Sunday, October 30, 2011
Book Review:The Silent Boy
Lois Lowry
★★★★★
Reading level:Ages 12 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Laurel Leaf (January 11, 2005)
The Silent Boy
is told by Katy Thatcher, an old woman in 1987, about a critical period in her life from 1908 to 1911. Katy, whose father is a community doctor, dreams of becoming a doctor herself. Katy takes an interest in Jacob, a “touched” boy from a neighboring farm, who can't speak, but somehow humms quietly to himself, and seems able to communicate with animals. Jacob occasionally comes to the Thatcher home to be in the barn with the animals. Katy shares Jacob’s love of animals and comes to feel she can communicate with him in a rudimentary but empathetic way.
When Nell, the sister of Jacob, has a baby out of wedlock by Paul Bishop, Jacob is aware of the trouble. He abducts and brings the baby to the Thatcher's house on a stormy night, hoping to save it the way he has saved orphaned lambs by bringing them to a substitute mother. But it does'nt go the way he had planned it to. Later, Katy marries Austin Bishop and becomes a doctor. 50 years later the Asylum closed and Jacob was never seen again. There were no records of him there.
I’ve read this book a few years ago, and after rearranging my bookshelf I found it hidden away, still is perfect condition.
Lois Lowry has touched us through many of her works, like The Giver and Number the Stars (which I’ll be doing a review for), but rarely have I heard, or frankly ever heard of, The Silent Boy. And, truthfully, it’s one of my favorites!
The story is told through Katie’s POV as an old woman looking through a photo album and recalling her memories. I particularly loved Jacob. He was strange and curious. Today, perhaps, he would have been diagnosed with autism, but in the 1900’s he was just different, but that never seemed to matter to Katy, who connects with him and understands him when no one else does. This was something I found truly amazing. This wasn’t a “love story” in the terms of romantic love, but a love in friendship that I enjoyed. Another thing I found truly amazing was Lowry’s way of creating a complete early 1900s in such a short novel without leaving anything to the wayside. Honestly, is there anything that Lois Lowry cannot do?
If you love Lois Lowry’s books, but have never read The Silent Boy, you will not be disappointed when you read it.
Where to find Lois Lowry:
Amazon: Lois Lowry Books
Her Website: LoisLowry.com
★★★★★
Reading level:Ages 12 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Laurel Leaf (January 11, 2005)
The Silent Boy
is told by Katy Thatcher, an old woman in 1987, about a critical period in her life from 1908 to 1911. Katy, whose father is a community doctor, dreams of becoming a doctor herself. Katy takes an interest in Jacob, a “touched” boy from a neighboring farm, who can't speak, but somehow humms quietly to himself, and seems able to communicate with animals. Jacob occasionally comes to the Thatcher home to be in the barn with the animals. Katy shares Jacob’s love of animals and comes to feel she can communicate with him in a rudimentary but empathetic way.When Nell, the sister of Jacob, has a baby out of wedlock by Paul Bishop, Jacob is aware of the trouble. He abducts and brings the baby to the Thatcher's house on a stormy night, hoping to save it the way he has saved orphaned lambs by bringing them to a substitute mother. But it does'nt go the way he had planned it to. Later, Katy marries Austin Bishop and becomes a doctor. 50 years later the Asylum closed and Jacob was never seen again. There were no records of him there.
I’ve read this book a few years ago, and after rearranging my bookshelf I found it hidden away, still is perfect condition.
Lois Lowry has touched us through many of her works, like The Giver and Number the Stars (which I’ll be doing a review for), but rarely have I heard, or frankly ever heard of, The Silent Boy. And, truthfully, it’s one of my favorites!
The story is told through Katie’s POV as an old woman looking through a photo album and recalling her memories. I particularly loved Jacob. He was strange and curious. Today, perhaps, he would have been diagnosed with autism, but in the 1900’s he was just different, but that never seemed to matter to Katy, who connects with him and understands him when no one else does. This was something I found truly amazing. This wasn’t a “love story” in the terms of romantic love, but a love in friendship that I enjoyed. Another thing I found truly amazing was Lowry’s way of creating a complete early 1900s in such a short novel without leaving anything to the wayside. Honestly, is there anything that Lois Lowry cannot do?
