Book review – Page 28 – Derby Public Library's Blog

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Cousins

The Cousins by Karen McManus

First line: I’m late for dinner again, but this time it’s not my fault.

Summary: On a resort island lives the Story family. They have lived there for generations. But one day the Story children are disinherited by their mother. The only clue is a note that reads…You know what you did. For over twenty years the four siblings had no contact with their mother or even returned to the island.

Then one day a letter arrives for the next generation of Storys. It is inviting them to the island for a job at the family owned resort and to get to know their grandmother. Everyone is shocked by this change of events but each grandchild is willing to see if they can get a chance to earn back their grandmother’s approval.

My Thoughts: Once again McManus writes a fun and twisty mystery. There are mysterious people, family secrets and ominous warnings. Everything you could want from a good story. Each of the characters if very different. We even get a peak into what happened on the island before the Story kids were disinherited.

I liked the characters. I loved the drama. I was constantly trying to think of what the big reveal would be. And I have to say that it was not what I thought it would be. Maybe my thoughts were a little too wild but sometimes authors do those things. This book, especially near the end, gave me all the Rebecca vibes. Hopefully that doesn’t give too much away! I like that YA authors are writing books for teens that are just as good as the ones for adults.

FYI: Perfect for fans of Megan Miranda and Sara Shepard.

What’s Megan Listening To?: In Death series

In Death series by J. D. Robb

This series is by far the longest running and favorite series I’ve followed. It’s Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb, and I was already a fan of her books, so when my friend & coworker Kristy told me about them, I jumped right in!

It takes place in the future starting in the 2050’s and follows Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas through her cases and her personal life. Currently there are 50 in the series, and several extra books in between.

She always starts the book with a quote that has to do with that story, then you follow the whole case through, beginning to end, going to the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, what Eve is thinking, giving a little from the killers side, and then the satisfying take down. You also delve into her personal life with Roarke, her complicated past, her inner circle of friends, and her hatred for fashion & social life. I have laughed, cried, gasped out loud, and sat in stunned silence.

I would love to list my favorite characters, but there are way too many, and I would feel bad if I left anyone out. In the beginning Eve was a loner, but throughout the book she develops relationships that really makes a family unit. I can’t describe J.D. Robb’s talent at making these fictional characters feel like real life people. I would love if she did spin off series of any of the cast of characters.

I also have to add that I have listened to the series on audio, and the narrator Susan Erikson probably contributes a little to my love of the series, if you haven’t listened to them, I highly recommend it! The way she voices each person is distinct and incredible, their voices have been permanently cemented in my mind.

*A necklace my sister made me* — *A necklace my sister for made me*.

Mom and Me Reviews: One Little Bag

First Line: This is a WORDLESS book!

Summary: This book is difficult to summarize, as each reader finds a different story within the image. My daughter and I interpreted the story as this (SPOILERS!):

A Tree is cut down then driven to a paper mill. The tree is shredded, made into paper, and folded into brown paper bags. The bags are boxed then shipped to different locations. One bag is given to a father and son while purchasing a flashlight. It is reused as a lunch sack, and a LOT of other things. The boy grows up using and reusing his brown paper sack. He even takes it to college, where he meets a girl. They fall in love, get married, and have a baby. Now, the baby grows up with the brown paper bag. He takes it to his grandpa, the original boy’s father. They make memories together with it. They put new memories into the bag. Grandpa’s chair is empty now, maybe he died. They look at the memories the little boy made with his grandpa, stored in the brown paper bag. They plant a new tree in the old brown paper bag. Full circle!

Ratings:

Maggie: 10 out of 10

Conor: Did not participate in this storytime.

Mama Lala: 8 out of 10

Their Thoughts: It would be easier to understand if it had words, but (I) like that it let (me) decide the story. I wish the grandpa didn’t die. I like that he grew up with (the bag), and he didn’t throw it away.

“Can we read it again, mama?”

My Thoughts: I love how my little loved this story. Her heart seemed to sink into the book. The author’s note at the end of the story was interesting, but I wish I hadn’t read it aloud to my daughter. It confused the story for her. She had trouble remembering which details were in the story, and which happened to the author.

FYI: There is the possibility of death as a discussion topic in this book.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

What’s Ashley Reading?: Hedy Lamarr, An Incredible Life

Hedy Lamarr: An Incredible Life by William Roy and Sylvain Dorange

First line: Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, it’s time for our mystery celebrity.

