Monday, January 28, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

These are memes started by Teach Mentor Texts and Book Journey, and I'm excited to particpate, along with many other bloggers, in reviewing books I read the previous week. I'll be reviewing picture books through adult books.


 
Hattie Ever After (Hattie, #2)
 
5 of 5 stars 
 
 
I received this ARC from NetGalley. I LOVED this follow up to Hattie Big Sky. Hattie is a character who leaves an indelible mark, and I can only hope she hasn't left us for good. Surely Kirby Larson has more Hattie stories to write! In this book, Hattie continues to show us she has courage and determination. She may not have achieved her goal to prove up on her uncle Chester's claim, but that didn't stop her for long. She eventually travels to San Francisco (rebuffing poor Charlie's request to join him in Seattle) as a seamstress with a traveling acting troupe and dreams of becoming a big city reporter. There is also a mystery to solve: what can she find out about Uncle Chester's old flame? In San Francisco, she works her way up the ladder at the Chronicle and pursues her goals. However, her path is not always easy, and she finds out some things that break her heart. We know Hattie, though, and we know that she will not lose hope and faith forever. I love that Larson has created a character that shows us what can happen when opportunity meets preparedness - the sky's the limit! I liked the references to scriptures and Hattie's reliance on them: "Are not two sparrows sold for one penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care" and "I might be feeling a bit like Jonah, and this city might seem like that whale, ready to swallow me whole. But miracles were still possible." There's even a nod to Emily Dickinson when she asks, "But hope is a thing with feathers, isn't it?" Pair this book up with The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter by Bonnie Christensen.

Open This Little Book
 
  Open This Little Book by Jesse Klausemeier, illustrated by Suzy Lee 5 0f 5 stars
 
2013-book, animals, books-about-books, metafiction, picture-book




This is a special, beautiful little book and proof that there will always be a place for real books. You could not read this on an e-reader.  It is an interactive experience.  I want to look at it again and again because it's charming, creative, and clever. Little ones will love it!  If you have a baby in your life, this could be the first gift from you to start his or her literary life. 


 4 of 5 stars
 

Excellent NPR interview with Rick Riordan:  http://www.npr.org/2012/12/19/167547891/in-red-pyramid-kid-heroes-take-on-ancient-egypt

This was a fun fantasy to listen to - the narrators were excellent. I enjoyed Carter's and Sadie's bantering. The Kane siblings have lived apart for some time - Sadie with her grandparents in London, Carter with his brilliant father and Eygyptologist, Dr. Julius Cane. They come together at the British Museum where Dr. Kane unleashes the god Set from the Rosetta Stone. Unfortunately, he also releases 4 other gods and Julius gets imprisoned in a coffin. The rest of the story involves the siblings using their newfound powers to save the world from the evil Set. Kids will learn a lot about Egyptian mythology, but they will especially enjoy the adventure! Great series beginning! 
 
 
 

4 of 5 stars 
I finally read this wildly popular adult thriller/mystery about Nick and Amy Dunne, and their troubled marriage. On their 5th anniversary, Amy disappears, leaving behind upturned living rooom furniture (which investigators decide looks staged), cleaned up blood in the kitchen, and clues for their traditional anniversary treasure hunt. Twists and turns await at every corner, and you're not too sure who is the bad guy as you ride this roller coaster mystery. I'm looking forward to talking about it at book club!
 
 
CURRENTLY READING:
I was going to read The Runaway King next, but a student asked my to read an Erin Hunter book next because she loves them, and I can't resist a direct student request to read a book! :-) 
 
Into the Wild (Warriors, #1)
 
 
 
CURRENTLY LISTENING TO:
Malcolm at Midnight
 
Splendors and Glooms
 
ON DECK:
 
The Runaway King (The Ascendance Trilogy, #2)
Out of The Easy
 

8 comments:

  1. WOW look at all your great reads! And Gone Girl which was sooooooo good!

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  2. Nice selection! Hattie Ever After is on my stack for this week. I liked The Red Pyramid when I read it but haven't continued on with the series because of my always looming TBR mountain. My Monday report is here. Stop by if you get a chance and happy reading!

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    1. I see you have Scarlet on your TBR list. Can't wait to read it!

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  3. Aw, I do have a baby in my life. :) Thanks for the recommendation! Such a great post of books.

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  4. I loved today's entry! The author interviews were wonderful. How I would like to meet these fascinating, creative women. It would be neat to see them interviewed together, as they have chosen such different genres, yet are so compelled to write, and to examine their characters. I wonder what they would say to each other about their processes and content.
    Your endorsement of Open This Little Book is precious. Who can resist such a title?!
    You have a lot of intriguing books on your reading table! Can't wait to read more about them.

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    1. Authors really are fascinating. I love hearing about their creative processes! Glad you enjoyed the post!

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