I'm certainly not the only person who is quick to grab a copy of a new book from S.A. Cosby. Having read three of his books, I know to expect snappy wI'm certainly not the only person who is quick to grab a copy of a new book from S.A. Cosby. Having read three of his books, I know to expect snappy writing, flawed characters, and gritty scenes of violence as well as a plot that could have been ripped from today's headlines. Roland Carruthers is enjoying a successful career as a financial planner in Atlanta when his sister, Neveah, summons him home. It seems that their father is in the hospital after a car crash. Once back in Jefferson Run, Virginia, where his father runs a crematory, Roland quickly realizes that the crash was no accident and that his brother, Dante, is in big trouble. As Roland sorts through the mess, trying to find a way to fix everything and thwart the thugs who want their money back as well as a heaping measure of revenge, Roland concocts a plan using his connections and money skills to thwart them. However, as his plan unfolds, he finds himself taking action in ways that are just as bad as those of the Black Baron Boys. Of course, he justifies his deeds because he's saving his family. Clearly, he's haunted by a childhood trauma when his mother disappointed, and the responsibility for that death is hinted at early on. Fast paced, gripping, and troubling, this is another winner from Cosby. ...more
It would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters iIt would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters in this one [3.5 for me!]. As Jen and Andy continue to struggle a bit with their relationship as sisters as part of a new family, they experience some conflicts, including one about clothing, crushes, responsibility, and their place in the world. The personal drama is interwoven with small but important moments such as maple sugaring, Andy's study of the Torah for her coming of age ceremony, farm tasks, building a snow cave, cutting a Christmas tree, and lighting a menorah. Knisley always somehow manages to blend humor and somber moments perfectly. ...more
While this relatable book's message and gentle reminder about what it means to be persistent and tenacious is important, especially given how so many While this relatable book's message and gentle reminder about what it means to be persistent and tenacious is important, especially given how so many individuals today seem to avoid any task that is considered to be hard, I really wish the protagonist hadn't been named Tenacious. To me, that just seemed to make everything about the story to be more obvious than it had to be. At any rate, despite that qualm, I appreciated how the author provides early examples of how she has been tenacious and then identifies the one skill that is eluding her. Several pages of illustrations, which have been created digitally with handprinted textures, show her trying and failing to stay on that bike for very long. Initially ignoring the advice of her sister, Sage, who is in a wheelchair, she eventually follows it, trying "her hardest AND her smartest" (unpaged), as her sister suggests, visualizing her steps and making adjustments until she succeeds. Tenacious turns out to be quite tenacious. There are many youngsters who will see themselves in her failures and perhaps follow her example in trying again and again and again. It isn't always easy to persevere....more
Daisy, the protagonist of this picture book, goes all in for her belief in letting nature take its course. She even composts her baby food and prefersDaisy, the protagonist of this picture book, goes all in for her belief in letting nature take its course. She even composts her baby food and prefers a leafy bed to a foam mattress. Not surprisingly, she stops bathing and becomes fertile soil for various vegetation, all of which seems to flourish on and around her. As her efforts at healing the environment succeed, her family and neighbors notice, and the neighborhood becomes a very different place. Her efforts at rewilding are interesting, and this is a topic that is rarely, if ever, covered in children's books. The green-and plant-filled illustrations, created with ink and watercolor, may prompt some readers to follow Daisy's lead. If nothing else, seeing the abundant, healthy plants and animals drawn to Daisy might call for some to adjust their attitudes toward areas that seem messy and not neatly manicured. Perhaps the owners of these yards have decided to join the rewilding movement, which is explained in the back matter. ...more
Mao Mao, a panda, is like many of us, striving for perfection. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with making sure things are done right, Mao Mao Mao Mao, a panda, is like many of us, striving for perfection. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with making sure things are done right, Mao Mao takes it to extremes. But his world view is challenged with the arrival of Olivia, a rather free-spirited, messy new classmate. She's energetic, loud, and loves stickers rather than precision, which is Mao Mao's preference. When Mao Mao blows his top, though, she finds beauty in his messiness. And Mao Mao? He realizes that there's something to be said about being messy, noisy, and even clumsy. As the last double-page of the book proclaims with one letter [the R] turned backward, perfect is in the eye of the beholder. Colorful Procreate artwork featuring a diverse group of classmates, including humans and animals, and with an octopus teacher named Mr. 8, as seen in the front endpapers, add to the enjoyment and humor of this one even as it delivers an important message. ...more
