he simply wishes everyone would leave well-enough alone. But, most people can't, including his mother, who plans a spontaneous trip to Greece for a family vacation.

Little does Cort know that this harmless trip to Greece will change the entire course of his life, and force him to confront the deaths of his loved ones again. While swimming in one of the lakes his Mom wants to check out, Cort is nearly drowned by a mysterious woman. Not able to figure out if the beautiful stranger was dream or reality, Cort is even more confused when she shows up at his high school.

Things take a turn for the very strange when another beautiful girl named Seffie shows up around the same time with secrets of her own. After being pursued for a full day, Seffie confides in Cort that she isn't your typical high school student. In fact, she let's Cort know that the very fate of Heaven depends on Cort protecting her from her husband.

What did I like or not like?

While I started the book to know more about it before Alysun joins us this Saturday, I finished it because it totally sucked me in. The numbness that pervades Cort's life is turned upside down by the extraordinary women that burst into it, and the resulting story is really interesting.

Alysun has also skillfully combined elements from Christian beliefs, Greek mythology, and several other influences into an original, unique fantasy story. In addition to skillfully blending these ideas, Alysun has also continued to improve her skills as  an author and storyteller.

After reading the book, I'm even more excited about Alysun's talk this Saturday, and the sequel to The Water Nymph.

Daybreak and Broxo: Some Zombie Stories

Daybreak by Brian Ralph and Broxo by Zack Giallongo

Why did I read it?

Daybreak: I referenced this book in my Teen Literature class for my Master's in Information and Library Science.
Broxo: It was an advanced reader copy that looked interesting.

What happened?

Daybreak: Your eyes snap open and you see a one-armed man walking toward you. He mentions that you don't want to be out in the open when night falls, so you follow him. After grabbing some food and meeting his dog, you settle in for the night. But sleep won't be easy with a horde of the undead outside...nor will surviving...

Broxo: Princess Zora has traveled way too long for her quest to be this pointless! Hoping to open negotiations with one of her fellow tribes, Zora had traveled for many months only to find the supposed home of the clan abandoned. All she finds instead is a lone warrior named Broxo, who has become accustomed to the harsh landscape and random undead that make life interesting. Even though Broxo doesn't seem to mind, Zora can't rest until she finds out what happened to the missing clan, and the real secret behind these monsters.

What did I like or not like?

You might be wondering why I put 2 reviews into 1 post this week. First of all, I'm taking a break for the holidays, so I figured I'd give you 2 books to try and hold you over lol.

The other reason was even though I heartily enjoyed both books, there wasn't a whole lot to make a review out of. The stories aren't too long, so I didn't want to give too much of the plot away.

But here are some things I can tell you. Both are graphic novels, and both include the undead, but that is really the only similarity between them. Daybreak is first person perspective (in a graphic novel which is cool), and Broxo is third person. Daybreak is more realistic fiction/sci-fi, and Broxo is more fantasy. Daybreak has a very limited color palette, and Broxo has a very lively color palette.

You know how sometimes you read a book and it wasn't necessarily heart-wrenching, hilarious, thought-provoking, or amazing, but was still enjoyable to read and worth your time? That is how I would categorize these 2 titles.

Let me know what you think when you read them, and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sailor Twain: A Woman's Scorn...

Sailor Twain (or The Mermaid in the Hudson) by Mark Siegel

Why did I read it?

There are two reasons that I picked this book up. First, I am apparently on a Romance reading spree (Every Day, Forever..., and Amiri & Odette: A Love Story are the last books I've read lol).

Secondly, while flipping through the work, I found that it featured a topless mermaid. I wanted to ensure that it wasn't gratuitous before I put it onto our young adult shelves.

What happened?

Twain is the captain of a steamboat on the Hudson River near Victorian era New York City. Some days he thinks he is the only one that keeps the wonderful ship afloat. The owner, a French noblemen is bedding every woman that comes aboard, and the engineer was involved in a mysterious explosion on his last expedition.

