Caldecott Award winner
The house in the night / written by Susan Marie Swanson and illustrated by Beth Krommes
A timeless good-night book for the very young, inspired by the pattern of the traditional poem, "This is the key of the kingdom”. What a lovely bedtime book, the illustrations were really amazing and I love the use of color (yellow) to highlight something in the darkness.
(Theodor Seuss) Geisel Award Winner
Are you ready to play outside? / by Mo Willems
Elephant and Piggy adventure. This adorable reader have to deal with a rainy day which at first seems like they won't have any fun but then becomes more fun than a sunny one. Mo Willems is excellent as always - he really knows the voice of preschoolers.
Newberry Award Winner
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The story begins with a man named Jack who has just murdered 3 people and is looking for the 4th, a just walking toddler who escapes to the graveyard at the top of the hill. The ghosts of the graveyard protect the boy and name him Nobody Owens. Bod grows to be an unusual boy who is the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade. But when he tries to not stand out in the real world he finds it more difficult than he thinks it will be. Plus he is determined to find out who murdered his family.
Gaiman has this way of telling a story that is part horrific yet draws you in to find out the ending. I listened to this on CD and it was told by Gaiman and he did an excellent job telling the story. I liked the music as well as it has this folk like touch.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options.
Told in diary entries we see the shock and fear that develop when the world seems like it is coming to an end. Is there hope or even a chance of life going back to normal? Who knows? How would you react if the same situation? Would it be only yourself first or would you help others? This book really makes you think about what would happen if I was in her place? What really matters is one keeps their humanity yet still survive.
I had read about this book before and found the story really intriguing. Because of the diary entries the fear and horror of death is distant but yet it is there on the edge creeping in. This is for both teens and adults as it is something that could be our future.
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options.
Told in diary entries we see the shock and fear that develop when the world seems like it is coming to an end. Is there hope or even a chance of life going back to normal? Who knows? How would you react if the same situation? Would it be only yourself first or would you help others? This book really makes you think about what would happen if I was in her place? What really matters is one keeps their humanity yet still survive.
I had read about this book before and found the story really intriguing. Because of the diary entries the fear and horror of death is distant but yet it is there on the edge creeping in. This is for both teens and adults as it is something that could be our future.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Whose body? by Dorothy L. Sayers
When Lord Peter Wimsey is called in by Her Grace the Dowager Duchess (AKA Mother) to help extricate the timid Mr. Thipps from a case of body in the bathtub he finds himself embroiled in for far more than he has bargained. For one thing, the church architect's excess body, naked except for a Gold pince-nez, appears to be inexplicable. When it turns out that Sir Reuben Levy, an important financier is missing, the police become convinced that the body is that of Levy, and seize Thipps and the maid as the guilty party, despite all evidence to the contrary. Now Wimsey must work quickly with his friend Inspector Parker to solve both crimes and save both Thipps and the leaking church roof.
Accompanying Lord Peter is his most excellent manservant Bunter, who served with him in the war and has become a loyal and true companion. Bunter is the straight man for many of Wimsey's quips and quotes, but has a wry wit of his own, and is probably the first forensic photographer in detective fiction. Lord Peter's other aide in this and ensuing tales is Inspector Parker who is of the same age and equally bright in his own right.
This was the first book to introduce Lord Peter Wimsey and it is very different that than the later books. But is interesting to see just a taste of his character and know what he will become. The ending is a bit strange and really you could have no clue as to the outcome. I listened to this on CD and it was very well done.
When Lord Peter Wimsey is called in by Her Grace the Dowager Duchess (AKA Mother) to help extricate the timid Mr. Thipps from a case of body in the bathtub he finds himself embroiled in for far more than he has bargained. For one thing, the church architect's excess body, naked except for a Gold pince-nez, appears to be inexplicable. When it turns out that Sir Reuben Levy, an important financier is missing, the police become convinced that the body is that of Levy, and seize Thipps and the maid as the guilty party, despite all evidence to the contrary. Now Wimsey must work quickly with his friend Inspector Parker to solve both crimes and save both Thipps and the leaking church roof.
Accompanying Lord Peter is his most excellent manservant Bunter, who served with him in the war and has become a loyal and true companion. Bunter is the straight man for many of Wimsey's quips and quotes, but has a wry wit of his own, and is probably the first forensic photographer in detective fiction. Lord Peter's other aide in this and ensuing tales is Inspector Parker who is of the same age and equally bright in his own right.
This was the first book to introduce Lord Peter Wimsey and it is very different that than the later books. But is interesting to see just a taste of his character and know what he will become. The ending is a bit strange and really you could have no clue as to the outcome. I listened to this on CD and it was very well done.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Vanishing act by Thomas Perry
Jane Whitefield is half Native American and is in the business of helping people disappear. She has spent the last ten years of her life hiding people with the full knowledge that if they can disappear, without leaving a trail, and stay hidden for two or three months, the chance of ever being found drops considerably. Her clients run the gamut from wives escaping spousal abuse to informants escaping the mob -- all innocent people who cannot be suitably protected without some kind of help. Jane is considered a "guide". She guides people out of their fragile situations with the aid of her network of willing accomplices who help her with new identifications and transport for these runaways.
