Namina Forna's _The Gilded Ones_ receives three stars from me. I debated this because I'm not the target audience. However, I have some concrete issueNamina Forna's _The Gilded Ones_ receives three stars from me. I debated this because I'm not the target audience. However, I have some concrete issues that I feel justify this rating.
Three stars means I liked it, which I did. But it did drag along a bit. So, let's start with the negatives first. I found the writing stilted at times, unnecessarily cumbersome. I noted this the most in spoken language, which often changed and felt fake. The book is too long and could have benefited with cutting down. I don't mean delete scenes, but cutting down while saying the same things. I felt that some of the chapters rambled a bit. There were really no real surprises. What bothered me the most was a step would be made forward but then no further development on that theme for a time. I would have liked Deka really question what she was doing more.
What I liked: The themes are strong and come out clearly. Use of religion to oppress women, becoming who we are meant to be, friendship, learning and investigation are all strong in the book.
Recommended: For this one, I'm not going to recommend it for adults, but I think possibly YA readers will enjoy it more than I did. ...more
Eric R. Asher's _Steamborn_ receives four stars from me. This is primarily based on the writing and world-building. At times, I felt like I didn't knoEric R. Asher's _Steamborn_ receives four stars from me. This is primarily based on the writing and world-building. At times, I felt like I didn't know where the book was heading, what was that final conflict going to be. However, this needs to be said: I'm stressed right now, and my concentration is low. I think the issues I might have with the text not heading in a direction may be due to that.
This was an audiobook read by Saskia Maarleveld. I think she was a risky choice in that the main character is male. My experience is that even with a third-person narrator, the reader will match the gender of the main character. The choice of her was risky in that it stands out of the norm. The choice was also wise. For me, it created a character in the narrator and making the distinction clear. Maarleveld reads well. I liked her interpretation of the text. She has the same limit that most readers have in doing voices of opposite genders. I thought, however, she did well. Her voices are distinct enough to be recognized, but not overdone to be comical. I think she's a good reader, and I recommend her.
The Book. The plot is a series of little events that follow each other. They are not all tied together but seem to be connected in time. This is a YA novel (I think), and think for teens, the author makes a wise choice in spending lots of time on world-building. This is not overly descriptive. The world-building is done within the events. However, the action, the conflict of the series, begins late. There are conflicts--will Jacob make it to the festival? Will his father get his medicine? However, these ar all minor conflicts that are no main conflicts.
However, having said that. I think the author works with his characters more and presents the mian characters in as full a way as possible for his reader. By establishing these people, the reader will care for them more. I also think that teen readers would identify with the characters and find them, good role models. I think the teen readers would also enjoy being placed in the world, and hearing about the different creatures that cause problems, the different steam machines that are built, etc.
Themes? again I'm stressed, but I think survival, helping each other, coming of age, these are all themes being played out in this novel.
Recommended: Yes, I think it is a solid steampunk novel. It has all the things we like about that genre. Will I continue in the series? Yes.
_The Inventor's Secret_ Andrea Cremer receives three stars from me. I found the book unfocused as it diverged too much from the premise.
The book was _The Inventor's Secret_ Andrea Cremer receives three stars from me. I found the book unfocused as it diverged too much from the premise.
The book was read by Leslie Bellair, and I found her performance good. However, her voice tends more on childish than Young Adult, and many of her characters sounded pre-adolescent. I found that distracting. Her ideas about the book and the rhythms she uses were all fine.
On to the book. Disclaimer. I didn't finish this text. I had about 20% left, and just no longer could be bothered with the story Cremer bills the book as a YA Steampunk novel. I found at times the dialogue to be younger than YA. As well as, the writing. At times, I found myself asking: is this YA or Juvenile? The book would be a good juvenile book I believe and give 12-14 year olds a lot to discuss. However, as for a YA book for a 17--22 year old? I think many might find the book too simplistic.
