What Fred Read

On an initial glance, I probably wouldn’t read this book.  However, after reading the summary I was a bit intrigued.  It’s the sci-fi element that gets me, I guess.  On a basic level, the story is about the value of beauty that we hold, both as a society and individually.  But put that question onto the future, a future where everyone is required to undergo beautification surgery, and I’m there! The book is really more than you might think.  It’s definitely an adventure, as well as a comment on society.  I’m looking forward to reading the sequel, Pretties, in this trilogy.  I recommend it!

This book has a couple or few stories going on that intertwine as the plot builds.  There’s love, perhaps, both lost and gained.  There’s confrontation on several levels among characters.  One character seeks to buck a school tradition.  The title plays into the “demons” both inner and outer that the characters must face and either overcome their cowardice or succumb to it.  It’s an engaging read, a bit thoughtful.  Not really a fun story, just because there are some real character issues going on.  I would recommend it, though.

I wasn’t quite sure about whether I wanted to read this or not.  I haven’t read a James Bond novel before, but I was a little intrigued and the cover, I thought, made it an inviting read.  Having taking the plunge, thankfully not as some did in the story, I’m glad I read it.  It was, for me, a page-turner and I definitely wanted to finish reading it.  I think there was a good balance of character development and action; I’m not particularly into getting deep into some characters.  It’s the storyline that keeps me engaged, and Silverfin did that.  If you enjoy adventure, this story has it.  I recommend it!

The Cybils have been announced.  See here to view the list.

I think this is a great addition to recognizing great childrens and YA literature.  There are so many great books, yet the awards are so few.

If you didn’t know about them, the Quill Awards are based (somewhat) on reader’s choice. 

Judy Blume at the awards

http://www.thequills.org/2006.html

technorati tags:quill_awards

Wow! Whenever I get around to writing my first novel, I hope it’s as good as Ms. Updales’s first one. A simple, yet captivating story of a man’s journey and the change he undergoes in the process. As the title implies we have to question who Montmorency really is at the end of the tale. But, it’s not an easy question to answer.

Set in London, 1875, a setting I thoroughly enjoy experiencing, we are there for the unveiling of the new London sewer system. The story takes us from prison to high society. It’s a fascinating trip; I recommend taking it!

Click here 2:46 PM

I haven’t really been a Clive Barker fan. I don’t know that I am one now. But, Abarat was a good read. Enough to recommend it.

If anything, the book contains much in imaginative ideas. From the main character’s name, Candy Quackenbush, to the isles of Abarat arranged/named by time of day, I did enjoy the picture the author paints for us. It is, again, that classic story of good versus evil, with the little girl upon whom it all hinges. Well, perhaps that part is not so common. Clive Barker’s original painted illustrations provide a visual interest, as well. If you love fantasy (accessible fantasy) I think this book has what you need.

What a great imagination!  I love thinking about these thing, trying to come up with ways to explain the why or the how.  Here, we’ve got a quite interesting story about the source of our dreams (and the nightmares) and it’s so eloquently done.  Woven in is the story of an angry boy and a woman who tries to connect with him.  A nice, well written story.  The disappintment comes in it’s being so short.  I recommend it.
I have not read much Lowry other than The Giver, which stands as one of my all-time favorites.  I was able to see Lois Lowry speak here in Knoxville at the grand ‘ol Tennessee Theater.  It was nice.  I coudn’t, however, stand in the extremely long line to get her autograph.

Join in the Cybils- awards for children’s and young adults given by the bloggers that review them.