Now an alleged new victim has invaded Jane's upstate New York house: John Felker claims that he's a cop-turned-accountant, is being framed as an embezzler and has a contract out on his life. Almost immediately, the men chasing Felker appear, and Jane leads him to Oregan so he can build a new life. But as they go along she introduces him to people who help her hide people and tells him more than she should. After he seems to have left for his new life she quickly discovers that John is not who he says he was and people are starting to die, people she led him to. Now she must hunt him down before he kills her.
This book had many flaws as Jane seems too trusting of John for someone who helps people disappear. But the time period is in the mid-1990's before everyone had computers and it took a lot more effort to establish someones identity. I did find the connection she feels for her native american side as she has to look inside herself for the strength to finish the job.
I would definitely read more as I know that this series has more and I'm curious how it has developed.
Jane Whitefield is half Native American and is in the business of helping people disappear. She has spent the last ten years of her life hiding people with the full knowledge that if they can disappear, without leaving a trail, and stay hidden for two or three months, the chance of ever being found drops considerably. Her clients run the gamut from wives escaping spousal abuse to informants escaping the mob -- all innocent people who cannot be suitably protected without some kind of help. Jane is considered a "guide". She guides people out of their fragile situations with the aid of her network of willing accomplices who help her with new identifications and transport for these runaways.
Now an alleged new victim has invaded Jane's upstate New York house: John Felker claims that he's a cop-turned-accountant, is being framed as an embezzler and has a contract out on his life. Almost immediately, the men chasing Felker appear, and Jane leads him to Oregan so he can build a new life. But as they go along she introduces him to people who help her hide people and tells him more than she should. After he seems to have left for his new life she quickly discovers that John is not who he says he was and people are starting to die, people she led him to. Now she must hunt him down before he kills her.
This book had many flaws as Jane seems too trusting of John for someone who helps people disappear. But the time period is in the mid-1990's before everyone had computers and it took a lot more effort to establish someones identity. I did find the connection she feels for her native american side as she has to look inside herself for the strength to finish the job.
I would definitely read more as I know that this series has more and I'm curious how it has developed.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Second Sight by Amanda Quick (aka Janye Ann Krentz)
#1 in the Arcane Society series
Photographer Venetia Milton considers herself a spinster in Victorian London. Economically strapped, she's also the sole support of her aunt and younger siblings. Things start to look up when she is chosen to photograph a collection of artifacts belonging to the Arcane Society, a 200-year-old clandestine organization founded by an alchemist. The collection is housed in an isolated gothic mansion, and Venetia finds herself there in the company of handsome and mysterious Gabriel Jones. Deciding that it's now or never for love, Venetia seduces him, only to lose the man of her dreams in a fire set by an unknown enemy.Venetia resourcefully moves on, opening a portrait shop and assuming the persona of Gabriel's grieving widow. Venetia, now the talented photographer, Mrs. Jones, has becomes the toast of London, when her dead husband shows up her doorstep very much alive. Now she has to figure out how to adapt herself to this latest turn of events.
As usual Amanda Quick (aka Janye Ann Krentz) is great at merging suspense, romance and some good old fashioned paranormal in the mix for a fun historical romance novel.
I'm more found of her more science fiction romance books she writes under the name Jayne Castle but I had heard about this series so thought I would give it a try. Of course it seemed familiar as I realized I had read it just over 2 years ago right before I moved back to Phoenix. But I read it again anyway, just to freshen my memory. She is a fun and easy read.
#1 in the Arcane Society series
Photographer Venetia Milton considers herself a spinster in Victorian London. Economically strapped, she's also the sole support of her aunt and younger siblings. Things start to look up when she is chosen to photograph a collection of artifacts belonging to the Arcane Society, a 200-year-old clandestine organization founded by an alchemist. The collection is housed in an isolated gothic mansion, and Venetia finds herself there in the company of handsome and mysterious Gabriel Jones. Deciding that it's now or never for love, Venetia seduces him, only to lose the man of her dreams in a fire set by an unknown enemy.Venetia resourcefully moves on, opening a portrait shop and assuming the persona of Gabriel's grieving widow. Venetia, now the talented photographer, Mrs. Jones, has becomes the toast of London, when her dead husband shows up her doorstep very much alive. Now she has to figure out how to adapt herself to this latest turn of events.
As usual Amanda Quick (aka Janye Ann Krentz) is great at merging suspense, romance and some good old fashioned paranormal in the mix for a fun historical romance novel.
I'm more found of her more science fiction romance books she writes under the name Jayne Castle but I had heard about this series so thought I would give it a try. Of course it seemed familiar as I realized I had read it just over 2 years ago right before I moved back to Phoenix. But I read it again anyway, just to freshen my memory. She is a fun and easy read.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton
Spoken in Frankie's voice we introduced to the friendship of the Wednesday Sisters.
