Bookends: Princess Ben

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Ben's upbringing with her parents had been one of happy-go-lucky days, making friends with villagers and playing outside, but when her parents are assassinated and she is taken to live in the castle with her Aunt Sophia (Queen Regent), her life suddenly takes a dramatic turn for the worse. She must learn all the courtly courtesies -- how to speak, stitch, eat, make boring conversation. Unable to take the hunger and boredom, she rebels -- and gets locked in a tower as punishment. But it's in the tower one horrible evening after a lashing from her aunt, that the wall gives way and she suddenly finds that she can walk through stone. She is led to a small dusty room, wherein lies a book of elemental spells -- how to make earth, air, wind, and fire. In a desire to escape during a ball in which she is supposed to charm a husband, Ben uses the spells she has been working on to fly out the tower window on a broom. And then she crashes into a mountain, near the camp of enemy soldiers, and is taken prisoner. From the frying pan and into the fire. When she learns of the armies plans to march into her kingdom, she knows she must return and save her people, but how she's going to accomplish that, she has no idea.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Princess Ben (no, she's not a boy) is a great character, full of smart-alecky comments and trouble-making. She wants to do right by the people she knows and loves, but can't see how obeying her aunt could possibly make things better for anyone. And her aunt clearly does not understand her, either. But when she learns how others really see her, and also proves to herself her own value, big changes start to happen. Now, don't let this review sound all sentimental and good for you. There are plenty of chuckles in this book, some magic, and even a pinch of romance. So if you're looking for a lightweight fantasy, or if you've enjoyed enchanted princess tales before, pick this one up. Enjoy!

Bookends: Johnny Hazzard

This is the 25th post of this blog.

Johnny Hazzard by Eddie de Oliveira
Every summer since his parents split up, Johnny and his sister Lydia leave Austin, TX, to spend summers in London with their father. Johnny doesn't really look forward to this time away from home -- he's not comfortable being a foreigner and leaving all his friends behind. As much as he likes his dad, summers are usually pretty boring for him. Except this year he meets a girl, an older girl named January, and pretty soon he's got a serious girlfriend who skateboards -- and he's totally into her. Life changes. It's no longer about being cool or finding the hottest girl or just losing his virginity; it's more than that. And the questions and needed answers only grow when Johnny's family takes a mini-vacation to Belgium.
At the beginning of this book, I thought it might be an OK read, but the more I read, the less interested I became, and I almost considered not finishing it. About halfway through the author, spent a good number of words and pages on philosophical history about war, and when the family takes a trip to Belgium to see history, there are many more reflections on war and wars. Good points, but distracting after so much of it. The war provides a contrast against his newfound happiness at being in a relationship, but it doesn't actually work very well in the book. Nevertheless, it is a coming of age book for guys, and it might be more interesting in that regard. The relationship between January and Johnny almost hits reality. There are a few sex scenes.
I should possibly point out that some readers have given this book great reviews.

Bookends: Storm Thief

Storm Thief by Chris Wooding
Orokos: an island city of chaos, where lives Rain, whose body was changed by a probability storm and cannot breathe without wearing a special breathing contraption, and Moa, the outcast daughter of dead rebels. Together they are thieves who have discovered an important artifact of technology -- one that can open a door anywhere at anytime -- a perfect gadget for thieves. But someone else wants the piece, as well, and sends after them her favorite young murderer. Caught up in betrayal and danger and the fear of probability storms, Moa and Rain run for their lives, discovering friends, enemies, and heavy duty secrets about the city, its rulers, and its people along the way. But when the secret police catch up to them, and finally catch them,
A pretty interesting piece of sci-fi with a twist of fantasy, and it tastes of futuristic dystopias. It took me a few pages to get into it because the writing has a different flavor than what I usually read; in fact, it seems to just have a different flavor, period. I appreciated Moa and Rain's struggles, was disappointed that the power of the probability storms was never shown in full strength (just talked about), and was struck by Vago's (read the book to find out who he is) quick change to the dark side. So, if you like adventure, futurism, or thrillers with imagination, give this one read. You might be surprised.

3 Books

On the day that I went to the 3-county fair, I also stopped by a used bookstore to pick up 3 books to read and review for you:

Storm Thief by Chris Wooding

Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson

Johnny Hazzard by Eddie de Oliveira

I'm working on Storm Thief at the moment -- I'll let you know how it goes.

Write in with your opinions about these books! Just click the comments link below and let us know what you thought of these books when you read them!

Remember -- the library isn't open today.

New Books

I picked up an Indie List book paper from the local bookstore in Amherst and saw that one of my favorite authors has a new fantasy out – Robin McKinley, who wrote The Blue Sword, Beauty, and Sunshine (to name a few), has a new book out, and the reviewer I read quite liked it. I’ll be ordering it, so be sure to look for Chalice.

Celia Rees also has a new book out – remember Sorceress and Witch Child? Sovay tells the story of a girl who dresses as a highwayman and has a bit of trouble about it – a historical fiction piece that is sure to be popular. Be on the lookout for that one, too.

