A Book Every Day

The Wedding Planner's Daughter

2008-10-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Planner’s Daughter
By
Coleen Murtagh Paratore
4/5 Stars

From the Publisher: Twelve-year-old Willa Havisham is a classics reader, a cherry-cordial eater, and quite possible the world’s worst wisher. But when she and her glamorous single mother, Stella, move to Bramble, Cape Cod, Willa’s wishes are beginning to come true: She makes her first-ever best friend, Tina. She bonds wither her hip, candy-making Nana. And best of all, steely Stella is falling for Willa’s English teacher Sam – he’s perfect dad material! But before Willa can marry off her mother, or dance with her adorable crush, Joseph, disaster strikes…

Can Willa undo the damage before Stella misses her chance to say “I do?”

Every once in a while, I like to read a book for sheer enjoyment. When I’m in this mood, I seek out a novel that is fast paced, entertaining, and a lot of fun. The Wedding Planner’s Daughter has all of these qualities, and more! From the drama of Willa’s relationship with her mother, to the mystery of what makes a perfect wedding – this book is perfect mix of and humor, romance, and action.

If you are looking for a book for your pre-teen, give this one a try.

Winner!

2008-10-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

The winner of "The Guardian" is hylianvampire.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Schooled

2008-10-05T15:18:00.001-07:00

Schooled
by
Anisha Lakhani
5/5 Stars

From the Publisher: All she wants to do is teach. For Anna Taggert, an earnest Ivy League graduate, pursuing her passion as a teacher means engaging young hearts and minds. She longs to be in a place where she can be her best self, and give that best to her students.

Turns out it isn't that easy.

Landing a job at an elite private school in Manhattan, Anna finds her dreams of chalk boards and lesson plans replaced with board families, learning specialists, and benefit-planning mothers. Not to mention the grim realities of her small paycheck.

And then comes the realization that the papers she grades are not the work of her students, but of their high-priced, college-educated tutors. After uncovering this underground economy where a teacher can make the same hourly rate as a Manhattan attorney, Anna herself is seduced by lucrative offers--one after another. Teacher by day, tutor by night, she starts to sample the good life her students enjoy: binges at Barneys, dinners at the Waverly Inn, and a new address on Madison Avenue.

Until, that is, the truth sets in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Being a teacher myself, I understood where Anna was coming from - wanting to make a difference, unsure where to begin, and longing for support from those around her.

Lakhani's characters grab you from the first page. Anna Taggert is a truly likable heroine - I found myself cheering for her until the very end. Although she falls prey to the lure of easy money, she works heard to regain her integrity. Similarly, the students of Langdon are not what they seem. at first glance, the appear merely spoiled and lazy. But, as Anna works with them, we seem them begin to bloom - and we witness how they are manipulated by the world in which they live.

I have to admit, I have been a reading slump lately. But, this was the perfect book to get me back on track. If you are looking for a book you can loose yourself in - pick this one up!

Teaser Tuesdays

2008-09-30T16:45:00.001-07:00

The rules are:

1. Get the book you are currently reading.
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

____________________________________

Today's teaser is from Schooled by Anisha Lakhani page 36:

"Impulsively, I took a piece of chalk and wrote MS. TAGGERT in cursive writing with big, sweeping strokes. Even the smell of chalk was thrilling."

Giveaway!

2008-09-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

This week's giveaway is an ARC of the young adult novel - Guardian by Julius Lester.

From the Publisher: When one teenage boy chooses not to tell the truth, an innocent man is lynched, and the boy must bear the burden of shame and suffer the pain of losing a friendship.

Not since To Kill A Mockingbird has there been a more haunting and poignant novel about what happens when a group of people deny human rights to others.

Leave a comment to enter. I will choose the winner on Saturday, September 27th.

Good Luck!

Winner!

2008-09-21T15:45:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Gwendolyn - you are the winner!

Creepers

2008-09-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Creepers

Joanne Dahme

3/5 Stars

From the Publisher: From moving to a new house to making new friends and preparing for high school, life for the new girl in town can be unsettling. But thirteen year-old Courtney is unprepared for how creepy life in Murmur, Massachusetts turns out to be. Her ivy-covered house overlooking the antiquated cemetery next door is one thing, but Courtney finds herself thrust into a full-fledged haunted adventure after meeting Christian and Margaret Geyer, a strange father and daughter with unfinished family business. The body of their ancestor, Prudence, has gone missing from beneath her ivy-carved tombstone and must be returned to its final resting place in order to break the spell that looms over Courtney’s house. To add to the suspense and help solve the mystery, authentic documents and photographs are set at the beginning of each chapter pertaining to Murmur, Courtney’s house, and the infamous cemetery. Will Courtney uncover the secret lurking within the dark, dank underbelly of her ivy-covered basement?

I found this book book to be a quick and, only somewhat, enjoyable read. Throughout the first half of the book, the plot was interesting and well-developed. I was disappointed in the end of the novel, as many of the plot elements were not sufficiently 'tied-up' - too many loose ends.