The story revolves around no-nonsense, athletic Linda, super smart Brett, quiet Frankie, Southern Belle Kath & shy Ally, friends who first meet every Wednesday in the park for play time with their kids, but where they eventually start to discuss what books they've been reading and the general small talk of forming friendships. Later, they discover that each has had a small desire in one way or another to become writers, so the Wednesday meetings change to writing critiques, as they each try to help the other into becoming better writers. We see their hopes, dreams and challenges of young families and budding friendships. We get a glimpse into 5 years of their friendship and watch through their eyes as the world is changing around them (the story starts in the summer of 1967) and how they themselves grow as individuals with the rest of the world.
It is an interesting view into a slice of American history we don't hear much about. Late 1960's in Palo Alto, CA before the computer & big dot.com boom. You really feel like you are living their lives as they meet weekly to support one another and each one in their own way become writers. Some more successfully than others. We see them struggle to find their own identity of the world is changing for women and Americans. Each friend has their own struggle, some physically and some emotionally but they are there for each other through it all.
I found myself really drawn into this story that at first I thought would be really superficial but ended up being thought provoking and enjoyable.
Spoken in Frankie's voice we introduced to the friendship of the Wednesday Sisters.
The story revolves around no-nonsense, athletic Linda, super smart Brett, quiet Frankie, Southern Belle Kath & shy Ally, friends who first meet every Wednesday in the park for play time with their kids, but where they eventually start to discuss what books they've been reading and the general small talk of forming friendships. Later, they discover that each has had a small desire in one way or another to become writers, so the Wednesday meetings change to writing critiques, as they each try to help the other into becoming better writers. We see their hopes, dreams and challenges of young families and budding friendships. We get a glimpse into 5 years of their friendship and watch through their eyes as the world is changing around them (the story starts in the summer of 1967) and how they themselves grow as individuals with the rest of the world.
It is an interesting view into a slice of American history we don't hear much about. Late 1960's in Palo Alto, CA before the computer & big dot.com boom. You really feel like you are living their lives as they meet weekly to support one another and each one in their own way become writers. Some more successfully than others. We see them struggle to find their own identity of the world is changing for women and Americans. Each friend has their own struggle, some physically and some emotionally but they are there for each other through it all.
I found myself really drawn into this story that at first I thought would be really superficial but ended up being thought provoking and enjoyable.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs
Popular Cooking with Gusto! host Augusta Gus Simpson, a widowed mother of two adult daughters who's about to turn 50, is tiring of her many obligations, which include throwing an annual birthday bash for herself. But to add to her worries is that her show is not as popular as in the past and there is a risk of it being canceled! When she is told she has to do a live taping of her show she decides to do her best and go with it. Throw into the mix the introduction of saucy former beauty queen and YouTube star Carmen Vega as Gus's cohost: Carmen is younger, hotter and very tight with the boss. Plus she films the show with her adult children and other friends to help balance it out. But the battle lines have been drawn between Gus and Carmen.
It's soon apparent on the set that this new situation isn't working, so the everyone is packed off to a corporate team-building weekend, complete with New Age guide. When the resort's head chef calls in sick, a team-building opportunity presents itself. There is much sexual tension between various relationships plus between Gus and Carmen on their cooking style. We see each others point of view by alternating chapters from each other's point of view.
Now this book is a bit over the top in some ways but I enjoyed the slight digs to reality TV and Food Network. I watch a lot of Food Network and Bravo reality shows so caught quite a few of the references.
I listened to this on CD and at first found it a bit annoying but got used to the reader and just enjoyed the ride.
Popular Cooking with Gusto! host Augusta Gus Simpson, a widowed mother of two adult daughters who's about to turn 50, is tiring of her many obligations, which include throwing an annual birthday bash for herself. But to add to her worries is that her show is not as popular as in the past and there is a risk of it being canceled! When she is told she has to do a live taping of her show she decides to do her best and go with it. Throw into the mix the introduction of saucy former beauty queen and YouTube star Carmen Vega as Gus's cohost: Carmen is younger, hotter and very tight with the boss. Plus she films the show with her adult children and other friends to help balance it out. But the battle lines have been drawn between Gus and Carmen.
It's soon apparent on the set that this new situation isn't working, so the everyone is packed off to a corporate team-building weekend, complete with New Age guide. When the resort's head chef calls in sick, a team-building opportunity presents itself. There is much sexual tension between various relationships plus between Gus and Carmen on their cooking style. We see each others point of view by alternating chapters from each other's point of view.
Now this book is a bit over the top in some ways but I enjoyed the slight digs to reality TV and Food Network. I watch a lot of Food Network and Bravo reality shows so caught quite a few of the references.
I listened to this on CD and at first found it a bit annoying but got used to the reader and just enjoyed the ride.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Silver Master by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)
Part of the Harmony series
Celinda Ingram is a professional matchmaker and has been living in Cadence for four months. Her particular paranormal ability as a para-resonator makes it possible for her to feel whether two people are compatible and would make good candidates for a full Covenant Marriage. She lives in the Old City part of town with her dust bunny Araminta and just wants to get on with her life after the horrible scandal in Old Frequency, her hometown.