But Twain's dedication to his ship lessens dramatically when he rescues a wounded mermaid and slowly falls in love with her. Sharing his own personal stories and reading fantastical tales with the creature, Twain makes her promise that she will never sing to him. But Twain's devotion to his ship isn't the only thing affected by his love for the mermaid. He also begins to neglect his crippled wife who he used to visit every weekend...

As the mermaid begins to consume Twain's every waking thought, he can't help but wonder where she came from, and who wounded her in the first place. This search will ultimately lead to a terrible choice that begs question of the difference between love and obsession, selflessness and selfishness, and supernatural forces.

What did I like or not like?

This graphic novel actually began as a serialized webcomic drawn in charcoal. The illustrations are simple, being only black and white, but that aspect keeps them powerful and mysterious.

In addition to fascinating illustrations, the story of love, danger, and consequences is really engrossing and I know that I blazed right through it. But I have to admit that I had to contemplate the ending a little bit to make it make sense to me.

Concerning the topless mermaid issue, pretty much every illustration shows her absolutely bare-chested. While I completely understand if this turns you off from the novel, I think I understand the reason behind it. Siegel was trying to write an original novel based on mythology. Traditionally speaking, mermaids have been drawn topless, and it seems he was trying to remain true to that aspect of the mythos.

So I can't say the toplessness is gratuitous as there is quite a bit of precedent there, but I think it should play a part in whether or not you decide to read the story.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns: Why Did God Choose Me?

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Why did I read it?

Because Nick is a fan of the required reading list for my Young Adult Literature class :)

What happened?

Elisa always imagined her older sister, Alodia, would be married first. She was the older, more beautiful princess, and had a knack for playing the games that came with royalty and politics. So, imagine Elisa's surprise when she is very quickly and quietly married to their ally, King Alejandro de Vega. Thinking this rushed ceremony strange, Elisa's suspicions are confirmed when her sister warns her to trust no one, and her husband tells her she was relocated to protect her.

Could it have something to do with the godstone in her navel, the symbol that she is the chosen of God, designed for some divine purpose? While she has never been sure how God could have chosen her, overweight and useless, her questions only multiply when she is kidnapped by desert dwellers who have their own plans for her, and their own ideas about the will of God.

What did I like or not like?

This story grabbed me from the beginning. Elisa's voice is so truthful and unsure, that you feel everything that she feels. Then, as the novel progresses, you applaud as Elisa finds the strength and faith that she needs to save her new country. While this is Carson's first novel, the plot is tight, the characters are interesting, the stakes are high, and it kept me guessing to the end.

Is Escape Possible?

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Why did I read it?
Its funny how I pick books sometimes. Basically, the sequel to Incarceron came out recently, showed up on my shelf and it sounded really interesting. But, I don't like to jump into the middle of the series, so I decided to read the first installment.
What happened?
Finn lives in Incarceron, a living prison that constantly watches, controls, and intimidates its inmates. As there is safety in numbers, Finn is part of a Scum band that raids other prisoners. But, Finn doesn't think of himself as a prisoner or as a member of the band. He has a special tattoo on his wrist and visions of "Outside." He assumes that he was born outside and cast into Incarceron, even though everyone thinks he's crazy. Armed with his visions and a Key, Finn seeks Escape.
Claudia is the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron. There are two things she knows; her father is the only man alive who knows the location of Incarceron, and she will be married to the heir to the throne, a long-held tradition. But, Claudia doesn't want to marry the current heir to the throne. He's an arrogant, self-righteous jerk and she can't stand him. Marrying the heir wasn't going to be too bad when it was Giles, but he mysteriously died several years earlier. Even though she is told it was an accident, she can't help but wonder if their is something darker going on at court.
What did I like or not like?
This is just a well-written book. The two complimenting storylines keeps things moving quickly, and the idea of a living prison is a scary and fascinating idea. I haven't quite finished the book yet, but I can't wait to see how it ends.

The Empire State Building=Mount Olympus?

