Ashley Pohlenz – Page 34 – Derby Public Library's Blog

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Kennedy Debutante

Learning about the lives of important figures in history is just fascinating. Over the years I have started picking up more biographies because of my love of historical fiction. Nonfiction has a bad reputation as boring. This is not always the case. Many nonfiction books now are reading almost like fiction. They flow well and tell a great story. I laughed out loud while listening to Tina Fey read her biography, Bossypants! I was shocked while reading, A Stolen Life, by Jaycee Dugard. I cannot wait to listen to the upcoming autobiography, Becoming, by former first lady, Michelle Obama. Everyone has a story to tell. Browse through our biographies (92s and 920s) and see what catches your eye.

The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher

First line: Presentation day.

Summary: In her debut novel, author Kerri Maher introduces us to Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy. She is the second oldest daughter of Ambassador Joe Kennedy Sr. While living in London Kick does everything a good debutante is supposed to do. She attends balls, is presented to the King and socializes with the aristocracy. However, she wants something more. When she meets Billy Hartington, the heir to the dukedom of Cavendish, she finds what she has been looking for. Their dreams are derailed when Hitler invades Poland and Kick is sent back to the United States. She becomes even more determined to return to England and the man she loves even if it means defying her family and her religion.

Highlights: A fantastic example of biographical fiction! Everyone in the U.S. has grown up hearing about John F. Kennedy and his family. However, I had never heard of his sister, Kathleen. I was fascinated by her story. She was a young debutante who was practically American royalty. She lived in England and fell in love with the heir to a dukedom. Her life though was not perfect. She had many struggles in her life.

My heart broke for her when her family and society were against her relationship because she was Catholic and he was Protestant. The author does a great job of bringing her confusion and inner battles to the reader. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for her to make a choice between the man she loved and her family. I liked this look into the life of the Kennedys. Her parents were very strong willed and wanted their children to achieve great success, which several of them reached. Kick became the rebellious one who followed her heart.

“At the end, she said, ‘I just don’t know what to do. It’s all mixed up in my head–my mother, my father, his mother, his father, my religion, his religion, my heart. I don’t know what to listen to. None of them agree.'”

I was nearly in tears (which rarely happens) while finishing this book. The family became so real on the pages and their heartbreaks became mine as well. This was wonderfully researched and written. I cannot wait to see what Kerri Maher writes next!

Lowlights: While I appreciated the insight into Kick’s years of separation from Billy and the personal struggle to come to terms with what life with him would entail, I felt that it stretched out a little too much. For several chapters we watch as she continues to debate and think about her choices. I felt that this made us understand how important it was but at the same time, it slowed the plot down.

FYI: If you love the Kennedys or World War II historical fiction than I would highly recommend this!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

There are many different versions of Frankenstein. They range from the classic film with Boris Karloff to hilarious Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder. It has been 200 years since his first appearance. What fascinates us with this monster?

On a trip to Germany in 2002, my family and our German family visited Frankenstein Castle outside of Darmstadt, Germany. Even though it is not the actual home of the monster it is still very formidable. I could easily picture the Gothic tale happening in the ruins.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White

First line: Lightning clawed across the sky, tracing veins through the clouds and marking the pulse of the universe itself.

Summary: In this retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, Frankenstein, we see the story unfold through the eyes of the Frankenstein family’s ward, Elizabeth. She is brought to Frankenstein manor as a playmate and helper to the strange eldest son, Victor. As they grow up the two become dependent on each other. However, when Victor disappears with no word, Elizabeth must search for him and bring him home. When she finally finds Victor, she learns the truth of what he has been doing those many months he has been gone. She has kept his secrets for years but can she keep this one?

Highlights: Kiersten White did a great job of fleshing out the story and adding to the original. I think that she made it even darker than the original. Which I really loved. I liked the character of Elizabeth. She was secretive, cunning and not shocked by the things that Victor did. For a woman of the time she relied on the men in her life. She tried to guarantee that she would be taken care of by any means necessary.

