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49) Hearne, Kevin. HEXED (Iron Druid Chronicles Book @). Del Rey: 2011.
Second enjoyable novel in this urban fantasy series. Overall, I prefer my fantasy a little darker, or my humor a bit drier, but this series is good enough for fluff. Besides, I'll admit a bit of a girls-with-glasses bookworm crush on the protagonist Druid (and his Irish wolfhound). :) Still have HAMMERED and TRICKED in this series to read (as published so far), and a lot of reviewers compare them to Jim Butcher's DRESDEN FILES, so maybe I'll give those a try from the library as well.
Second enjoyable novel in this urban fantasy series. Overall, I prefer my fantasy a little darker, or my humor a bit drier, but this series is good enough for fluff. Besides, I'll admit a bit of a girls-with-glasses bookworm crush on the protagonist Druid (and his Irish wolfhound). :) Still have HAMMERED and TRICKED in this series to read (as published so far), and a lot of reviewers compare them to Jim Butcher's DRESDEN FILES, so maybe I'll give those a try from the library as well.
47) Hearne, Kevin. HOUNDED (IRON DRUID CHORNICLES #1) Del Rey: 2011.
Hounded is the first book in The Iron Druid Chronicles. The lead protagonist is Atticus O'Sullivan, an ages old druid in hiding as an owner of an occult bookstore and apothecary in contemporary Tempe, AZ. Atticus is a fascinating and likeable lead (I especially liked how his tattoos and connection to the earth were used as part of his powers); ok,I also liked a cute, young male lead. The secondary characters are an interesting spectrum of non-humans of werewolves, a vampire, witches, demons, Celtic gods and goddesses, and Atticus's irish wolfhound Oberon. Hearne's writing is a dynamic and refreshing return to exciting and original UF storytelling that is grounded in plausible Druid history and weaves an accurate portrayal of the Tuatha De Danann, Celtic, and Norse mythology. Lots of pop culture references and humor as well. Not quite urban fantasy ala Charles DeLint or fantasy ala Neil Gaiman, but quite entertaining genre reading after being soured on the over the top (and then some)super-natural heroines of Laurel K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris.
Hounded is the first book in The Iron Druid Chronicles. The lead protagonist is Atticus O'Sullivan, an ages old druid in hiding as an owner of an occult bookstore and apothecary in contemporary Tempe, AZ. Atticus is a fascinating and likeable lead (I especially liked how his tattoos and connection to the earth were used as part of his powers); ok,I also liked a cute, young male lead. The secondary characters are an interesting spectrum of non-humans of werewolves, a vampire, witches, demons, Celtic gods and goddesses, and Atticus's irish wolfhound Oberon. Hearne's writing is a dynamic and refreshing return to exciting and original UF storytelling that is grounded in plausible Druid history and weaves an accurate portrayal of the Tuatha De Danann, Celtic, and Norse mythology. Lots of pop culture references and humor as well. Not quite urban fantasy ala Charles DeLint or fantasy ala Neil Gaiman, but quite entertaining genre reading after being soured on the over the top (and then some)super-natural heroines of Laurel K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris.
40) Jurek, Scott. EAT & RUN: My Unlikelly Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness. Houghton Mifflin: 2012.
Bought this memoir on National Running Day. :) For nearly two decades, Scott Jurek has been a dominant force—and darling—in the grueling and growing sport of ultrarunning.In Eat and Run, Jurek opens up about his life and career—as an elite athlete and a vegan—and inspires runners at every level. The book is unified by three compelling themes: the running itself, the joys and requirements of food and eating, and deep spiritual discovery. All work together just as all have worked together to make Jurek the outstanding man and runner that he is. And I appreciated the recipes that were included...much more adaptable and pertinent to me than his training schedule would be!
btw, I know I posted all over Facebook and did a race report on SparkPeople, but did I mention here that I had a great time at the Black Mountain Monster 24 hour run (June 2-3)? I made my goal of 100K, then added on one more lap in memory of Angela Ivory (a runner friend, who ran 300+ marathon/ultra races while fighting metastatic breast cancer, who passed away May 31), then still had time on the clock and so did one more final lap. Got in 22 laps/110K or 68.2 miles! (Which put me as 6th female finisher out of 19, and tied for 10th place overall in a field of 51 participants.)
Race Report: http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4913166
Out there on the scenic 5k loop course of the Black Mountain Monster
Sometime after dawn, and after completing 100K, I did a lap "for Angela".