For me, too much attention was paid on the romance plot than should be. It distracted me from the subversive task the characters were doing. What was needed was one of the characters to step up and say--Hey, we've got a mission to do here, and your behavior can and will bring attention to us, stop it.
I love a good steampunk, but this one isn't going to be listed as one. I found the world wasn't as steampunky as it should be. There were some interesting things but not enough. I think her ideas of alternative history were excellent, and the political world we get glimpses at, I think are good.
Why did I not finish? I'm 52 years old, and I don't want to continue if I'm not enjoying a book. I didn't dislike the book from the beginning but as time went on, I become less and less interested in it. I don't care at this point what the secret might be or what inventor the title refers to. I think this is because Cremer's characters are not fully developed; thus they garner less interest in their stories.
Recommended: If you are interested in steampunk, do not start with this one. If you are reading to find books for teens and younger, I think this could be a good fit. For adults who are just interested in reading and reading different genres, I don't recommend the book. So then, why the 3 stars. While the book didn't appeal to me, I can see that it is enjoyable (it was enjoyable for me for a time), but most importantly, it isn't a crappy book. ...more
_Into the Wilderness_ by Mandy Hager receives 4 stars from me. It is interesting that the four stars feels odd to me because I kind of feel I'm inflat_Into the Wilderness_ by Mandy Hager receives 4 stars from me. It is interesting that the four stars feels odd to me because I kind of feel I'm inflating the score. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the first one of the series. This is mostly plot-driven and lacked the thematic development of the first. However, the writing is still solid, so 4 stars is solid.
At times, I felt the plot was a bit contrived. Now that I'm finished, I see that this book's purpose seems to be to set up the next book. This is due to the ending.
This must read as harsh, so let me discuss the features of the book I enjoyed. While not as much, there is the theme of questioning one's faith. I think that this is explored, and with the target reader, this would cause great discussion. However, I could have used more of it. Maryam grows in this book; however, at times she gets a bit repetitive seemingly to stay in the same emotional space. But, she does grow, she does learn, so that's still a high point. Ruth. Dear Ruth. She's stuck in her faith. And while she, being stuck in her faith is annoying, she represents people faced with situations and evidence that call into question her faith. She refuses to hear or disucss it and when forced, she simply ignores it. This can be powerful for student discussion: why is she this way? can she change? should she change?
Recommended: yes, of course. I'd like to teach students at this age and get their thoughts on the book as well. It would be interesting to hear....more
Scythe by Neal Shusterman receives four stars from me due to the excellent story, and the interesting dystopian world.
This was an audio book so a comScythe by Neal Shusterman receives four stars from me due to the excellent story, and the interesting dystopian world.
This was an audio book so a comment on the reader, Greg Tremblay, is in order. Tremblay has a nice voice. His interpretation of the characters, I thought, was good and on target. He doesn’t do vastly different voices, but his voices are different enough to distinguish each character. I can’t think of anything that stands out that he did wonderfully well, but the overall performance drew me in. I recommend him as a reader.
Now on the book. Shusterman creates an interesting dystopian and in many ways post-apocalyptic world. Let me explain: The novel is set on Earth post mortality. Humans (and other animals) do not die. They are revived. Humans are no longer mortal. In many ways the event that changes everything is when humans conquered death. What makes this dystopian is government no longer exists, but the world is ran by a computer called the Thunderhead, who has the best interests of humans in mind. This is one of the reasons I found this world dystopian. Man is immortal, and a computer is running things. Human growth and achievement are in the past. In many ways this reminds me of Brave New World. Everyone is basically happy but have no drive. Another reason I think this is dystopian is that not only are humans revived when they die, but they can go to a rejuvenation clinic and exit the clinic in a 21 year old body (or any age no younger than 21.) Humans are living well past 100 but are still having babies. What interests me in this is that every dystopian society has to deal with the birth rate and the death rate to maintain the status quo. Logan’s Run has carousel and regulated births. The problem with this society is that they have not worked out the balance between new births and deaths, and with people able to have babies into their 100s, this is a problem.
