The Line by Teri Hall
Lots of people seemed really impressed with this one and unfortunately, for me, it just fell short. Such potential with the whole "dystopian" genre going for it and a pretty compelling main character, but the buildup was really slow and the "big moment" wasn't so big.
The author definitely left room for a sequel, which I'm interested in reading and will pickup if it ever comes out, but this one just isn't a book I'll be remembering for very long. Bummer. And I know I'm in the minority, so go check it out even though I thought it just ok.
Great cover though!
Overall rating: 3 out of 5
The Line
Teri Hall
224 pages
Young Adult
Dial
9780803734661
March 2010
Book borrowed from my local library
Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry
Oh gosh, this one as just as wonderful as every blogger said it was. Filled with such heart and soul, real characters, beautiful writing, and a fabulous setting. I honestly don't know how it didn't win the Cybil this year.
I had such emotion while reading this, having a husband in the military and the feelings of being left behind sometimes. Brother was just such an amazing main character and makes me want to hand this little book to everyone I know. Go out and get it if you haven't already!
Overall rating: 5 out of 5
Heart of a Shepherd
Rosanne Parry
176 pages
Middle Grade
Random House
9780375848025
January 2009
Book borrowed from my local library
The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne
Yep, as adorable as everyone says. I, at times, had a pretty hard time believing in the crazy ways of Hamlet's parents, but that didn't deter from the cuteness of the overall sto
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By: Amanda,
on 4/25/2010
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Simone Elkeles, Erin Dionne, Rosanne Parry, mini-reviews, Teri Hall, Add a tag
By: Amanda,
on 2/28/2010
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Lisa McMann, Kathleen Kent, mini-reviews, Fill in the Gaps Project 100, E.L. Konigsburg, Add a tag
If you've never seen one of my Mini-review features, here's the synopsis: Reviews are of books that have already been reviewed about a million times by other bloggers and/or titles that I just feel don't need the full synopsis and in-depth reviews as other books I've read throughout the month. Enjoy!
Gone by Lisa McMann
Whole lot of buzz about this third title in the Wake trilogy. I enjoyed it and felt that it wrapped the whole series up nicely, though I did miss the whole "undercover cop" aspect that was in the previous two books. I think that added a hard edge to a rather dream-focused plot.
I think McMann creates believable characters, even if their stories are fantasy. Definitely a hard talent to achieve, but it shows in her writing.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
Gone
Lisa McMann
224 pages
Young Adult
Simon Pulse
9781416979180
February 2010
Review copy received from publisher
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent (audio)
This was the first audiobook that I listened to this month and I enjoyed both the reader, Mare Winningham, and the plot. I really liked the main character being a child, telling the story of her family's witch trials from her innocent eyes, and the morphing of her feelings toward her doomed mother felt incredibly realistic.
I will say that the story is dark, depressing, and understandably sad, so if you're looking for something hoped-filled, The Heretic's Daughter is not for you. Listening to it, there were some moments I found my mind drifting away, but overall, the reader, the reading, and the overall story were very good.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
The Heretic's Daughter
Kathleen Kent
Audio Book
Hachette Audio
9781600248238
October 2009
Borrowed from my local library
The View From Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (audio)
Yeah, yeah...one of the last librarians on earth to read this book (and I listened to it), but because of the Fill in the Gaps Challenge, I finally got to it. Do I think it was worthy of a Newbery Medal? Maybe. I didn't
By: Amanda,
on 11/30/2009
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Lucy Frank, Valerie O. Patterson, mini-reviews, David Levithan, Terra Elan McVoy, Add a tag
If you've been following the Cybils at all, you know that those of us on the first judging panel have our hands completely full with books, until the end of December. My mini-review feature this month is focusing on some of the 168 books I have on the reading list. Just some quick thoughts on each one for you. Enjoy!
The Other Side of Blue, written by Valerie O. Patterson was true to its name and was filled with lots of blue. Blue oceans, blue names, blue paint, and "blue" emotions. This was a pretty depressing one, I will admit, and if you're looking for a book to cheer you up, I wouldn't go for it.
