Time Well Spent
'Ello!
***Book Reviews Covering April-October
There are several books this time around, so I will split them into Non-Fiction and Fiction with a sub category for Young Adult Fiction and Kid Fiction:
Non-Fiction
Shermer lays out his case for Evolution and how Intelligent Design proponents are undermining science curriculum in school systems throughout the country. He also explains why debating the issue is important, as it gives both sides an opportunity to lay out their arguments. He goes on to state that the world is separated into three types of people: "True Believers, Fence Sitters, and skeptics." He goes on to state, "Lacking a good explanation, the mind defaults to whatever explanation is on the table, regardless of how improbable it may be." Also, that debate allows the opportunity to show there is a reasonable explanation for what they may see as supernatural phenomenon.
On page 95 he gives Judge Overton's summation of why creation science is not science. Basically, it is not testable, or falsifiable. (From the 1981 Arkansas trial over the constitutionality of the state's Act 590).
In another case from 2005 on page 104, Judge Jones stated, "Both Defendants and many of the leading proponents of ID made a bedrock assumption which is utterly false. Their presupposition is that evolutionary theory is antithetical to a belief in the existence of a supreme being and to religion in general."
I liked how Shermer put the issue in this statement, "The conflict between science and religion is senseless. It is based on fears and misunderstandings rather than on facts and moral wisdom."
Shermer also shares the warning from the late Carl Sagan, "Whenever our ethnic or national prejudices are aroused, in times of scarcity, during challenges to national self-esteem or nerve, when we agonize about our diminished cosmic place and purpose, or when fanaticism is bubbling up around us-then, habits of thought familiar from ages past reach for the controls. The candle flame gutters. Its little pool of light trembles. Darkness gathers. The demons begin to stir."
Excellent book!
Descartes’ “method” asks the question, "What can I know for certain?" He is known for the phrase "I think, therefore I am", but as Shorto shows the nuance is really more "Thinking is taking place, therefore there must be that which thinks." When Descartes died in Stockholm he was buried there instead of being returned to France. Later he was disinterred and removed to France as a relic, which represented a connection between life and death. Shorto explains that Descartes dualism came from separating reason from religion, as he proclaimed his Catholicism all his life. The claim went out very quickly that Descartes "method" would lead to atheism was realized.
This book is a detective story mixed with philosophy, religion and science. Shorto does a fantastic job explaining the life and legacy of Descartes. Great read!
A range of voices and perspectives I was mostly unfamiliar with. Respectful dialogue throughout. Politics, theatre, poetry, and religion were part of the topics discussed. A wonderful compilation.
Public education has always struggled to meet the needs of a diverse population in capabilities, culture, and desire to learn. What the U.S. has now is No Child Left Behind, which has steered us into the culture of teaching to the test and teachers evaluated on those tests. Critical thinking and the rich landscape of knowledge that is available is truncated to meet the ever-changing curriculum. The struggle of the school system to meet the needs of the lowest performing students was encouraged by the development of charter schools, which were to take innovative teaching methods and take the ideas that worked back to the public school system. Instead charter schools morphed into a system that became a competitor for students and funding, which undermined the very community schools they were supposed to improve. Ravitch calls for standardized curriculum, among other things. She chronicles the changing ideas that she held earlier in her career and the science on which it is bases. She has a heartfelt plea to shore up the public school system and ways that it might thrive. She worries about well meaning philanthropists skew and derail the system by not looking at the data disproving some of their beliefs. Education is a fundamental for an society to thrive. Well worth the time to read.
Superb photography and interesting facts make this book much more than eye candy. I have always been thrilled to get an opportunity to look at images from microscopes and this book delivers.
The words and phrases in this book make me question if I was actually brought up in the U.S. I am quite unfamiliar with what many groups of people say. Interesting.
Explaining the history of how scientists figured out how and why the Earth has a magnetic field was interesting. The magnetic poles switching and why is amazing. A well written history.
I don't think this should come as a surprise, but their is a lot of colorful language in each of these vignettes.
I have enjoyed satire since staying up late to watch Saturday Night Live with my grandmother. I love the satirists taking information and making you look at it in a different and often startling way. As Billy Connolly stated, "We need to be reminded that you can step out of the box- and get back in again if you want, too,"
Paul Mooney's coming to the conclusion to no longer use the N word in his comedy was interesting.
I liked Conan O'Brien's comment, "...people using their talent is never wasted." People using their talent in good faith will always be food for mankind in some way."
