The Wedding Planner's Daughter

The Wedding Planner’s Daughter
By
Coleen Murtagh Paratore
4/5 Stars

From the Publisher: Twelve-year-old Willa Havisham is a classics reader, a cherry-cordial eater, and quite possible the world’s worst wisher. But when she and her glamorous single mother, Stella, move to Bramble, Cape Cod, Willa’s wishes are beginning to come true: She makes her first-ever best friend, Tina. She bonds wither her hip, candy-making Nana. And best of all, steely Stella is falling for Willa’s English teacher Sam – he’s perfect dad material! But before Willa can marry off her mother, or dance with her adorable crush, Joseph, disaster strikes…

Can Willa undo the damage before Stella misses her chance to say “I do?”

Every once in a while, I like to read a book for sheer enjoyment. When I’m in this mood, I seek out a novel that is fast paced, entertaining, and a lot of fun. The Wedding Planner’s Daughter has all of these qualities, and more! From the drama of Willa’s relationship with her mother, to the mystery of what makes a perfect wedding – this book is perfect mix of and humor, romance, and action.

If you are looking for a book for your pre-teen, give this one a try.

Schooled

Schooled
by
Anisha Lakhani
5/5 Stars

From the Publisher: All she wants to do is teach. For Anna Taggert, an earnest Ivy League graduate, pursuing her passion as a teacher means engaging young hearts and minds. She longs to be in a place where she can be her best self, and give that best to her students.

Turns out it isn't that easy.

Landing a job at an elite private school in Manhattan, Anna finds her dreams of chalk boards and lesson plans replaced with board families, learning specialists, and benefit-planning mothers. Not to mention the grim realities of her small paycheck.

And then comes the realization that the papers she grades are not the work of her students, but of their high-priced, college-educated tutors. After uncovering this underground economy where a teacher can make the same hourly rate as a Manhattan attorney, Anna herself is seduced by lucrative offers--one after another. Teacher by day, tutor by night, she starts to sample the good life her students enjoy: binges at Barneys, dinners at the Waverly Inn, and a new address on Madison Avenue.

Until, that is, the truth sets in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Being a teacher myself, I understood where Anna was coming from - wanting to make a difference, unsure where to begin, and longing for support from those around her.

Lakhani's characters grab you from the first page. Anna Taggert is a truly likable heroine - I found myself cheering for her until the very end. Although she falls prey to the lure of easy money, she works heard to regain her integrity. Similarly, the students of Langdon are not what they seem. at first glance, the appear merely spoiled and lazy. But, as Anna works with them, we seem them begin to bloom - and we witness how they are manipulated by the world in which they live.

I have to admit, I have been a reading slump lately. But, this was the perfect book to get me back on track. If you are looking for a book you can loose yourself in - pick this one up!

Creepers

Creepers

by

Joanne Dahme

3/5 Stars

From the Publisher: From moving to a new house to making new friends and preparing for high school, life for the new girl in town can be unsettling. But thirteen year-old Courtney is unprepared for how creepy life in Murmur, Massachusetts turns out to be. Her ivy-covered house overlooking the antiquated cemetery next door is one thing, but Courtney finds herself thrust into a full-fledged haunted adventure after meeting Christian and Margaret Geyer, a strange father and daughter with unfinished family business. The body of their ancestor, Prudence, has gone missing from beneath her ivy-carved tombstone and must be returned to its final resting place in order to break the spell that looms over Courtney’s house. To add to the suspense and help solve the mystery, authentic documents and photographs are set at the beginning of each chapter pertaining to Murmur, Courtney’s house, and the infamous cemetery. Will Courtney uncover the secret lurking within the dark, dank underbelly of her ivy-covered basement?

I found this book book to be a quick and, only somewhat, enjoyable read. Throughout the first half of the book, the plot was interesting and well-developed. I was disappointed in the end of the novel, as many of the plot elements were not sufficiently 'tied-up' - too many loose ends.

Courtney, the main character was authentic and believable. The characters that surround her, however, seemed a bit flat and undeveloped. I understood where Dahme was going with the characters of Christian and Margaret - they just weren't interesting.

I love a good ghost story, but I expect to be captivated and intrigued. After reading Creepers, I was left wanting more - more insight, more suspense, and more satisfaction.

The Boy From the Basement

The Boy From the Basement
by
Susan Shaw
4/5 Stars

From the Publisher: For Charlie, the basement is home. He's being punished. He doesn't mean to leave - Father wouldn't allow it - but when Charlie is accidentally thrust outside, he awakens to the alien surroundings of a world to which he's never been exposed. Though haunted by hallucinations and fear of the basement and his father's rage, Charlie embarks on a journey toward recovery that blossoms when he finally finds unconditional love.