The emotion in it is pretty raw and well done, though at times, the characterization fell a bit flat for me. Cyan was a little too dark in all the pretty blueness and the other characters were just a little too one dimensional. Overall, a quick read that will fill your sadness quota for awhile, though the brilliant location of the book will make the winter months seem a bit warmer.
The Other Side of Blue
Valerie O. Patterson
240 pages
Young Adult
Clarion Books
9780547244365
October 2009
Review copy received from publisher
Pure, written by Terra Elan McVoy, was on a subject I had been waiting and waiting for in a YA book (no pun intended), and was finally put into my hands. Purity is the main theme, though friendship, love, and loss all play major roles as well.
I felt Tabitha, the main character, was written very realistically, with true feelings and concerns, though a few of her friends were over-the-top and not quite believable. I also felt the overall book was too long and dragged a little in parts, so I think a good 50 pages or so could have been lost without harming the integrity of the story.
Written on a subject that doesn't get nearly enough attention, I would definitely hand this to teens looking for a good story, as well as for some info on purity rings and their meaning.
Pure
Terra Elan McVoy
336 pages
Young Adult
Simon Pulse
9781416978725
April 2009
Copy borrowed from local library
The Homeschool
By: Amanda,
on 11/1/2009
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Catherine Murdock, Jeff Kinney, mini-reviews, Darlene Baily Beard, Heather Mione, Add a tag
It's time again for my monthly Mini-Reviews feature. If you haven't checked out one of these posts before, my main reason for doing them is simply because I read too many books during the month to write out full, long reviews about each one of them. Mini-reviews consist of books that have already gotten a lot of press and don't necessarily need my thoughts to boost sales, books that I didn't really enjoy, or books that I just didn't have a whole lot to say about, whether good or bad.
Ok, that being said, on to the short-but-sweet thoughts on these titles:
The Off Season by Catherine Murdock is one I listened to via audiobook on my way to New York earlier in October. Loved Dairy Queen and I'm going to be reading the third in the series, Front and Center for the Cybils later this month.
The book was wonderful, read by Natalie Moore, who was just ok. She did a great job at getting the hint of a Wisconsin accent I expected from D.J., but she also made her sound about 12. Engaging story line and the awesome characterization Murdock has become known for.
Definitely recommended to those that read Dairy Queen (and if you haven't, go get it!).
The Off Season
Catherine Murdock
Audiobook read by Natalie Moore
Listening Library (book from Houghton Mifflin)
9780739350539
May 2007
Book provided by the local library :)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by the fabulous Jeff Kinney, was wonderful, as expected. Who couldn't love the Wimpy Kid books? Funny, crazy, and always delightful, with a main character you just want to squeeze (or sometimes smack).
In this one, it's summer-time and Greg is, once again, getting himself into lots of trouble. Not much different than the other books in the series, but Kinney's writing is anything but boring and repetive.
Hand this to a reluctant reader or to someone who things books with drawings are just for little kids. Loving these books :)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Jeff Kinney
224 pages
Middle Grade Fiction
Amulet Books
9780810983915
October 2009
Review copy provided by publisher
Annie Glover is NOT a Tree Lover, written by Darlene Bai
By: Amanda,
on 9/29/2009
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Cassandra Clare, Kate DiCamillo, Lev Grossman, mini-reviews, Fill in the Gaps Project 100, Linda Castillo, Add a tag
It's time again for my monthly Mini-Reviews feature. If you haven't checked out one of these posts before, my main reason for doing them is simply because I read too many books during the month to write out full, long reviews about each one of them. Mini-reviews consist of books that have already gotten a lot of press and don't necessarily need my thoughts to boost sales, books that I didn't really enjoy, or books that I just didn't have a whole lot to say about, whether good or bad.
Ok, that being said, on to the short-but-sweet thoughts on these titles:
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo was wonderfully sweet, as I could only expect a work from her to have been. The main characters a lovely, the story magical and fantastical, and great for another read aloud. The illustrations are simple and wonderfully done by Yoko Tanaka.
DiCamillo's stories always flow so well, appealing to both child and adult, and always leaving the reader (at least this reader) with a calm sense of satisfaction when the last page is turned.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all ages. Go buy for all sorts of gifts...Christmas, birthday, etc. It's lovely, really.