I have always enjoyed the clever humor of Monty Python. Provenza interviewed Terry Jones and he explains that they were going to do a movie about a funny version of the Life of Christ, but first reread the Gospels and said the humor wasn't there. It was how people interpret the Gospels. "Christ talks about peace and love, and two thousand years later people torture and kill eah other because they can't quite agree on how he said it-what hats you should wear, how you should dress, or what services you should have in church."
I also enjoyed the interview with Tom Lehrer, Marc Maron, Dana Gould, Bob Odenkirk, and Rick Overton.
Another great quote: I love not knowing stuff and then learning it." Rick Overton
The lab rat studies and the lessons that are learned are cautiously correlated with human behaviour. Rats are clever and exhibit similar responses to various stressors. A really interesting read.
Fascinating essays on different science topics. If you want a primer, or refresher, this book will fit the bill.
The Periodic Table has always intrigued me and the different properties of the elements. The story of their discovery and uses made me a bit awe struck in the clever, fearless, and sometimes, seemingly, serendipitous way the scientists used their skill to get to the basics.
Biologist Rob Dunn writes about how our body systems evolved along with other species, but as we have found ways to cleanse ourselves of them, inside and out, we are feeling negative repercussions. Really interesting book.
Understanding common sense and why it fails to predict human behaviors is thought provoking.
Fiction:
A young, talented, fashion designer is thrown for a loop when her mother dies and long-term boyfriend leaves her. She takes a small sum of her inheritance to travel to her ancestral home of Ireland to push through the pain of her loss. She serendipitously meets William the Traveler who drops her off at the sea village called Glenmara where she is befriended by Bernie. Bernie is part of a group of lace-makers scrapping by in a sleepy community on the brink of financial ruin. Together they learn to deal with love and loss, while forging a new path with their lace-making skills. In a few places the author reveals the characters to long for a sense of their loved ones who have passed and their experience with the supernatural that the characters are conflicted in talking with others. The author sets up the Irish stereotype of mixing mythical beliefs with Catholicism (leprechauns, selkies, ghosts, and crucifixes).
(*just note there is a bit of swearing, but in written with an Irish accent, lightly sprinkled in the book).
A page turner. I was quickly pulled into the story with its varying perspectives. I am always horrified by the practice of infanticide, so it was helpful to read about from a cultural perspective that is not my own. The world is not black and white, which is apparent in this book. There were so many characters you were rooting for throughout the book to figure things out and have a good life. The flawed Jasu being able to redeem himself is one of the more touching developments of the book. Well worth the time to read.
Another solid offering by Charles Finch. Charles Lenox is a likable gentleman character, but a particularly like the intelligent and efficient butler, turned secretary, Graham. You get a mixture of society with Lenox working with a cadish gentleman named John Dallington, high society with his wife, Lady Jane, and the servants and other working folk through Graham. The rigors and strata of Victorian society drive me to distraction, but the story is good.
Young Adult Fiction
Beatrice has turned 16 and now must decide if she stays with her faction, or break all contact with her family and join another faction. She knows she doesn't fit in with the rules of her faction and the test that will help her decide leaves her more confused and in danger. Beatrice is divergent and must tell no one. The pace is quick and the concept of the future world being separated into 5 main factions and with those who aren't able to fit in becoming factionless is intriguing. It makes you think about how difficult and subversive to human nature it is to force a person to eschew the many facets that make up our personalities and how we interact and make decisions. Great read.
The Bill of Life was the deal that was supposed to get the warring factions of Pro Choice and Pro Life to come to their senses and stop fighting and come up with a better way to solve their disagreement and end The Heartland War. Unfortunately for teenagers from the age of 13-18 they can now be retroactively aborted, but the term will be "divided" with 100% of their body used to help others. The rule of Unintended Consequences reins down terror to children throughout U.S. Connor Lassiter becomes an unwilling participant and takes us along for a wild journey. Fast paced and thought provoking.
Good spooky teen book.
Fablehaven's mysteries are about to be discovered by two siblings on a vacation to their grandparent's home. Sinister and enchanting this preserve lures the adventurous and the reluctant to investigate. A book that will grab your attention.
Vague hints from a prophecy creates anxiety among the leaders of Regalia and their hope for fulfilling that prophecy. Gregor allies with Ripred the Rat and goes on another adventure. The choice that Gregor makes is surprising and creates problems for him in Regalia, though it retains his humanity.
Gregor is pulled back to the turmoil of the underland and is confronted with a plague that is ravaging his bond, Ares. Soon his mother also contracts the plague. Gregor and his companions seek the cure and have to fight physical obstacles and the sinister politics of the underland.