Davis Oakes is the owner of Oakes Security and is a fourth generation descendant of a ghost hunter family. His is able to produce silver light which allows him to have special abilities, and while his ties to the Guild are strong he is not a ghost hunter himself. After suffering a traumatic experience while rescuing a kidnapped child, he cannot afford to pull any ghost light because his ability comes from a spectrum of color unknown to most people. Using it has unusual and possibly deadly consequences.
They meet when Davis is on the hunt for the powerful relic that Celinda supposedly bought as a toy for her pet dust bunny. When her dust bunny runs off with the relic it soon becomes apparent that this no plastic toy but some kind of psychic tool that Celinda resonates with. But she is not the only one who can use it as their lives quickly become in risk and the chase is on.
Lots of references in the final section of the previous books. Again the dust bunnies are important to the storyline but thankfully in not such an obnoxious way as in some of the previous books. A fun, quick read. Good chemistry between the main characters and the baggage does not feel contrived but something could happen to anyone.
Part of the Harmony series
Celinda Ingram is a professional matchmaker and has been living in Cadence for four months. Her particular paranormal ability as a para-resonator makes it possible for her to feel whether two people are compatible and would make good candidates for a full Covenant Marriage. She lives in the Old City part of town with her dust bunny Araminta and just wants to get on with her life after the horrible scandal in Old Frequency, her hometown.
Davis Oakes is the owner of Oakes Security and is a fourth generation descendant of a ghost hunter family. His is able to produce silver light which allows him to have special abilities, and while his ties to the Guild are strong he is not a ghost hunter himself. After suffering a traumatic experience while rescuing a kidnapped child, he cannot afford to pull any ghost light because his ability comes from a spectrum of color unknown to most people. Using it has unusual and possibly deadly consequences.
They meet when Davis is on the hunt for the powerful relic that Celinda supposedly bought as a toy for her pet dust bunny. When her dust bunny runs off with the relic it soon becomes apparent that this no plastic toy but some kind of psychic tool that Celinda resonates with. But she is not the only one who can use it as their lives quickly become in risk and the chase is on.
Lots of references in the final section of the previous books. Again the dust bunnies are important to the storyline but thankfully in not such an obnoxious way as in some of the previous books. A fun, quick read. Good chemistry between the main characters and the baggage does not feel contrived but something could happen to anyone.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Writing Class by Jincy Willett
Amy Gallup, is the teacher of the Writing Class. She is overweight and plain and bordering on agoraphobic. In her early twenties, she published a successful novel, but from there, her career went steadily downhill. Teaching an adjunct university writing class is her salvation, but she doesn't know it yet. She'd much rather stay at home with her basset hound, Alphonse, who doesn't like her much. Amy's students run the gamut from professional writers to those who are there to meet the opposite sex. Several are extremely talented.
The first two student excerpts, one about how to choose the rope you will use to commit suicide, are incredibly good. Amy's suggestions are usually right on the mark, especially when she tells her class not to assume the writer of the suicide poem is writing about her own life. When she discovers that one of the students writes nasty commentaries on other students work Amy isn't sure what to do. When the nasty comments turn to personal harassment Amy decides to cancel the class as she can't risk something worse happening. The writing class decides that the class will go on by meeting at one of the classmates homes as they won't let anyone stop their experience of becoming a better writer. But when one of the classmates is killed it is apparent that the nasty commentator is really a sociopath and who knows who will be next!
We get to read the murderer's letters and diary entries, as well as his/her comments on student papers. This lets us participate in trying to find the killer. There's some humor as well, most of it centering on Carla, a student who has taken Amy's class five times. It is a really interesting way of approaching a murder mystery plus I really enjoyed the various writing assignments the students had. Willett is a very gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Amy Gallup, is the teacher of the Writing Class. She is overweight and plain and bordering on agoraphobic. In her early twenties, she published a successful novel, but from there, her career went steadily downhill. Teaching an adjunct university writing class is her salvation, but she doesn't know it yet. She'd much rather stay at home with her basset hound, Alphonse, who doesn't like her much. Amy's students run the gamut from professional writers to those who are there to meet the opposite sex. Several are extremely talented.
The first two student excerpts, one about how to choose the rope you will use to commit suicide, are incredibly good. Amy's suggestions are usually right on the mark, especially when she tells her class not to assume the writer of the suicide poem is writing about her own life. When she discovers that one of the students writes nasty commentaries on other students work Amy isn't sure what to do. When the nasty comments turn to personal harassment Amy decides to cancel the class as she can't risk something worse happening. The writing class decides that the class will go on by meeting at one of the classmates homes as they won't let anyone stop their experience of becoming a better writer. But when one of the classmates is killed it is apparent that the nasty commentator is really a sociopath and who knows who will be next!
We get to read the murderer's letters and diary entries, as well as his/her comments on student papers. This lets us participate in trying to find the killer. There's some humor as well, most of it centering on Carla, a student who has taken Amy's class five times. It is a really interesting way of approaching a murder mystery plus I really enjoyed the various writing assignments the students had. Willett is a very gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sookie Stackhouse is an ordinary waitress in small town Bea temp, Louisana
It is a world very much like our own - except for one difference, 4 years ago Vampires "came out of the coffin" and are now a legal part of USA society. In this way it's somewhat like the situation in the Anita Blake (author Laurel Hamilton) novels.