My favorite pic of B & me FINALLY sitting down again after 23 hours:30 minutes of time on feet.
Bought this memoir on National Running Day. :) For nearly two decades, Scott Jurek has been a dominant force—and darling—in the grueling and growing sport of ultrarunning.In Eat and Run, Jurek opens up about his life and career—as an elite athlete and a vegan—and inspires runners at every level. The book is unified by three compelling themes: the running itself, the joys and requirements of food and eating, and deep spiritual discovery. All work together just as all have worked together to make Jurek the outstanding man and runner that he is. And I appreciated the recipes that were included...much more adaptable and pertinent to me than his training schedule would be!
btw, I know I posted all over Facebook and did a race report on SparkPeople, but did I mention here that I had a great time at the Black Mountain Monster 24 hour run (June 2-3)? I made my goal of 100K, then added on one more lap in memory of Angela Ivory (a runner friend, who ran 300+ marathon/ultra races while fighting metastatic breast cancer, who passed away May 31), then still had time on the clock and so did one more final lap. Got in 22 laps/110K or 68.2 miles! (Which put me as 6th female finisher out of 19, and tied for 10th place overall in a field of 51 participants.)
Race Report: http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4913166
Out there on the scenic 5k loop course of the Black Mountain Monster
Sometime after dawn, and after completing 100K, I did a lap "for Angela".
My favorite pic of B & me FINALLY sitting down again after 23 hours:30 minutes of time on feet.
Books 38, 39
Jun. 11th, 2012 01:31 pm38) Walton, Jo. AMONG OTHERS. Tor: 2012.
2012 Nebula Award winner and Hugo nominee. At once the compelling story of a young woman struggling to escape a troubled childhood, a brilliant diary of first encounters with the great novels of modern fantasy and science fiction, and a spellbinding tale of escape from ancient enchantment.
39) Buroughs, Augesten. THIS IS HOW. St. MArtin's Press: 2012.
Burroughs playfully shares his hard-won insights in a book that is the antidote to the "just be positive" approach to life. Not a memoir, it reads more like a conversation with a close friend about truthfulness and authenticity, figuring things out and being hopeful, starting from where one is and learning to listen to oneself.
2012 Nebula Award winner and Hugo nominee. At once the compelling story of a young woman struggling to escape a troubled childhood, a brilliant diary of first encounters with the great novels of modern fantasy and science fiction, and a spellbinding tale of escape from ancient enchantment.
39) Buroughs, Augesten. THIS IS HOW. St. MArtin's Press: 2012.
Burroughs playfully shares his hard-won insights in a book that is the antidote to the "just be positive" approach to life. Not a memoir, it reads more like a conversation with a close friend about truthfulness and authenticity, figuring things out and being hopeful, starting from where one is and learning to listen to oneself.
Books 36, 37
Jun. 6th, 2012 07:14 am36) Harkness, Deborah. A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES. Viking: 2011
A book about witches and libraries, of course I liked it. Not a satisfying conclusion, after nearly 500 pages, just a wait until the next novel set up.
37) Graham, Heather, HEART OF EVIL. Mira: 2011.
Meh on the Graham; I've read enough of her novels now that athey are beginning to seem noticeably the same.
Think I'm ready to read some stand alone novels instead of series books.
A book about witches and libraries, of course I liked it. Not a satisfying conclusion, after nearly 500 pages, just a wait until the next novel set up.
37) Graham, Heather, HEART OF EVIL. Mira: 2011.
Meh on the Graham; I've read enough of her novels now that athey are beginning to seem noticeably the same.
Think I'm ready to read some stand alone novels instead of series books.
Books 29-32
May. 13th, 2012 06:21 pm29) Uslan, Michael. ARCHIE: THE MARRIED LIFE. Archie Comics: 2011.
Graphic novel just for nostalgia's sake.
30) Dreyer, Danny. CHI MARATHON. Touchstone: 2012
Helpful Nonfiction about running technique.
31) Bender, Aimee. PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE. Anchor: 2011
One of my favorite titles. The story itself was *shrug*; odd and had some touches of magical realism; lacked something for me though and wish I'd liked it more than I did.
32) Graham, Heather. THE UNSEEN. Mira: 2012.
Decent mystery. Some paranormal content.
Graphic novel just for nostalgia's sake.
30) Dreyer, Danny. CHI MARATHON. Touchstone: 2012
Helpful Nonfiction about running technique.
