Review: The Westmark Trilogy by Lloyd Alexander

Synopsis: Set in the fictional kingdom of Westmark, the triology follows Theo, a printer's boy and Mickle, a beggar girl, as they become central figures in the upheavel and revolution of their country. Told over three books.
Book One: When Theo agrees to print a traveling showman's pamphlet, he only thinks of the money it will bring in. Instead, it sets off a chain reaction that results in the smashing of the press and the murder of his master. Caught on the wrong side of the law, Theo must flee the city. Soon, he has teamed up with the traveling showman Count Las Bombas (who is actually a con artist) and his servant. The trio is soon joined by Mickle, a clever, strong-willed girl with a mysterious past. Performing feats that astound and amaze, the motley crew falls into a trap set by Chief Minister Cabbarus, who is determined to wrest power from the grief-stricken king. Now they must not only save themselves-they must save the kingdom...
Book Two:  Theo is traveling Westmark, learning about the country of which he will soon be Prince Consort. He is not surprised to find great poverty-Mickle (now known as Princess Augusta) could have told him that from her years on the street. His friend Florian could have told him about the aristocracy's graft and corruption. But neither could have foreseen a loaded pistol in the practiced hand of the assassin Skeit. The echoes of that shot ring from the muskets and cannons of a Westmark suddenly at war-a war that turns simple, honest men into cold-blooded killers, Mickle into a military commander, and Theo himself into a stranger. . . .

Book Three: Mickle, once a common street urchin, is now the queen of Westmark. The kingdom is thriving-yet, at the same time, it is strangely restless. Ghosts of the past lurk everywhere. And the evil minister Cabbarus, banished from Westmark, is plotting to seize the throne. Theo remembers a time when he was the famed Kestrel, fighting battles that threatened to kill his soul. Now he once again must join in the struggle. Who will at last command the fate of Westmark?

Review: While written in three books, this is really one story. The story to a country's rebellions and the people on both sides who sacrificed for their beliefs. It's a dark tale. The course of events have many similarities to the French Revolution, and people die - most of the main characters, actually. The author doesn't shy away from the horrors of war, the choices people are forced to make, that not all rebellions are clean and clear, the both sides might be right, that people often choose power and safety over honor and truth, that some sacrifice and some do not. It's a powerful story, one worth reading. But I caution the reader - it's not a happy tale. It doesn't end happy, or how you want it to. It ends how it should, though. It ends real.

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-440-99737-3 / 0-440-94393-0 / 0-440-90548-6
Date Finished: 8-27-2015 / 8-29-2015 / 8-30-2015
Pages: 190 / 244 / 237

Review: Can't You Make Them Behave, King George by Jean Fritz

Synopsis: This entertaining volume sheds light on the life of England's King George III. It begins when he was a bashful boy who blushed easily, goes on to his early days as king, and finally examines his role in the American Revolution - when Americans ceased to think of him as good King George. (from the online description)

Review: This is a simplified biography of King George, stretching from his boyhood to shortly after the end of the Revolutionary War. Told in simple, clear prose, with stylized illustrations, this is a marvelous look at the War for King George's point of view. The book paints him neither as saint nor villain, but simple a man who was king during a turbulent time. This is an excellent addition to any young reader's library, particular if said reader is interested in American history.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-698-20315-1
Date Finished: 8-26-2015
Pages: 51

Review: Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird

Synopsis: Angelina is a small mouse who wants to dance more than anything - but her desire causes all sorts of trouble for those around her. Will she ever figure it out?

Review: This, apparently, is a current classic children's book. Well, I should say, it was. Now it's a popular children's empire, considering all the non-book Angelina Ballerina paraphernalia out there. It's a cute book, with lively illustrations and sweet plot. Not sure why it's so popular with children, but I also haven't figured why Teletubbies was popular, so there you go. If you have a child who enjoys dance or wants to dance, this is a fine book. However, if you want to keep your home and TV free from the shrill dancing mouse, avoid this book. Your child will love it and you will get sucked into the Angelina Vortex and only be free when your small child grow up and discovered the adolescent romance.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 1-58485-135-X
Date Finished: 8-25-2015
Pages: 24

Review: West with the Night by Beryl Markham

Synopsis: The partial autobiography of Beryl Markham, regarding her life as an African bush pilot, race horse trainer, and famous socialite.

Review: We probably have Hemingway to thank for this book. Markham wrote it, but it soon lapsed into obscurity until some researcher found a letter from Hemingway to Maxwell Perkins, remarking on how her work made him feel "completely ashamed of myself as a writer." Markham does have a particular talent for the turn of phrase, for evoking emotion and imagery, for taking the reader across the wilds of African and into the deep blue sky with her. From those that enjoy reflective, esoteric writing, this book will delight and enthrall. Markham lived a strange life, partly of her upbringing and partly by her own making. I think this book is worth reading, although, there will be some who find it speaks to their souls, and others, like myself, who merely regard it as a worthwhile book to read and nothing more.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN:  0-86547-118-5
Date Finished: 8-24-2015
Pages: 294

RevIew: Sugarin-Off in the Bullpasture Valley by Lisa Vance

Synopsis: Lisa Vance and her husband make maple syrup and maple sugar on their farm each year. In this book, she documents the process.

Review: I enjoyed this. Every since reading about the Sugar-Off in Little House in the Big Wood by Laura Ingalls Wilder, I've wanted to participate in this event. This book was a good start. With clear, easy language, Vance goes through tapping the trees, which trees to tap, how to make the spigots, boiling, and refining the syrup and sugar. There are even a few black and white photos. In the last part of the book, she includes several excellent maple sugar and syrup recipes - candies, breads, cookies, meats. It's a lovely assortment. I recommend this if you are interested in this slice of American life.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: N/A
Date Finished: 8-23-2015
Pages: 36

Review: Amy, Ben, and Catalpa the Cat: A Fanciful Story of This and That by Alma S. Coon

Synopsis: Amy, Ben, and Catalpa the Cat take children on a fun-filled adventure in this colorful alphabet storybook in verse. The young heroes meet George Washington, who gives Ben his cocked hat. But the hat is too big! Can Amy make it fit? (from the online description)

Review: Set in the colonial era, this book is a ABC adventure. Each page is dedicated to a letter, with many words that start with that letter. The pictures are lively and colorful. The story is a bit vague and loosely woven, but it's enjoyable. Kids from age 4-7 will most likely enjoy this fun story.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-87935-079-2
Date Finished: 8-22-2015
Pages: 27

Review: The Good-Bye Book by Judith Viorst

Synopsis: This little boy will do anything to avoid an evening with the baby-sitter. He pleads with his parents. He begs. He bargains. Maybe he has a fever of a hundred and ten. Maybe he'll run away. Maybe he won't say good-bye! (from the online description)

Review: This is a cute, clever, little book. The little boy doesn't want his parents to leave him for a night out - so he threatens and fights and is generally - a little boy. Hilarious. The crack about McDonald's made me giggle. The pictures are soft, energetic, and entertaining. Any small child will enjoy this, and even the parents might!

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-689-31308-X
Date Finished: 
Pages: 21