Lowlights: I read Frankenstein several years ago and was not as impressed as I had wanted to be. I love to read classics. I love Dickens and Stoker. I listened to the audio version and it was rather slow moving for the first two thirds. There is more description and little conversation. The last third was more engaging and fast paced. I would recommend reading this one instead of listening to the audio.

FYI: If you love Frankenstein then you should read this!

What’s Ashley Reading?: I’d Rather Be Reading

I love to buy books! I think many of us here at the library have this same problem. I want to have copies of my favorite books on hand in case I want to reread them or to decorate my apartment. So when a big book sale is going on I always try and get there to pick up a few treasures.

The library has a running book sale but every so often we have more books than we know what to do with. That is when we have a bag sale! What is better than getting a Derby Library bag stuffed full of new and old books?! We currently have this sale happening at the library running through November 3rd. Come in and see what is here. New books are added every day.

I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

First line: “Can you recommend a great book?”

Summary: Told through a series of essays by author and blogger, Anne Bogel, we get a look into what makes reading a full time hobby of hers. She gives the reader tips on how to organize their bookshelf, tells us what got her hooked on reading and the love of her library next door. This cute little book is perfect for the book lover in your life!

Highlights: I recently started following Anne’s blog (Modern Mrs. Darcy) and her Instagram account. She LOVES books and everything book related. This short little book was quick read that is easily relatable. She knows exactly what it means to be a book lover. I felt like she was talking directly to me. Moreover, learning that I am not the only one who is obsessed by reading and all things books.

I loved her idea of a book twin. Someone who has similar reading likes and dislikes. Someone who can vet books for you and you for them. Her tips and tricks make me want to reorganize my bookshelves and add more shelves too. I never even considered having shelves dedicated to authors I have met or organize based on colors.

Lowlights: The essays are nothing groundbreaking but are a fun read that are easy to connect with as a reader.

FYI: The author also has a podcast, What Should I Read Next.

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel

October is here! The fall weather is arriving and Halloween is approaching. That means bring on all the scary movies and books. We have a great selection of horror movies and Halloween classics. I recently watched the previous season of American Horror Story and really enjoyed it. I always watch Hocus Pocus several times during the month of October and pick up several spooky books to get me into the holiday spirit!

The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel by Alyssa Palombo

First line: Washington Irving got it wrong.

Summary: When schoolteacher, Ichabod Crane, comes to the village of Sleepy Hollow he meets the daughter of a wealthy farmer. Their friendship and shared loved of books and music lead to a love affair that will sweep them both off their feet. Katrina’s admirer, Brom Van Brunt, is determined to win her and scare off the newcomer. Then on All Hallow’s Eve Ichabod disappears without a trace. Katrina enlists the help of her friend and rumored witch, Charlotte Jansen, to assist in finding Ichabod using any means necessary.

Highlights: I really enjoyed this book. It was fun twist on the original classic. I have seen the movies and loved the TV series. However, this was just different enough from them that it made it fresh and new. The book is a mix between historical fiction, romance and ghost story. There were lots of interesting details about the time and culture of the Dutch settlement in Sleepy Hollow. The romance was a main theme but it was not a bodice ripper by any means. I loved the dark undertones of the Headless Horseman haunting her dreams and roaming the village on All Hallow’s Eve. This is a great read for October!

Lowlights: The story seemed to drag on a little bit in the middle. In addition, I think that title is a little misleading. I expected more witchcraft and magic. Katrina and her friend, Charlotte, do seem to have some sort of second sight but it was not what I had expected.

FYI: If you like this then try the author’s other book, The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Over the six years I have been working here at the library I have found so many things to love. One of those is audio books. I listen to them on my phone and in my car. I have such a long list of books to read that listening has helped knock a few off.