Courtney, the main character was authentic and believable. The characters that surround her, however, seemed a bit flat and undeveloped. I understood where Dahme was going with the characters of Christian and Margaret - they just weren't interesting.

I love a good ghost story, but I expect to be captivated and intrigued. After reading Creepers, I was left wanting more - more insight, more suspense, and more satisfaction.

The Boy From the Basement

2008-09-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

The Boy From the Basement
by
Susan Shaw
4/5 Stars

From the Publisher: For Charlie, the basement is home. He's being punished. He doesn't mean to leave - Father wouldn't allow it - but when Charlie is accidentally thrust outside, he awakens to the alien surroundings of a world to which he's never been exposed. Though haunted by hallucinations and fear of the basement and his father's rage, Charlie embarks on a journey toward recovery that blossoms when he finally finds unconditional love.

This book as marketed as young adult - although the subject matter may be a little too sensitive for some.

In the novel, we see the world through Charlie's eyes - those of a severely neglected and abused young boy. We travel with him as he realizes he has missed out on the simple joys of life - rain, sunshine, and love. Charlie must confront his fears along the way, but he is guided by new friends, a loving foster mother, and a strong zest for life.

If you are looking for an attention-grabber for your older teen, this may just be it!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Lezlie for sending this to me!

We Have a Winner!

2008-09-13T17:45:00.001-07:00

The winner of Suicide Notes is - robin_titan!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and be sure to check out my new giveaway!

Giveaway!

2008-09-12T18:52:00.001-07:00

This week's giveaway is - my ARC of Something Wickedly Weird - The Icy Hand.

Read my review, and sign up by leaving a comment. I will pick the winner on September 20th.

Good Luck!

Firefighter Saves Cat with Mouth-to-Mouth

2008-09-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am not a fan of cats, but I am a fan of firefighters. I'm sure this cat and her owner are too!

Giveaway!

2008-09-07T16:55:00.001-07:00

Wells, it's time to clean out my bookshelves. In the next few weeks, I will be giving away some of my ARCs. The first to go is - Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford.

I enjoyed this YA novel - you can find my review here.

Please leave a comment here if you are interested. I will randomly choose a winner on Saturday, September 13.

Rookie the Golden Retriever

2008-09-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Burn Journals

2008-09-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Burn Journals
by
Brent Runyon
4.5/5 Stars

From the Publisher: In 1991, fourteen-year old Brent Runyon came home from school, doused his bathrobe in gasoline, put it on, and lit a match.

He suffered third-degree burns over 85 percent of his body and spent the next year recovering in hospitals and rehab facilities. During that year of physical recovery, Runyon began to question what he'd done, undertaking the complicated journey from near-death back to high school, and from suicide back to the emotional mainstream of life.

There were times that this book was difficult to read, simply because I have a fifteen-year old son. The teenage years are tough - I've been there. But, I hate to think that anyone could feel as hopeless as Brent Runyon did on that February afternoon.

After the debrieding treatments, skin grafts, and surgeries, Runyon begins healing emotionally. When he is asked why he attempted suicide, he answers honestly, "I don't remember anything about myself back then." It's heartbreaking to think that those feelings that drove him to hurt himself were so transitory.

Eventually Runyon makes it through rehab, the treatment center, and to high school. Once there, his friends welcome him with open arms. At this point, any thoughts of suicide seem far away. However, Runyon points out that the depression that haunted him as a fourteen-year old does return. As an adult, he realizes that he must ask for help. He is now in therapy, taking medication, and living a productive life.

Runyon's voice come through very clearly in this memoir - one of the main reason I enjoyed this book so much. His style is clear, honest, and no-nonsense. He tackles the difficult topics of self-worth, sexual activity, pain, and uncertainty - all without playing the victim.

I would highly recommend this book for older teens. The lessons Runyon has to teach are vital - and often not discussed.

Saturday Silliness

2008-09-06T15:17:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check out my latest post at Saturday Silliness - My Son, The Non-Reader.

Teaser Tuesdays

2008-09-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

The rules are:

1. Get the book you are currently reading.
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

____________________________________

Today's teaser is from The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon page 17:

"I fall down. I'm going to die."

30 Books in 30 Days

2008-09-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

A Peek at my Bookshelf is hosting a great giveaway -- Head on over to check it out!

Ghost in the Mirror

2008-09-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

Ghost in the Mirror: Real Cases of Spirit Encounters
by
Leslie Rule
3.5/5

From the Publisher: When you gaze into your mirror, you don't expect to see anything other than your reflection. However, you may be surprised to learn that this ubiquitous sheet of glass is really a doorway to another realm. Thousands of witnesses have stepped forward to admit that they have seen apparitions in mirrors. In fact, the mirror is one of the most common places where ghosts appear.

I have always been a fan of ghost stories. I don't like to admit it, but I actually watch A Haunting - it's a guilty pleasure. Needless to say, I was very excited to receive this book.