31) Bender, Aimee. PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE. Anchor: 2011
One of my favorite titles. The story itself was *shrug*; odd and had some touches of magical realism; lacked something for me though and wish I'd liked it more than I did.
32) Graham, Heather. THE UNSEEN. Mira: 2012.
Decent mystery. Some paranormal content.
Books #27 & 28
May. 2nd, 2012 05:02 pm27) Moore, Chistopher. SACRE BLEU: a comedy d'art. MOrrow: 2012.
Moore set out to write a book about the color blue. Don't let Moore's quirky characters and bawdy language fool you. His writing has depth, and his peculiar take on the Impressionists will reel you in. What he ended up with is a surprisingly complex novel full of love, death, art, mystery and muses. Though the question at the story's heart is less interesting than the fictional anecdotes about the great painters, fans of Moore's mix of wit and slapstick will be pleased.
I was.
28) Saricks, Joyce. READERS' ADVISORY SERVICEIN PUBLIC LIBRARIES. ALA: 2005.
For work, but got me excited about devoloping my skills in this area of public service.
Moore set out to write a book about the color blue. Don't let Moore's quirky characters and bawdy language fool you. His writing has depth, and his peculiar take on the Impressionists will reel you in. What he ended up with is a surprisingly complex novel full of love, death, art, mystery and muses. Though the question at the story's heart is less interesting than the fictional anecdotes about the great painters, fans of Moore's mix of wit and slapstick will be pleased.
I was.
28) Saricks, Joyce. READERS' ADVISORY SERVICEIN PUBLIC LIBRARIES. ALA: 2005.
For work, but got me excited about devoloping my skills in this area of public service.
Actually, it's book #27, but I'm not counting the one I previously wasted a couple hours on--it was just a badly written little novel. Actually, this is also a little novel, of the sensitive guy subgenre of chick-lit inspirational type, not usually my thing but the premise was that the main character embarks on a cross country walk after his wife's tragic death.
27) Evans, Richard Paul. THE WALK. Simon & Schuster: 2010.
27) Evans, Richard Paul. THE WALK. Simon & Schuster: 2010.
25) Welch, Julie OUT ON YOUR FEET: The Hallucinatory World of Hundred--Mile Walking. Aurum: 2009.
Halfway through this year's 50 BOOK CHALLENGE! This was another interesting sports book, but instead of being about (my sport of) American Ultramarathon runners, this memoir/social history was about British long distance walkers. I enjoyed the slightly different outlook; these are walks, don't call them "races", and the brit slang...had to figure out that "baps" are sandwich buns! Also, rather than focusing on elite athletes, the book was much more about the average folk out there for a bit of a stroll. (still, I quite envy some of those "walking" paces!) The author's own experience working toward and doing her Hundred got just a bit whiny about the pain sometimes, but well that's how it is (and pots should not call out the kettle black) :)
Halfway through this year's 50 BOOK CHALLENGE! This was another interesting sports book, but instead of being about (my sport of) American Ultramarathon runners, this memoir/social history was about British long distance walkers. I enjoyed the slightly different outlook; these are walks, don't call them "races", and the brit slang...had to figure out that "baps" are sandwich buns! Also, rather than focusing on elite athletes, the book was much more about the average folk out there for a bit of a stroll. (still, I quite envy some of those "walking" paces!) The author's own experience working toward and doing her Hundred got just a bit whiny about the pain sometimes, but well that's how it is (and pots should not call out the kettle black) :)
24) Duane, Diane. OMNITOPIA DAWN. DAW: 2010.
I'm not an online gamer, but I enjoyed reading about it! Decent cyber science fiction.
Booklist review:
Dev Logan is the eighth-richest man in the world, thanks to his invention of a massive multiplayer online game known as Omnitopia, in which players can venture into all sorts of vibrant, creative worlds and even have a shot at designing their own. The thousands of people Dev's company employs are working toward a big goal: releasing an expansion to the game. With the expansion rollout just days away, Dev is worried about possible vulnerabilities in the system. His concerns are not unfounded: a skilled group of hackers is plotting an attack at the time the game's servers will be most vulnerable, and Dev's former business partner and friend is preparing a financial takedown of Dev's company. Readers who have never ventured into the intricate world of online gaming will have a hard time seeing what all the fuss is about, but the many who have played World of Warcraft or its ilk will appreciate Duane's rich description of Omnitopia's many universes and enjoy the intrigue and drama surrounding the release of the expansion.--
I'm not an online gamer, but I enjoyed reading about it! Decent cyber science fiction.