My favorite series to listen and relisten to is Harry Potter. The narrator, Jim Dale, is wonderful. He has different voices for each character. He brings the story to life and makes for a very enjoyable road trip. I recently picked up book three, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, for the umpteenth time. Each time I read/listen to it I find little things I missed before and I love it even more after each read.

*Beware of spoilers if you have not read Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets.*

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling

First line: Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways.

Summary: Harry Potter is in this third year at Hogwarts. He is the boy who lived. He defeated the Dark Lord. However, when Sirius Black escapes from Azkaban he finds himself once more in danger. As the Dementors surround the school, Harry’s school year proceeds as normal with Quidditch and classes until he learns that Black is coming to kill him.

Highlights: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite of the series! I have loved it since the first time reading it. I have reread it numerous times. I think one of the main reasons is that it is a little different from the rest of the books. Voldemort does not play a strong role in the story and we learn more about what happened on that fateful Halloween night. What happened to Harry’s parents? Who were they? They became more fleshed out. They had friends. They went to Hogwarts.

Rowling builds so much of the world in this book. The Knight Bus alone is pure genius. I love Ernie and Stan. I was so excited that Universal Studios even has a replica of the Knight Bus outside Diagon Alley. In addition, we get to spend more time in the wizarding world. Harry explores more of Diagon Alley and visits the town of Hogsmeade. While reading I wanted a nice hot cup of Butterbeer. I’ve had the iced version at Universal but warm sounds rather tasty as well.

There are many new characters and each of them adds to the story in their own ways. Even the animals like Buckbeak and Crookshanks. I love the character of Sirius Black. He is very complex. I do not know what it is that draws me to his character but he is always my answer for my favorite character. Plus, Remus Lupin is hands down the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The lesson with the boggarts is lots of fun to read.

Lowlights: Nothing. This book is FANTASTIC!

FYI: Check out the audio book voiced by Jim Dale.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Time’s Convert

The last several months have been filled with the project of weeding and shelf reading the juvenile non-fiction books. This is quite a daunting task since there are TONS of books! I was ready to take on the challenge though. As I have been working my way through the Dewey decimal system I have found some very interesting books. Even though they are titles geared towards children there is so much good information to be found here. And the fact that kids LOVE to check these out is wonderful! If you have not browsed our children’s non-fiction titles you definitely should.

I am someone who likes to learn a little bit while I read. Before I started working at the library I read mainly historical fiction. I love learning about the history of people and places. Deborah Harkness’s newest book, Time’s Convert, is my latest historical fiction but with a fantasy twist.

*May contain spoilers if you have not read the All Souls Trilogy!*

Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness

First line: On her last night as a warmblood, Phoebe Taylor had been a good daughter.

Summary: In continuation of her best-selling series, Deborah Harkness takes us on an adventure spanning from the American Revolution to modern day as we follow the early days of vampires, Phoebe Taylor and Marcus MacNeil. Marcus grew up in time of great change. He saw the birth of a new country but when he meets Matthew de Claremont on the fields of battle his life was changed forever. Phoebe, an art dealer and Marcus’s fiancé, has made the decision to become a vampire. In the early days after her rebirth, she learns that her journey to immortality is not any easier than it was for Marcus.

Highlights: I love Harkness and her writing. It is immediately engaging. I read the All Souls Trilogy several years ago which made the details of the story a little fuzzy. However, as I started this newest installment she gave tidbits that helped me remember more of the previous novels storyline. I was worried that in this new book I would not get to revisit characters like Matthew and Diana because the story focused on Marcus and Phoebe but Harkness must have known I would always want more of them. She alternates her chapters between the characters and plot lines. We jump from eighteenth century to the twenty-first and back again.

I have been fascinated with the American Revolution since middle school. I was pleased that Marcus’s story took us back to the American colonies and the fight for liberty. I enjoyed reading as Marcus met famous people of the time including the Marquis de Lafayette. After seeing Harkness at a Watermark event a few years back, I learned that her focus of study is on the history of science. It really comes through during this time when Marcus, as well as the nation, is dealing with a small pox epidemic. The history of inoculations for the disease was fascinating and fit perfectly into the story. I am so glad that small pox is not something that we have to worry about now because it looks truly frightening!

