The Lorax

Random House

The Lorax
Dr. Seuss
1971

The Summary
"In this haunting fable about the dangers of destroying our forests and woodlands, the long-suffering Lorax struggles to save all the Truffula Trees from the wicked Once-ler's axe. "

The Good
I've never read The Lorax.

There.  I've said it:  I've never read The Lorax.

Somehow, in the shuffle of children's books I've read throughout my lifetime, I never had the chance to read Dr. Seuss' Lorax.  It's kind of incredible, as I'm pretty positive I've read everything else he's ever written.

Anyway, I read The Lorax as part of a book bingo challenge at my library and, honestly, I wasn't disappointed.  It was basically what I expected.  Rhymes, bright colors, crazy creatures, unexpected morals.

It's not bad.  I can see why it's a children's classic.

The Bad
The Lorax is not my favorite Dr. Seuss book.  I reserve that strictly for Green Eggs and Ham.

The Ugly
Although The Lorax is a children's book and reads like a children's book, it's also a look at a very mature theme--that is, it shows what happens when people don't care and progress (like greed) is left unchecked by someone who does care.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not."

It's really a pretty jarring book when you think about it.

Interstellar Cinderella

Chronicle Books LLC

Interstellar Cinderella
Deborah Underwood
Meg Hunt
2015

The Summary
"Once upon a planetoid,
amid her tools and sprockets,
a girl named Cindrella dreamed
of fixing fancy rockets.

"With a little help from her fairy godrobot, Cinderella is going to the ball.  But when the prince's ship has mechanical trouble, someone will have to zoom to the rescue!  Readers will thank their lucky stars for this irrepressible fairy tale retelling, it's independent heroine, and its stellar happy ending."

The Good
I absolutely loved Interstellar Cinderella.  I happened across it one day at the library and I decided to read it before I returned it to the Children's Library, and I immediately fell in love with this little book.  It was so fun, so warm and colorful, so wonderfully depicted that I couldn't help enjoying it.

The art is lovely and bright, and the story is fun and heart-warming.  Meg Hunt does a fantastic job of envisioning the mechanical creations of Cinderella's world; Deborah Underwood recreates Cinderella as a smart, saavy, intrepid young girl, not to mention she gives Cinderella the agency to become what she's always wanted to be:  a rocket mechanic.

I think that's what I loved best about Interstellar Cinderella:  Cinderella isn't rescued by the prince; in fact, when he asks her to marry him, she turns him down.  That's right, Cinderella doesn't want to be married!  She's too young, she decides, and she has dreams of her own that she wants to make come true; instead, Cinderella offers to become his chief mechanic.

Interstellar Cinderella has two very important things going for it:  one, it creates an intelligent heroine who learns how to rescue herself; two, it makes it okay for a girl to focus on her dreams and aspirations of a career, rather than allow the expectations of other people dictate her life.

Yes, I know I got a lot more out of this children's book than I was probably supposed to find.  Yes, I know it's just a story.  But I found it heartwarming and, confidentially, inspiring.  It has a heroine who doesn't just dream, she tries to make her dreams come true.  She doesn't need anyone to rescue her, rather she can save herself.

And I like knowing there's that kind of heroine out there for the next girl to discover.

The Bad
I sometimes struggled with the rhyming scheme of the story, but, otherwise, no complaints.

The Ugly
There's nothing really terrible about Interstellar Cinderella.  It's a children's book.  Not to mention, it's basically Cinderella retold to include robots and space ships.  Her stepsisters and stepmother are terrible, but, spoiler alert, she manages to escape them.

It's a cute, fun book for kids.

The Apprentice Witch

Chicken House

The Apprentice Witch
James Nicol
2017

The Summary
"Arianwyn has flunked her witch's assessment:  She's doomed.  Declared an apprentice and sent to the town of Lull in disgrace, Arianwyn may never become a real witch--much to the glee of her archrival, Gimma.

"But remote Lull is not as boring as it seems.  Strange things are sighted in the woods, a dangerous infestation of hex creeps through the town, and a mysterious magical visitor arrives with his eye on Arianwyn.

"With every spirit banished, creature helped, and spell cast, Arianwyn starts to get the hang of being a witch--even if she's only an apprentice.  But the worst still lies ahead.  For a sinister darkness has begun to haunt her spells, and there may be much more at stake than just her pride...for Arianwyn and the entire land."

The Good
I liked The Apprentice Witch.  It's not a bad book, but it's not a great book either.  It's a fun story, more suited for a younger audience, and I liked the magical aspects of it.  I was particularly fascinated by the glyphs, which seemed to help witches control their magic, and I would certainly have liked to learn more about them.

The Bad
The Apprentice Witch feels a little like it's trying to be Harry Potter--and, well, it doesn't really succeed.  Personally, I really thought it needed more detail.  It has such a rich history and a sprawling background from which it could pull, yet it simply doesn't.  I mean, here is a enormous world full of strange creatures and magic and myth and lore...and you barely get a tiny piece of it.

Take the witches, for example.  They have this whole hierarchy and education system in place, but I found very little explanation as to how it works.  What is it that apprentice witches do, and what does it mean to become  full-fledged witch?  How does their "school" work, like what sort of classes do they take and what do they learn?  What are glyphs and where did they come from?  What is "hex," other than just bad magic?

Moreover, I really wanted to know how witches became witches.  I mean, I never met a single male witch--or would they be wizards?--and I couldn't figure out if they even existed.  Were witches only women?  Were women the only ones able to control magic, or was there just more of a predisposition for women to become witches?

I had lots of questions about The Apprentice Witch, but I never received any answers.  Granted, I put my hands on an advance readers copy, so I could be judging this book a little prematurely.  Changes could have been made at publication that cleared up my questions or complaints; however, I doubt they will be so great as to make this novel feel entirely different.

The Ugly
The night ghast is pretty terrifying.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Open Road

Mr. Popper's Penguins
Richard Atwater
Florence Atwater
1938

The Summary
"It was hard enough for Mr. Popper to support himself, Mrs. Popper, Bill and Janie Popper.  The addition of twelve penguins to the family made it impossible to make both ends meet.  Then Mr. Popper had a splendid idea--the talented penguins would be a sensation on the stage.  And so they were...