This book as marketed as young adult - although the subject matter may be a little too sensitive for some.

In the novel, we see the world through Charlie's eyes - those of a severely neglected and abused young boy. We travel with him as he realizes he has missed out on the simple joys of life - rain, sunshine, and love. Charlie must confront his fears along the way, but he is guided by new friends, a loving foster mother, and a strong zest for life.

If you are looking for an attention-grabber for your older teen, this may just be it!

The Burn Journals

The Burn Journals
by
Brent Runyon
4.5/5 Stars

From the Publisher: In 1991, fourteen-year old Brent Runyon came home from school, doused his bathrobe in gasoline, put it on, and lit a match.

He suffered third-degree burns over 85 percent of his body and spent the next year recovering in hospitals and rehab facilities. During that year of physical recovery, Runyon began to question what he'd done, undertaking the complicated journey from near-death back to high school, and from suicide back to the emotional mainstream of life.

There were times that this book was difficult to read, simply because I have a fifteen-year old son. The teenage years are tough - I've been there. But, I hate to think that anyone could feel as hopeless as Brent Runyon did on that February afternoon.

After the debrieding treatments, skin grafts, and surgeries, Runyon begins healing emotionally. When he is asked why he attempted suicide, he answers honestly, "I don't remember anything about myself back then." It's heartbreaking to think that those feelings that drove him to hurt himself were so transitory.

Eventually Runyon makes it through rehab, the treatment center, and to high school. Once there, his friends welcome him with open arms. At this point, any thoughts of suicide seem far away. However, Runyon points out that the depression that haunted him as a fourteen-year old does return. As an adult, he realizes that he must ask for help. He is now in therapy, taking medication, and living a productive life.

Runyon's voice come through very clearly in this memoir - one of the main reason I enjoyed this book so much. His style is clear, honest, and no-nonsense. He tackles the difficult topics of self-worth, sexual activity, pain, and uncertainty - all without playing the victim.

I would highly recommend this book for older teens. The lessons Runyon has to teach are vital - and often not discussed.

Ghost in the Mirror

Ghost in the Mirror: Real Cases of Spirit Encounters
by
Leslie Rule
3.5/5

From the Publisher: When you gaze into your mirror, you don't expect to see anything other than your reflection. However, you may be surprised to learn that this ubiquitous sheet of glass is really a doorway to another realm. Thousands of witnesses have stepped forward to admit that they have seen apparitions in mirrors. In fact, the mirror is one of the most common places where ghosts appear.

I have always been a fan of ghost stories. I don't like to admit it, but I actually watch A Haunting - it's a guilty pleasure. Needless to say, I was very excited to receive this book.

Rule does an admirable job with several stories in this book. They are well researched, well written, and not a little creepy. The majority of the tales, however, read like newspaper copy. Most are less than a page, and relate minimal information. Rule does include addresses of locations where the stories take place -- just in case the reader may want to do their own investigating.

Overall, I enjoyed Ghosts in the Mirror. Many of the stories were new to me, and encouraged some internet searches. My reason for the lower rating -- I would have preferred fewer, but more in-depth, stories.

Read other reivews on Library Thing.

Something Wickedly Weird - The Icy Hand

Something Wickedly Weird - The Icy HandbyChris Mould5/5 Stars

From the Publisher: It's winter on the isolated island of Crampton Rock and there's a chill in the air that has nothing to do with the temperature. Even the talking fish is warning of imminent danger.

Stanley Buggles has inherited Candlestick Hall from his uncle, Admiral Bartholomew Swift. He is beginning his second trip to Crampton Rock - and it will be just as exciting as his first (you can read about his first adventure in The Wooden Mile). When he arrives at the Hall, he is warned of a grave danger approaching from the north. Stanley must work with his friend Daisy, the headless ghost of Admiral Swift, and a talking pike to foil a duo of ghostly pirates and protect the magical Ibis. If he succeeds, there are many more adventures ahead of him. If he fails.....

This story has a little of everything - mystery, intrigue, ghosts, pirates, a talking fish, and a brave, young protagonist. This is the perfect series for those youngsters who are enthralled with Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Mould's writing is fast-paced and is he is able to hold the attention of kids and adults alike. In addition, the illustrations are captivating, adding another level to this already wonderful book. I highly recommend The Icy Hand - It makes me wish my son was younger, so we could read it together.