Oh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installmenOh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installment of a blended Black family living in New York City, Sunday Saunders, who has far too many great ideas but who suffers from a lack of self-confidence, is determined to host a community musical with auditions and performances from various neighbors. But she doesn't know how to pull everything together, especially since she refuses the help of her sisters, Bo, Lil, and Lee, in favor of the promised assistance of television star Talitha Thomas, who has just moved into the neighborhood. Sunday's not the best at planning and organizing although she's creative and innovative, and readers will recognize early on that Talitha is more talk than action and that she's into the project for her own purposes. Even the book's title gives away what is essentially happening. Reading this humorous book with its realistic characters felt like pulling a warm blanket around me on a cold summer night. There's plenty of Black girl magic and familial and community love sprinkled throughout its pages. ...more
I'm continuing to love these Bibsy Cross books, perfect for a class read aloud, The fourth in the series, this one [3.5 for me, but higher if I were nI'm continuing to love these Bibsy Cross books, perfect for a class read aloud, The fourth in the series, this one [3.5 for me, but higher if I were near Bibsy's age!] covers an activity that may be familiar to many youngsters. Bibsy and her classmates are tasked with choosing what objects from their childhood that they want to place in a time capsule. Surprisingly, Bibsy struggles with this because she's not sure about putting something she values in storage and because she isn't sure what makes her and her classmates so special. While the character of Bibsy herself is part of what makes this book and series so special, there are other elements that add to its charm--her parents, how she and BFF Natia use phrases like "regular-pegular," and the spot-on depiction of her teacher, the appropriately named and long-suffering Mrs. Stumper, who can barely conceal her annoyance at all Bibsy's questions and need to share. Reading this book makes me wonder if my own teachers felt the same way about my own loquaciousness back in the day. Each page and each digital drawing in this title is suffused with love. ...more
After her father's death, Lucretia Sanderson and her move to the small town of Candle Island, Maine, in order to heal and build their lives again. TheAfter her father's death, Lucretia Sanderson and her move to the small town of Candle Island, Maine, in order to heal and build their lives again. The small tourist town has appeal for them for many reasons, partly because of its beauty and isolation, but also because Lucretia has a secret, one that isn't revealed right away. While she and her mother paint, she also tends to a young osprey and forms a friendship with Bastian, one of the locals. He, too, has a secret that she accidentally discovers. As Lucretia deals with the animosity of Murdock, another local, she also lands in the midst of a conflict between the locals and the tourists, a conflict that builds inexorably across the book's pages. As with all books by this author, this one has an interesting setting and plot, characters that are richly drawn, and questions about grief, loss, voice, and being true to oneself. In many respects it's also an homage to art, writing and music (all means of self-expression) and the power they have to help us find our way and heal....more
Fans of Southern historical fiction and book clubs in search of a title worth reading and discussing are sure to enjoy this one [3.5 for me!], set durFans of Southern historical fiction and book clubs in search of a title worth reading and discussing are sure to enjoy this one [3.5 for me!], set during the 1930s and 1940s. The two protagonists, Del and Rae Lynn, haven't had easy lives, and readers may be shocked at the events that open their separate stories. While the slow burn of their relationship and the redemption they eventually find in each other is appealing, what sets this story apart from many others is how the author weaves in details about the turpentine camps and pine forests where their paths cross. Swallow Hill, which is one of those camps, is not the easiest or safest of places, and racism and sexism run rampant there. Amid the natural beauty of the setting, there is evil, anger, and violence, and kindness is often regarded as weakness. The descriptions are lush, sometimes raw, and the emotions and sentiments expressed are honest and just as appealing as the book's characters. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling back in time to learn more about longleaf pines and turpentine and considering what the land must have been like before so many of those pines were carelessly destroyed. ...more