"A classic American humor, this story of a gentle house-painter and his high-stepping penguins has delighted children for generations."

The Good
Mr. Popper's Penguins is actually a lot of fun.  It's full of little adventurous:  trying to figure out how to support a house full of penguins, creating such a grand display with 12 penguins in tow, looking for a taxi that would take them all across town--and wouldn't be frightened of the birds.

And, speaking of penguins, I loved those little birds.  Starting with Greta and Captain Cook, it's such a fun journey to see how their little clan grows and flourishes and becomes national performance stars.  They were such characters, and I could see why Mr. Popper loved them so.

Overall, Mr. Popper's Penguins was an amusing little book and easy to read, meaning it's a great book for a young audience.

The Bad
Admittedly, I did find myself feeling a little bored while reading Mr. Popper's Penguins.  I mean, it's a great children's book, but, honestly, I wasn't smitten.  Moreover, as an adult, I found some of the things the Poppers' did to accommodate the penguins made me wince.  Like turning the living room into an ice rink--I mean, do you know what kind of havoc that would wreak on wood floors, not to mention the walls?

And I lamented the debt that poor Mr. Popper accrued for the refrigeration unit in the basement, or the costliness of fresh fish and every day bills for keeping a dozen penguins happy and healthy.  It's a bit difficult to read as an adult, realizing the economic toll, despite suspending disbelief.

The Ugly
Crippling debt.

The BFG

Penguin Books

The BFG
Roald Dahl
1982

The Summary
"Captured by a giant!

"The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant.  He is far too nice and jumbly.  It's lucky for Sophie that he is.  Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by the Bloodbottler, or any of the other giants--rather than the BFG--she would have soon become breakfast.  When Sophie hears that the giants are flush-bunking off to England to swallomp a few nice chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all.  And the BFG is going to help her!"

The Good
I had fun with The BFG.

It's an odd little story, principally on par with Dahl's other works, James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but it's really quite a wonderful story.  It's funny, it has endearing characters, and, honestly, it has these adorable moments--mostly when the BFG fudges his words and leaves Sophie positively bumfuzzled--that wrench your heart and leave you smiling or laughing by turns.

Personally, I fell in love with the big friendly giant and I was always tickled by his antics, fascinated by his dream catching excursions, and, of course, warmed by his fondness for little orphaned Sophie.  Their relationship is so pure and sweet, and I couldn't help wishing I'd met a BFG of my own.

It's a great children's book.  I can certainly see what it's a classic.

The Bad
If I have one regret it's that I didn't take the time to find an audiobook copy of The BFG.  This would have been a magnificent book to have read to me.

The Ugly
I'll be honest, I was a little disturbed to learn that the giants ate people.  I never imagined The BFG would have such a dark and terrible beginning, but, then again, I should know by now that Roald Dahl was never afraid to approach the darker, more unsavory aspects of a story.

I mean, think about it:  Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is very poor, so poor he cannot always afford food; James in James and the Giant Peach lost his parents to a rogue rhinoceros and lives with his cruel, vindictive aunts; and Sophie in The BFG is an orphan who is faced with horrible flesh-eating, bone-crunching, and chiddler-eating giants.

Seriously, it seems like all the children involved in Dahl's books face extraordinary hardship and it's absolutely heart-breaking.

James and the Giant Peach

Puffin Books

James and the Giant Peach

Roald Dahl

1961

The Summary
"A little magic can take you a long way...

"When James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start happening.  The peach at the very tip of the tree starts growing, and growing, and growing...until it's as big as a house!  When James crawls inside, he meets a houseful of oversized friends--Grasshopper, Centipede, Earthworm, and more.  With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away and the adventure begins!"

The Good
As a child, I somehow never read any books by Roald Dahl.  I love the movies--Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory--but, for some reason, I never read any of the original books until recently when I first picked up Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach is about a boy faced with incredible hardship who sets off on the adventure of a lifetime.  However, instead of meeting a Mad Hatter-esque chocolatier, James encounters a handful of gigantic insects and travels in a gigantic, magical peach.

Sounds like fun, no?

Honestly, I enjoyed reading James and the Giant Peach.  It's a quick, rather sweet happily-ever-after, and I had fun watching James as he escaped his despicable aunts, made new (and rather extraordinary) friends, and takes an incredible adventure across the sea.  More to the point, I liked that James was given the chance to thrive.

James is a clever, imaginative and sensitive little boy, and yet he's been under his aunts' thumbs for many months, subject to their tormenting and taunting and abject cruelty.  When he gets the opportunity to escape, I felt like jumping for joy.  I liked James, and I was so glad he was able break free of the aunts who didn't care for him and find a family, of his choosing, that would treat him well--and, more importantly, love him unconditionally.

I highly recommend it--and Roald Dahl in general--to young readers.

The Bad
When I first watched the James and the Giant Peach, I absolutely loved it.  I recall the characters with great fondness and I remember thinking what a wild, zany and wonderful adventure it was.  However, while I thought many of those same things about the book, I found I didn't enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed the movie.

Personally, I think part of it was Centipede and Miss Spider.  Centipede was terribly annoying and, yes, while he's thoughtlessly selfish in both the movie in the book, he was more of a nuisance than I remembered in the movie.  Plus, Miss Spider just wasn't as sassy and dramatic and lovely as she was in the movie.  She was, sadly, a bit forgettable, which I found disappointing.

The Ugly
Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge.

Ick.

The Witch's Boy

Algonquin Young Readers

The Witch's Boy
Kelly Barnhill
2014

The Summary
"When Ned and his identical twin brother tumble from their raft into a raging, bewitched river, only Ned survives.  Villagers are convinced the wrong boy lived.  Sure enough, Ned grows up weak and slow, and stays as much as possible within the safe boundaries of his family's cottage and yard.  But when a Bandit King comes to steal the magic that Ned's mother, a witch, is meant to protect, it's Ned who safeguards the magic and summons the strength to protect his family and community.