The Magician's Elephant
Kate DiCamillo
208 pages
Middle Grade
Candlewick
9780763644109
September 2009
Another "magical" book, The Magicians by Lev Grossman, is an adult fantasy title that I picked up after reading so many positive reviews about it. Honestly, it's Harry Potter for adults. A magic school, magician-filled, with an infiltrator attempting to bring evil over good.
Long and at times quite wordy, I skimmed through some pages, though thought it was an overall enjoyable read.
The Magicians: A Novel
Lev Grossman
416 pages
Adult Fiction
Viking Adult
9780670020553
August 2009
A book I really did not enjoy this month, Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo, was a huge waste of my time. And especially so, because I listened to it on audio (and only stuck with it because I needed something to get me through the three miles every day).
Absolutely predictable from the very beginning, filled with the same charcters and plot you would find in just about any beach read mystery, except with less thrills. Do I dare compare to the latest James Patterson novels? Don't waste your time on this one. Well, I shouldn't say that, maybe you like this type of thing...goodness knows lots of people do, this book is selling like hotcakes, hence the reason I thought it would be a good read! Oh and did I mention it got a starred review from Publisher's Weekly? Maybe it really was just me.
Sworn to Silence
Linda Castillo
336 pages
Adult Fiction
Minotaur Books
9780312374976
June 2009
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare was a great start to the Mortal Instruments series I've been wanting to pick up this whole year. It was a fast paced read and I can certainly see the appeal to teens.
I did feel it was too long and could have used a good 75 pages cut. I'm not entirely sure why all these middle grade/ya authors feel the need to have 500 page books, it's not a contest to see who can write the thickest volume!
This one I read for the Fill in the Gaps Challenge.
City of Bones
Cassandra Clare
512 pages
Young Adult
McElderry
9781416955078
February 2008
Alright, that's it for mini-reviews this month! If you want more info on any title or to buy any of them and help make this unemployed lady some money, click on any of the book covers above to link to Amazon.
By: Amanda,
on 4/30/2009
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Gordon Korman, Melissa De La Cruz, mini-reviews, Peter Lerangis, Add a tag
I read some series books this month, most of which have been reviewed countless times throughout the blogosphere, resulting in my "Mini-Reviews" feature. Just a quick synopsis and my thoughts on each title. Enjoy!
"The 39 Clues" series has appeared to be hugely successful so far. I had the chance to review books 2 and 3 this month, both of which had the same excitement and page-turning aspects as the first. In book 2, One False Note, written by Gordon Korman, brother and sister team Amy and Dan Cahill, along with their nanny Nellie are still traveling the world in search of the 39 Clues. Vienna and ultimately, Mozart, play a large role in this one.
Book 3, The Sword Thief, written by Peter Lerangis tkaes us to Japan in search of the third clue. The Cahill's Uncle, Alistar Oh, seems to be the only one that can help them locate this clue, but whether he is trustworthy or not is still yet to be determined. Lots of puzzles in this one, which makes it even more intriguing, resulting in some mind work as well!
I do have to make a complaint about The Sword Thief and though it may not be quite necessary, I wouldn't be who I am if I didn't state my thinking. The role of the "pit bull" in this third installment is absolutely horrible. I counted at least four instances where the kids were almost attacked by another team's pit bull or the dog was referred to as vicious or menacing (almost all of chapter6). Seriously? Haven't we moved on from this issue yet? I hate reading stories where a specific dog breed is stereotyped so badly that it takes my focus away from the plot and the characters and that is exactly what happened for me in this one. Not a happy camper here.
Book 4 is out in June and is being written by Jude Watson!
One False Note/The Sword Thief
Gordon Korman/Peter Lerangis
160/160 pages
Middle Grade
Scholastic
9780545060424/9780545060431
Dec 08/March 09
Ok, moving on...I also read the first two installments of the "Blue Bloods" series by Melissa De La 
Cruz. Love them! After falling in love with the Luxe series earlier this month, the combination of rich people and vampires is awfully intriguing and De La Cruz can write one heck of a story!