Teen angst in the witch, shapeshifter, faerie, vampire, and demon world. A book about learning who you are and how to fit in when most of the truth is concealed from you. This book will appeal to older teens. Beware that here is a liberal sprinkling of peppery language, but my daughter says she hears worse on the school bus.
More angst, demon family history, and a good looking, possible, nemesis. A trip across the pond takes Sophie to her father's home base and away from the reform school and her mystical peers. Appeals a lot to the teen girl set.
Kid Fiction:
Edward is a handsome and well-dressed rabbit who doesn't know how to love the little girl who loves him. His secret is known by the grandmother that had him created. Edward's journey begins when he is rudely grabbed by some boys and accidentally tossed in the ocean. It reminds me a bit of the Grinch with a lot more learned incrementally as Edward meets different people along the way. There is some tear-jerking moments. Well written and offers discussion opportunities about compassion, friendship, and love.
I thoroughly enjoyed the humor of this book. I got the opportunity to read it with my daughter and found it quite clever. It surely is a page turner.
Persimmony Smudge learns that her home is atop a sleeping giant. She must get the arrogant young king and the leaf-eaters to stop digging, which would wake the giant. The colorful characters and the crazy adventure make for a fun read.
I hope you find something that interests you, or spurs your desire to pick up a book...or your e-reader.
Smiles!
Book Review Catch Up
These are all the books I have read from March until now. There are several I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. I hope you get a chance to grab a few. If you have a book suggestion please let me know.
Myth busting at its finest. Mr. Martinez presents several science myths and lays out the evidence to refute them, while clarifying their origins. I am in agreement with the author in that truth is so much more fascinating. Grab a copy and do some myth housekeeping in your brain too.
Dated dialogue and contrived plot. Not one of her better stories.
Though she had many salient points her indignation was so extreme that it was very off putting. Her acid tongue often had me flinching, even when I agreed with her premise. I agree she had a right to be upset, but she is a masterful enough writer to have presented her ire with the same backbone without losing her reader in the cascading waterfall of anger.
Well researched, as always. Some things are touched on more deeply in his previous books, so you may want to read those first. The scholarship and detective work gone into to explain the books of the New Testament and their authorship is amazing and on going.
A dystopian, not to distant future, where children are pressed into workhouses for the spending sins of the parents. If a family overspends their debt limit the oldest child is put to work to pay it off. There is another sinister twist in this tale. It is a quick read for the young adult set. Interesting, but not spectacular.
Three kids backed by their membership as Realitants take on a mission to stop the evil, Reginald Chu and his nefarious plans. The story is a bit long in the tooth, but moves pretty quickly. Dark and a bit scary, not surprisingly. This is one that appeals to elementary and middle school ages.
Engaging characters, quick-paced story line, and a fantastic setting makes this book great for the older elementary school kid to adult in appeal. I look forward to reading the sequel.
WOW! Thoroughly fascinating physiology and behavior. These creatures intrigue me and the research going on is amazing.
Some great information about slugs and snails, also how to coexist with them. I have to say their number of teeth and ability to replace them like sharks unnerved me a bit.
A little spoiler...yes, you can get hooked on lip balm. Even though you know that little tidbit there is much more too learn in this book about beauty and hair facts.
Fabulous book on invasive species and the toll they take on the ecosystem they are found. Well written essays create each chapter.
A book with a gypsy fortune teller is bound to be interesting and this one is. It is always great to see what Flavia has managed to get herself into, hang out with Dodger, and learn more about the mystery of Flavia's mother. A sequel I quite enjoyed.
Sarah Vowell brings so much pithy charm to her presentation of history that I look forward to each installment. Learning some Hawaiian history and about American imperialism was eye opening.
Phyllis Diller, with some assisstance, writes about her life. She has had a pleaser personality since she was born to older parents who weren't interested in having a baby. Her poor self esteem was fuel for her comedic routines her entire life. She had a 25 year marriage to a man with a severe mental disorder and who had 2 children that suffered from different degrees of the same problems. Her life was one of much turmoil and traveling, but she proclaims belief in positive thinking turned things around after she read The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol.
I learned that she was an accomplished singer and piano player, as well. I like her zany, off-beat humor when I was growing up in the 70's and 80's. My kids know her voice from "A Bug's Life."
This book has a smattering of bad language and a few crude jokes... not surprising. I thought overall that it offered a glimpse into the life of a woman that made me laugh from time to time, so it was interesting to find out a bit about her life.
Brilliant book. Fascinating research and proposals.