Summary: Hedy Lamarr, once considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world, was an actress and an inventor. She was born and grew up in Austria. However, when Europe seemed to be on the brink of world war, she fled to England and then the United States. Upon arrival she started her career in Hollywood. She starred in blockbuster films, married multiple times and lived the life of celebrity. But she also had a secret. She was a scientist. She loved inventing things and learning about the world around her.

My Thoughts: Several years ago, I read The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, where I learned about Hedy Lamarr for the first time. It was a wonderful story about a fantastic woman. She was greatly overlooked for her inventions and only remembered for her looks. I love that people are now realizing her greatness.

I loved this version of her life. Graphic novels are becoming a form of literature that I have been more open to recently. I loved the artwork. It was all beautifully done and had lots of detail. Sometimes I find myself overlooking the art in a graphic novel but this one I took my time to look longer at the scenes before turning the page. If you are looking for a quick read and want to learn something new then this is perfect for you.

FYI: This is available on Hoopla only.

Courtney’s Book Chat: The Girl From Everywhere

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

First Line: It was the kind of August day that hinted at monsoons, and the year was 1774, though not for much longer.

Summary: Nix has been on her father’s ship for her whole life. As long as Slate has a map for it, they can travel to any time or any place, real or mythological. But Slate is obsessed with finding a map of 1868 Honolulu, the time before Nix’s mother died. When Slate enters a plot that will help him acquire the map, Nix must decide how far she is willing to help her father, when her own existence could be erased.

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Girl From Everywhere. Heidi Heilig created a rich world and characters that I was invested in, along with an extremely intriguing premise.

Each twist and turn kept the plot enticing and the stakes high. There was never a dull moment. Throughout it all, Heilig deftly weaves in elements of mythology to create a cohesive world that one would expect for time-traveling sailors. It influences the characters’ banter and colors the metaphors. Not only that, but the use of myths contributes to a greater, more interconnected story that is slowly revealed.

I really enjoyed Nix’s personality; she felt distinct to me, with her love of language and knowledge of myths, in a way that many YA characters haven’t. The secondary characters were also great. Kashmir, her friend and primary castmate, was charismatic and fun. And surprisingly, I ended up enjoying Slate’s character. Even though he neglects his daughter in favor of recklessly obtaining the correct map, Heilig builds a sympathetic portrayal.

My favorite part was the complex and interesting relationships between the characters, especially that of Nix and Slate. The main conflict centers around them, giving a glimpse into the messy bonds of family. Even though they are at opposing ends, they deeply care about each other, and it was interesting to see the facets of their relationship explored.

Nix and Kashmir also had wonderful banter and chemistry, and I loved their romance. It made the love triangle kind of annoying at first, but that surprisingly added depth to both Nix’s characterization and the book’s theme.

Heilig presents a striking world with an enticing plot and authentic character dynamics. Highly original, The Girl From Everywhere pulls readers it with its unique concept, but remains familiar with its themes of family, ambition, and love.

Mom and Me Reviews: Stand Up! Speak Up!

First Line: “Wake Up.”

Summary: A girl is inspired to make change. She is part of a protest for the climate change revolution. She sees stories on the news: the protest, wildfires, pollution, floods. She is discouraged, but she finds a way to do something about it.

Ratings:

Maggie: 10 out of 10

Conor: Did not participate in this storytime

Mama Lala: 9 out of 10

Their Thoughts: “It made me know (and feel bad) about what we’ve done to the planet. I dont know how to fix it. It’ teaches us how we can fix it. I like that the pictures are mostly black and white, with a little green. Like “green”, get it!?”

My Thoughts: My daughter is moved by the conservation movement. My husband and I try to do what we can and, most of all, try to remain educated on the issue of climate change. I’m sure this affects her passion for the issue. I like that this book can show children that the issue isn’t too big for them. Everyone can make (at least) a small difference– even small people. The content is complex enough for older children, but the phrasing is right for the preschool aged children as well.

FYI: This book discusses climate change and protesting.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

What’s Ashley Reading?: A Deadly Education

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

First line: I decided that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life.

Summary: The Scholomance is a school for wizards. However, this is not your ordinary school. There are no teachers, monsters lurk around every corner and allies are more important than friends. El has spent her years here trying to stay alive, literally. And even though she has extraordinary powers she has to keep them in check otherwise she could destroy the school and everyone in it. With her reputation as a dark wizard and her grumpy attitude she has never made any friends but that all changes when Orion Lake decides to save her life, again.

My Thoughts: This book was crazy! The first few chapters had so much information, world building and magic system in it that it nearly overwhelmed me but I stuck with it. It was worth it! There are many books that are trying to be like Harry Potter but this takes it to another level. Monsters creep out of every nook and cranny. The school is forever changing. Fellow students may try to ally themselves with you or kill you. No teachers or even any adults are in the school. And graduation is a life or death situation.