If you love Lois Lowry’s books, but have never read The Silent Boy, you will not be disappointed when you read it.
Where to find Lois Lowry:
Amazon: Lois Lowry Books
Her Website: LoisLowry.com
Friday, October 28, 2011
Book Review: POSSESS
Gretchen McNeil
★★★★★
Reading level:Ages 13 and up/ Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (August 23, 2011)
After stressing over school work, I’ve found little time to read ANYTHING! But finally, after much homework and studying for mid-terms, I’VE FINISHED POSSESS!
So, this book follows 15-year-old Bridget Liu who just want to be left alone, by her mother, Matt Quinn, and the eerie voices and can suddenly hear- which are demons. And unfortunately for her, Bridget posses the power to banish them. After being enlisted by San-Francisco’s senior exorcist Monsignor Renault, she begins to come to terms with her new abilities. But then she receives a startling message from one of the demons, and one of her oldest friends is murdered, she realizes she is in farther than she thought. Now, she must unlock the secrets of the demon’s plan before it’s too late.
I have to say that there were many pros and cons to this book. Much like every book. Some things really bugged me (which I’ll get into in a sec) but I have to say this book was actually refreshing and a new twist I really enjoyed.
Let’s start with the cons (just because there isn’t much): I really didn’t care for Bridget’s attitude when she found out different aspects to her power. I mean, there was this one part, where she was freaked out that she could possibly hear angels and well as demons. It was just so baffling to her. Come on, you have to know that if you can hear DEMONS that angels are not that different. And then when Father Santos told her the story of how she came to be (meaning possessing her power and all) she just couldn’t accept it. If you could hear demons-DEMONS- why is the story of angels so hard to accept?But while those things bothered me, it’s not that bad especially when you compare it to how AWESOME the book was. I actually found that those things didn’t bother me after a while.
McNeil’s style of writing was somewhat unusual but flowed smooth and effortless. Written in third person, McNeil focuses on Bridget’s thoughts and does not stray. Bridget’s natural wit and sarcasm is utterly hilarious and fun to read. McNeil does not bore you with an abundance of description, nor does fail to bring the scene alive.
Her characters are absolutely perfect: Matt is hot and sweet, everything you want in a guy; Alexa is just evil; Bridget’s friends are comical; and the priests are like wow. McNeil’s plot flows effortlessly and even though you think you know who’s evil, she will just slap you in the face when you find out the truth. I kept guess and tripping over my own thoughts as I started to piece together the story just as Bridget did. There were points that were made that, at first, I thought she was just going to drop when she never mentioned them again, but then they came into play and it was just awesome. I literally had chills at some point in the book. I just freaked at the part with the doll shop, I mean scary, possessed dolls- crap my pant, that was horrifying!
I love McNeil’s spin on the whole fallen angels/ Nephilim, good vs. bad concept. It wasn’t that “Oh there were good ones and bad ones” she actually explained to us how they came about (and while I’d love to tell you how, you should read and fins out).
Plus, look at her cover design, is that now spooky and totally and awesomly sick! I just love it, one of the best cover arts I've ever seen!
This was a great debut novel that I am hoping will be the first in a fabulous series! A must read.
Other places to find Gretchen McNeil:
Twitter: @GertchenMcNeil
Amazon: Possess[Hardcover]
YouTube: Monday on YARebels
Facebook: Posses by Gretchen McNeil
GoodReads: Gretchen McNeil and Possess Book
Author WebSite: GretchenMcNeil
There's Only One Rule of Exorcism: The Spirits Lie
★★★★★
Reading level:Ages 13 and up/ Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (August 23, 2011)
After stressing over school work, I’ve found little time to read ANYTHING! But finally, after much homework and studying for mid-terms, I’VE FINISHED POSSESS! So, this book follows 15-year-old Bridget Liu who just want to be left alone, by her mother, Matt Quinn, and the eerie voices and can suddenly hear- which are demons. And unfortunately for her, Bridget posses the power to banish them. After being enlisted by San-Francisco’s senior exorcist Monsignor Renault, she begins to come to terms with her new abilities. But then she receives a startling message from one of the demons, and one of her oldest friends is murdered, she realizes she is in farther than she thought. Now, she must unlock the secrets of the demon’s plan before it’s too late.