"In the meantime, in another kingdom across the forest that borders Ned's village lives Aine, the resourceful and pragmatic daughter of the Bandit King.  She is haunted by her mother's last words to her:  'The wrong boy will save your life and you will save his.'  But when Aine and Ned's paths cross, can they trust each other long enough to make their way through the treacherous woods and stop the war about to boil over?

"With a deft hand, acclaimed author Kelly Barnhill takes classic fairy tale elements--speaking stones, a friendly wolf, and a spoiled young king--and weaves them into a richly detailed narrative that explores good and evil, love and hate, magic, and the power of friendship."

The Good
I'm not really sure what to say about The Witch's Boy.  It's not quite like anything I've ever read.  Grim and rather macabre, it's a story that doesn't pull punches and makes you squirm for the terrible things you witness.  I think it was a little more mature than I was expecting from a book I found in the juvenile section.

The magic involved in these stories was especially complex.  I mean, my understanding of it was that it's a powerful, dangerous beast, not just some energy that can be manipulated or changed.  It's as contradictory as human nature--and perhaps it is the culmination of several sentient being?  I'm still not sure I understand it, but I found it intriguing.

While I was reading, I also grew to enjoy the characters.  Aine was flat out amazing:  tough, smart, take-charge and take-no-nonsense, she was an amazing heroine, even if she was a difficult character to like (at first, anyway).  Likewise, I loved the Ned's mother, the Witch.  I honestly can't remember her name, she's just the Witch to me--and I wouldn't have it any other way.  She was probably one of the more interesting characters for her curious connection to the magic and, moreover, her almost supernatural connection to the rest of the world.

And, of course, my heart went out to little Ned.  I loved that kid for some reason.  He's not the hero you'd expect; in fact, he's not heroic at all.  He's a timid kid who gets thrown into a dangerous situation and he's stuck trying to figure a way out--to save his mother, to save his village and to keep the magic at bay.  His journey is, in it's own way, heartwarming.

The Bad
I had an odd feeling the whole time I was reading The Witch's Boy.  I can't put my finger on it, but I just had this weird jumbling of feelings in my chest while I was reading Barnhill's novel.  I mean, I wanted to finish reading Ned's story and see where his journey led--I was committed, so I was going to find out--but I had strange ominous sort of feeling while reading it.

Like I  said, it's hard to describe.  It was a tumultuous amalgamation of many things, which made this reading experience unusual, even if it wasn't always pleasant.

The Ugly
Magic isn't always a good thing.  In this case, working magic means you always have to pay a price--and, sometimes, that price is steep.

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest

Little, Brown and Company

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest
Charles de Lint
Charles Vess
2013

The Summary
"Lillian Kindred spends her days exploring the Tanglewood Forest, a magical, rolling wilderness that she imagines to be full of fairies.  The trouble is, Lillian has never seen a wisp of magic in her hills--until the day the cats of the forest save her life by transforming her into a kitten.  Now Lillian must set out on a perilous adventure that will lead her through untamed lands of fabled creatures--from Old Mother Possum to the fearsome Bear People--to find a way to make things right.

"In this whimsical, original folktale written and illustrated by two celebrated masters of modern fantasy, a young girl's journey becomes an enchanting coming-of-age story about magic, friendship, and the courage to shape one's own destiny."

The Good
After reading A Circle of Cats, I checked out The Cats of Tanglewood Forest with the encouragement of a co-worker.  I thought I would be stepping into the same old story--The Cats of Tanglewood Forest is, of course, an expansion of A Circle of Cats from it's small, short children's book to a middle-grade novel--but it's a complete reimagining of the world that Vess and de Lint created in their original book.

It was certainly worth reading, especially as I enjoyed A Circle of Cats.  I especially liked the addition of Old Mother Possum.  She was a wonderfully colorful character, and I enjoyed meeting her.  Moreover, I loved the expanded involvement of one T.H. Reynolds, who acted as guide and guardian for the young Lillian during her journey.

I don't know why, but I felt compelled to read T.H.'s dialogue aloud with an exaggerated Southern accent.  Think Colonel Sanders kind of southern or, better yet, Scarlett O'Hara kind of southern.  it was a strange thing to do, I admit, but it just felt so right.  Plus, I got a real kick out of it and I laughed my way through much of the book.

And, of course, I loved the artwork.  Charles Vess outdoes himself with The Cats of Tanglewood Forest.  He adds greater depth to the world and manages to breathe life into the characters, into the magical places to which Lillian must travel.  It's spectacularly colorful, wonderfully detailed, and utterly beautiful.  I was greatly impressed by his work, and I can't wait to find more from him.

Overall, The Cats of Tanglewood Forest was a great little adventure, and it's an excellent book for younger readers.

The Bad
Despite getting a little more insight into Lillian's odyssey through the verdant forests of Appalachia, I still didn't quite understand how her condition--that is, her being turned into a cat--became her fault?  I mean, some of it I can see and I understand why she needed to learn lessons about this dangerous, magical world; however, I'm still a irritated by some aspects of her journey.  Namely, her responsibility in it.

It bothered me, just a little.

The Ugly
Snakes.

Still snakes, but throw in the added danger of the Bear People.

A Circle of Cats

Viking

A Circle of Cats
Charles de Lint
Charles Vess
2003

The Summary
"Lillian is an orphan who lives with her aunt on a homestead miles from anyone, surrounded by uncharted forest.  She wanders the woods, chasing after squirrels and rabbits and climbing trees like a possum.  Free-spirited and independent, Lillian is a kindred soul to the many wild cats who gather around the ancient beech tree.  One day, while she is under the beech, Lillian is bitten by a poisonous snake.  The cats refuse to let her die, and use their magic to turn her into one of their own.  How she becomes a girl again is a lyrical, original folktale that begs to be read aloud.

"Set in the hill country of the author's fictional city of Newford, A Circle of Cats is the much anticipated first picture book by longtime friends Charles de Lint and Charles Vess, whose masterful art is as magical as the story."