Sookie herself is unusual with a disability, she's a telepath, and that makes dating a virtual impossiblity until a vampire comes to town and she discovers he's her (almost) perfect man. Unfortunatley, at the same time people start getting killed, which most of the locals see as an unlikely co-incidence, and in a small town that can almost be deadly itself.
Full of Southern charm and very erotic prose Harris finds a way to make being the undead fun. I've been watching the series True Blood on HBO and was impressed by how closely the series follows the books so far. I'm looking forward to catching up with this fun series.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
Newly divorced, Eloise "Weezie" Foley, from blue-blood architect Talmadge Evans III, but she still living in a carriage house in the backyard of their restored mansion. But to add insult to injur she suffers the indignity of having her ex's sexy fiance, Caroline DeSantos, living in the main house Weezie restored herself. As a "picker," Weezie earns her living foraging for discarded treasures in Dumpsters and at estate sales. She enjoys the thrill of the search and the indepence it offers her. But her main goal is to find that piece of junk is really a rare antique and get enough cash to open her own store. She is starting to find her own network of influencial friends too.
During one of her stakeouts Weezie discovers Caroline's corpse in a historic manor house and now Weezie is the prime suspect in her murder. To compound her quandary, Weezie's attorney her closeted Uncle James, an ex-Catholic priest is having an affair with a man from the DA's office. Factor in her on-again, off-again romance with old high school flame Daniel Stipanek, counterfeit antiques and her mom's alcoholism Weezie has a very complicated life.
Not a terribly complicated mystery but honestly I did not see the real murder so I guess that is one up on me. I will probably read more down the road.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
22 essays featuring Sedaris ramblings about his memories and life in general and how he observes it. I really enjoyed the section how he quit smoking and we find out how he got the title for the book. I listened to the CD which featured 4 live recordings which were really interesting to hear the audience laugh along with me. All 22 essays were read by Sedaris which at first was a bit disconserting but got used to his speech patterns pretty quickly.
He isn't for everyone so if language and talking about sex and gay people are offensive then he is not for you but if you are like me and often wonder inappropriate things while observing life happening around me than give him a try. I have not read any others books by him except his Holidays on Ice which I enjoyed about half the stories so I can read a book of his maybe every couple of years.
22 essays featuring Sedaris ramblings about his memories and life in general and how he observes it. I really enjoyed the section how he quit smoking and we find out how he got the title for the book. I listened to the CD which featured 4 live recordings which were really interesting to hear the audience laugh along with me. All 22 essays were read by Sedaris which at first was a bit disconserting but got used to his speech patterns pretty quickly.
He isn't for everyone so if language and talking about sex and gay people are offensive then he is not for you but if you are like me and often wonder inappropriate things while observing life happening around me than give him a try. I have not read any others books by him except his Holidays on Ice which I enjoyed about half the stories so I can read a book of his maybe every couple of years.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Official 411 Degrassi generations by Kathryn Ellis
This book takes us behind the scenes of "Degrassi: The Next Generation, Degrassi High, Degrassi Junior High," and "The Kids of Degrassi Street." We find out from the past and present actors and crew what it's like to be a part of one of TV's most successful teen series.
This was one of my favorite teen shows I watched in the 1980's on PBS. I loved everything Degrassi, I'm sure it was because I could live vicariously through their mistakes. I read the books, followed it online once the internet came along. The only thing I have not done is watch the Degrassi: the Next Generation or purchased any of the DVD's which I know have come out. But when I saw this at my local library I had to check it out just so I could read more about some of my favorite characters from the original show. I enjoyed reading about how the show came about and where the characters are now but I guess I've gotten too old to appreciate the DNG.
So I then tried to read one of the manga books "Turning Japanese: Degrassi Extra Credit #1 (Degrassi: The Next Generation)" and it was just too much. Maybe I'm past all the teen angst or problems they have I don't know but I just skimmed it turned it back into the library.
This book takes us behind the scenes of "Degrassi: The Next Generation, Degrassi High, Degrassi Junior High," and "The Kids of Degrassi Street." We find out from the past and present actors and crew what it's like to be a part of one of TV's most successful teen series.
This was one of my favorite teen shows I watched in the 1980's on PBS. I loved everything Degrassi, I'm sure it was because I could live vicariously through their mistakes. I read the books, followed it online once the internet came along. The only thing I have not done is watch the Degrassi: the Next Generation or purchased any of the DVD's which I know have come out. But when I saw this at my local library I had to check it out just so I could read more about some of my favorite characters from the original show. I enjoyed reading about how the show came about and where the characters are now but I guess I've gotten too old to appreciate the DNG.