Rule does an admirable job with several stories in this book. They are well researched, well written, and not a little creepy. The majority of the tales, however, read like newspaper copy. Most are less than a page, and relate minimal information. Rule does include addresses of locations where the stories take place -- just in case the reader may want to do their own investigating.

Overall, I enjoyed Ghosts in the Mirror. Many of the stories were new to me, and encouraged some internet searches. My reason for the lower rating -- I would have preferred fewer, but more in-depth, stories.

Read other reivews on Library Thing.

Something Wickedly Weird - The Icy Hand

2008-08-31T09:57:00.001-07:00

Something Wickedly Weird - The Icy HandbyChris Mould5/5 Stars

From the Publisher: It's winter on the isolated island of Crampton Rock and there's a chill in the air that has nothing to do with the temperature. Even the talking fish is warning of imminent danger.

Stanley Buggles has inherited Candlestick Hall from his uncle, Admiral Bartholomew Swift. He is beginning his second trip to Crampton Rock - and it will be just as exciting as his first (you can read about his first adventure in The Wooden Mile). When he arrives at the Hall, he is warned of a grave danger approaching from the north. Stanley must work with his friend Daisy, the headless ghost of Admiral Swift, and a talking pike to foil a duo of ghostly pirates and protect the magical Ibis. If he succeeds, there are many more adventures ahead of him. If he fails.....

This story has a little of everything - mystery, intrigue, ghosts, pirates, a talking fish, and a brave, young protagonist. This is the perfect series for those youngsters who are enthralled with Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Mould's writing is fast-paced and is he is able to hold the attention of kids and adults alike. In addition, the illustrations are captivating, adding another level to this already wonderful book. I highly recommend The Icy Hand - It makes me wish my son was younger, so we could read it together.

Saturday Silliness

2008-08-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to post over at Saturday Silliness. If you haven't had a chance to visit yet, click on over for some funny, book related stories!

You can find my first post here -- Kids Say the Darndest Things.

Mailbox Monday

2008-08-25T16:58:00.001-07:00

I received an unbelievable number of books this week -- 25 to be exact! Now that I unpacked them, all I have to do is hide them from my husband. Love ya - Poo Man ;)

My ginormous stack includes:

A Collection of Beauties at the Height of Their Popularity

The Desert Pilgrim

Bright Angel Time

The Boy From the Basement

Black Earth City

Back Then

One Small Boat

The Circus in Winter

Beautiful Stranger

An Ordinary Woman

Lilya's Journey

The Hemingway Book Club of Kosovo

An Uncommon Enemy

The Book of Kehls

After Life

By Way of Water

A Stone Bridge North

Flying Over 96th Street

The Birth House

Wife in the North

Crazy Aunt Purl's Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat hair

Ghost in the Mirror

Autobiography of a Fat Bride

I ordered most of these books from Book Closeouts. Click here to check out their $1 sale! Happy Shopping!

Suicide Notes

2008-08-23T11:22:00.001-07:00

Suicide Notesby
Michael Thomas Ford
4/5 Stars

From the Publisher: When fifteen-year-old Jeff wakes up on New Year’s Day to find himself in a hospital psychiatric ward, bandages on his wrists, he’s certain it’s all a huge mistake. Jeff knows he’s not like the other kids in there. They’ve got problems. But a funny thing happens as his forty-five-day sentence drags on – the crazies start to seem less crazy.

Compelling, witty, and refreshingly real, Suicide Notes is a darkly humorous novel that examines that fuzzy line between “normal” and the rest of us.

Sentenced to a psychiatric hospital for forty-five days, Jeff begins a journal of his experiences, encounters, and discoveries. Jeff is a typical teenager – sarcastic, disrespectful, and belligerent. He doesn’t believe he belongs in the ward, nevermind the scars on his wrists. When his doctor, whom Jeff has nicknamed Cat Poop, attempts to bring his problems to light, Jeff responds with typical off-color remarks.

But as the days pass, and Jeff interacts with the other patients, he begins to see that even troubled teens deserve kindness and respect.

Ultimately, Suicide Notes is a novel of self-discovery and tolerance. By the end of the book, Jeff is able to acknowledge and love himself – as well as move toward healing the relationship with his parents.

I found Suicide Notes to be a realistic look at the difficult questions all teenagers face –

Who am I?
What do I want?
What makes me happy? How do I fit in?

Suicide Notes will be released on October 14, 2008.

Bobbie has also reviewed Suicide Notes - take a look at what she has to say.

Teaser Tuesdays

2008-08-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

The rules are:

1. Get the book you are currently reading.

2. Open to a random page.

3. Share two “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

____________________________________

Today's teaser is from Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford page 18:

"There are five of us. In the fun house, I mean."

God Bless Rebel

2008-08-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

This story just broke my heart -- of course that means it has to do with a dog. I believe that you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat children and animals. In my opinion, these car thieves are the lowest of the low. Catch them soon!