Blue Bloods introduces us to the huge group of Manhattan socialites that just happen to be vampires as well. The plot focuses on Schuyler, a member of a very important Blue Blood family and the last of her line. When the old group of Silver Bloods, destined to kill Blue Bloods, returns and begins killing off members of their elite group, Schuyler knows there is trouble brewing but has a problem convincing others of the same thing.
Masquerade, book 2, brings even deeper into the Blue Blood world, showing us how evil rich vampires can really be...and how innocent. We learn more about Mimi and Jack Force in this novel, as well as where Schuyler's only living relative stands in with the rest of the Blue Bloods. More awesome descriptions of clothes and houses and lots of silly material things (which make us love these books so much). Oooh and the cover is great! Very creepy!
This series holds just the right mixture of action, romance, supernatural, and rich teens. It's like The Luxe gone vampire.
Blue Bloods/Masquerade
Melissa De La Cruz
336/320 pages
Young Adult
Hyperion
9780786838929/9780786838936
April 06/May 07
To learn more about any of these books, or to purchase, click the book covers above to link to Amazon.
By: Amanda,
on 3/29/2009
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Kate DiCamillo, Siobhan Dowd, Judy Blundell, mini-reviews, Add a tag
Each month I attempt to read several books that have forever sat on my TBR shelf (whether physically or virtually), either finally pulling them off my shelf or heading out to the library and picking them up. After reading them, I certainly want to share as I share each book I read with all of you, though so many of you have already read and reviewed these titles (and therefore your fault I have to read them in the first place), I don't see a reason to written a full-blown review on each one of them. Therefore, my new "mini-review" section is born. This will probably be an end-of-the-month feature, if you don't like it for some reason, let me know!
What I Saw and How I Lied is written by Judy Blundell and is the wonderful and much deserved winner of the National Book Award. The main character, 15 year old Evie is forced to grow up a bit quicker than planned one summer when she realizes her parents are involved in some strange business deals with another couple. Evie also manages to find her first love that summer, in a man named Peter. Evie is thrust into a scary world of secrets and lies, suddenly having no idea whom to trust.
Set in a beautiful period in history and filled with great descriptions and intriguing mystery, it's clear why this won such a coveted award. Very enjoyable! Loved the cover of this one too.
What I Saw and How I Lied
Judy Blundell
288 pages
Young Adult
Scholastic
9780439903462
November 2008
The Tale of Despereaux, written by the fabulous Kate DiCamillo, charmed me right into oblivion. I cannot believe it took me this long to actually read it!!! Can't see the movie without reading the book though...
Our little talking mouse friend, Despereaux, is anything but ordinary, enjoying people instead of being scared of them. When he's banished to death for talking to the Princess, Despereaux learns the ropes of the dungeon, which...in the end...will help to save his beloved Princess from her own certain death.
The illustrations, done by Timothy Basil Ering are adorable, beautiful, charming, and fit the story completely. Loved this one, definitely buying it for my own shelves!
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Kate DiCamillo
272 pages
Middle grade fiction
Candlewick
9780763625290
April 2006
Finally, The London Eye Mystery, written by the fabulous Siobhan Dowd, was one of the Cybils winners this year, making it a shoe-in to be read. The complicated mystery is definitely going to rope in the middle graders it's aimed towards, and even adults as I was biting my nails through the whole thing trying to pretend I knew what was going to happen next (though I really had no clue).
When Ted and Kat's visiting cousin, Salim, disappear while riding one of London's most famous attractions, a seemingly impossible event, the race is on to find him before something even more terrible happens.
Very quick paced and filled with quirky characters, this was a great choice as a winner (nice job Cybil panelists), and a fantastic choice for library shelves. Have a reluctant reader in your family? This is a good one for that too...
The London Eye Mystery
Siobhan Dowd
336 pages
Middle grade fiction
David Fickling Books
9780375849763
February 2008
To learn more about any of these titles or to purchase, click on the book covers above to link to Amazon.
Awesome mini reviews. I have The Line in my TBR pile, so I hope to get to it soon. I'm sorry it fell short for you.
I agree with you on The Line. And Heart of A Shepherd. Oh how I loved that book. It was such a wow book for me! I wouldn't have wanted to be a judge for the finalists in that category. There were two or three that I just found to be oh-so-amazing.