Suicide Notes

Suicide Notesby
Michael Thomas Ford
4/5 Stars

From the Publisher: When fifteen-year-old Jeff wakes up on New Year’s Day to find himself in a hospital psychiatric ward, bandages on his wrists, he’s certain it’s all a huge mistake. Jeff knows he’s not like the other kids in there. They’ve got problems. But a funny thing happens as his forty-five-day sentence drags on – the crazies start to seem less crazy.

Compelling, witty, and refreshingly real, Suicide Notes is a darkly humorous novel that examines that fuzzy line between “normal” and the rest of us.

Sentenced to a psychiatric hospital for forty-five days, Jeff begins a journal of his experiences, encounters, and discoveries. Jeff is a typical teenager – sarcastic, disrespectful, and belligerent. He doesn’t believe he belongs in the ward, nevermind the scars on his wrists. When his doctor, whom Jeff has nicknamed Cat Poop, attempts to bring his problems to light, Jeff responds with typical off-color remarks.

But as the days pass, and Jeff interacts with the other patients, he begins to see that even troubled teens deserve kindness and respect.

Ultimately, Suicide Notes is a novel of self-discovery and tolerance. By the end of the book, Jeff is able to acknowledge and love himself – as well as move toward healing the relationship with his parents.

I found Suicide Notes to be a realistic look at the difficult questions all teenagers face –


Who am I?
What do I want?
What makes me happy? How do I fit in?

Suicide Notes will be released on October 14, 2008.

Bobbie has also reviewed Suicide Notes - take a look at what she has to say.

The Rest Falls Away

The Rest Falls AwaybyColleen Gleason4.5/5 Stars

Victoria Gardella Grantworth is about to make her debut when destiny intervenes. Like countless Gardellas before her, she is meant to become a Venator – a vampire hunter. Victoria must be on guard for the familiar ‘chill at the back of her neck’ that signals a nearby vampire. And the vampires seem to be everywhere. With the help of her Great-Aunt Eustacia and her fellow Venator, Max, Victoria fights to keep London safe from Lilith – a seductive and powerful vampire. But when Phillip de Lacy, Marquess of Rockely, asks for her hand in marriage, Victoria is torn between her duty and her heart. Which will win?

This book combined two of my favorite genres – Regency romance and vampire tales. What’s not to like? Gleason has taken the ordinary vampire story and added new twists – a vampire queen, a dynasty of vampire hunters, a love triangle, and a tragic ending.

The Rest Falls Away grabbed my attention and didn't let go – I read it in less than 24 hours. I found Gleason’s characters to be interesting, the dialogue easy to read, and the plot well thought out.

While I did thoroughly enjoy this novel, there was some information I missed. I wanted more background into the Gardella dynasty – how did they become Venators? What about Max’s background? And then there is Sebastian – how does he fit in? Hopefully these questions will be answered in the three remaining books in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I can't wait to find out!

These bloggers have also reviewed The Rest Falls Away:

Reading, etc.
Bookshelves of Doom
Musings of a Bookish Kitty
The Written Word

Bliss to You

Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life
by
Trixie Koontz, Dog
as told to Dean Koontz5/5 Stars

I’ll admit it – I love dogs. What amazes me about my dogs is that they are content, not just happy, but completely at ease. I’ve always wanted to be more like my dogs.

Trixie Koontz agrees and calls this state ‘bliss’. Trixie was the faithful companion of author Dean Koontz until her death in 2007. Now on the other side, Trixie has written this book to show humans how to achieve bliss.

According to Trixie, there are eight steps to reaching bliss:

- Calm
- Beauty
- Fun
- Meaning
- Others
- Humility
- Loss
- Gratitude

In each section, Trixie explains how to focus on the important things in life and let go of the trivial.

Along the way, she also bestows important dog wisdom, such as:



“Optimism is like mental cookie.
Cookie nourishes tummy.
Optimism nourishes heart.”


I have to admit that I cried through the Foreword, written by Dean Koontz. Dog books always seem to bring tears with them. However, the rest of the book was incredibly uplifting and enjoyable.

Bliss to You will be released on September 16, 2008. All author proceeds will be donated to Canine Companions for Independence.

Maybe the path to bliss really is paved with dog wisdom. I hope so!

Bliss to you, Trixie.

July's Books

Since I've started keeping track of my reading, I've noticed that there are times I read very little. When I am stressed, very busy, or not sleeping well - I don't have the energy to pick up a book.