I don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even thougI don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even though they are nothing like me, and prompts me to see the world as being a little brighter and humans as better than I have before. In his most recent title, he explores the power of friendship and artistic expression through the stories of four teens who spend a splendid summer together in a town by the sea. Their homes are not exactly sanctuaries as there is violence in some, death and dying in others, and carelessness in still others. But none of that matters when they're together. Their stories are told through the eyes of Ted, one of the boys, 25 years later, as he and Louisa, an 18-year-old artist, deal with loss and their connection to a recently deceased artist who has given her, a homeless girl, his most famous and most valuable painting. As usual with this particular writer, there are moments of immense pain and heartbreak, but there are also moments of joy and humor, and readers can't help but feel uplifted by his words and the time they have spent with these characters. ...more
An immersive mystery concerning a girl named Crow and her determination to learn more about her past, this excellent historical fiction will intrigue An immersive mystery concerning a girl named Crow and her determination to learn more about her past, this excellent historical fiction will intrigue many middle-grade readers. All of the characters, including twelve-year-old Crow, Osh, the man who cares for, and Maggie, their kind-hearted neighbor--yes, and even Mouse, the family cat--are well drawn and interesting even when they make mistakes or hold back their emotions. Set off the coast of Massachusetts, the book covers territory not found in most books for this age group, describing a leper colony on one of the islands and how the locals treated its residents or anyone like Crow that might be associated with it. As always, the author, Lauren Wolk, tackles big questions about family, destiny, and treasure with grace and thoughtfulness while describing this particular corner of the world with respect. ...more
Set in and around Spokane, Washington, this book [3.5 for me!] features flawed characters, several of whom are searching for some sort of redemption oSet in and around Spokane, Washington, this book [3.5 for me!] features flawed characters, several of whom are searching for some sort of redemption or a way to find their way back home. The central character, Rhys Kinnick, a former journalist who has gone off the grid to live on his family's land in the woods for several years, has surrounded himself with solitude and books as he tries to sort out the meaning of life and avoid the messiness of the outside world. He's had little to do with his daughter, Bethany, or his two grandchildren, Leah and Asher, but once the two of them land on his doorstep, he begins to regret his actions and what he's missed. But his daughter is in the midst of an identity crisis after the death of her mother and her husband, Shane's, increased involvement with a fundamentalist group that has a branch called AOL (Army of the Lord), and Rhys must find the youngsters after they've been kidnapped. There are some interesting twists and turns in the plot, but what sparkles here are the characters. Even the less important ones have stories and complexities that draw readers into the book. This is a fast read but one with layers and emotional resonance. ...more
While I realize that romance novels are formulaic and the ending rather predictable, I'd seen quite a lot of buzz around this book and decided to giveWhile I realize that romance novels are formulaic and the ending rather predictable, I'd seen quite a lot of buzz around this book and decided to give it a whirl. After all, the title and the premise sounded promising. Even though I'd read and not particularly enjoyed People We Meet on Vacation, also by this author, I figured it couldn't hurt to give the author another try. Unfortunately, this book, which so many reviewers seemed to find so original, reminded me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo except the subject of the possible bio, Margaret Ives, didn't have nearly as an interesting life as Evelyn did. I could forgive that since there were some interesting parts of her life story, but the romance between the two writers, Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, just left me bored. There was all this business about holding back and not responding to each other physically but still doing everything except intercourse so that they wouldn't feel involved with each other or invested or have regrets that seemed old-fashioned and dated. It reminded me of how President Bill Clinton claimed not to have had sex with "that woman" back in the day when he meant not having penetrated her. Maybe romance fans will love this--clearly, they do, judging from the ratings, but for me, even the sexually charged passages don't redeem it enough for me to raise my rating to more than a 2.5. Haven't I read something quite like this, not just the Evelyn Hugo parts, before? Clearly, I'm not in the mood for love, at least when it's delivered in this particular predictable package. Perhaps the only redeeming point for me is that it was a quick read. ...more