Abigail Adams, a prolific letter writer, gives insight into her feelings and the politics of the time during and after the American Revolution. The author is able to use the primary sources to interpret the feelings of Abigail on many topics. Abigail's New England upbringing molded her strong sense of duty and service. Her love and bond with her husband, John, is a wonderful story apart from the history of the fledgling United States. The narrative seemed to bog down several times due to explaining abigail's actions versus what she said. Overall, the book gave a perspective of a woman who had a large part to play in the history of our nation.
The characters and subject of this story are painful simplistic and boring. The Nate the Great series makes me feel sorry for the trees felled to put print on them.
I am a fan of mysteries and problem solving books, so I was surprised to find that I disliked this book from beginning to end. The characters are not interesting, nor is the mystery to be solved. This is the second book that my daughter and I read together from this series and I had hopes that it would be written better than the first one she selected, but it was not.
Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom is sent a mysterious letter that sends him on a perilous journey. He is blessed with a supportive family, which and softness and comfort in a world turned upside down. The story drags on a little too long to get to some of the major plot points, but the subject matter dealing with quantum physics peaked our interest enough to keep turning the pages. Two of my four kids found it very interesting and were interested enough to read the second book in the series.
3 of my 4 kids were part of the faction that took umbrage that Pluto was "demoted" to dwarf plant status, or Trans-Neptunian object. Michael and I have always been of the opinion that Pluto does not care how it is classified. Neil deGrasse Tyson does a marvelous job explaining his reasoning and giving the floor to others to voice theirs in the discussion of how to properly classify Pluto along with similar objects in the solar system. Dr. Tyson's ability to remain respectful to others sets him apart as a true class act. He received the ire of people of varying age groups, but especially 2nd and 3rd graders who learn about the planets and get upset that there is one less. Humans love to persona objects. Pluto was also more endearing to Americans because of its discovery by an American, Clyde Tombaugh. Clyde Tombaugh was an amazing astronomer and the homemade telescopes he created are down right cool. Unfortunately, being a great person and making cool stuff doesn't override the science. When we learn we often have to adjust.I, particularly, liked the letter of apology Dr. Tyson received from a second grader that he uses to open his book. I cry every time I read it.
This is a book about science, history, civility (uncivility), and learning to see things from a new perspective. The companion dvd was fantastic too.
This was an insightful look at what it meant to be human. It is written to an audience of aliens who find earth after the human race is extinct. The book resembles a school text book and is written by a group of writers from The Daily Show. If you ever watch The Daily Show you will be aware of the off-colored language and suggestive and sometimes pointed remarks about human nature. If you are not a viewer take in to account the previous sentence as a warning.
One of my favorite comments was on skin color, "...pigmentation was a quick and convenient way of judging a person. One of us, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once proposed we instead judge people by the content of their character. He was shot." Another comment I liked was in the chapter titled "Society" that said, " Through war we arrived at definitive answers to questions at the very heart of our existence, from "Which is the one true religion?" to "Which European power gets to kill the Zulus?" (Answers: Pantheism, Judaism, Roman Paganism, Christianity, Islam, Christianity again, Catholicism, Nazism, then finally Democracy; and the Dutch.)"
Another one that had me laughing was the comment on advertising, "Early 2000s, Our relationship to commercial products entered a new phase, wherein we believed we were expressing our individuality by paying to adorn ourselves with advertisements for good that other people profited from."
So it is great commentary on human behavior, but sprinkled liberally with colorful language.
I Soak Up Information Like a Sponge…
Unfortunately, that sponge happens to be something akin to Spongebob. I am continually frustrated by my inability to remember specifics about things that I read,or hear. I can vaguely recall if something is on the right track, or if something is bogus. I all too often have to tell the kids to ask their dad, who has an amazing ability to recall information. I really love to read non-fiction books and listen to history and skeptical podcasts. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Wait Wait, when they were making a joke about the size of the human brain shrinking. I can't remember their take on the joke (no surprise that I can't remember), but I did remember enough about the article I read that theorized that the shrinking of the human brain relates to diminished aggression. I was shocked that I could recall that. Michael was proud of me too. Anyway, here are a couple of new book reviews and some of my favorites from 2010:
This book is the story of Calpurnia Tate and her discovery of her grandfather and his discovery of her. It is told about a well to do family in Texas in 1899. Callie Vee, as she is sometimes called, is the middle child flanked by brothers. Callie's mother often has to take some of her Lydia Pinkham's tonic after dealing with her rambunctious family. Calpurnia's grandfather and his library, and shed are quite an enigma to the family. Calpurnia begins to ask questions about some observations she has made about the differences she sees in the grasshoppers in her yard. She asks her grandfather who encourages her to figure it out for herself by observing and writing detailed notes. She uses the journal given to her by her oldest brother. As the summer progress Calpurnia becomes closer to her grandfather and becomes his partner in an experiment and a discovery in botany.