So I then tried to read one of the manga books "Turning Japanese: Degrassi Extra Credit #1 (Degrassi: The Next Generation)" and it was just too much. Maybe I'm past all the teen angst or problems they have I don't know but I just skimmed it turned it back into the library.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe
A short story collection featuring stories about werewolves and Christmas by Charlaine Harris, Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, Dana Cameron, Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn, Dana Stabenow, Keri Arthur, Joe Konrath, Patricia Briggs, Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Rob Thurman and Toni L. P. Kelner.
The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard for lycanthropes. Whether wolfing down a holiday feast (use your imagination) or craving some hair of the dog on New Year’s morning, the werewolves in these frighteningly original stories will surprise, delight, amuse, and scare the pants off readers who love a little wolfsbane with their mistletoe.
This was a really fun read, not all the stories were the best but I did enjoy reading such variety. I was amazed by how they could make Christmas and Santa Claus so dark and creepy. Some I had read other works and many I had not so am looking forward to trying some new authors out.
A short story collection featuring stories about werewolves and Christmas by Charlaine Harris, Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, Dana Cameron, Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn, Dana Stabenow, Keri Arthur, Joe Konrath, Patricia Briggs, Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Rob Thurman and Toni L. P. Kelner.
The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard for lycanthropes. Whether wolfing down a holiday feast (use your imagination) or craving some hair of the dog on New Year’s morning, the werewolves in these frighteningly original stories will surprise, delight, amuse, and scare the pants off readers who love a little wolfsbane with their mistletoe.
This was a really fun read, not all the stories were the best but I did enjoy reading such variety. I was amazed by how they could make Christmas and Santa Claus so dark and creepy. Some I had read other works and many I had not so am looking forward to trying some new authors out.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Bodyguard by Christy Tillery French
Natasha Chamberlain - Nattie to her friends - is a young woman with many skills. She is efficient and has a quick mind and wit plus served her time keeping Investigative Services, Inc. in Knoxville Tennessee running smoothly for three years. In her off hours she plays soccer with a go-for-the-jugular mentality. Both on and off the soccer field, Nattie can dish it out as well as take it. She has a feisty way about her, and a hair trigger temper. Nattie has two goals in life: to become a crack investigator and to climb her sexy and mysterious boss like a tree.
Jonce Striker is the founder of I.S.I. He's a man blessed with intimidating size and power, of Cherokee lineage, who keeps his secret past to himself. Nattie has had a crush on him for three years but never dared to make her feelings known. When he agrees to let her guard a wealthy client, the fur begins to fly.
Roger Valentine is a nerdy billionaire who hires I.S.I. to protect him when his life is threatened. Roger is seriously lacking in social skills. When this lonely, isolated man with an overbearing mother meets up with Nattie and her colleagues, his life is changed in more ways than one. His bodyguards soon become the friends and family Roger never had, and their friendship humanizes a once nerdy recluse.
The action is intense as the bodyguards track more than one evil doer out to kill Roger. Nattie's courage under fire, coupled with her zany personality, both impresses and infuriates her boss, adding humor to the mix. And the simmering sexual chemistry between Striker and Nattie finally ignites with mixed results for all concerned. Can they keep their mind on business long enough to save Roger's life?
I had read some reviews of a later book in the series so thought I would give this a try. Not a difficult read but not as good as I hoped. I guess I just felt like the relationships were convenient and a bit contrived. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy this book more. I will look for others in this series to see if it improves.
Natasha Chamberlain - Nattie to her friends - is a young woman with many skills. She is efficient and has a quick mind and wit plus served her time keeping Investigative Services, Inc. in Knoxville Tennessee running smoothly for three years. In her off hours she plays soccer with a go-for-the-jugular mentality. Both on and off the soccer field, Nattie can dish it out as well as take it. She has a feisty way about her, and a hair trigger temper. Nattie has two goals in life: to become a crack investigator and to climb her sexy and mysterious boss like a tree.
Jonce Striker is the founder of I.S.I. He's a man blessed with intimidating size and power, of Cherokee lineage, who keeps his secret past to himself. Nattie has had a crush on him for three years but never dared to make her feelings known. When he agrees to let her guard a wealthy client, the fur begins to fly.
Roger Valentine is a nerdy billionaire who hires I.S.I. to protect him when his life is threatened. Roger is seriously lacking in social skills. When this lonely, isolated man with an overbearing mother meets up with Nattie and her colleagues, his life is changed in more ways than one. His bodyguards soon become the friends and family Roger never had, and their friendship humanizes a once nerdy recluse.
The action is intense as the bodyguards track more than one evil doer out to kill Roger. Nattie's courage under fire, coupled with her zany personality, both impresses and infuriates her boss, adding humor to the mix. And the simmering sexual chemistry between Striker and Nattie finally ignites with mixed results for all concerned. Can they keep their mind on business long enough to save Roger's life?
I had read some reviews of a later book in the series so thought I would give this a try. Not a difficult read but not as good as I hoped. I guess I just felt like the relationships were convenient and a bit contrived. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy this book more. I will look for others in this series to see if it improves.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
'Tis the Season! by Lorna Landvik
The story starts with tabloid coverage of Caroline Dixon, an heiress who's lost her way and thinks she finds roadmaps in alcohol and bad behavior. We see her world crumble as she goes from one drunken brawl to another alienating herself from her friends.