Booklist review:
Dev Logan is the eighth-richest man in the world, thanks to his invention of a massive multiplayer online game known as Omnitopia, in which players can venture into all sorts of vibrant, creative worlds and even have a shot at designing their own. The thousands of people Dev's company employs are working toward a big goal: releasing an expansion to the game. With the expansion rollout just days away, Dev is worried about possible vulnerabilities in the system. His concerns are not unfounded: a skilled group of hackers is plotting an attack at the time the game's servers will be most vulnerable, and Dev's former business partner and friend is preparing a financial takedown of Dev's company. Readers who have never ventured into the intricate world of online gaming will have a hard time seeing what all the fuss is about, but the many who have played World of Warcraft or its ilk will appreciate Duane's rich description of Omnitopia's many universes and enjoy the intrigue and drama surrounding the release of the expansion.--
23) Foster, Alan Dean. HUMAN BLEND. Del Rey: 2010.
While I liked the construct of futuristic body mods in this book, that's about all it had going for it- descriptions of the various alterations of the various characters and comparing Melds to Naturals. And not much other plot, and no resolution.
While I liked the construct of futuristic body mods in this book, that's about all it had going for it- descriptions of the various alterations of the various characters and comparing Melds to Naturals. And not much other plot, and no resolution.
Books 21 & 22
Apr. 13th, 2012 09:15 am21)Valentine, Geneveive. MECHANIQUE: TALES OF THE CIRCUS TRESAULTI. Prime: 2011.
"This steampunk-flavored circus story begins with a disturbing undertone, like an out-of-tune calliope, and develops in hints and shadows." Nebula Award nominee for the year. Reminded me somewhat of Angela Carter's NIGHTS AT THE CIRCUS, and Erin Morgenstern's more recent THE NIGHT CIRCUS, but with a few more sci-fi elements (like a post apocalype setting and cyborg mechanics). I quite like circus/sideshow characters and such.
22) Benaron, Naomi. RUNNING THE RIFT. Algonquin: 2012.
"No wonder Barbara Kingsolver awarded her 2010 Bellwether Prize, given biennially to an unpublished novel that confronts social issues, to Naomi Benaron's Running the Rift. In her coming-of-age story of young Tutsi Jean Patrick Nkuba, whose extraordinary gift for distance running lands him on the path to become his country's first medalist in track, one of history's most inconceivable chapters--the Rwandan genocide--becomes intensely personal. Out of a childhood marked by loss and overshadowed by mounting Hutu-Tutsi tensions, Jean Patrick draws the strength for grueling Olympic training and the courage to run his life's most crucial race--to save himself and his family. A vividly told tale with a memorable champion at its heart."
Good literate books both.
"This steampunk-flavored circus story begins with a disturbing undertone, like an out-of-tune calliope, and develops in hints and shadows." Nebula Award nominee for the year. Reminded me somewhat of Angela Carter's NIGHTS AT THE CIRCUS, and Erin Morgenstern's more recent THE NIGHT CIRCUS, but with a few more sci-fi elements (like a post apocalype setting and cyborg mechanics). I quite like circus/sideshow characters and such.
22) Benaron, Naomi. RUNNING THE RIFT. Algonquin: 2012.
"No wonder Barbara Kingsolver awarded her 2010 Bellwether Prize, given biennially to an unpublished novel that confronts social issues, to Naomi Benaron's Running the Rift. In her coming-of-age story of young Tutsi Jean Patrick Nkuba, whose extraordinary gift for distance running lands him on the path to become his country's first medalist in track, one of history's most inconceivable chapters--the Rwandan genocide--becomes intensely personal. Out of a childhood marked by loss and overshadowed by mounting Hutu-Tutsi tensions, Jean Patrick draws the strength for grueling Olympic training and the courage to run his life's most crucial race--to save himself and his family. A vividly told tale with a memorable champion at its heart."
Good literate books both.
20) Baker, Tiffany. LITTLE GIANT OF ABERDEEN COUNTY. Grand Central Pub: 2009.
Liked some of the quirky characters and thier relationships. Liked the element of magic/magical realism, a book of shadows writtten in the stitches of a quilt. Liked some of the language and prose.
Liked some of the quirky characters and thier relationships. Liked the element of magic/magical realism, a book of shadows writtten in the stitches of a quilt. Liked some of the language and prose.