The Good
I enjoyed reading Circle of Cats.  I picked it up on a whim, curious to see more of Charles Vess' work (I loved his illustrated edition of Stardust by Neil Gaiman), and I'm incredibly pleased with Charles Vess and Charles de Lint's book.  Quite frankly, it's like nothing I've ever read--and I liked that about it.

Yes, it's a children's book, but it's accessible for all ages.  As an adult, I appreciated the subtle nuances of culture and magic that existed in the midst of the story, and I absolutely loved the artwork.  Besides which, it's not quite what you expect from a half-fairy tale/half-folklore story about cats--or, at least, it's not quite what I expected.

Moreover, it's unexpectedly southern.

I know that sounds almost ridiculous, but I enjoyed how it pulls from southern (specifically, Appalachian culture) and draws on many of the legends, stories, and fables of the area.  It lends magic to the real world, appreciating both the history and culture of Appalachia while simultaneously providing a compelling odyssey.

Although I liked Lillian as a character and I loved the charming legends surrounding the Father of Cats and the Apple Tree Man, I adored Vess' illustrations.  The art is absolutely beautiful, a unique blend of reality and imagination that's sure to impress.  I especially loved the greenery of the background and the mountains in the distance, the rustic charm of the landscape and characters, the almost cozy feeling that proliferates the pages.

It has a touch of something that makes it feel like home to me, and it makes me see that world with new eyes.  Honestly, that's probably one of the biggest draws for me with Circle of Cats and I highly recommend it to young readers and their parents, even if you're not the biggest fan of cats.

The Bad
Occasionally, I found Lillian's journey to be unfair.  I mean, she didn't ask to be turned into a cat--and yet she still had to pay the price?

No, I found that injustice rather hard to swallow.

The Ugly
Snakes.

Snakes, curses, and dangerous journeys.

Happy New Year: Read Harder Challenge 2016

Since I completed my Read Harder Challenge of 2016 and filled in all the categories recommended by BookRiot, I created some of my own unique categories.  As part of my continued challenge, I've decided to:

1. Read a book by or about a librarian (or about a library)
2. Read a medical book (fiction or nonfiction)
3. Listen to an audiobook romance
4. Read a brand new, recently published book (anything from 2016)
5. Read a spin-off from a classic novel and/or fairy tale
6. Read a book about cake (fiction or nonfiction)
7. Read a fantasy book featuring dragons

Gotham Books

I thought it might prove fun to dive into some new books I might not otherwise find.  Some are based on recommendations from co-workers, while others are based on books from my TBR pile--and still others are just ideas that seemed like fun.  And with the countdown to the New Year on, I can't wait to tell you all about the books I've read, starting with a book by (and about) a librarian:  The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne.

If you've never read Josh Hanagarne I highly recommend his memoir.  It's funny, it's candid, it's insightful, and, ultimately, it's uplifting.  Although Hanagarne does discuss religion, his main focus is his family, his battle with Tourette's, his struggles with infertility, and his general love of the library and all things literary.  It's enjoyable to see his passion for his family, his books, and his weightlifting come to the forefront as he learns to balance all the different aspects of his life.  Overall, it's a pretty great read.

Next, I read (or, rather, listened to) a medical book--a historical medical drama, fyi--by Tessa Harris:  The Anatomist's Apprentice.  Narrated by  Simon Vance, The Anatomist's Apprentice was an interesting deviation from my usual reading material.  Thomas Silkstone is a young anatomist from Philadelphia who finds himself in England about the time of the Revolutionary War, caught in the midst of a medical mystery...and a murder  It's dark, rather macabre, but it's ultimately fascinating with the sheer depth of detail and history included.  I enjoyed my time in Silkstone's world, and I found myself quickly gravitating to book number two, The Dead Shall Not Rest.

Bantam

As for listening to an audiobook romance, I decided to check out more by Sarah Addison Allen and picked up The Peach Keeper.  Now, let me give you a warning, I have read almost everything by Allen, except Lost Lake (that one is currently in my TBR), and I have loved almost everything she's written.  The Peach Keeper was no different.  I loved the characters and the complexity of their histories; I loved the little hints of every day magic she weaves into her novels; I even loved the ghost story, which is saying something, as I am not a fan of ghosts.  It was a wonderful visit back to her world, and it was so much fun recognizing an old friend.

I also picked up a brand new book just published this year, a little novel by J. Ryan Stradal called Kitchens of the Great Midwest.  Another audiobook, I know, but it was just as rewarding as any other.  Although it follows a myriad of characters, it focuses on Eva Thorvald and her life as she grows into her own--and all the foods that influenced her in the process.  That's really the simplified version; Kitchens of the Great Midwest is much more complex, much more nuanced than I make it out to be.  It's a recurring cast of characters centered around Eva, but it's quite unlike anything I've ever read.  It's wonderful, and I absolutely adored the narrators, Amy Ryan and Michael Stuhlbarg.

G.P. Putnam & Sons

Speaking of new books, I also discovered Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye, which fit nicely into my category for a spin-off novel based on a classic work or a fairy tale.  There were several options for this particular category, but I decided on Jane Steele because Jane Eyre.  I love Jane Eyre (as is probably apparent here), and I loved having the opportunity to reimagine her story not as the quiet, resolute girl who refused to give ground to anyone or relinquish her personal beliefs, but as the sharp, deadly woman with no qualms whatsoever of killing if it means protecting herself and her own.  It's fascinating the contrasts, and I came to love Jane Steele equally for her unwavering commitment to being bad.  It's a rousing good time.

Next, I decided to keep my love of food alive with a book about cake and sisterhood:  The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale.  While I will admit that I liked Garden Spells and The Glass Kitchen better, I enjoyed reading McHale's debut novel--and I absolutely loved getting to know her characters.  I liked Carrigan and I liked Ella Rae for their bravery, sass, and sheer stubborness, but I adored Laine.  She's the impetus of the story, the reason for it all, and, like Carrigan and Ella Rae, I felt an unexpected affection and wonderful kinship with her.  I enjoyed reading their story more than I thought I would.  For a debut novel, The Secret to Hummingbird Cake was pretty great.