We start to see the story via three other characters from Caroline's past and present who eventually connect with her to help her find a better way back. It's written entirely in e-mails and letters which is a bit disconserting at first but does help the story flow. This has some romantic overtones as several of the characters connect romantically but it is not the main focus of the story.
I found myself smiling as I read the emails sent to and fro and friendships develope by chance. It is Christmas after all!
'Tis the Season! by Lorna Landvik
The story starts with tabloid coverage of Caroline Dixon, an heiress who's lost her way and thinks she finds roadmaps in alcohol and bad behavior. We see her world crumble as she goes from one drunken brawl to another alienating herself from her friends.
We start to see the story via three other characters from Caroline's past and present who eventually connect with her to help her find a better way back. It's written entirely in e-mails and letters which is a bit disconserting at first but does help the story flow. This has some romantic overtones as several of the characters connect romantically but it is not the main focus of the story.
I found myself smiling as I read the emails sent to and fro and friendships develope by chance. It is Christmas after all!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney)
The book that introduced the world to Agatha Raisin!
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely, and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Despite the fact that Agatha has never baked a thing in her life, she is sure the pie she has secretly bought from an upper-crust London quicherie will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when the judge not only snubs her entry - but falls over dead! We are introduced to the major characters of this series, Harry Wong, Mrs. Bloxby, Roy Silver and meet James Lacey (who is much more promident in the next book).
Agatha Raisin is one my favorite series that every few years I re-read. I decided to listen to this on CD in the car and it was a fun and fresh as the first time I read it back in 2001. I love re-reading favorite series as it's like visiting old friends.
The book that introduced the world to Agatha Raisin!
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely, and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Despite the fact that Agatha has never baked a thing in her life, she is sure the pie she has secretly bought from an upper-crust London quicherie will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when the judge not only snubs her entry - but falls over dead! We are introduced to the major characters of this series, Harry Wong, Mrs. Bloxby, Roy Silver and meet James Lacey (who is much more promident in the next book).
Agatha Raisin is one my favorite series that every few years I re-read. I decided to listen to this on CD in the car and it was a fun and fresh as the first time I read it back in 2001. I love re-reading favorite series as it's like visiting old friends.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Dark Light by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)
Book 5 in the Harmony books
Years ago a mysterious curtain opened in space and a new planet was discovered. The people of Earth named this new planet Harmony and began to travel there and to colonize it. The atmosphere and conditions were very much like Earth. Then, without warning, the curtain closed again and the colonist on Harmony were stranded. Now, two hundred years later, they exhibit unusual paranormal abilities which not only allow them to survive, but to thrive.
Sierra McIntyre is a reporter for a tabloid newspaper, the Curtain, even though she has no experience in journalism. But, of course, she is writing investigative, hard hitting stories, not like the other stories which appear in the Curtain, and she wants some serious questions answered by the new Crystal Guild boss, John Fontana. Fontanta is the new Guild boss, the man in charge of all the "ghost hunters" who have the paranormal power to control ghost energy found in the catacombs below the city. So Fontana immediately sees the advantage of joining forces with this reporter (who has been a true nuisance for him since he took over as Guild boss) so he proposes that they enter into a Marriage of Convenience in order to investigate these problems together. So after being in the same room with each other for about one hour Fontana asks Sierra to enter into a Marriage of Convenience (not a permanent Covenant Marriage) with him and she agrees! Even though her family views the Marriage of Convenience as little more than a legalized affair, she still just says, OK, sure, why not!
We find out that Sierra moved to Crystal City to get away from her family of overachievers. She considers herself an underachiever so she wants to start over someplace where she will not be compared to her other family members. Of course her being ruthless about getting stories about the Guild wouldn't be considered being an overachiever would it? ha ha.. Fontana is an actual bastard as his father never entered any kind of formal relationship (CM or CM) with his mother. This plays a very minor role in the story has his father's family has to come to him to save the family company. Fontana also can produce Dark Light which is invisible and stronger than any normal light produced on Harmony. Then we learn more about this ultra-violet light that is alien technology, blah, blah, blah.
In this series of stories each heroine has a dust bunny, which in my mind was this kind of Trible (like from Star Trek) looking animal. Her dust bunny is named Elvis and for some reason very prominent in this story. Of course it plays into a rescue scene later in the book but I'm not sure why Elvis had to be so played up. He even wears sunglasses and a cape. Oh, well, comic relief I guess. I'm thinking Krentz maybe had so many people asking her questions about the dust bunnies that she decided to give this one more personality.
Now this was not one of the strongests books by Krentz but it was interesting to see more of Harmony. I think a big part of the problem is that there were several plots going on and none were very strong so I think it conflicted and made it hard to really care for any of the characters. Now I'll keep reading more of Krentz/Castle/Quick's books but probably only check out from the library instead of buying it.