Phoebe is a character that I vaguely remember from the trilogy but I cannot say that I felt too strongly about her. In this book, she has a fascinating story. I loved seeing her progress as she fought her urges and dealt with the new strengths. Her first night out in the world interesting. In addition, her preference for the blood of middle-aged white women definitely made me laugh aloud!

Matthew and Diana’s twins were probably my favorite part of the story. Each of them have their own traits from both their mother and father. Watching their parents try to figure out how to deal with a daughter who drinks blood and son who can weave spells was entertaining. I do not want to give too much away but I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Lowlights: I wish I could get more Gallowglass! He makes a few appearances but not enough for me. Maybe the next book?! Please Deborah!!

FYI: Lots of blood, violence, magic and some sexual situations.

*I do not think it is a must but I would recommend reading her All Souls Trilogy, starting with A Discovery of Witches before picking this one up.*

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Haunting of Hill House

I have decided to do something different with my weekly blog post. Rather than just a book review, I am going to tell you about what I am reading, watching and loving or not loving this week. There is so much here at the library to enjoy and I want to share it with you!

I have been struggling to find something to read that completely captures me. I go through one or two of these slumps every year when I am anticipating the next in a series or on a book hangover from a great novel. I have tried several books lately and just had to put them back on the shelf. Does this happen to you? Any recommendations? Please!

I just recently finished reading The Haunting of Hill House. I have loved the fall weather so I figured creepy books were in order. In addition, this will soon be a series on Netflix!

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

First line: No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream.

Summary: Hill House, a place that the locals will not go near, is going to be the home of four strangers for the summer. They believe they are going to encounter a few bumps in the night but the house has something even more sinister in mind.

Highlights: I was pleasantly surprised by this tiny novel. I remember seeing the movie (starring Catherine Zeta-Jones) years ago but I could not remember the details. For a tale of haunting it is a very slow burn. The chills come from the atmosphere of the story. An old house in the middle of nowhere with a dark and deadly past. It has many rooms and doors that will not stay open. As the doctor described the house and its construction, it reminded me of the Winchester Mystery House in California.

All of our characters have their own reasons for being there but Eleanor is the one we mainly focus on. Eleanor slowly becomes susceptible to the darkness of Hill House. As the reader, we see her changing moods and thoughts as the narrative progresses. Being inside her head made me nervous for our other characters.

I was a little surprised by the ending. It was very abrupt but also satisfying. I was not disappointed. I had to stop and think for a minute about how I felt. I would say that this is a marker of a good book. It makes the reader think and was enjoyable at the same time.

Lowlights: The “witty banter” between the occupants of Hill House started to drive me a little nuts. I think the author was trying to lighten the mood at times with nonsense conversations but I found it annoying. I would much rather have had more insights into the characters and the history of the house.

FYI: Do not try to read this at night! Too creepy.

P.S.: Last night I watched the 1963 movie, The Haunting. There is something about a horror movie filmed in black and white. I kept all the lights on in the living room while watching it and I think that this was a good idea. It was creepy and fun at the same time. I loved the sound effects and the old house. There were several changes from the book but for the most part it followed the story very well. Definitely check it out!

Book Review: My Plain Jane

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

First line: You may think you know the story.

Summary: You may know the story of Jane Eyre but you may not know the whole story. When Jane goes to live at Thornfield Manor as a governess, she meets the brooding Mr. Rochester. She falls in love with him despite his ever-changing moods and hopes to marry him. However, her dear friend Charlotte Bronte and ghost hunter, Alexander Blackwood, have discovered that Mr. Rochester has some very dark secrets. They must save Jane and fast!

Highlights: I did not know what to expect when starting this book. I have never read Jane Eyre but I have seen several movie adaptations. I knew the basics of the story line but this was vastly different.