Little, Brown Books for
Young Readers

Last but not least, I read a fantasy book featuring dragons with How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell.  I picked Cowell's novel up because I fell in love with the movie of the same name; however, I was a little disappointed.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading How to Train Your Dragon.  It's fun, it's inventive, and it's a great series for young readers (I especially liked the Hairy Scary Librarian), but, unfortunately, it's not what I expected.  I made the critical mistake of judging the book in comparison to the movie--and they're two very different creatures.  How to Train Your Dragon the book is very different from How to Train Your Dragon the movie, and it's best not to go into either one with the same expectations.

Unfinished, Six

Bantam

I didn't get very far with Them Bones by Carolyn Haines.  I picked it up as an ebook and started reading it on my tablet, but I couldn't stay with the story.  It intrigued me, I won't deny, but I couldn't seem to invest myself in the plot or even enjoy the characters.  For some reason, it just didn't seem right for me and, honestly, I didn't feel like trying to force myself to fall for a book that obviously wasn't for me.

I don't think I even managed to make it past the first chapter, so I don't have much to say about it.

-

I am an avid reader of Jana DeLeon.  I've read almost everything written in the Miss Fortune Mystery series (which includes Louisiana Longshot, Lethal Bayou Beauty, Swamp Sniper, Swamp Team 3, Gator Bait, Soldiers of Fortune, and Hurricane Force) and a handful of other novels; however, I think I'm finished with Fortune Redding.  At least, for the time being.

Jana DeLeon

I tried to read Fortune Hunter, but after binge reading the Miss Fortune Mystery series, I can't say I was excited to return.  Fortune Hunter, like it's predecessors, is good, mindless fun.  It's a thrill-a-minute joy ride that takes you across the bayous of Louisiana at breakneck speed and it doesn't stop.  It's hilarious, it's fun, and it's packed with interesting--I'm being diplomatic here--characters.

Honestly, I had fun with Louisiana Longshot and I really enjoyed Gator Bait (it's probably my favorite), but I just can't take more of the sheer absurdity.  It's fun and it's funny, but, after a certain point, I just need a break from the insanity of Gertie, Ida Belle, and danger-prone Fortune Redding.

I might come back to the series one day.  For now, I just need some distance--and, maybe, an infusion of something more series.  Like Tolkien.  Or Tolstoy.

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Feiwel & Friends

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente was an interesting book.  September, a very ordinary girl living in Omaha, Nebraska, finds herself transported to a mythical fairy world and throw into a not-so-ordinary adventure.  As I read the book jacket, it struck me as a fascinating story, especially when I heard about the villainous Marquess and the book-loving Wyvern and an array of strange, delightful creatures and characters, like the Green Wind.  I was uncommonly excited to read Valente's novel.

And then, suddenly, I wasn't.

I don't know if it just wasn't the right time for me to read The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making or if I was simply distracted by all the other novels I had in my TBR.  Regardless, I couldn't disappear into the world of Fairy, like September does, and I didn't find myself enchanted by the wondrous things she saw.  I couldn't stay committed to the story, so I simply put it aside to read another day.

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I started Perfume:  The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind with every intention of finishing it; however, it turned into a bit of a nonstarter, like Them Bones.  I didn't get very deep into Perfume, before I put it aside, but, honestly, I don't know why I did.  I mean, yes, it's a bit grisly at the beginning (and I don't imagine it gets any better), but, for some reason, I thought it had the most beautiful language.

That is, the most beautiful language considering it's about the makings of a homicidal maniac.

Penguin

If I hadn't had such a massive TBR (and another book on the back burner that I really wanted to finish) and if I hadn't had a due date, I might have spent a little more time getting to know Perfume.  Something about it enchanted me, something about the language and the dismal streets of eighteenth century Paris that had me hooked; however, I made the mistake of putting it down...and I didn't pick it back up.

It's a bit like Game of Thrones in that respect.  It's wonderfully detailed, it's fascinating, it's well-written, but I just can't seem to keep my attention focused on more than one book at a time.  One always ends up suffering.  In this case, it was Perfume.

I will note that I have every intention of finding Süskind's novel once more, after I finish reading I Am Malala and Julie and Julia and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry...among others.

He's So Not Worth It

Simon & Schuster

He's So Not Worth It
Kieran Scott
2011

The Summary
"After her spectacular crash and burn return to Orchard Hill, Ally Ryan could not be more thrilled for the summer.

"But crap.  Mom wants to spend the summer on the Jersey Shore with her new boyfriend, and formerly MIA Dad is suddenly back on the scene, ready to have some quality time together.  And, oh, yeah, she hates all her old friends, and the feeling is mutual.  Maybe it's time for Ally to meet some new people.

"Meanwhile, Jake is preoccupied with trying to get Ally's attention after the disaster at Shannen's birthday party.  Too bad the only way to get back on her radar is to take a Mom-ordered summer job working for her father.  So it looks like no Shore with his friends and, unfortunately, no time with Ally, either.

"Maybe their time apart will be a good thing and give them a chance to sort out their feelings.  Or, it will blow up in their faces and they'll find themselves farther apart than before.  Labor Day can't come soon enough."

The Good
Somehow, this book hooked me--and I can't really understand why.  I mean, don't get me wrong, Scott is a decent writer and she creates believable characters facing life-like tragedies, challenges, etc. and her novel is strangely compelling.  However, He's So Not Worth It isn't really my style, and it's definitely not something I expected to plow through in a couple of days.

Several things are happening all at once in this book:  relationships being formed, relationships being torn asunder, friends and family and acquaintances shuffling around like a deck of cards.  It rather reminds me of a soap opera--or a train wreck--because you can't seem to look way from the ensuing carnage.  I stayed with it until the end, which, confidentially, surprised me.

Annie was probably the best part of the book.  Her mad cap adventures across the city in pursuit of Crestie gossip borders on obsessive, but her field notes were so fun and relatable that I couldn't help enjoying her eccentricities.  She, like the reader, is strangely drawn into the world of the Cresties and she's great for giving readers a bigger piece of the story.

The Bad
Teenagers.