Bookends: The Host

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I'm sure, if you're a Twilight fan, you've already gobbled your way through Stephenie Meyer's newest in the series, Breaking Dawn. And if you haven't read it, you're probably on the waiting list for it at the library. But have you read the sci-fi piece Meyer wrote for adults? I read it this weekend, and truth be told, I think teens are a perfect audience for it. However, don't expect another Twilight.
The Host recounts the story of an alien that has been implanted into a teenage girl's body -- part of a movement to take over the human population by these parasitic beings that have conquered many worlds before. And usually they have very little trouble when they conquer new worlds -- but Wanderer has trouble overcoming her host body and mind, Melanie. Her Comforter and Healer cannot help her and Melanie will not disappear -- she continues to bother Wanderer until Wanderer is persuaded to help Melanie seek out her brother and her boyfriend in the depths of the desert. They almost die in pursuit of Melanie's dream, but are found and rescued by her uncle who takes her to an underground mansion of caverns where he is hiding with dozens of other humans who have escaped implanting -- dozens of others, including Melanie's brother and boyfriend. However, trust is difficult, and Melanie and Wanderer are considered dangerous and almost killed a number of times before they begin to be accepted by the group. But greater dangers erupt, putting the whole group at risk, and Melanie and Wanderer face a question of huge importance to themselves and to the others in the caverns -- if they stay, will they bring more danger to the ones they love, or should they go and let everyone forget their existence? Melanie has one answer, Wanderer has another.
This was a surprising read for me. I wasn't sure I would like this new Meyer book, having received mixed reviews about it from other readers. It moves Meyer away from vampire teen fantasy fiction into science fiction, but it continues her themes of impossible love made possible and also reminds us that the individuality of humanity is important and powerful. My verdict? I liked it and I dare you to read it.
FICTION Meyer

College Navigator

Perhaps you're wondering which colleges serve sushi in the cafeteria; or which schools have the highest proportion of graduates join the Peace Corps; or which schools have high enrollments in biology; or have great philosophy programs; or organic farms; or the largest stadiums.
Or perhaps you're looking at a couple of schools and want to see how they compare in choral programs, pets on campus, admissions levels, fashion design programs, and athletic training programs.
Well, this new book we just received today, College Navigator, will give you all that and more. It's a small little compact book with lists and lists and lists of activities, academics, culture & life, and fun facts. I spent a good number of minutes flipping through it this morning, looking up my colleges. Worth giving a look at.

Bookends: Coraline

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by P. Craig Russel
Many of you have read Coraline -- it's a standard on the Middle School Summer Reading Long List. However, this one is a little different -- it's done up as a graphic novel. The gist of the story is this: Coraline goes through a door in her family's new home and finds on the other side a home that is practically a mirror image of her own -- and includes another mother and another father who love her and want to make her their own -- they want to change her and never let her go, as they've already done with other children in the past. ...
I was not convinced from the cover that I would like the graphic version of this story, having thoroughly enjoyed the novel. I thought that the illustration style might not hold up to the story. But it surprised me, working especially well with all the characters that had buttons for eyes. :-) So if you're a fan of Coraline, or if you've never read it before, give it a look. It's ALWAYS worth the read. (Be forewarned, it's a little creepy.)

Summer Mystery

If you're looking for a summer beach mystery to take with you on your next trip to the shore, take a look at Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber. It's an entertaining murder mystery complete with a secluded island, a past-prime rock star, poison, spies, parents who don't understand, and a sprinkling of romance.
And if you like this one, there's a second coming out in September: Death by Latte (it's been ordered).

Bookends: Japan Ai (from the intern)

Japan Ai: A Tall Girl’s Adventures in Japan by Aimee Major Steinberger

This is not your typical graphic novel. Basically, it’s a really cool travelogue describing Aimee Steinberger’s dream trip to Japan. Aimee (the author) is a professional animator, so she decided to illustrate the highlights from her trip. She also happens to be a major fangirl who loves all things Japanese, and she spent much of her trip to Tokyo and Kyoto dressing up as her favorite Japanese characters, watching Japanese musical theatre, and spotting scenes from her favorite anime and manga; basically soaking up the culture… especially the pop culture.

I loved reading about Aimee’s adventures. I have been to Japan, so reading the book brought back some memories for me, especially because, like Aimee, I am a fairly tall girl and definitely at times had that feeling of sticking out like a big sore thumb! “Japan Ai” is a quick and easy read, and a great book for any manga/anime lover who wants to see Japan firsthand. Er, almost firsthand! Aimee’s descriptions are very accurate and her drawings are great, and the book is full of funny stories (like Aimee trying desperately to fit her size 11 feet into tiny Japanese shoes).

PS- If you like reading the illustrated-travelogue-slash-diary-type-thing, you might also like You Can Never Find A Rickshaw When It Monsoons by Mo Willems (the “Don’t Let the Pigeon…” guy).

From the intern, Erin

Bookends: Saga

Saga by Conor Kostick
To those on New Earth, Saga is another virtual reality role-playing game, like their Epic was. But they are becoming addicted, and many of the players can't pull themselves away from the game even to eat or sleep or brush their teeth. Within Saga, the characters are part of a real world ruled over by the Dark Queen. They have strict social class enforced by armed guards and electronics systems -- for most of the citizens, it is not a happy life. When players from New Earth discover that the citizens of Saga are real and that the Dark Queen is a threat to them all, they begin a revolution together, assisted by Michelotto (the Queen's assassin) and Ghost (a young girl with extraordinary talents and skills who has no knowledge of who she is). If they don't succeed in this revolution, thousands of lives will be lost to the Dark Queen's Saga.

As much as I loved Epic, I found this book a little difficult to get into. Narrators vary by chapter, and are difficult to follow in the beginning (the Dark Queen narration I particularly had problems with). The plot also starts off a little hazy and undefined. However, as the story starts to flow, things pick up and it soon becomes an enjoyable piece to read, full of social consciousness, implications of a greedy ruling class, the power of rebellion.

Y SCIENCE FICTION Kostick