The solution is the Scythes who are men and women chosen and trained to keep people completely, as in never sent to a revival center. Never returning. Real death. How the Scythes act creates more of the dystopian worlds.
I found this story rich in characters, rich in plot, good juxtapositions, and good themes. Themes such as: questioning what one is told, friendship, belonging, acceptance.
_The Flying Flamingo Sisters_ by Carrie Seim receives four stars from me. Its great fun, good for kids.
Since this is a recording, I'd like to address _The Flying Flamingo Sisters_ by Carrie Seim receives four stars from me. Its great fun, good for kids.
Since this is a recording, I'd like to address the cast first. Well they were great! They brought the characters to life. There wasn't one actor that didn't pull his or her weight. I wish I knew who was who in the cast. For me, the narrator is one that I'd like to get a book he narrates.
The music was exceptional.
The book. I enjoyed it even though I'm not the target audience. I thought the story was well planned, and well-executed. I did not like the ending, It seemed too sudden. This could be due to the target audience. Another "mistake" is the revelation of what one of the characters has been doing while her sisters were learning to fly. There was no indication of this before it was revealed at the exact time that skill was needed. This feels too contrived and unbelievable.
recommended: for kids--oh yeah. For adults? If you don't enjoy reading what your kids are reading, no. You'll not like it. But, if you enjoy reading books for younger people for any reason, you'll like this. ...more
Mandy Hager's _The Crossing_ receives 5 stars from me due to the themes, the characters, and the interesting premise.
I'll start with the Oh hell yeah!
Mandy Hager's _The Crossing_ receives 5 stars from me due to the themes, the characters, and the interesting premise.
I'll start with the premise: Innovative. That's all I'll say about that.
The characters: Maryam and Ruth are are the two I want to focus on here. Maryam is strong, intelligent, and caring. Ruth is supportive, brave, and strong. They work well together and help each other. However, I just want to point out one thing about Maryam that is important: she questions the status quo. As the novel progresses, her questions are reasonable, logical, and the right kinds of questions to be asking in that situation. She's brave in what she says out loud. Additionally, she's open minded to hearing other ideas.
The themes--let's see if I can scratch the service here: independence; not accepting one's fate; questioning the status quo; faith; the misuse of religion; identity; accepting what one doesn't want to accept; finding faith. So many. There is one I'd like to point out in a little detail as I think it could possibly help children of abuse. This is a young adult reader so the age is 12-18. One of the themes is the abuse of power being used to abuse teens. I think Hager does a great job of telling readers that regardless of who the adults are or say they are, they are not allowed to abuse others.
Rocket Ship Galileo by Robert A Heinlein receives three stars from me. While I understand that some people feel 3-star rating is a failure, it isn't. Rocket Ship Galileo by Robert A Heinlein receives three stars from me. While I understand that some people feel 3-star rating is a failure, it isn't. Three stars means that you can read it, enjoy it but it may not stick with you, or you might be left feeling a bit unsatisfied.
First, this is a one of Heinlein's juvenile works, maybe the first, so as adults it needs to be read in that light. I think Heinlein writes for the target audience well. The language is appropriate, and the plot not complicated for young readers. It is mostly plot-driven, in fact, I'm not sure I can identify any character development.
I think young readers could read this and enjoy it. However, I have some thoughts. For me, the text is too adult-centered and lead. For young readers, I like to see the kids more in the center. I felt that the Adult was too bossy. Often he would knock down the kids' suggestions repeatedly then tell them what to do. This bothered me a lot. I felt like, why does he ask their opinions and then discard them all. I worry that kids reading this might feel their ideas are not valued.
Additionally, I found the plot a bit dissatisfying. Not that he should have gone into more details, no not at all. But there could have been more done with the time on the moon. I feel there are some unanswered questions.
This was an audiobook, so regarding the reader. Spider Robinson does a good job with this. I did feel at times he would speak lines a little incomprehensible, sort of toss away lines. Otherwise, his voice good, strong and clear. I also think he understands the target audience and adapts to them.