The characters throughout the book are interesting and well written. I found myself as anxious as the photographer to find out if the botanical discovery was, indeed, new. I also wondered if Calpurnia's grandfather's pecan distillery would ever produce anything decent. Most of all I was intrigued by the story of a girl who wants to use her mind and make an impact on her world through science in an age where that is uncommon and frowned upon. She does have a grandfather who supports her, but a father, mother, siblings, and house staff that have an all together different idea about the place of women. There is the spark of hope that she goes on to be able to make her discoveries in the world, but I know enough about the nature of humans to oppress each others' spirit of discovery to feel like she will end up sipping Lydia Pinkham's tonic with her own passel of kids. I harbor the idea that her grandfather leaves her a trust fund in his will that instructs it to be used only for her university education. That last idea gives me hope.
This book was thoroughly fantastic and I have it on my wishlist.
This book was one we just finished for family reading at the insistence of Noah who had already read it. Rachel also had finished the book. The story explains that there is a place called The Seems that actually controls what we perceive as reality. In The Seems there are people to help us sleep, create our dreams, and try to manufacture ways for us to meet the people we are destined to be with. Some people are born in The Seems that work for these purposes, but sometimes there are problems that try to circumvent The Plan. To help counteract problems there are people recruited from our side called Fixers who have a seventh sense. In this book their is a glitch in sleep that threatens to tear the fabric of time.
Noah was enthusiastic about this book, but the rest of the kids were rather blandly listening. I thought the authors' use of word play was funny and great for kids. The story was just fantastical enough and the age of the characters gave younger children a hero close to their own age. If you want a pretty cool fantasy, sci-fi, alternate reality book I think this would fit the bill.
*************************Books of 2010...Some Stand outs*****
My shelfari.com account shows that I read 65 books last year. No wonder people at the park think of me as the book lady. Here are some that I particularly liked:
The entire Tripods series by John Christopher a sci-fi collection of stories about human natures ability to become easily herded and the handful of people who use their brains to overcome. The constant battle to save people from themselves, too.
Extremely well written and thoroughly fascinating:
The Poisoner's Handbook
Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York
by Deborah Blum
Fascinating history and would love to understand more than just the basic math concepts:
Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea
by Charles Seife (Author)
Historical fiction that hits a lot of the right notes:
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (2009)
by Jamie Ford
Full of gorgeous illustrations and a great folktale akin to The Wizard of Oz. Also a great read aloud:
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009)
by Grace Lin
An upstanding gentleman that I would love to meet:
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand (2010)
by Helen Simonson
I still cook atrociously, but this book is put together like a masterful recipe:
The School of Essential Ingredients
by Erica Bauermeister
Totally fascinating look into why malaria is so hard to erradicate:
The Fever: How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years
by Sonia Shah
History is written by the victors and sometimes by those impertinent enough to try and set the record straight:
Lies, damned lies, and history : a catalogue of historical errors and misunderstandings
by Graeme Donald
I like to call this one the time traveler's wife without all the smut. Really cool science fiction:
When You Reach Me (2009)
by Rebecca Stead
A classic doctor Seuss that I waited entirely too long to read, but so glad I got around to:
Bartholomew and the Oobleck
by Dr. Seuss
If you are looking to donate time, and or finances to charity give this book a read:
The Power of Half One Family's Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back
by Kevin Salwen (Author), Hannah Salwen (Author
Fascinating history:
Troublesome Young Men (2007)
The Rebels Who Brought Churchill to Power and Helped Save England
by Lynne Olson
Fascinating history + pithyness:
The Wordy Shipmates (2008)
by Sarah Vowell
Assassination Vacation (2005)
by Sarah Vowell
The Partly Cloudy Patriot (2002)
by Sarah Vowell
Weather Whys: Facts, Myths, and Oddities
by Paul Yeager
Absolutely love this entire series. This is a definite read aloud:
The Inside Story, The Sisters Grimm Book 8
by Michael Buckley
Dystopian at it's most fashionable:
Uglies, Pretties, Specials, & Extras ( 4 separate books)
by Scott Westerfeld
******************WII Just Dance****
I just finished showering after a head to head dance competition with Eve. We did 11 songs and I one 4. I totally kicked it on Pump Up the Jam. Rachel played once, but wasn't feeling to well. She had been playing out in the snow with her friend Lydia.