July was a slow month for me. Between packing for vacation, unpacking, and getting my son ready for school, I only read five books. :(

- The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby

- The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

- To Dance With the White Dog by Terry Kay

- Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

- Smoke, Mirrors, and Murder by Ann Rule

To Dance With the White Dog was my favorite. It was a reread - and I was not disappointed. I first read it in the early 1990s, and was just a captivated today as I was then.

Autobiography of a Face

Autobiography of a FacebyLucy Grealy4/5 Stars
From the Publisher: It took Lucy twenty years of living with a distorted self-image and more than thirty reconstructive procedures before she could come to terms with her appearance after childhood surgery left her jaw disfigured. As a young girl she absorbed the searing pain of peer rejection and the guilty pleasures of wanting to be special. Later she internalized the paralyzing fear of never being loved. Heroically and poignantly, she learned to define herself from the inside out.

Grealy was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma at the age of nine. From then on, her life was divided into two parts before and after cancer. After the surgery to remove half her jaw, Grealy spent over two years enduring weekly chemotherapy treatments. When she was finally declared 'healthy', Grealy returned to the sixth grade -- only to be met with scorn and cruelty from her classmates.

Her story is written clearly and concisely. She is unerringly honest about how her disease affected her family, her developing personality, and those around her. As the reader follows her through years of skin and bone grafts, she witnesses her need for acceptance from others and her gradual acceptance of herself.

I was particularly struck by Grealy's need to be 'strong.' She is constantly reminded not to cry and to never show fear. This begins Grealy's quest to be the model patient. I am amazed that this small child was able to internalize and minimize her emotions, suffering, and considerable pain. To me, she seemed like an adult soul in a child's body.

I recommend Autobiography of a Face -- it is a moving and meaningful read.

Painting a Picture

I just started The End of East by Jen Sookfong Lee, and the language she uses is just amazing. Lee's writing style is beautiful and poetic. Take the first paragraph, for example:

"At first, what frightened her about this place was the drizzle -- the omnipresent grey of morning, afternoon, and nightime too. She was afraid that she would slowly be leached of colour and that, one day, while she was combing her hair in the mirror, she would see that her reflection was as grey as the sky, sea and land that surrounded her. Everything she saw as she moved about the city was filtered through the mist -- dampened, weighed down, burdened."

This novel is set in Vancouver, Canada. I found this beautiful photo of Stanley Park online -- this kind of fog would act on my imagination too!

Wow! Talk about painting a picture...

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts
by
Gennifer Choldenko
5/5 Stars

Moose Flanagan has just moved to Alcatraz. His father has gotten a job as an electrician at the most notorious prison in the United States. You would think Moose would be excited, but he isn’t. Instead, Moose must watch over his autistic sister, Natalie, while trying to avoid the warden’s scheming daughter, Piper.

Moose’s problems multiply when he catches Natalie holding hands with Prisoner 105. Is Natalie safe on the island? Who is Prisoner 105? Moose enlists the help of the notorious Al Capone in an attempt to keep Natalie in school and off the island.

This is one of the best examples of juvenile fiction I have read in a long time. I am always on the lookout for books that will catch the attention of ‘reluctant readers,’ and this book does just that. The character of Moose is a typical preteen boy – his feelings for his family conflict with his own growing interests. He must choose what is important to him – baseball or Natalie. Ultimately, he make the wise decision and cares for the sister he loves.

Although fiction, the novel has a basis in reality – guards and their families did live on Alcatraz Island, Al Capone did work in the prison laundry, and civilians did interact with some prisoners. Choldenko has included this and other information in the ‘Author’s Note’ at the end of the book. This section sheds some light on ‘life on the rock’ and is a great link between the historical information and the novel itself.

This novel will capture your child’s imagination. I highly recommend it.

To Dance With the White Dog

To Dance With the White Dog
by
Terry Kay
5/5 Stars
From the Publisher: To Dance With the White Dog is a gentle, moving story about an old man's final rite of passage, about family ties and the universal experience of grieving for a lost love. At the heart of the book is a mysterious white dog which appears after Sam Peek's beloved wife has died and stays with him until just before his own death.

Stray dog or phantom? To Sam, the dog is a guardian angel that bridges his final years with warmth and comfort. Sam Peek and his white dog will leap from the page into the reader's heart instantly. And the ending of the book is touching, amazing, and delightful all in one.

I first read this book when I was in college. At the time, this beautiful, tear-jerking story became one of my favorites. Almost 18 years later, I feel the same way. This story of grief, loss, love, and healing holds even deeper meaning for me now. This is a book I will keep in my collection -- to read over and over.