Everything about this book was different and exciting. I loved the ending. It was thrilling and fast paced. I wish it didn’t have to end but it gave such a good cliffhanger that I am eagerly anticipating the next book. It cannot come soon enough!

FYI: Lots of death, violence and magic.

Dylan’s Book Recommendation: Proof of Heaven

Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander

First line: When I was a kid, I would often dream of flying.

Summary: Dr. Eben Alexander had an NDE (near death experience) that completely contradicted all of his knowledge that would suggest that consciousness resides only within the brain. Dr. Eben Alexander’s NDE was brought on by a meningitis induced coma. Coming back from his experience, Dr. Eben Alexander took the risk of being completely ridiculed by the scientific community for sharing his story.

Thoughts: NDE’s are very interesting to study. The thought of the afterlife is one of the very pillars that holds up the ceiling of society. Surely everyone will ask the question, those of a faith and those without faith. Dr. Eben Alexander shows through his experiences that consciousness does not reside in the brain.

Mom and Me Reviews: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth The ABC Storybook

Labyrinth: The ABC Storybook by Luke Flowers

First Line: “Sarah wants to be an actress.”

Summary: If you’ve seen the movie by the Jim Henson group (with David Bowie), then you know the storyline.

Basically, a teenage girl is left to babysit her little brother. She becomes annoyed by him as she is trying to read and rehearse lines from her play. She wishes that the “goblin king” would take her brother away, like the girl in the story she’s reading does. The Goblin King grants her wish, and Sarah has to solve a labyrinth within 13 hours to get her little brother back. As expected, the labyrinth is filled with magical tricks that make her journey even more difficult.

Ratings:

Maggie: 9 out of 10

Conor: Did not participate in this storytime

Mama Lala: 7 out of 10

Their Thoughts: I like the movie, and the story! It gives you such an imagination. I like all of the magical characters. It’s an ABC book, but it reads like a storybook instead of a baby ABC book. The pictures are good. If you haven’t seen the movie, the story doesn’t make sense… it doesn’t “fill in the gaps”. It just didn’t “move me” enough to get a “10”.

My Thoughts: I appreciate that this book is both an abc book, AND a storybook. It helps to bridge the gap between my two kiddo’s wide age range (2 and 9). My kids have seen and, as they should, LOVE this movie. IF they hadn’t i’m not sure it would be clear what happens in this story. Some characters are introduced, but their presence isn’t explained. All in all, I’m grateful this has been made into a storybook, but I had higher hopes for it. The illustrations are magically marvelous, though.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

What’s Ashley Reading?: Dark Tides

Dark Tides by Philippa Gregory

First line: The ramshackle warehouse was on the wrong side of the river, the south side, where the buildings jostled for space and the little boats unloaded pocket-size cargos for scant profit.

Summary: Twenty-two years have passed since the events at Foulmire. Alinor and Alys have established themselves in a warehouse along the Thames with a decent income from sailors and merchants. But on the same day two people happen into their lives that will change it once again. Sir James who has spent years in exile is looking for his child. And Rob’s widow from Venice arrives with their young son. The women try to deal with these changes the best they can.

On the other side of the ocean, in New England, Ned has traveled in the hopes of starting a new life where he is free and far from the reaches of the King he hates. But even with an ocean between his old and new life he finds that things are still the same. He has befriended the native people and learned much from them but he is looked down upon for this from his fellow Englishman. He is stuck between two worlds and doesn’t know which side to choose.

My Thoughts: Once again Philippa Gregory writes a stunning book! I loved this just as much as the first one in the trilogy but for different reasons. The first part was very character driven and where the landscape plays an important role. This one is more plot driven but has strong characters and amazing locations. From the very beginning I was strongly invested in the story. At one point I had to put the book down because I was so frustrated with the characters.

I loved being back with Alinor even though she was not the main character anymore. This centered more on her brother, daughter and granddaughter. A new generation of the Reekie family in a new time. The picture of these poor women striving for a living along the Thames is perfectly done. And then we visit Venice in the second half of the story. I can picture the canals, gondolas, and beautiful buildings. I visited Venice years ago and loved the city on the water.

Ned’s life in New England reminded me so much of Gregory’s book, Virgin Earth, with her beautiful descriptions of the forests of America before the settlers cleared the lands. The plants, the people and wildness of the land comes alive in her telling. It is so hard to read about the past at times when you see all the injustices that were done. Settlers took advantage of the natives and treated them terribly.

FYI: This is book two in the Fairmile Trilogy.