Now to just chill...I suppose literally and figuatively.
I Soak Up Information Like a Sponge…
Unfortunately, that sponge happens to be something akin to Spongebob. I am continually frustrated by my inability to remember specifics about things that I read,or hear. I can vaguely recall if something is on the right track, or if something is bogus. I all too often have to tell the kids to ask their dad, who has an amazing ability to recall information. I really love to read non-fiction books and listen to history and skeptical podcasts. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Wait Wait, when they were making a joke about the size of the human brain shrinking. I can't remember their take on the joke (no surprise that I can't remember), but I did remember enough about the article I read that theorized that the shrinking of the human brain relates to diminished aggression. I was shocked that I could recall that. Michael was proud of me too. Anyway, here are a couple of new book reviews and some of my favorites from 2010:
This book is the story of Calpurnia Tate and her discovery of her grandfather and his discovery of her. It is told about a well to do family in Texas in 1899. Callie Vee, as she is sometimes called, is the middle child flanked by brothers. Callie's mother often has to take some of her Lydia Pinkham's tonic after dealing with her rambunctious family. Calpurnia's grandfather and his library, and shed are quite an enigma to the family. Calpurnia begins to ask questions about some observations she has made about the differences she sees in the grasshoppers in her yard. She asks her grandfather who encourages her to figure it out for herself by observing and writing detailed notes. She uses the journal given to her by her oldest brother. As the summer progress Calpurnia becomes closer to her grandfather and becomes his partner in an experiment and a discovery in botany.
The characters throughout the book are interesting and well written. I found myself as anxious as the photographer to find out if the botanical discovery was, indeed, new. I also wondered if Calpurnia's grandfather's pecan distillery would ever produce anything decent. Most of all I was intrigued by the story of a girl who wants to use her mind and make an impact on her world through science in an age where that is uncommon and frowned upon. She does have a grandfather who supports her, but a father, mother, siblings, and house staff that have an all together different idea about the place of women. There is the spark of hope that she goes on to be able to make her discoveries in the world, but I know enough about the nature of humans to oppress each others' spirit of discovery to feel like she will end up sipping Lydia Pinkham's tonic with her own passel of kids. I harbor the idea that her grandfather leaves her a trust fund in his will that instructs it to be used only for her university education. That last idea gives me hope.
This book was thoroughly fantastic and I have it on my wishlist.
This book was one we just finished for family reading at the insistence of Noah who had already read it. Rachel also had finished the book. The story explains that there is a place called The Seems that actually controls what we perceive as reality. In The Seems there are people to help us sleep, create our dreams, and try to manufacture ways for us to meet the people we are destined to be with. Some people are born in The Seems that work for these purposes, but sometimes there are problems that try to circumvent The Plan. To help counteract problems there are people recruited from our side called Fixers who have a seventh sense. In this book their is a glitch in sleep that threatens to tear the fabric of time.
Noah was enthusiastic about this book, but the rest of the kids were rather blandly listening. I thought the authors' use of word play was funny and great for kids. The story was just fantastical enough and the age of the characters gave younger children a hero close to their own age. If you want a pretty cool fantasy, sci-fi, alternate reality book I think this would fit the bill.
*************************Books of 2010...Some Stand outs*****
My shelfari.com account shows that I read 65 books last year. No wonder people at the park think of me as the book lady. Here are some that I particularly liked:
The entire Tripods series by John Christopher a sci-fi collection of stories about human natures ability to become easily herded and the handful of people who use their brains to overcome. The constant battle to save people from themselves, too.
