Although I see some similarities to Harry Potter (school/camp for kids with powers, evil force being slowly brought back to power), this series contaiAlthough I see some similarities to Harry Potter (school/camp for kids with powers, evil force being slowly brought back to power), this series contains sufficient original material to keep me entertained. I really like how it introduces Greek mythology to young adults.
After seeing the movie based on book #1, this is the first of the books that I've read. There are some major differences and I prefer the awkwardness of the book characters to the overly cool Hollywoodness of the movie versions. (For the record, Percy is only 13 in this book, a year after the first book took place. The movie version features a 16- or 17-year old who is, of course, quite easy on the eyes.) ...more
I know I shouldn't be surprised when a book is infinitely better than it's movie adaptation. I watched the movie version of The Lightening Thief beforI know I shouldn't be surprised when a book is infinitely better than it's movie adaptation. I watched the movie version of The Lightening Thief before I'd read anything of this series, which is fortunate. I liked the movie enough to start reading the series, but if I'd read the books first I would have been sorely disappointed by the movie.
Besides the characters being better developed, there are major plot differences that work much better in the book. Additional characters play major roles and many details about the characters are changed -- mostly things like AGE. The books are about awkward early teens, while the movie featured pretty teenagers. Ugh.
Criticism of the similarities to Harry Potter put aside (see my review of The Sea of Monsters for a bit of that), this is a great series so far -- quick, entertaining, imaginative reads....more
This is only interesting if you read and liked the Uglies series. I did and did and enjoyed this a lot. It puts everything together: history of the RuThis is only interesting if you read and liked the Uglies series. I did and did and enjoyed this a lot. It puts everything together: history of the Rusties and Pretty-time, character profiles, technology explanations, etc. ...more
The final installment of the "Uglies" trilogy basically wraps up the story, although there is another book in the series that takes place several yearThe final installment of the "Uglies" trilogy basically wraps up the story, although there is another book in the series that takes place several years later.
In Specials, as the title suggests, Tally and some of her friends have been transformed into "Specials," short for "Special Circumstances." which is like the secret police of their society. Tally is a "Cutter" a team of Special Specials, surgically modified to be able to live in the wild, stay awake for days on end, smell their prey from miles away along with the prey's emotions, etc., etc.
The series as a whole was an interesting, quick read. ...more
This sequel to "Uglies" follows the adventures of Tally Youngblood after her "surge" to become "pretty." Our heroine alternates between likeable and sThis sequel to "Uglies" follows the adventures of Tally Youngblood after her "surge" to become "pretty." Our heroine alternates between likeable and smackable, but Westerfeld has created a fascinating future world that makes this series worth reading....more
Imagine a futuristic society where everyone is equally beautiful, thanks to extensive plastic surgery. Interestingly, everyone is also vegetarian, livImagine a futuristic society where everyone is equally beautiful, thanks to extensive plastic surgery. Interestingly, everyone is also vegetarian, living separate from nature in compact cities with underground factories.
This is the world in which almost-16-year-old Tally lives. She's counting down the days until her birthday when she will be transformed from an "ugly" into a "pretty." Throw in a new friend who doesn't want to be a pretty and soon Tally finds herself struggling between wanting what she's been programmed to want her entire life...and being content with herself.
The messages in this young adult sci-fi aren't very deeply buried, but the story is fascinating nonetheless. This is the first book in a trilogy of four books. That's right, trilogy of four. Don't ask me. Needless to say, I've placed holds on the next three books and the "Insider's Guide to the World of the Uglies," titled "Bogus to Bubbly." ...more
It took me a long time to get into this book, but it was worth the read. It's very timely historical fiction, since it's set during the Haitian revoluIt took me a long time to get into this book, but it was worth the read. It's very timely historical fiction, since it's set during the Haitian revolution, showing a lot of the forces that have shaped Haiti into the nation it is today. Woven into the same narrative is a glimpse of decadent Creole New Orleans right around the time of the Louisiana Purchase. ...more
When I told a friend about reading this book, she said she'd received an e-mail from a (Catholic) mutual acquaintance of ours, basically saying that Philip Pullman was the anti-Christ for writing this book. I can see where this would offend Catholics in particular (because there are some very pointed comments about how power within the church corrupts) and church-goers in general. Pullman definitely has some negative things to say (through the mouth of a fictional Jesus) about organized religion, but for me that's not off-putting. If you take organized religion seriously, this probably isn't the book for you.
So with that disclaimer, this is a fictionalized account of the life of Jesus...and "Christ" (whose real name is never given, although it's referred to as being a common name, and by the end of the book you can probably guess it) under the premise that Mary immaculately conceived twins. This allows Pullman to explore various sides of the Christian message and the relationship between faith and religion. ...more
Aimee Bender does Magical Realism (a genre that I enjoy) L.A.-style, in a coming-of-age story with several twists.
The story follows Rose, who just beAimee Bender does Magical Realism (a genre that I enjoy) L.A.-style, in a coming-of-age story with several twists.
The story follows Rose, who just before her 9th birthday develops the ability to taste the emotions of whoever prepared her food. Given her mother's emotional turmoil, this is quite a problem. The book focuses on her 9th, 13th and 17th years, since she sees those as the most pivotal in her young life, although the book concludes in her early 20s.
Beautiful prose combined with an interesting plot and sympathetic characters make for a worthwhile read.
Three nights. That's how long it took me to read this book because I couldn't put it down.
In one ass-kicking finale, Lisbeth Salander triumphs over alThree nights. That's how long it took me to read this book because I couldn't put it down.
In one ass-kicking finale, Lisbeth Salander triumphs over all her enemies. I guess that's a bit of a spoiler, but if you've read the first two books, you know that's bound to happen. ...more
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" gives you a glimpse of Lisbeth Salander, but this second book full immerses you in her life. Instead of merely helpi"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" gives you a glimpse of Lisbeth Salander, but this second book full immerses you in her life. Instead of merely helping solve a murder mystery, she is now at the center of a murder mystery, with all of Sweden hunting her, including a few supporters who want to help her clear her name. Her twisted history (including the details "All the Evil") are revealed, presenting more evidence of what an amazing survivor she really is. ...more
I'm not usually into thrillers, but this one sucked me in. Believe the hype!I'm not usually into thrillers, but this one sucked me in. Believe the hype!...more
This is probably only interesting if you love Bill Peet's books. The illustrations make the book come alive.This is probably only interesting if you love Bill Peet's books. The illustrations make the book come alive....more
The Hand That First Held Mine alternates between two stories, both set in London, one current, the other beginning in the mid-1950s. In modern London,The Hand That First Held Mine alternates between two stories, both set in London, one current, the other beginning in the mid-1950s. In modern London, an unwed couple is struggling with the rather traumatic birth of their first child and the adjustment to parenthood. In the earlier story, a young woman leaves her conservative family behind to make her own way in the big city. The characters (especially in the earlier story) are complex and believable. I wanted them to be happy, even though foreshadowing made it clear that wasn't going to happen, or to last at least.
I knew the stories were somehow connected, but wasn't entirely sure how until about 3/4 of the way through the novel. The reveal is not exactly subtle. If you don't get it, you're not paying attention at all. The last quarter then is spent watching the details fall into place and both stories reach their climax.
I absolutely loved this book. It was informative, inspiring, and infused with Kingsolver's dry humor. I'm inspired to change the way I think about, acI absolutely loved this book. It was informative, inspiring, and infused with Kingsolver's dry humor. I'm inspired to change the way I think about, acquire, and consume food. ...more
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