Book 18 & 19
Apr. 2nd, 2012 07:09 pm18) Whitehead, Colson. ZONE ONE. Doubleday:2011
A very articulate zombie novel, fast paced, poignant, cynical and filled with seething social commentary. Highly literate; well-written, with enough twists and turns. Whitehead uses a kind of stream of consciousness narrative that takes a little getting used to, but that is ultimately effective and admirable. There is some good ultra-violent zombie action, but mostly it is a more cerebral examination of people under stress and a world in rapid decline.
19)Williams, Jayne. SLOW FAT TRIATHLETE. Da Capo: 2004.
After years of obesity, poor health, and self-doubt, Jayne Williams took part in her first triathlon in 2002 to prove something to herself and became hooked on the rush of the race. Today she is a self-proclaimed "slow fat triathlete," unafraid to overcome humiliation, laugh at her foibles, have fun, and accomplish impressive goals. . Through personal stories, practical ideas and suggestions, and uproarious anecdotes, this book inspires, encourages, and proves that with a little training, almost everybody can have a great time and reap huge rewards from pursuing their tri dreams—and that everyone can become a participant and an athlete.
A very articulate zombie novel, fast paced, poignant, cynical and filled with seething social commentary. Highly literate; well-written, with enough twists and turns. Whitehead uses a kind of stream of consciousness narrative that takes a little getting used to, but that is ultimately effective and admirable. There is some good ultra-violent zombie action, but mostly it is a more cerebral examination of people under stress and a world in rapid decline.
19)Williams, Jayne. SLOW FAT TRIATHLETE. Da Capo: 2004.
After years of obesity, poor health, and self-doubt, Jayne Williams took part in her first triathlon in 2002 to prove something to herself and became hooked on the rush of the race. Today she is a self-proclaimed "slow fat triathlete," unafraid to overcome humiliation, laugh at her foibles, have fun, and accomplish impressive goals. . Through personal stories, practical ideas and suggestions, and uproarious anecdotes, this book inspires, encourages, and proves that with a little training, almost everybody can have a great time and reap huge rewards from pursuing their tri dreams—and that everyone can become a participant and an athlete.
16) Collins, Suzanne CATCHING FIRE. Scholastic 2009.
Having caught the fever, I ripped my way through this second part of the Hunger Games trilogy on my day off. I even read while plodding away on the Arc Trainer at the gym! lol..not sure what distance I covered in that time, but I got 100+ pages read. :)
Didn't find this novel as well plotted as the first book, and our protagonist Katniss seemed rather less spunky and more trapped by fate and the machinations of others. btw, there are so many great costume images in the books. Cosplay and reproduction fandom can have a real ball; I'd love to figure out a quick change costume for Katniss' "wedding gown".
Having caught the fever, I ripped my way through this second part of the Hunger Games trilogy on my day off. I even read while plodding away on the Arc Trainer at the gym! lol..not sure what distance I covered in that time, but I got 100+ pages read. :)
Didn't find this novel as well plotted as the first book, and our protagonist Katniss seemed rather less spunky and more trapped by fate and the machinations of others. btw, there are so many great costume images in the books. Cosplay and reproduction fandom can have a real ball; I'd love to figure out a quick change costume for Katniss' "wedding gown".
Books 13*, 14, 15
Mar. 20th, 2012 02:21 pm13) Roberson, Chris. iZombie: Vol 1 Dead to the World; Vol 2 uVampire; Vol 3 Six Feet Under and Rising. Verigo: 2011.
*Actually 3 vols of a graphic novel series, but I'll just count it as one read.
Graphic novels told from a female zombie’s perspective. This entertaining and witty detective series mixes urban fantasy and romantic dramedy. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Dylan is a 20-something gravedigger in an eco-friendly cemetery. Once a month she must eat a human brain to keep from losing her memories, but in the process she becomes consumed with the thoughts and personality of the dead person – until she eats her next brain. She sets out to fulfi ll the dead person’s last request, solve a crime or right a wrong. Our zombie girl detective is joined by a radical supporting cast: her best friend Eleanor, who happens to be a swinging ’60s ghost, a posse of paintball blasting vampires, a smitten were-dog and a hot but demented mummy.
14) Moore, J. P. TOOTHLESS. Dragon Moon Press: 2010.