Extremely well written and thoroughly fascinating:
The Poisoner's Handbook
Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York
by Deborah Blum
Fascinating history and would love to understand more than just the basic math concepts:
Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea
by Charles Seife (Author)
Historical fiction that hits a lot of the right notes:
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (2009)
by Jamie Ford
Full of gorgeous illustrations and a great folktale akin to The Wizard of Oz. Also a great read aloud:
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009)
by Grace Lin
An upstanding gentleman that I would love to meet:
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand (2010)
by Helen Simonson
I still cook atrociously, but this book is put together like a masterful recipe:
The School of Essential Ingredients
by Erica Bauermeister
Totally fascinating look into why malaria is so hard to erradicate:
The Fever: How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years
by Sonia Shah
History is written by the victors and sometimes by those impertinent enough to try and set the record straight:
Lies, damned lies, and history : a catalogue of historical errors and misunderstandings
by Graeme Donald
I like to call this one the time traveler's wife without all the smut. Really cool science fiction:
When You Reach Me (2009)
by Rebecca Stead
A classic doctor Seuss that I waited entirely too long to read, but so glad I got around to:
Bartholomew and the Oobleck
by Dr. Seuss
If you are looking to donate time, and or finances to charity give this book a read:
The Power of Half One Family's Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back
by Kevin Salwen (Author), Hannah Salwen (Author
Fascinating history:
Troublesome Young Men (2007)
The Rebels Who Brought Churchill to Power and Helped Save England
by Lynne Olson
Fascinating history + pithyness:
The Wordy Shipmates (2008)
by Sarah Vowell
Assassination Vacation (2005)
by Sarah Vowell
The Partly Cloudy Patriot (2002)
by Sarah Vowell
Weather Whys: Facts, Myths, and Oddities
by Paul Yeager
Absolutely love this entire series. This is a definite read aloud:
The Inside Story, The Sisters Grimm Book 8
by Michael Buckley
Dystopian at it's most fashionable:
Uglies, Pretties, Specials, & Extras ( 4 separate books)
by Scott Westerfeld
******************WII Just Dance****
I just finished showering after a head to head dance competition with Eve. We did 11 songs and I one 4. I totally kicked it on Pump Up the Jam. Rachel played once, but wasn't feeling to well. She had been playing out in the snow with her friend Lydia.
Now to just chill...I suppose literally and figuatively.
Ooga Booga and Books Galore:
I think tonight is pumpkin carving night. Michael has been in design talks with the kids. I am looking forward to helping and documenting their progress.
Michael and I are thoroughly tired of being sick and tired. Colds are such nasty drags!
I just love the phrase, "Ooga Booga". No scary costumes for this year. Noah is going to be a robot. Michael has the box cut out and spray painted with silver metallic paint. I got Noah a pair of gray sweats and some cookie tins. I look forward to seeing what the guys put together. Eve decided she wanted to wear Rachel's Kimono from 2nd grade, so easy peasy there. Rachel is going to be a white fuzzy die with black fuzzy spots. Should be weird. Good stuff!
To the Books::::
This was the second book I have read by Mary Roach. I was intrigued by the subject of what a person would have to do to get ready for and possibly expect in long term space travel. Mary Roach's style is to ask questions that are not usually asked due to their embarrassing nature, or social taboo. Her book Stiff was one that thoroughly fascinated me, as well. I found the discoveries of how the body works under long periods of forced bed rest, no bathing for several days, processing different types and consistency of food, and withstanding extreme G forces interesting. The author often interjects her thoughts and feelings, so you feel you are her silent partner along for the experience. The part that seemed tedious and unnecessary was the several pages devoted to tracking down and watching footage from a porn film because it claimed that it showed how people could have sex in zero gravity. Well the footage was just an obvious camera trick and an annoying tangent to a story that could be served with a footnote.
I did like that the book was footnoted throughout. These asides I, mostly, found pertinent to the overall story.
How animals were and are used in the space program was very informative and interesting. The Russians preferred dogs, while the U.S. used monkeys.
One of the most fascinating parts of the book was the psychological tests that the potential astronauts have to endure. The scary part is the potential for problems because if there are psychological issues astronauts will deny them because they realize they will be scrubbed from the mission. Trying to figure out optimum crew make up was pretty cool. They have found mostly male crews with a few females would probably work best for long term travel.
The book was worth the read, but the tangents were often distracting to the more interesting information in the book.
Mary Quinn accepts a new assignment that uses her early life experiences of being on the street. This time she has cut her hair and donned the clothes of a street urchin boy and gets a job hauling bricks at the construction site at the Clock Tower at the Houses of Parliament. She meets up again with James Easton who is brought in to help determine the safety of the job site after a man has fallen to his death from the tower. Mary and James have a smoldering relationship that is blanched when Mary reveals some of her past to James. The setting in Victorian England and the descriptions of life for the poor is vivid and jarring. Especially riveting is the character of Jenkins. The series continues to have a modern feel, which I wish it would shake off some how. I like the characters and feel that the writer continues to show a lot of potential.
The Story of Henry Lee, a first generation Chinese boy in Seattle and his life changing encounter with a Japanese girl, Keiko. The story moves between two time periods. The war years of the 40s and close to present day in the mid 1980s. Henry's father wants him to learn English, so doesn't allow him to speak Cantonese. This communication barrier isolates Henry from his family. Henry is also ostracized by his classmates who are caught up in hatred of anyone who looks Japanese (which means anyone with Asian characteristics). His father makes him wear a button proclaiming, "I am Chinese". While working in the school lunchroom, Henry becomes friends with Keiko. Their friendship is put the crucible of war time drama. Through machinations of his father, Keiko and Henry are separated. Their ultimate return to each other is a long time coming, but done in a satisfying and gentle way.