The Ugly
I must admit that I hated pretty much everyone in this novel.  Literally, everyone.  I just don't understand the culture that Ally finds herself thrust back into, I don't understand the world of the Cresties--or the locals who live at the LBI (the Jersey Shore, a location which, honestly, does not entice me in the least)--or how they can live the way they do.

For the most part, it's infuriating.  I can see why Annie pretty much has a blanket rule to hate all Cresties on sight.  It makes total sense after reading this book.

Maybe, I missed something.  Maybe, I'm seeing too much of the story through the eyes of Ally who has found herself ostracized from this decadent, rich world of the Cresties and recognizes her peers for who they are, sometimes even calling them out on what they do.  Maybe, I just don't understand these crazy people.

Regardless, I did not like them.

I mean, so many of Ally's peers are just horrible people.  Even Jake is a self-involved tool who needs a reality check and (I hope) a kick in the backside, and he's one of the good ones.  You have people like Shannen who doesn't care what kind of havoc she wreaks, so long as she gets what she wants.  I understand she's going through a tough time with her parents' divorce, but that doesn't give her the right to unleash a veritable Armageddon on other people's (namely, Ally's) lives.

You have Hammond who needs to take a chill pill and realize that his girlfriend--his ex-girlfriend--is going to stay mad at him, because he kissed another girl and found himself actively attracted to another person when he was still in a relationship.  Jake who can't grasp the concept of what it means to have responsibilities, who can't understand why Ally is so angry at him for keeping a huge secret from her (and, simultaneously, breaking her heart).  Cooper who needs serious psychiatric counseling for his alcoholism and his volatile relationship with his mother, which causes fallout to rain down on everyone.

That's just the tip of the iceberg.  I'm not even including the parents.

And, while I liked Ally, even she managed to fall into a self-destructive spiral that nearly ruined her relationship with her mother, her father, her best friend, and pretty much everyone she cares about.  She has a good head on her shoulders and I can see why she has a problem dealing with her father's abandonment and his sudden return, her parents' arguments that ultimately dissolve into venomous vocal sparring matches, and her mother's unexpected relationship with a new man whom Ally doesn't like.  It makes sense why she's having problems, but she has these moments where I can't help thinking, "What is wrong with you?"

I just don't understand their world.  I don't get their drama, or why things have to spiral so far out of control before people stop, step back and think, "Huh?  Maybe I shouldn't do that anymore."  I get it, they're teenagers, but do they have to be so very, very stupid?  These are kids who have their whole lives ahead of them, they have the world at their fingertips because of the wealth and prestige of their families.  They literally can do anything they want with their lives--and they're out drinking on the beach, screwing around, ruining their own and other people's lives.

I just don't get it.

Honestly, it all made me kind of sick and I can't say I left this novel with a satisfied feeling.

East

Harcourt

East
Edith Pattou
2003

The Summary
"Rose is the youngest of seven children, meant to replace her dead sister.

"Maybe because of that, she's never really fit in.  She's always felt different, out of place, a restless wanderer in a family of homebodies.  So when an enormous white bear mysteriously shows up and asks her to come away with it--in exchange for health and prosperity for her ailing family--she readily agrees.

"Rose travels on the bears broad back to a distant and empty castle, where she is nightly joined by a mysterious stranger.  In discovering his identity, she loses her heart--and finds her purpose--and realizes her journey has only just begun.

"As familiar and moving as Beauty and the Beast, yet as fresh and original as only the best fantasy can be, East is a bold retelling of the classic tale, 'East of the Sun and West of the Moon,' a sweeping story of grand proportions."

The Good
East is a curious story that pulls directly from the Norwegian fairy tale, "East of the Sun and West of the Moon," but it seems to draw on everything from history, Beauty and the Beast, Greek mythology--and much more.  It's intriguing and fascinating and strangely beautiful.  Truthfully, it's quickly become one of my favorite books for young readers.

I loved the imagery of East, especially when Rose weaves her stories.  Don't get me wrong, I liked reading Neddy's and their father's narratives, because they both offered insight into Rose's personality as a child and gave some perspective to her unexpected journey.  However, I enjoyed Rose's narrative best because she had a way of looking at the world that impressed upon me the beauty of the far north, a way of chronicling sensations and thoughts that allowed me to better envision her adventure.

She loved to see the world, and she loved beautiful things in nature.  She knew how to capture and convey their appearance, their subtle ferocity and their ethereal beauty, which I absolutely loved.  She weaves a beautiful story, literally and figuratively.  Rose creates beautiful works of art in the cloth she makes, the tapestry she weaves, and she has a similar talent for stringing together words to create a narrative that's both evocative and fascinating.

I loved it.

I also loved its originality.  Yes, I realize it pulls directly from "East of the Sun and West of the Moon"; however, Pattou manages to give the story an added depth by crafting complex characters and expanding upon the goblin myth.  Moreover, I liked that she pulled from all sorts of European myths, drawing out aspects of Beauty and the Beast (an originally French fairy tale) and the story of Cupid and Psyche.  It was interesting to see all these different influences come together.

East was a wonderful book.  I was pleased by the pacing, the imagery, the complexity and depth of the story, the variety of characters.  It had all the best qualities in a book, and I loved it almost immediately.

The Bad
Pattou manages to convey a sense of elapsing time.  Many months pass as Rose sets out with the White Bear, and many more months pass as she journeys to a place "east of the sun, west of the moon" to free him from the clutches of the wicked Troll Queen.  It makes for a rather long book, but, at least, the pacing is spot on and the story merely feels like a natural progression of the narrative.

The Ugly
Superstition and curses.

It can only lead to tragedy.

Dovey Coe

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Dovey Coe
Frances O'Roark Dowell
2000

The Summary
"'My name is Dovey Coe and I reckon it don't matter if you like me or not.  I'm here to lay the record straight, to let you know them folks saying I done a terrible thing are liars.  I aim to prove it, too.  I hated Parnell Caraway as much as the next person, but I didn't kill him.'

"Dovey Coe says what's on her mind, so it's no secret that she can't stand Parnell Caraway.  Parnell may be the son of the richest man in town, but he's mean and snobby, and Dovey can't stand the fact that he's courting her sister, Caroline, or the way he treats her brother, Amos, as if he were stupid just because he can't hear.