Should I start this blog post with a question? Or should I just say good morning again? I love stuff like that. You kill two birds with one stone, make the beginning of the blog post a little bit more interesting, and still get to say good morning.

Anyways, I read a book this week that probably all of you have heard about, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Obviously, this is the first book in the series, Percy Jackson & The Olympians, and I had a really good time with it. I enjoy a good fantasy novel, the book is hugely popular among our patrons so it can’t hurt to read it, and Greek gods have always interested me. It’s fascinating to look at what other cultures believed about the metaphysical and why we are all here.

Go back to your high school classes and remember all of the Greek gods, heroes, and monsters you know of. Remember all of the ones that died, all of the ones that couldn’t resist that simple beauty, and all of the ones that tried to cause havoc for their sibling or close relative. Now imagine that all of these gods and monsters still exist in our world today, and Mount Olympus is actually on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building!

Welcome to the world of Percy Jackson, a half-blood son of one of the gods (I’d tell you which one, but he is actually “undetermined” for a portion of the book, and I wouldn’t want to give it away). Percy always had a problem with ADHD and dyslexia, and one day during a field trip (after one of his teachers turns out to be a monster sent from Hades) his best friend (who is actually a satyr) drops the news on him; you’re a demi-god and the gods are trying to kill you.

So begins the quest of Percy Jackson; accused of stealing Zeus’ master bolt and given only 10 days to return it until the big three (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) start an all out war among the gods! The book starts with an attack by a Fury, and Percy runs into many other mythical monsters, gods and heroes such as Ares, Medusa, Dionysus, Hades, Chiron (trainer of heroes), the Fates, the Furies, and countless other mythology references. The characters of the gods are similar to their forms in Greek mythology, and the modern setting makes it so interesting (what happens when a monster attacks with modern mortals watching?) Finally, a key question throughout the book is whether or not Percy has a choice in his destiny: is he just a god’s mistake, a pawn in their schemes, or is he his own person? The question is posed in this book, and I’m sure it will come into play again in the later books of this series…

A long, long time ago...

Haven’t blogged you guys in a while. How’s it been going?

I’ll get into what I’ve been doing for the past couple of weeks in my weekly update on Friday, but for now, how bout we do some Book Blurting? This week’s book is from a local author named Alysun Sanders, and the title is Talli’s Tale. Alysun will actually be joining us at the Hayden Library on Friday, October 15 from 6:30-7:30pm, so I figured I would read her book before she came down.

The prelude of the book describes six siblings who peacefully ruled the world thousands of years ago. They were called the Rules of Unity, and each of the six children ruled one of the six continents (Antarctica, was a place of banishment). These children had a loving father, and their father had three advisors. Greedy for power, one of his advisors planned to take his place on the throne, and would have succeeded if another advisor hadn’t warned the king. Banishing the evil advisor proved disastrous as the advisor’s sister, who served the king herself, turned on the king when she found her brother dead. She cast a spell of hatred on the six siblings and forced them to separate. The only hope for a united world again was the spell that the loyal advisor cast to counter the sorceress’s incantation. She prophesied that a hero would be born who would unite the siblings once again.

The story then jumps forward several thousand years to Talli Curran. For the rest of the book, we watch Talli grow from a newborn baby through her college years. After her parents are murdered, Talli is left in the care of her adopted Uncle Arnaud. He tells her the story of the Rulers of Unity, and Talli believes that the tale is real. Although she believes the legend, she can never imagine her own part in it. When tragedy strikes, Talli has to decide if she actually believes the story, and what she is going to do with that knowledge.

As it turns out, this book is only the beginning of the story. It largely deals with Talli’s years growing up, and doesn’t concern itself a whole lot with the Rulers of Unity. But, there is still plenty of story left to tell. Alysun started writing this tale when she was fourteen, finished the novel in her sophomore year, and immediately started writing the sequel. Alysun is turning twenty only two days before she comes over to the library, and I’m excited to hear what she has to say about Talli’s Tale and her next book.