A forty-two-year-old nurse, Valerie Gillis, disappears while hiking the Maine portion of the Appalachian trail. Volunteers and rescue teams gather to A forty-two-year-old nurse, Valerie Gillis, disappears while hiking the Maine portion of the Appalachian trail. Volunteers and rescue teams gather to try to find her or locate her body, if she is no longer alive. The author raises the tension in this slow-burning novel with authentic details about the trail and hikers as readers follow Valerie day by day as she rations her food and water and she writes letters to her mother in order to pass the time and remain sane. At the center of the search is Beverly, a game warden for the state, whose own relationship with her mother is complicated. A third perspective is offered through the eyes of Lena, 76, a birdwatcher living in a retirement community, who is estranged from her own daughter but with an unlikely online connection who might be involved in Valerie's disappearance. While this is a mystery with small clues dropped bit by bit, it's also a story of survival and one that examines the relationship between mothers and daughters. It will certainly prompt reflection about survival as well as readers' own familial and friendship relationships. ...more
This newest novel by the master writer, Joyce Carol Oates, is a 4.5 for me. I've read several of her previous books, and this one simply has to be couThis newest novel by the master writer, Joyce Carol Oates, is a 4.5 for me. I've read several of her previous books, and this one simply has to be counted among the best. It's intense, really intense, dark, insightful, and unforgettable. Others have compared the book's namesake, Francis Fox, to Tom Ripley, and that comparison seems apt to me in many respects since Mr. Fox, a newly hired English teacher at a prestigious boarding school, is just as devious in his own ways as Ripley. Somehow, he uses his charm and charisma and anyone that might be helpful to him to achieve his goals, whatever they might be. The way he strings along various adult women--his soul-mates--and middle-grade girls is just as fascinating as staring into the cold eyes of a predator in the wild. And yet, he often has the best intentions to turn over a new leaf, to be a better man, something he's never able to pull off because of the dark desires he simply cannot control. While this is quite the page-turner, with readers most likely unable to pull their eyes away from the tragedy unfolding in front of them, I didn't read it as a mystery since I was sure almost from the start who had killed this man. Instead, I read it with great appreciation for the descriptive powers of this author and her ability to see inside a sexual predator as well as her understanding of several complex characters whose emotions and vulnerable sides are revealed in all their rawness. Some of the passages about Fox's interactions with his students and how he uses grades as emotional leverages are simply brilliant, bringing to mind one of my all-time favorite YA novels, The Chocolate War, and the unforgettable Brother Leon. If there's a flaw to this one, it pertains to one character about whom little is revealed after Fox's death. This one will stick with me for a while as I consider what makes it so easy for some individuals to use and discard others so efficiently and what makes some individuals so easy to discard....more
Not only is this unique novel sweeping in its scope, moving back and forth in time and leaping from one character to another while also returning to tNot only is this unique novel sweeping in its scope, moving back and forth in time and leaping from one character to another while also returning to the night when one character disappears while walking along the beach with his daughter, but it's just as sweeping and massive in its writing. The author uses complex sentences, vivid descriptions, and small moments that capture the essence of her characters, and just when it seems that readers feel as though they know all about someone, that knowledge turns out to be untrue or incomplete. Since I knew nothing about how several individuals had been kidnapped and imprisoned in North Korea, much of the political aspect of this story was revelatory for me. There is so much to consider while pondering the slippery nature of memory and emotions here as well as family dynamics and how we choose to cope or simply continue on after great losses. It's a fascinating mystery that requires some patience on the part of readers, and the omission of great swaths of time may be problematic for some. But ultimately, everything fits together rather neatly, possibly prompting a reread to appreciate even more the author's storytelling and plotting abilities. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when starting this book, but I wasn't disappointed. As I reached the last pages, I found myself thinking about how little of what happens to us is actually in our control, something that the author makes quite clear. ...more
All of my life I've been quick to pick up anything written by this master storyteller, liking some of his books more than others and relishing the surAll of my life I've been quick to pick up anything written by this master storyteller, liking some of his books more than others and relishing the surprises he often has for his readers. While he once again handles tension beautifully in this, his latest offering, building it minute by minute during the last portion, the plot ultimately didn't work for me. While the "Bill Wilson" character's need to atone for or seek atonement for initially unnamed acts, the more I read, the less his desire to pay back members of a jury who got the verdict in a case wrong made sense. And when the paths of this revenge-minded individual and that of a deluded pro-life supporter converge, I was disappointed and not even surprised. After all, there are plenty of troubled individuals out there, but must their anger always be traced to sexual identity or daddy issues? As another reviewer wrote, this one never made me flinch or buy into the narrative's premise, and even Holly Gibney, one of the characters from previous novels, seemed less intriguing than might be expected. I'm sure that Stephen King still has the ability to move, fascinate, and frighten his readers, but this one just didn't do much for me. Probably the best part of the book is the cover, which fits the book's contents quite well, prompting some consideration of justice. ...more
