Patricia Pfitsch entertains us with an engaging tale of adventure and mystery involving giant sequoias, logging operations, and a fiesty young girl named Francie Cavanaugh. Set in the 1890s in the fictional town of Connorsville in Northern California, Francie is enthralled to be surrounded by majestic sequioas and is somewhat saddened to see the large trees being felled on a daily basis. However, things heat up when she finds a mysterious message tucked inside a sequoia that has been hidden there for over 6 years by her dead sister Carrie.
What is the meaning of that cryptic message? If she is to solve this mystery, she must break almost every rule she has grown up with including going against her father's wishes. A heavy price to pay.
Althougth the book is primarily intended is for tween/teen girls, boys will certainly appreciate the descriptions of the flumes and how dare devils in the day tried to ride it even under the threat of death.
A touching tale with lush and vivid descriptions of how a sequoia forest must have been like in the late 1800s.
Genre: Historical fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Book review: "Wild Man Island" by Will Hobbs
Imagine being stranded on an island in Alaska with nothing except your clothes and your wits. As the days go by, your hunger begins to sap all your strength and you begin to eat all kinds of things you never thought of. Scary.
Now imagine that you are only 14 years old. Will Hobbs has written a compelling story about survival and exploration from the viewpoint of 14 year old Andy Galloway.
Andy encounters bears, wolves, sea lions, and even Orca whales. He then finds a strange wild man living off the island with a mysterious past.
A perfect book for those who love the outdoors, wildlife, kayaking, and cave exploration. Clean story with no profanity or violence.
Genre: Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Now imagine that you are only 14 years old. Will Hobbs has written a compelling story about survival and exploration from the viewpoint of 14 year old Andy Galloway.
Andy encounters bears, wolves, sea lions, and even Orca whales. He then finds a strange wild man living off the island with a mysterious past.
A perfect book for those who love the outdoors, wildlife, kayaking, and cave exploration. Clean story with no profanity or violence.
Genre: Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Book review: "Brisingr" by Christopher Paolini
This is the 3rd installment of the Inheritance saga that all started with "Eragon". As with the 2nd book, this book immediately continues the adventures of Eragon, Saphira, and other main characters such as Arya, Roran, Nasuada, Orik.
At 700+ pages, this book is, yet, another hefty read. The reader, however, is treated to the inner political machinery of the dwarf nation, continued maturation of Eragon and Saphira, and more surprising relevations of character backgrounds. Murtagh and Thorn appear once again, much to the chagrin of Eragon and Saphira. Suffice to say that they will figure in prominently in the final 4th book.
As in the 2nd book, I wasn't too thrilled with reading the bits about Roran and I often wondered if the saga began to suffer from having too many characters floating around. I would have rathered read more about Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Orik, and Nasuada. I just wish Roran could have been relegated to a more minor role...but I can guess he will have a major impact in the final book as well.
So far, the only major disappointment has been in not finding out more about Galbatorix, the evil rider and his dragon. Up til now, Galbatorix seems to be a one dimensional character that is pure evil. Perhaps in the last book, he might become more multi-faceted or at least more complex.
I'm thinking that Christopher will probably dedicate at least a third of the final book to Galbatorix and trying to fill in the history of that character.
Nonetheless, this book is worth reading although some may be disappointed at having to wait again for another book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
At 700+ pages, this book is, yet, another hefty read. The reader, however, is treated to the inner political machinery of the dwarf nation, continued maturation of Eragon and Saphira, and more surprising relevations of character backgrounds. Murtagh and Thorn appear once again, much to the chagrin of Eragon and Saphira. Suffice to say that they will figure in prominently in the final 4th book.
As in the 2nd book, I wasn't too thrilled with reading the bits about Roran and I often wondered if the saga began to suffer from having too many characters floating around. I would have rathered read more about Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Orik, and Nasuada. I just wish Roran could have been relegated to a more minor role...but I can guess he will have a major impact in the final book as well.
So far, the only major disappointment has been in not finding out more about Galbatorix, the evil rider and his dragon. Up til now, Galbatorix seems to be a one dimensional character that is pure evil. Perhaps in the last book, he might become more multi-faceted or at least more complex.
I'm thinking that Christopher will probably dedicate at least a third of the final book to Galbatorix and trying to fill in the history of that character.
Nonetheless, this book is worth reading although some may be disappointed at having to wait again for another book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Book review: "Eldest" by Christopher Paolini
This is the 2nd volume of the Inheritance saga that was began with "Eragon". This book picks up right after the battle in the Beor Mountains when a Ughal army was defeated by the Varden/dwarf army lead by Ajihad and Hrothgar.
At over 700 pages, it is quite a thick read. Although a few of the events are somewhat predictable, the writing is excellent and the characters do come to life. As I began to delve deeper into the story, several of the plot elements resemble that of a Greek tragedy....friends become enemies, enemies become allies, family feuds, and betrayals abound. The political overtones also become interweaved and Eragon is caught in the middle as always.
