Review: The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart (Ruby Oliver Quartet, Book 1)

Synopsis: Ruby Oliver is 15 and has a shrink. She knows it’s unusual, but give her a break—she’s had a rough 10 days. In the past 10 days she: lost her boyfriend (#13 on the list), lost her best friend (Kim), lost all her other friends (Nora, Cricket), did something suspicious with a boy (#10), did something advanced with a boy (#15), had an argument with a boy (#14), drank her first beer (someone handed it to her), got caught by her mom (ag!), had a panic attack (scary), lost a lacrosse game (she’s the goalie), failed a math test (she’ll make it up), hurt Meghan’s feelings (even though they aren’t really friends), became a social outcast (no one to sit with at lunch) and had graffiti written about her in the girls’ bathroom (who knows what was in the boys’!?!). But don’t worry—Ruby lives to tell the tale. And make more lists. (from the inside cover)

Review: I actually didn't read this. I listened to the audiobook. It was a good read. Ruby felt mostly real. Lockhart nailed the strange mix of confusion and confidence you have as a teenager. Ruby had an extensive vocabulary and she used it well. I enjoyed that. She also did a fine job of giving the characters one view and the reader another - meaning, the reader knows Jackson is a two-face cheater, but Ruby doesn't - she has the naivety of someone who hasn't learned that sort of thing yet. The secondary characters differing personality and even some depth. But in the end, the book just had too much drama for me to be believable. So while I was entertained by the story, and even found some humorous parts, in the end, there was just too much nonsense. It reminded me of some those angsty CW TV shows - which I hate. I probably won't read the rest in the series.

Bookmarks: 6 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-385-73206-6
Date Finished: 8-4-2015
Pages: 229

Review: The Intellectual Devotional by David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim

Synopsis: This daily digest of intellectual challenge and learning will arouse curiosity, refresh knowledge, expand horizons, and keep the mind sharp. Millions of Americans keep bedside books of prayer and meditative reflection--collections of daily passages to stimulate spiritual thought and advancement. The Intellectual Devotional is a secular version of the same--a collection of 365 short lessons that will inspire and invigorate the reader every day of the year. Each daily digest of wisdom is drawn from one of seven fields of knowledge: history, literature, philosophy, mathematics and science, religion, fine arts, and music. (from the online descriptions)

Review: This was a fabulous book! I kept it in my purse as my "line book" - the book I read while waiting for things. I enjoyed the subjects chosen - opera, science, philosophy, history, paintings. For anyone how enjoys knowledge, fact, or Jeopardy - this is the book for you. It's perfect for a short reads, for livening the mind, or for learning fun facts to dazzle (or bore) your friends. The only thing I'd changed is more modern music history - jazz or big band, or even rock and roll! I ended up buy the the American History edition to read now that I'm finished with this one. I anticipate it being just as good!

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Award: None

ISBN: 978-1-60961-205-4
Date Finished: 8-31-2015
Pages: 377

Review: Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners by Lucille Recht Penner

Synopsis: When the Pilgrims came to America, there were no supermarkets or stores. Hunting, gathering, growing, and preparing food was a full-time job. And the Pilgrims didn't even like much of what food there was - fruit, vegetables, bread made from bean flour. But they had to eat it. Anything to keep from starving. Why did Pilgrims prefer to eat in the dark aboard the Mayflower? Why did they plant fish in their cornfields? How often did they wash their table linens? Did they actually sleep on the dinner table? And did they really eat turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving? In answering these and many other questions, Eating the Plates reminds us that the Pilgrims are more than Thanksgiving table decorations. They lived long ago, but they were real people, just like us. This fascinating account of their eating habits, customs, and manners - and a special section of Pilgrim recipes - will bring the Pilgrims to life for readers of all ages, all year round. (from the inside flap)

Review: With clear, simple prose, Penner brings the reader into the world of the Pilgrims. She starts with their history, explaining why they left England, their time in Holland, their hard trip across the Atlantic, and the hardships they faced in the New World. She centers on their diet, manner, and methods of cooking. Penner adds details that kids will enjoy - bugs in the food, sleeping on the dining room table, dirty napkins, and gross recipes! This is an excellent addition to any child's library!

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-02-770901-9
Date Finished: 8-28-2015
Pages: 117

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