Recommended: Let the kids decide. It isn't bad and I think they will like it. For adults: if you read it as a kid and loved it, maybe don't return to it, and keep that happy memory....more
_House of Teeth_ by Dan Jolley receives three stars from me. While I found the writing on the target level, the story itself wasn't engaging enough.
T_House of Teeth_ by Dan Jolley receives three stars from me. While I found the writing on the target level, the story itself wasn't engaging enough.
This was an audible book, so first the narrator. Josh Hurley narrated this book. His narration is excellent. I feel for younger audiences he has the right cadence and expressions that will bring to life a book for middle grade readers. He is capable of doing several voices that are distinguished from each other. He is a talent and I look forward to seeing more from him in the future. If you see a book narrated by Hurley, the narration will be good.
_House of Teeth_ for me didn't capture my addition as other middle grade books have. There seems to be a contradiction: there is a lot going on simultaneously, and yet the plot is very straight forward without much going on. Jolley has a few elements that are introduced and they don't all fit together in a clear plot. I don't feel he interwove the elements together well.
Let's discuss the magic. Humm, I actually found it kind of lame. No spoilers here I think, but careful. Ok the magic involves teeth. The Lemarchands are able to absorb the memories, and talents of others through touching the discarded teeth. Each of the family wear a set of different teeth and other objects that they can use when needed. This is the part I'm not liking. It seems when written into a corner, the character just has to remember about that tooth that has not been mention or discussed and bam something new can happen. I prefer some boundaries, and less God machine.
Recommended: for adults, maybe not. For young readers? I'm unsure. Give it a try, and let your child listen to it. If he or she seems interested and listens, that's great. if not, its not so bad. ...more
Podkayne of Mars by Robert A. Heinlein recieves 4 stars from me.
I enjoyed the future world that Heinlein builds through this 15 year old girl from MaPodkayne of Mars by Robert A. Heinlein recieves 4 stars from me.
I enjoyed the future world that Heinlein builds through this 15 year old girl from Mars. Heinlein gets a lot packed in a short novel. Parenting, family bonds, vices, virtue, dreams and aspirations. It's all there. I felt that the book felt much like a YA reader, but I"m unsure if it is truly one. The language seems to be at that target.
Recommended: I do. There is some controversy over the ending as it seems the publisher wanted one and Heinlein wanted another. The version I listened to was the former. I don't have any comments about that. I have my own issues with the ending, feeling that it just happens.
This was an audio book, so a comment on the reader. She was Emily Janice Card. I enjoyed her voices and her interpretation of Podkayne. She has a good tone, and good understanding of the characters. I would get a book read by her again....more
I'm giving this 5 stars based on the writing, the use of themes, and the concept.
_Nothing_ by Janne Teller is a young adult book that came to my attenI'm giving this 5 stars based on the writing, the use of themes, and the concept.
_Nothing_ by Janne Teller is a young adult book that came to my attention when I heard about an opera based on the book. I saw a clip of a woman singing about a dog saying "it's just a dog, just a dog" or something like that. This got my interest and I bought the book without really checking it out. I thought it was for adults, but quickly realized it was not and was for young adult readers. That isn't a problem for me, as I've been reading books for young readers, too.
Teller writes wonderfully at the level of the YA reader. Yet, she isn't condensing, nor does her narrator sound contrived. It reads as a confessional, from a person at that age.
The book is complicated, and should not be read lightly. The complication is in the themes, and there are many--the meaning of life; violence; mob rule; being apart of the group; understanding self, and others. the plot is not complicated, and most of the characters are not complicated. Which makes the book seem light--but it is not.
Suggested reading? Absolutely. However, due to the violence in the book, I don't think a YA reader should be left alone with the book. YA readers may have questions and may want to talk about the book. It would be good if parents read along with their child in order to fully discuss these themes. The book is haunting, and it would not surprise me if some children have bad dreams about it as they read it, and afterword.
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