At least a good third of the story is about Roran, Eragon's cousin, and his efforts to free his village Carvahall from the clutches of the vile Empire. Readers will finally be introduced to the Elf civilization in the mysterious forests of Du Weldenvarden.
Despite the book length and some slow sections in the book and some characters I could do without (e.g., child/adult Elva), it is a quick read. Again recommended for those interested in fantasy and swords and sorcery epics.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
At over 700 pages, it is quite a thick read. Although a few of the events are somewhat predictable, the writing is excellent and the characters do come to life. As I began to delve deeper into the story, several of the plot elements resemble that of a Greek tragedy....friends become enemies, enemies become allies, family feuds, and betrayals abound. The political overtones also become interweaved and Eragon is caught in the middle as always.
At least a good third of the story is about Roran, Eragon's cousin, and his efforts to free his village Carvahall from the clutches of the vile Empire. Readers will finally be introduced to the Elf civilization in the mysterious forests of Du Weldenvarden.
Despite the book length and some slow sections in the book and some characters I could do without (e.g., child/adult Elva), it is a quick read. Again recommended for those interested in fantasy and swords and sorcery epics.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Book review: "Pool Boy" by Michael Simmons
Written in the first person narrative style, this is a story of a 15 year old boy named Brett Gerson who had lived the life of the fabulously rich. He ate at all the best restaurants and shopped at the most expensive places. He was also one who never bothered to look at a price tag or cared about cost. Then one day, his life is turned upside down when his father is caught by the police and his family is forced to give up their rich lifestyle and live like common folks.
For Brett, it was a harsh wake up call. After being used to a life of comfort, he now has to find a job to feed himself. Sadly, he continues to maintain his arrogant and rude behavior.
This book is an interesting study of how a person handles the harsh realities of surviving in the real world.
For those that enjoy such themes where rich and poor switch places (e.g., movies like Trading Places or books like Prince and the Pauper), this book is for you.
The ending is very touching and you are left wondering what will happen to Brett as he continues to grow.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues Fiction
Age Recommendation: 13+
For Brett, it was a harsh wake up call. After being used to a life of comfort, he now has to find a job to feed himself. Sadly, he continues to maintain his arrogant and rude behavior.
This book is an interesting study of how a person handles the harsh realities of surviving in the real world.
For those that enjoy such themes where rich and poor switch places (e.g., movies like Trading Places or books like Prince and the Pauper), this book is for you.
The ending is very touching and you are left wondering what will happen to Brett as he continues to grow.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues Fiction
Age Recommendation: 13+
Monday, August 10, 2009
Book review: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
This is the 1st volume of the Inheritance saga that chronicles the story of a young man, Eragon, who is caught between the various forces in the land of Alagaesia after finding a precious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. Eragon soon discovers that he has become one of the legendary Dragon Riders (who are now extinct). Hounded and chased by the evil king Galbatorix, Eragon is joined by Brom, Murtagh and other companions as he tries to figure out the powerful political forces shaping the destiny of the land.
Throw in magic, epic battles, and a beautiful elf princess and you have an excellent recipe for a good read.
Although the movie "Eragon" was slammed by critics as being cheesy, short, and lacking punch, the writing is admirable.
My onlycomplaint is that many of the characters feel like I've read or seen them somewhere before. Brom reminds me very much like Obi Wan Kenobi, Eragon as Luke Skywalker, and Arya as Princess Leia.
Still it shouldn't be a huge distraction to most readers. For those that like Lord of the Rings, you'd enjoy this book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Throw in magic, epic battles, and a beautiful elf princess and you have an excellent recipe for a good read.
Although the movie "Eragon" was slammed by critics as being cheesy, short, and lacking punch, the writing is admirable.
My onlycomplaint is that many of the characters feel like I've read or seen them somewhere before. Brom reminds me very much like Obi Wan Kenobi, Eragon as Luke Skywalker, and Arya as Princess Leia.
Still it shouldn't be a huge distraction to most readers. For those that like Lord of the Rings, you'd enjoy this book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Book review: "Escaping the Giant Wave" by Peg Kehret
Kyle is your typical 13 year old. He wants to make his own rules, eat what he wants, and live the adventurous life. When he finds out that his parents won a grand prize to Oregon, he can't wait to go. Unfortunately, his best laid plans on ruined when he finds out that the bully in his life, Daren, is also coming. Even worse, Kyle has to babysit his sister BeeBee while his parents are away.
Everything might have gone smoothly after a while until an unexpected earthquake and tsunami shake up their lives and puts them all in danger.