This is a truly intriguing, rich story told with depth, honesty and a heavy touch of compassion. A unique read for any supernatural fiction fan, J.P. Moore's Toothless tells the story of Martin, an undead soldier fighting to retain his humanity in a world slowly being eaten by the black plague and overrun by evil. Moore's insight into the culture and history of Medieval Europe is truly inspiring and buries you in the setting and culture. The characters are deep, but well-rounded and easy to identify with...even the demons. And for all you zombie-gore fans, this book has plenty.
15) Collins, Suzanne. HUNGER GAMES. Scholastic: 2009.
Yes, it's the next big thing in the teen lit into movie world, but I have to say the first book of the trilogy was a good read. Film version opens this weekend.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
*Actually 3 vols of a graphic novel series, but I'll just count it as one read.
Graphic novels told from a female zombie’s perspective. This entertaining and witty detective series mixes urban fantasy and romantic dramedy. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Dylan is a 20-something gravedigger in an eco-friendly cemetery. Once a month she must eat a human brain to keep from losing her memories, but in the process she becomes consumed with the thoughts and personality of the dead person – until she eats her next brain. She sets out to fulfi ll the dead person’s last request, solve a crime or right a wrong. Our zombie girl detective is joined by a radical supporting cast: her best friend Eleanor, who happens to be a swinging ’60s ghost, a posse of paintball blasting vampires, a smitten were-dog and a hot but demented mummy.
14) Moore, J. P. TOOTHLESS. Dragon Moon Press: 2010.
This is a truly intriguing, rich story told with depth, honesty and a heavy touch of compassion. A unique read for any supernatural fiction fan, J.P. Moore's Toothless tells the story of Martin, an undead soldier fighting to retain his humanity in a world slowly being eaten by the black plague and overrun by evil. Moore's insight into the culture and history of Medieval Europe is truly inspiring and buries you in the setting and culture. The characters are deep, but well-rounded and easy to identify with...even the demons. And for all you zombie-gore fans, this book has plenty.
15) Collins, Suzanne. HUNGER GAMES. Scholastic: 2009.
Yes, it's the next big thing in the teen lit into movie world, but I have to say the first book of the trilogy was a good read. Film version opens this weekend.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Books #11 & 12
Mar. 13th, 2012 12:54 pmA couple young adult books
11) Gaiman, Neil. GRAVEYARD BOOK. Harper Collins: 2008.
reread of a favorite
12) Van Draanen, Wendelin. RUNNING DREAM. Knopf: 2011.
When a school bus accident leaves sixteen-year-old Jessica an amputee, she returns to school with a prosthetic limb and her track team finds a way to help rekindle her dream of running again.
11) Gaiman, Neil. GRAVEYARD BOOK. Harper Collins: 2008.
reread of a favorite
12) Van Draanen, Wendelin. RUNNING DREAM. Knopf: 2011.
When a school bus accident leaves sixteen-year-old Jessica an amputee, she returns to school with a prosthetic limb and her track team finds a way to help rekindle her dream of running again.
10) Haley, Susan. Getting Married in Buffalo Jump. MacMillan: 1987.
Sophie Ware, a kindergarten teacher in Buffalo Jump, Alberta, is just lonely enough to accept an outrageous proposal of marriage from her farmhand, Alexander Bresnyachuk, a second-generation Ukrainian whose main desire is to continue working Sophie's land. As the two are drawn closer to friends and relatives and to each other Sophie is forced to confront the obsession of those around her with a shadowy, almost legendary figure from Alexander's past. This is an impressive novel, amusing and touching by turns, with likable characters, believable dialogue, and clear, brisk prose. Best of all, it has insightful things to say about love, family, and friendship that transcend its rural Canadian setting.
A ranchlife Western. Reminded me somewhat of Michael Dorris and Louise Erdrich's work. There is also a nice film version available starring Paul Gross.
Sophie Ware, a kindergarten teacher in Buffalo Jump, Alberta, is just lonely enough to accept an outrageous proposal of marriage from her farmhand, Alexander Bresnyachuk, a second-generation Ukrainian whose main desire is to continue working Sophie's land. As the two are drawn closer to friends and relatives and to each other Sophie is forced to confront the obsession of those around her with a shadowy, almost legendary figure from Alexander's past. This is an impressive novel, amusing and touching by turns, with likable characters, believable dialogue, and clear, brisk prose. Best of all, it has insightful things to say about love, family, and friendship that transcend its rural Canadian setting.
A ranchlife Western. Reminded me somewhat of Michael Dorris and Louise Erdrich's work. There is also a nice film version available starring Paul Gross.