"So when Parnell turns up dead, and Dovey's in the room where his body is discovered, she soon finds herself on trial for murder.  Can the outspoken Dovey sit still and trust a city slicker lawyer who's still wet behind the ears to get her out of the biggest mess of her life?"

The Good
Dovey Coe was an unexpectedly interesting and engaging piece of children's literature.  Featuring a tough, no-nonsense narrator and a story littered with hints of rural Appalachia, Frances O'Roark Dowell's novel is a fascinating little story about a young girl faced with a very big problem:  everyone believes she murdered Parnell Caraway.

Naturally, she didn't.  (Not that I would have minded.  Parnell was a cruel man who had designs on Dovey's sister and, eventually, Dovey whom Parnell blamed when Caroline wouldn't return his affections, and I grew to distrust him as much as Dovey did.  For good reason, too.)

In some way, Dovey Coe reminded me of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.  I mean, for one, you have a rambunctious female narrator, a convoluted court case, and a lawyer with a heart of gold (looking at you Atticus).  It's interesting to see the parallels and, while it's certainly not as ground-breaking as Lee's novel, it strikes much the same tone, using a familiar Southern dialect to convey the language quirks of the region.  It makes me think of Scout Finch and Huck Finn, which I enjoyed.

Plus, I liked that Dowell didn't succumb to the usual tropes when portraying Appalachia as riddled with illiterate hillbillies.  (Deliverance, anyone?)  I know the history of the region, I'm intimately familiar with it, so I was relieved when the author reflected the history, culture, and dialect of the region without poking fun or ridiculing.  I thought she did a wonderful job of portraying the mountain communities of the early 20th century, and she does a wonderful job of depicting Dovey.

The Bad
The conclusion seemed to wrap up rather quickly.  That might seem like an odd complaint, but I think it's a valid one.  You see, Dovey Coe took quite a while to build up to the trial.  It gave plenty of background information on Parnell and Dovey and their families, it gave context to the community and the rivalry between the Coe and Caraway families; more to the point, it showed the circumstances that lead to the final, fatal conflict.

But the trial seemed to last no time at all.

In the aftermath Dovey's trial, readers learn the truth behind Parnell's death, which doesn't take more than a couple of chapters.  I was surprised and a little disappointed by the sudden--and startlingly quick--wrap up after I spent chapters and chapters (literally) learning about Dovey and Parnell and Caroline and everyone else.  The ending seemed almost anticlimactic by comparison.

The Ugly
Parnell really was a piece of work.  It's terrible to see his unbridled cruelty inflicted on others.

The Fox and the Star

Penguin Books

The Fox and the Star
Coralie Bickford-Smith
2015

The Summary
"The Fox and the Star is the story of a friendship between a lonely Fox and the Star who guides him through the frightfully dark forest.  Illuminated by Star's rays, Fox forages for food, runs with the rabbits, and dances in the rain--until Star suddenly goes out and life changes, leaving Fox huddling for warmth in the unfamiliar dark.  To find his missing Star, Fox must embark on a wondrous journey beyond the world he knows--a journey lit by courage, newfound friends, and just maybe, a star-filled new sky.

"Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the art of William Blake, The Fox and the Star is a heartwarming, hopeful tale which comes alive through Bickford-Smith's beloved illustrations, guiding readers both young and grown to 'look up beyond your ears.'"

The Good
The Fox and the Star is a short, sweet and incredibly beautiful children's book.  I stumbled across it by accident, spying the cover on a recommendation list or, maybe, somewhere on one of the many bookish websites I inhabit.  Anyway, I read it simply because I fell in love with the cover.  I mean, I loved the dark background highlighted with twisting, spiraling vines--and I couldn't pass up a book about a fox.

Admittedly, I thought it might be a young readers novel--like something in the realm of Louis Sachar, or Cressida Cowell--but I discovered it's actually a children's book, an illustrated story that lasts, at most, 30 pages.  However, I can't say I wasn't pleased with The Fox and the Star.  It's a wonderful little story that I'm sure will appeal to young children and, maybe, their parents.

I loved the illustrations.  I loved Fox and his bright orange fur; I loved the dark, quiet forest with its vines and its rabbit dens; I loved the sky of stars.  And I absolutely loved reading the phrase, "Look up beyond your ears."  It had a quality to it, a strange and scintillating illustration that appealed to me more than I expected.

Altogether, The Fox and the Star is wonderfully drawn fable that feels different from the usual ones I've stumbled across in children's literature.  More importantly, it combines a creative story with fantastic illustration to create a magical book.

The Bad
As I pointed out, The Fox and the Star is a children's book.  It's maybe 30 pages--35 pages, at the most--and it's not very complex.  There's not much depth there, if that's what you happen to be looking for.

Like I said, it's for kids.  It's a much simpler story with a much simpler format.

The Ugly
It's a children's book.  There's absolutely nothing to report that might even be misconstrued as crude or explicit or "bad."

No scandalous behavior, no explicit material or foul language, no terrifying images or mature themes.  There's nothing there that might make a reader feel uncomfortable.

Except the beetles.  For some reason, those things gave me the creeps.

George

Scholastic Press

George
Alex Gino
2015

The Summary
"When people look at George, they think they see a boy.  But she knows she's not a boy.  She knows she's a girl.

"George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever.  Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web.  George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte.  But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part...because she's a boy.

"With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan.  Not just so she can be Charlotte--but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all."

The Good
I read George as part of my Read Harder Challenge of 2016 and I found I really enjoyed reading Alex Gino's novel.  More than I thought I would, admittedly.  It's a sweet little story about George, a boy who would rather be a girl, and his struggle to find acceptance when he reveals to his family--and the rest of his school--the truth about his gender identity.

George is actually a novel for younger readers, so I think Gino's novel reflects the audience age; however, I think it's accessible to a wide variety of readers.  I'll admit, I was a little hesitant to read Gino's novel, because I had my own preconceived notions with which to contend, as well as other doubts that occasionally plagued me in considering this novel.  Given the debate in the media over which bathrooms transgender individuals should and shouldn't use, I really didn't want to read a book that was full of ugly prejudices or a novel that would dwell upon hurtful things.