A riveting tale for tweens who crave real life situations and dangers. Peg Kehret's provides some interesting insight of how Oregonians have dealt with tsunami warnings including the use of moo sounds instead of the usual sirens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 9+
Everything might have gone smoothly after a while until an unexpected earthquake and tsunami shake up their lives and puts them all in danger.
A riveting tale for tweens who crave real life situations and dangers. Peg Kehret's provides some interesting insight of how Oregonians have dealt with tsunami warnings including the use of moo sounds instead of the usual sirens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 9+
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Book review: "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
If you want to know a teen girl's view of the perfect guy...read this book. If you want to read about forbidden/dangerous love...read this book. If you want to learn yet another version of the vampire myth and legends...read this book. If you are a girl who craves anything romantic, read this book.
Guys, however, who are itching for vampire action as in the Underworld movies or Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, will be sorely disappointed. This book (first of a series) contains very little action as it's more of a love story between a human teen girl Bella (short for Isabella) and Edward Cullen, the vampire.
This book eloquently captures the inner thoughts running through the mind of a teen girl growing up in a small town of Forks, Washington and of discovering her first true love. This book is primarily aimed at a female audience.
Genre: Paranomal/Horror/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Guys, however, who are itching for vampire action as in the Underworld movies or Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, will be sorely disappointed. This book (first of a series) contains very little action as it's more of a love story between a human teen girl Bella (short for Isabella) and Edward Cullen, the vampire.
This book eloquently captures the inner thoughts running through the mind of a teen girl growing up in a small town of Forks, Washington and of discovering her first true love. This book is primarily aimed at a female audience.
Genre: Paranomal/Horror/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Book review: "Gossip Girl" by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Wickedly funny yet painfully poignant at times, this is a story of Selena, Blair, Chuck, Nate and other teens living in New York's elite high society surrounded by sex, drugs, alcohol, and high fashion.
Part novel and part pseudo blog by columnist, Gossip Girl (GG), GG's postings describe the drama being played out between each of the major characters. There's definitely plenty of juicy gossip going around.
Whether you side with Blair, Selena, or with with any of the other characters, it's hard not to feel compassionate once you get past their shallow and pettiness behaviors. They each have their own flaws.
In the end, it is really about finding out who your "real" friends are, whom to trust, learning to live with betrayals, and dealing with peer pressure. This the first novel of the series with a TV series also being aired.
A must read for teens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Part novel and part pseudo blog by columnist, Gossip Girl (GG), GG's postings describe the drama being played out between each of the major characters. There's definitely plenty of juicy gossip going around.
Whether you side with Blair, Selena, or with with any of the other characters, it's hard not to feel compassionate once you get past their shallow and pettiness behaviors. They each have their own flaws.
In the end, it is really about finding out who your "real" friends are, whom to trust, learning to live with betrayals, and dealing with peer pressure. This the first novel of the series with a TV series also being aired.
A must read for teens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Monday, August 3, 2009
Book review: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
Rather than write yet another review to the multitude of reviews already in existence for this book, I'd thought it be best to compare some of the differences between the movie and book version.
First, the movie version quite well in adhering as faithfully as possible to the book. However, the movie does deviate from the novel such as:
1. Having Harry Potter being taken to the train station by Hagrid rather than Uncle Dursley and Aunt Petunia.
2. Leaving out Professor Binns (ghost teacher of Wizard history).
3. Revising the scenes with Norbert, Hagrid's pet dragon, being sent directly to Romania without showing Charlie and his friends taking Norbert secretly away from the astronomy tower.
Still the movie is a visual treat and much like a Disney ride for first time viewers.
However, the book does provide additional background materials into the Harry Potter universe (e.g., more information into Hogwart's classes, personal thoughts etc.).
It is unfortunate that some places have decided to ban this book due to the witchcraft and magic subject matter. Like technology, I feel that magic and witchcraft are not inherently evil...just the way that it is used.
It is a wonderfully crafted book for all ages. You won't be disappointed.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 10+
First, the movie version quite well in adhering as faithfully as possible to the book. However, the movie does deviate from the novel such as:
1. Having Harry Potter being taken to the train station by Hagrid rather than Uncle Dursley and Aunt Petunia.
2. Leaving out Professor Binns (ghost teacher of Wizard history).
3. Revising the scenes with Norbert, Hagrid's pet dragon, being sent directly to Romania without showing Charlie and his friends taking Norbert secretly away from the astronomy tower.
Still the movie is a visual treat and much like a Disney ride for first time viewers.
However, the book does provide additional background materials into the Harry Potter universe (e.g., more information into Hogwart's classes, personal thoughts etc.).
It is unfortunate that some places have decided to ban this book due to the witchcraft and magic subject matter. Like technology, I feel that magic and witchcraft are not inherently evil...just the way that it is used.
It is a wonderfully crafted book for all ages. You won't be disappointed.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 10+
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