To start, one of the characters is the author, Charlotte Bronte. She is a small bespectacled girl with a desire to write stories. She is constantly taking notes and commenting on everything around her. Just as I would imagine she would be. Secondly, there are ghosts and lots of them. Some are just floating around, some cause trouble and others are dear friends of Jane Eyre. Lastly, this story is laugh out loud funny. There are many little remarks that made me chuckle. In addition, there were several Princess Bride references! Yes!

I think I am going to have to go pick up a copy of Jane Eyre now.

Lowlights: Having not read the original work I was not disappointed in the new version. I can see where some readers may not enjoy this because it is so different from the source material. The middle of the story was a little long and drawn out but the ending was fun and worth the read.

FYI: Also in the series is My Lady Jane about Lady Jane Grey.

Book Review: Catwoman: Soulstealer

Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

First line: The roaring crowd in the makeshift arena didn’t set her blood on fire.

Summary: Selina Kyle lives in the slums of Gotham City. In order to take care of her ailing sister she enters the underground-fighting ring of Carmine Falcone. However, when the chance for a better life for her sister comes along she takes it even if it means she has to sacrifice everything. Two years later, she returns to Gotham in order to bring her own brand of justice to the city that let her down.

Batwing, the secret identity of Luke Fox, is doing his best to keep the streets of Gotham safe for its people. When a new villain arrives and starts wreaking havoc on the city, he realizes that he may have met his match in Catwoman.

Highlights: Sarah J. Maas is one of my favorite young adult authors. She writes great stories with interesting characters and lots of action. I have never been a big fan of Catwoman (other than in the show Gotham) but since Maas was writing her story, I decided to give her a try. I am glad I did.

We get a backstory for Selina that helps flesh out her character and give her a reason for her villainy. This is one of the reasons I have enjoyed the TV show Gotham because we get to see how our villains came to be. I loved the inclusion of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy as her sidekicks/cohorts. Their brand of chaos and camaraderie was fun to read.

I had never heard of Batwing and therefore had to Google his character. Even though I have seen most of the movies and TV shows in the DC universe there is still so much I do not know. I am slowly wanting to pick up some of the graphic novels and comic books here at the library and get to know the stories better. I am looking forward to the next in the DC Icons series, Superman: Dawnbreaker, coming out in March 2019.

Lowlights: I wish we could have gotten more of the Joker. He is mentioned several times and Selina met him once. He is such an iconic DC villain and with Harley in the story, it would make sense. But maybe one day we will get a Joker book?!

FYI: If you like this try Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo and Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu.

Book Review: Sea Witch

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning

First line: Two small pairs of boots echoed on the afternoon cobblestones—one pair in a sprint, the other in a stumble and slide.

Summary: We all know the story of the little mermaid who falls in love with a prince but what we do not know is what happened before. After the disappearance of her friend, Evie continues to blame herself. However, when a young girl suddenly appears in their city who has a striking resemblance to Anna, Evie believes that miracles do come true. This stranger though has a few secrets. She must gain the love of the prince within four days or disappear into the ocean forever.

Highlights: The cover art is stunning with its mysterious purple eyed witch. I did not even have to read the synopsis before I knew that I wanted to read this. I loved watching The Little Mermaid growing up! My cousins and I would pretend to be mermaids while swimming at the pool. The sea witch was always very creepy and now we get her back-story! The history of the country and its culture was very interesting. The reliance on fishing and the sea is something I am not familiar with (being from Kansas). My favorite part was the flashbacks to when Anna went missing in the sea. It gave us a look at who our characters are and what drives them.

“The sea is a fickle witch.”

Lowlights: There are some dark elements to the story but they do not appear until the end of the story. I expected a little bit more since we were getting the back-story of a villain. And the narrative was very much young adult. They are teenagers who are worried about falling in love. Ok, great. But I want more sea witch!

FYI: This is a debut novel for Kansas author, Sarah Henning!