The themes of father-son relationships, racism, bigotry, war, internment camps, friendship, and love are explored in this novel. A thought provoking read and a great book for discussion.
I am a science fiction geek, so books in this genre help me consider interesting "What If" scenarios. This book continues to be told from Will's point of view. Will is small, scrappy, and impulsive. His strong desire to maintain his identity by avoiding Capping by the Masters has led him to a group of rebels seeking to overthrow the Masters through subterfuge. Will is able to enter the City of Gold and Lead by winning a competition held to take the strongest representatives to work for the Masters. He, along with Fritz, enter the city and find out several important secrets of the Masters that the can use to fight them.
The world created by the author was well thought out and plausible. Well plausible, if you totally dig the idea of creepy, domineering alien species. I do...so plausible, YES! This is a cool read aloud. My son keeps asking questions about the What Ifs. Curiosity...not so bad sometimes. Enjoyable series.
Charles Lennox is an upstanding gentlemen in Victorian England with a loyal butler, and an equally loyal fiance. His brother who likes to help out in Charles' detective work is also a great character. In this book of the series, Charles Lennox is running for a seat in parliament. The political machinations for running for election are a large part of the book. Lennox has to alternate his running for election with solving murders in London. The clues and characters were interesting, but I kept feeling that there was too much time spent on the run for parliament.
This is a solid detective series with good character development. This may be a bit of a vanilla review, but I like to think of it as a vanilla bean review because it does have that little somethin' somethin'.
Happy Halloween, folks!
Reading is Fun…OKAY!
::::::::Reading with Eve::::
When you have a struggling reader it is interesting what word they might connect from their brain to the letters they see on the page. Eve and I had quite a fun time when she was reading Madeline and The Bad Hat by Ludwig Bemelmans and she came to the line that read, "One day the Spanish Ambassador..." She began to sound out the "S.pa..", but didn't know the word so I said, "Spanish". Since she could tell that the next word was long she decided not to sound it out and, instead, fill in a word from the file in her brain. She said, "...Inquisition!" I have to admit that "One day the Spanish Inquisition..." did sound like an interesting children's story. Maybe we should write one?
:::::::::::::Banned and Challenged Book Week
I enjoyed reading my selection from the book list:
Galadriel Hopkins, or Gilly for short, has been moved from foster home to foster home since she was 3. She is left with a photograph of her mother expressing her love for her daughter. The hope of reuniting with her mother is always in Gilly's heart. Now 11, she has decided to stop becoming attached to her foster families because the moves are never permanent. She wields control through excelling at school, then putting the brakes on everything. She is placed with Maime Trotter who has carried for many children over her years as a foster mom. Ms. Trotter is already caring for a little boy who is scared of everyone. William Earnest Teague allows Gilly to soften her attitude over the course of the book. Mr. Randolph the blind, elderly neighbor gives Gilly an opportunity to make impressions by actions rather than sight. Mr. Randolph's kind approach also breaks down some of Gilly's wall.
I was intrigued by the interactions between Gilly and her teacher Ms. Harris. When you are introduced to Gilly she has a negative attitude toward black people. She has moved around the South and has landed in Ms. Harris' 6th grade class. Gilly decides to make a card to anger her teacher who she says as frustratingly fair to every student. She delivers the rude card to no reaction the entire day. When Gilly thinks all hope is lost of getting her teacher to react the teacher asks her to stay behind. The teacher says, "You and I are two of the angriest people I know." She expresses her envy of Gilly's ability to face her anger, whereas, Ms. Harris was taught to deny hers.
It is inferred by comment from the social worker that Gilly's mom was a flower child. Courtney, Gilly's mom, was one of the free love generation, which found out that "free love" actually had a price, and she wasn't willing to pay it. Her character is selfish, distant and unforgiving. She likes others to take care of her problems, so she writes her estranged mother to take custody of Gilly from foster care.
The ultimate lesson of the book is summed up by Maime Trotter when she tells Gilly that life is tough and no one is owed anything. Good things do happen, but don't expect them all the time. Doing well on something that was hard makes you happy too.
This book is well worth the discussions it would bring up. For example, foster care, racism, responsibility, family relationships, and gossip. I also liked the way the author wrote down what Gilly was thinking followed by the actual dialogue. Most people are usually thinking much more than they actually say. Worth your time, indeed.
Always learning. Smiles, amigos!