The Mistress's Daughter

The Mistress’s Daughter
by
A. M. Homes
3.5/5 Stars

A. M. Homes always knew she was adopted. She spent her life trying to discover where she ‘fit in’. When Homes was 31, her biological mother contacted her. This is the story of Homes’ struggle with her identity, as well as her attempts to connect with her birth parents.

While reading this book, I was struck by just how honest Homes is about her thoughts and feelings. The basic story of her adoption is what captures your attention, but it is her powerful story telling that keeps the tale interesting. From her account of meeting her father for the first time, to conversations with her mother, and finally her search for a genealogical identity – Homes pulls you along with her on this important journey.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
by
Jean-Dominique Bauby
5/5 Stars

Jean-Dominique Bauby is a victim of 'Locked-In Syndrome." At the age of 43, he suffered a massive stroke that left him unable to move or speak. His only means of communication -- his left eyelid. Bauby spent weeks painstakingly dictating this memoir -- letter by letter.

I read this book in one sitting, it was that captivating. Through short vignettes, Bauby manages to describe the minute intimacies of his life in astonishing detail. From his first experience in a wheelchair, to bath-time, and finally through the development of his communication 'code' - Bauby's emotions touch on both anger and sadness without becomings desperate or hopeless.

There are also times of hope and, ultimately, love -- when he describes the visits of his children or memories of this father. Throughout the book, I was struck by Bauby's ability to be thankful for small things -- the ability to move his limbs a fraction of an inch, sitting in the Cinecitta, and the the ability of his mind to fly away like a butterfly.

It is not until the end of the book that Bauby describes his last day as a 'perfectly functioning earthling.' This most important day in his life is detailed with very little emotion. This makes the catastrophic details all the more haunting.

This is one the most poignant memoirs that I have ever read, and one of my favorite books of 2008.

Lottery

Lottery
by
Patricia Wood
4/5 Stars

Perry L. Crandall has an IQ of 76. He is not retarded. In his own words, “You have to have an IQ number less than 75 to be retarded.” But, Perry is a slow learner. He lives with his Gram, who had provided him with excellent coping skills. Perry works at Holsted’s Marine Supply, and spends time with his friend Keith. All in all, it is a good life.

Then Gram dies. Unsure what to do, Perry continues to follow his regular routine – including buying lottery tickets. He hits the jackpot, winning twelve million dollars in the Washington State Lottery.

This is where the trouble starts. His brothers, who sold his home out from under him when Gram died, attempt to have him sign over his money. His mother, who has little to do with him, calls requesting money. Total strangers write letters addressed to “Lottery Winner” in an effort to score a few bucks.

In the end, Perry manages to live his life on his own turns. His decisions may not make sense to the rest of us, but for Perry L. Crandall they make all the sense in the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Perry. As a special education teacher, his actions and behaviors ring true. From his obsession with the dictionary to his insistence that he is “not retarded,” Perry is a believable and intriguing personality.

The characters that surround Perry are all too real in their selfishness. Who hasn’t heard stories of ‘relatives’ coming out of the woodwork when a lottery winner’s name is announced? Although these characters get their ‘just desserts’ in the end, I waited throughout the story for someone to finally stand up to them.

I was slightly disappointed in the ending. While satisfying, it seemed too neat and well-packaged. I would have liked a little more detail when dealing with the brothers’ downfall.

All things considered, I found this to be a very enjoyable novel. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Evening Star

Evening Star
by
Carolyn Brown
3/5

Addison Carter is ahead of her time. A female doctor in 1918, she is dismissed from her job with Magnolia Oil simply for being a woman. She is determined to continue in her profession, whether or not people will accept her. Then she is hired to take care of Tucker Anderson, a man who believes that women should not work outside the home, let alone work as a physician…

Evening Star was the first book I completed during the Read-a-Thon. Brown managed to hold my attention when I really needed her to. The plot may be a little predictable, if you read a lot of romance novels, but there is an interesting twist.

I would recommend Evening Star if you are looking for a light and entertaining read.

What an Animal!

The Challenge: Read six books that have an animal in the title, an animal on the cover, an animal that plays a major role in the book, or a main character that is, or turns into, an animal.

This challenge runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

I think this challenge is right up my alley - but it was the button that won me over.

1. To Dance With the White Dog by Terry Kay - Finished July 20, 2008
2. Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life by Trixie Koontz - Finished August 8, 2008
3. A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas - Finished August 16, 2008