Book 5 in the Harmony books
Years ago a mysterious curtain opened in space and a new planet was discovered. The people of Earth named this new planet Harmony and began to travel there and to colonize it. The atmosphere and conditions were very much like Earth. Then, without warning, the curtain closed again and the colonist on Harmony were stranded. Now, two hundred years later, they exhibit unusual paranormal abilities which not only allow them to survive, but to thrive.
Sierra McIntyre is a reporter for a tabloid newspaper, the Curtain, even though she has no experience in journalism. But, of course, she is writing investigative, hard hitting stories, not like the other stories which appear in the Curtain, and she wants some serious questions answered by the new Crystal Guild boss, John Fontana. Fontanta is the new Guild boss, the man in charge of all the "ghost hunters" who have the paranormal power to control ghost energy found in the catacombs below the city. So Fontana immediately sees the advantage of joining forces with this reporter (who has been a true nuisance for him since he took over as Guild boss) so he proposes that they enter into a Marriage of Convenience in order to investigate these problems together. So after being in the same room with each other for about one hour Fontana asks Sierra to enter into a Marriage of Convenience (not a permanent Covenant Marriage) with him and she agrees! Even though her family views the Marriage of Convenience as little more than a legalized affair, she still just says, OK, sure, why not!
We find out that Sierra moved to Crystal City to get away from her family of overachievers. She considers herself an underachiever so she wants to start over someplace where she will not be compared to her other family members. Of course her being ruthless about getting stories about the Guild wouldn't be considered being an overachiever would it? ha ha.. Fontana is an actual bastard as his father never entered any kind of formal relationship (CM or CM) with his mother. This plays a very minor role in the story has his father's family has to come to him to save the family company. Fontana also can produce Dark Light which is invisible and stronger than any normal light produced on Harmony. Then we learn more about this ultra-violet light that is alien technology, blah, blah, blah.
In this series of stories each heroine has a dust bunny, which in my mind was this kind of Trible (like from Star Trek) looking animal. Her dust bunny is named Elvis and for some reason very prominent in this story. Of course it plays into a rescue scene later in the book but I'm not sure why Elvis had to be so played up. He even wears sunglasses and a cape. Oh, well, comic relief I guess. I'm thinking Krentz maybe had so many people asking her questions about the dust bunnies that she decided to give this one more personality.
Now this was not one of the strongests books by Krentz but it was interesting to see more of Harmony. I think a big part of the problem is that there were several plots going on and none were very strong so I think it conflicted and made it hard to really care for any of the characters. Now I'll keep reading more of Krentz/Castle/Quick's books but probably only check out from the library instead of buying it.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon
Father Tim novel
Enjoying retirement and his life in Mitford, North Carolina, Father Tim receives a letter postmarked from his home town. The letter contains only two words: Come home. Although it's been 38 years since he was in Holly Springs, Father Tim and his loyal canine companion Barnabus set out from Mitford, to the small Mississippi town of his childhood.
During his re-discovery of Holly Springs we share his memories and learn why his father was so bitter and angry, why his mother was so sad and why Father Tim became the person he is now.
We see a life similiar small town with Father Tim making new acquaintances easily as well as reacquainting with past ones. The final third of the book is heartbreaking and real and done so eliquently.
I've listened to most of the Mitford books on tape/CD in the car and loved the reader. So this was a bit jarring to hear a different much younger male voice reading Father Tim. But by the end of the story I had forgotten to be annoyed by it. The reader did a great job of making the voices sound real.
One hopes that we'll see more of Holly Springs.
Father Tim novel
Enjoying retirement and his life in Mitford, North Carolina, Father Tim receives a letter postmarked from his home town. The letter contains only two words: Come home. Although it's been 38 years since he was in Holly Springs, Father Tim and his loyal canine companion Barnabus set out from Mitford, to the small Mississippi town of his childhood.
During his re-discovery of Holly Springs we share his memories and learn why his father was so bitter and angry, why his mother was so sad and why Father Tim became the person he is now.
We see a life similiar small town with Father Tim making new acquaintances easily as well as reacquainting with past ones. The final third of the book is heartbreaking and real and done so eliquently.
I've listened to most of the Mitford books on tape/CD in the car and loved the reader. So this was a bit jarring to hear a different much younger male voice reading Father Tim. But by the end of the story I had forgotten to be annoyed by it. The reader did a great job of making the voices sound real.
One hopes that we'll see more of Holly Springs.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Sugar House by Laura Lippman
Another great installment of Tess series and it is fun to learn more about Tess's father and background. We see more development of Tess and her boyfriend Crow's relationship.
Tess Monaghan series - book 5
Glue-sniffing teen Henry Dembrow goes to prison after confessing to killing a young Jane Doe found with a small rubber hose tied in a bow around her neck. A month later he, too, is dead. Coincidence? Ruthie Dembrow, Henry's sister, has her doubts and asks former Baltimore reporter Tess Monaghan, to investigate. Tess agrees only because her father, Patrick, says he owes Ruthie one. Going over the facts of the crime, Tess realizes that she needs to identify the victim and to learn how the victim came to know her alleged killer.
Another great installment of Tess series and it is fun to learn more about Tess's father and background. We see more development of Tess and her boyfriend Crow's relationship.
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