Richly layered, filled with hope, humor, and introspection, this latest graphic novel [3.5 for me!] by the author of Fun Home will be devoured by her Richly layered, filled with hope, humor, and introspection, this latest graphic novel [3.5 for me!] by the author of Fun Home will be devoured by her fans. The plot concerns Bechdel and her partner, Holly, living in Vermont, where they care for pygmy goats. While Alison writes--or prepares to write or procrastinates writing, often spending writing time ordering stuff online--Holly is getting in touch with her do-it-yourself side, chopping wood, and offering advice about handling various machines. posting videos filmed by Alison. Alison also feels some envy over her sister's efforts to tell her story of their upbringing while growing increasingly dismayed about how her own memoir, now turned into a television series, is being handled. Watching this couple and their friends settle into middle age with some of its insecurities and some of its unexpected joys and comfortability is quite entertaining. While parts of the story are serious, other parts are amusing, and Alison's self-deprecating comments may make some readers uncomfortable, even if they contain a ring of truth. The subplots concerning the goats and the experimental nature of one couple's sexual antics add layers of humor to the story, and observant readers will be delighted to find cats to be an important part of the daily lives of Alison and Holly, present in several scenes and almost always curled up on the bed or some other inconvenient spot. The cover with its emulation of the classic painting, American Gothic, lets readers know exactly what they're in for, and the contents remind them that no matter how bad or confusing life can be, as the song says, we get by with a little help from our friends. ...more
With its clever title and intriguing cover artwork, this YA novel [3.5 for me!] will attract many readers--and it should because the snappy, often-humWith its clever title and intriguing cover artwork, this YA novel [3.5 for me!] will attract many readers--and it should because the snappy, often-humorous writing holds up all the way through even while exploring an important and rarely discussed topic--undiagnosed endometriosis. The narrator, Delia Bridges, who is an academically successful high school senior bound for a bright future, sees all her dreams crash and burn after one disastrous mistake. For years, Delia suffered debilitating pain before and during her period, and her many appointments with doctors have left her with no answers to her problems. Fortunately for Delia, she has supportive friends and family, but her health issues prevent her from considering any possible romance. While Delia's specific issues are unique to her, many teen readers will draw inspiration from her journey and her determination to speak up and be heard. Perhaps some individuals in the health care professions will also read or hear about this book and realize that they need to listen to their patients, no matter their age. This is a strong debut with high teen appeal, and I'll be eager to read this author's next book. ...more
I've been a fan of this series ever since I read the very first book, and my admiration for its creator, Suzanne Collins, continues to grow as she offI've been a fan of this series ever since I read the very first book, and my admiration for its creator, Suzanne Collins, continues to grow as she offers fans the back story of some of the characters who appear in the first three books. While The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes offers readers the origin tale for the Hunger Games by focusing on Coriolanus Snow and his slow but relentless descent into the dark side, this book follow Haymitch Abernathy, winner of the fiftieth Hunger Games, as he becomes a tribute and manages to outlast all the other competitors. Savvy readers will recall how broken Haymitch is as he guides Katniss and Peeta in their Hunger Games, no doubt wondering what has caused him to be so broken. Surely, something terrible must have happened, and while fans of the series will already know that he survives, a feat that surely would haunt anyone because of what is necessary in order to leave the Games alive, they'll have no idea just how harsh his punishment will be for having embarrassed President Snow. His is not a triumphant return to District 12 at all, and I felt a literal chill at Snow's final words to him since I knew that he'd come home to nothing. While this book may not have quite the same emotional impact that the previous book does, it's still moving and disturbing, mimicking in some ways the helplessness that any individual or group of people must feel when all the odds are, indeed, stacked against them and are never in their favor. The skillful weaving of lines from Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" with its echo of "Nevermore" through parts of this particular love story adds another layer to the story, contributing to the hopeless yearning of Haymitch, who must surely be driven mad by his longing and feelings of loss. This one simply MUST be read. ...more