I have to say that there were many pros and cons to this book. Much like every book. Some things really bugged me (which I’ll get into in a sec) but I have to say this book was actually refreshing and a new twist I really enjoyed.
Let’s start with the cons (just because there isn’t much): I really didn’t care for Bridget’s attitude when she found out different aspects to her power. I mean, there was this one part, where she was freaked out that she could possibly hear angels and well as demons. It was just so baffling to her. Come on, you have to know that if you can hear DEMONS that angels are not that different. And then when Father Santos told her the story of how she came to be (meaning possessing her power and all) she just couldn’t accept it. If you could hear demons-DEMONS- why is the story of angels so hard to accept?But while those things bothered me, it’s not that bad especially when you compare it to how AWESOME the book was. I actually found that those things didn’t bother me after a while.
McNeil’s style of writing was somewhat unusual but flowed smooth and effortless. Written in third person, McNeil focuses on Bridget’s thoughts and does not stray. Bridget’s natural wit and sarcasm is utterly hilarious and fun to read. McNeil does not bore you with an abundance of description, nor does fail to bring the scene alive.
Her characters are absolutely perfect: Matt is hot and sweet, everything you want in a guy; Alexa is just evil; Bridget’s friends are comical; and the priests are like wow. McNeil’s plot flows effortlessly and even though you think you know who’s evil, she will just slap you in the face when you find out the truth. I kept guess and tripping over my own thoughts as I started to piece together the story just as Bridget did. There were points that were made that, at first, I thought she was just going to drop when she never mentioned them again, but then they came into play and it was just awesome. I literally had chills at some point in the book. I just freaked at the part with the doll shop, I mean scary, possessed dolls- crap my pant, that was horrifying!
I love McNeil’s spin on the whole fallen angels/ Nephilim, good vs. bad concept. It wasn’t that “Oh there were good ones and bad ones” she actually explained to us how they came about (and while I’d love to tell you how, you should read and fins out).
Plus, look at her cover design, is that now spooky and totally and awesomly sick! I just love it, one of the best cover arts I've ever seen!
This was a great debut novel that I am hoping will be the first in a fabulous series! A must read.
Other places to find Gretchen McNeil:
Twitter: @GertchenMcNeil
Amazon: Possess[Hardcover]
YouTube: Monday on YARebels
Facebook: Posses by Gretchen McNeil
GoodReads: Gretchen McNeil and Possess Book
Author WebSite: GretchenMcNeil
There's Only One Rule of Exorcism: The Spirits Lie
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Book Review: The Chosen One (Grimsley Hollow #1)
★★★★★
Nicole Storey
Age Group: MG/YA
Format:Kindle Edition/ Paperback
File Size: 527 KB
Publisher:Nicole Storey; 1 edition (August 24, 2011)
The Chosen One, the first in the Grimsley Hollow series, tells the story of a young boy named Gage who has autism, loves Halloween, and has no friends. But then he meets Eve, a young witch from the magical world of Grimsley Hollow. But after an evil witch threatens to destroy the safety and peace, Gage and his friends must fight to defeat the evil witch and save Grimsley Hollow.
Let me start by saying that I usually do not read a lot Middle Grade (MG) novels. Mostly because many try to copy the awesomeness of Harry Potter while failing completely. But after reading the summary- and in dire need for a great novel-I bought it on my Kindle-PC, and was not disappointed.
I love Mrs. Storey’s way of description. Her characters- vampires, witches, pixies, dragons, and even a demon doctor- are so fun and crafty I wish I knew each one of them. After tagging along with Gage on his wild adventure filled with mild violence (which is very acceptable in my book) and the joy of friendship, I was craving more when this novel was finished. The fact the Gage was autistic added a charm to the book that few rarely capture. Instead of being helpless, Gage was a hero.
I personally enjoyed this story. Instead of whining that he could not do something, Gage triumphed through magical danger and came out victorious. It not only tells a MARVELOUS story, but sends a message that I think everyone, not just kids can learn: Just because people have special needs, does not mean they are disabled from overcoming difficulties…no matter how magical.
This is a great read for all ages, especially those craving for a book as great as Harry Potter.
Where you can find Nicole Storey:
Facebook: Nicole Storey Fans
Twitter: @Nicole_Storey
GoodReads: The Chosen One
Amazon: The Chosen One: Kindle Edition
Nicole Storey
Age Group: MG/YA
Format:Kindle Edition/ Paperback
File Size: 527 KB
Publisher:Nicole Storey; 1 edition (August 24, 2011) The Chosen One, the first in the Grimsley Hollow series, tells the story of a young boy named Gage who has autism, loves Halloween, and has no friends. But then he meets Eve, a young witch from the magical world of Grimsley Hollow. But after an evil witch threatens to destroy the safety and peace, Gage and his friends must fight to defeat the evil witch and save Grimsley Hollow.
Let me start by saying that I usually do not read a lot Middle Grade (MG) novels. Mostly because many try to copy the awesomeness of Harry Potter while failing completely. But after reading the summary- and in dire need for a great novel-I bought it on my Kindle-PC, and was not disappointed.
I love Mrs. Storey’s way of description. Her characters- vampires, witches, pixies, dragons, and even a demon doctor- are so fun and crafty I wish I knew each one of them. After tagging along with Gage on his wild adventure filled with mild violence (which is very acceptable in my book) and the joy of friendship, I was craving more when this novel was finished. The fact the Gage was autistic added a charm to the book that few rarely capture. Instead of being helpless, Gage was a hero.
I personally enjoyed this story. Instead of whining that he could not do something, Gage triumphed through magical danger and came out victorious. It not only tells a MARVELOUS story, but sends a message that I think everyone, not just kids can learn: Just because people have special needs, does not mean they are disabled from overcoming difficulties…no matter how magical.
This is a great read for all ages, especially those craving for a book as great as Harry Potter.
Where you can find Nicole Storey:
Facebook: Nicole Storey Fans
Twitter: @Nicole_Storey
GoodReads: The Chosen One
Amazon: The Chosen One: Kindle Edition
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
5 More Book Giveaways!
Sorry I haven't written a blog post in forever! School is crazy and I rearly get time to read anymore. But to make it up, here are 5 book giveaways that you might enjoy entering:
Expresso Reads 500 follower giveaway:
http://xpressoreads.blogspot.com/2011/10/500-followers-celebration.html
BelleBooks 800 followers giveaway:
http://bellebooksx.blogspot.com/2011/10/800-follower-giveaway.html
Good Books and Good Wine HUGE giveaway:
http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com/2011/10/this-giveaway-is-huuuuuuuge.html
Joyous Reads- Across the Universe giveaway
http://joyousreads.blogspot.com/2011/10/smart-chicks-kick-it-tour-recap-and.html
Not a book, but a kindle giveaway:
http://www.redirisbooks.com/2011/09/follow-red-iris-books-and-win-free.html
Expresso Reads 500 follower giveaway:
http://xpressoreads.blogspot.com/2011/10/500-followers-celebration.html
BelleBooks 800 followers giveaway:
http://bellebooksx.blogspot.com/2011/10/800-follower-giveaway.html
Good Books and Good Wine HUGE giveaway:
http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com/2011/10/this-giveaway-is-huuuuuuuge.html
Joyous Reads- Across the Universe giveaway
http://joyousreads.blogspot.com/2011/10/smart-chicks-kick-it-tour-recap-and.html
Not a book, but a kindle giveaway:
http://www.redirisbooks.com/2011/09/follow-red-iris-books-and-win-free.html
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
900 Followers Giveaway:
Win a giveaway now from this awesome person:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGE3X2lGQVhfUGJETExDOWZVRmE3ZWc6MQ#gid=0
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGE3X2lGQVhfUGJETExDOWZVRmE3ZWc6MQ#gid=0
Monday, October 17, 2011
Enter blog contest!
http://sarahs-book-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/10/pick-your-poison.html"><img http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d57/lollipoppoo0rn/SARAHS%20BOOK%20REVIEWS/GIVEAWAYS%20and%20MISC/PYP-GIVEAWAY2011.gif
and:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG1KNXBhSlVUUUhNb1J2VDh6Wl85dEE6MA
and:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG1KNXBhSlVUUUhNb1J2VDh6Wl85dEE6MA
Friday, October 7, 2011
Book Review: Brilliant Prey
Brenda B Wallace
★★★★★
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 277 KB
Publisher: Wallace Publishing; 1 edition (July 17, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Summary:
Even a genius can be played for a pawn by a cunning and deadly manipulator.
Lauren James is a former psychiatrist, still reeling from her husband’s suicide and the subsequent miscarriage that swept away her tidy life the year before. On the anniversary of his death, she opens what she hopes to be a "Welcome to Mensa" envelope and pulls out a threatening puzzle along with the identical suicide note she had burned the previous year. Unraveling the twisted clues, Lauren embarks on a harrowing journey drawn in by a child’s neglected grave, a professor from the island of St. Croix, and a U.S. Supreme Court nominee. When Lauren discovers the reason behind her husband’s shocking death, she must struggle with her deepest convictions and whether killing is acceptable if it saves more lives.
Just, wow. I originally didn’t have mush time to read this book. With everything I had going on I thought I’d perhaps find a few minutes to read. But I never expected to stop everything I was doing just to finish.
I really don’t want to give spoilers, this book was so fantastic I don’t wanna ruin it for anyone. Brenda Wallace write with a voice that has the essence of Dan Brown and even a little Stephen King, with a whole lot of her own. I’m not used to reading psychological thrillers for a reason: I just don’t like the mundane feel of them. But Brilliant Prey captured and held my attention. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster that kept me guessing until the very end. The characters are believable and thrilling to read about.
A must read!
To find out more abou the author:
Website: http://brendawallace.com
Twitter: @BrendaBWallace
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Prey-ebook/dp/B005F0YSZS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1318021010&sr=1-1
★★★★★
Summary:
Even a genius can be played for a pawn by a cunning and deadly manipulator.
Lauren James is a former psychiatrist, still reeling from her husband’s suicide and the subsequent miscarriage that swept away her tidy life the year before. On the anniversary of his death, she opens what she hopes to be a "Welcome to Mensa" envelope and pulls out a threatening puzzle along with the identical suicide note she had burned the previous year. Unraveling the twisted clues, Lauren embarks on a harrowing journey drawn in by a child’s neglected grave, a professor from the island of St. Croix, and a U.S. Supreme Court nominee. When Lauren discovers the reason behind her husband’s shocking death, she must struggle with her deepest convictions and whether killing is acceptable if it saves more lives.
Just, wow. I originally didn’t have mush time to read this book. With everything I had going on I thought I’d perhaps find a few minutes to read. But I never expected to stop everything I was doing just to finish.
I really don’t want to give spoilers, this book was so fantastic I don’t wanna ruin it for anyone. Brenda Wallace write with a voice that has the essence of Dan Brown and even a little Stephen King, with a whole lot of her own. I’m not used to reading psychological thrillers for a reason: I just don’t like the mundane feel of them. But Brilliant Prey captured and held my attention. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster that kept me guessing until the very end. The characters are believable and thrilling to read about.
A must read!
To find out more abou the author:
Website: http://brendawallace.com
Twitter: @BrendaBWallace
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Prey-ebook/dp/B005F0YSZS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1318021010&sr=1-1
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