I was afraid to read a depressing novel.

Luckily, I didn't.  George is surprisingly upbeat, and I found it was rather fun to follow his journey from George to Charlotte, how he managed to fulfill the slogan on the back cover:  "Be Who You Are."  It has a positive message, and it's appealing because it doesn't get bogged down by hateful language; rather, it focuses on George's journey and her success in embracing her own identity.

One of the things I noticed about this book was how George, who did not describe or identify himself as a boy, is consistently referenced with feminine pronouns.  I thought it was a nice touch, because it seemed to make an impact, seemed to impart the importance of a person who is transgender to identify with the gender they choose.  It's an intriguing and eye-opening concept that, I thought, adequately conveyed some of the struggles the George encounters.

Overall, I thought it was a wonderful book that illustrates the struggles of a transgender girl.

The Bad
Although I think George is accessible to readers of all ages (and genders), it's a novel that's likely to appeal to a younger audience.  The language, tone, and story reflect the age of the reader and the age of George.  While I know that may not be appealing to all readers, I didn't find it to be much of a deterrent when I jumped into the story.

Honestly, I couldn't put it down once I picked it up.

The Ugly
Bullying.

I couldn't help feeling sorry for poor George and all the ridicule, derision, and cruelty he had to endure from a couple of his classmates.  It was heartbreaking.

Ms. Marvel: No Normal (Volume 1)

Marvel NOW!

Ms. Marvel:  No Normal (Volume 1)
G. Willow Wilson
Adrian Alphona
2014

The Summary
"Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City--until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts.  But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel?  Teenager?  Muslim?  Inhuman?  Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm!  When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she also unlocks a secret behind them.  Is Kamala ready to wield this immense gifts?  Or will the weight of the legacy before her prove too much to bear?  Kamala has no idea, either.  But she's comin' for you, Jersey!  It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona (Runaways)!

The Good
I enjoyed reading Ms. Marvel.  I liked the new spin on a favorite character, and I like that Marvel is adding new faces to the lineup.  Yes, it's that element of diversity that's intriguing, but it's also the fact that Kamala offers a glimpse into a different culture that's not often highlighted in modern media or literature.  She's a great character, and she's appealing for all her faults and struggles as a teenager.

Moreover, it's a fun story.  Kamala is just learning how to control her powers.  She faces certain dangers, of course, but she's still learning in the driver's seat as she learns to recognize her own strengths and weaknesses--and, more importantly, recognize herself.  She doesn't just develop as a superhero, she develops as a human being.  She's trying to find herself and balance her teenage secret identity, as well as her parents' culture and religion.

It's a complex dynamic that Wilson and Alphona manage to pull off with surprising grace and dexterity.  They manage to keep the development quick, offering new adventures and dangers, while meshing together the art style and characters.  They do an excellent job of propelling the story forward, keeping it interesting for readers.

Overall, it's an excellent start to a brand-new series--and it's a great place to start if you're a fan of comics or if you'd like to dip your toes into the modern Marvel world.

The Bad
I'm still not a fan of Inhumans.  It seems like an awfully convenient replacement for the X-Men, and it just doesn't feel quite right.  I think it's strange that no one knew about the latent, Inhuman DNA, and I don't care much for the Inhuman story arc in Ms. Marvel.

It just doesn't hold my attention for some reason.

The Ugly
Adolescence.

Puberty is hard enough without having to contend with the dangers of a Terrigen bomb or fledgling superpowers.

How to Train Your Dragon

Little, Brown

How to Train Your Dragon
Cressida Cowell
2003

The Summary
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a truly extraordinary Viking hero known throughout Vikingdom as "the Dragon Whisperer"...but it wasn't always so.  Travel back to the days when the mighty warrior was just a boy, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans.  Can Hiccup capture a dragon and train it without being torn limb from limb?  Join the adventures as the small boy finds a better way to train his dragon and becomes a hero!"

The Good
How to Train Your Dragon is an excellent book.  It's fun and original and, for a kid of a certain age, it's an awesome book.  It's geared for a younger audience, which is obvious in the writing, but it's still appealing for its silly sense of humor and it's originality.

I really liked the diversity of dragons.  Like the movie of the same title, How to Train Your Dragon has a fantastic variety of dragons with unique skills and traits.  You have dragons that fly and dragons that swim or stomp around; you have dragons the size of a small fruit, and dragons the size of mountains; you have dragons that breath fire, dragons that spit poison, and dragons that chew with their sizable teeth.

It's fun and exciting to see what new dragons the book will introduce next.

Otherwise, I'm afraid I don't have much to say about it, because it's such a short book.  At just a little over a hundred pages (with illustrations taking up a sizable handful of those), it's not a lengthy endeavor by any means.  It's just good, wholesome fun:  Hiccup landing into trouble as he's trying to train his dragon, Hiccup and Toothless struggling to get along, Hiccup coming up with ingenious ways to fight and train dragons.

It's a great kid's novel, and I highly recommend it.

The Bad
I loved watching How to Train Your Dragon.  I loved the diversity of the dragons, the oddball story, the funny and endearing characters.  Honestly, I was a little spoiled by the movies--and so I was a tad disappointed by the book.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great book.  I loved Hiccup, who is shy and thoughtful and nervous, and I couldn't help but enjoy the Hairy Scary Librarian.  (He only received a mention, but I was tickled at the idea.)

But I would warn those who loved the movies shouldn't go into this book with the same expectations or story in mind.  Don't judge the book by its movie, as the saying goes.

The Ugly
Bullying.

And dragons fighting to the death.

Someday Angeline

HarperCollins

Someday Angeline
Louis Sachar
1983

The Summary
"Angeline could read before she was old enough to turn the pages of a book.  She mastered the piano without a single lesson, and she's always been able to predict the weather.  To bat that, so far, being smart has caused her nothing but trouble.  Mean kids at school call her a genius freak but, someday, Angeline hopes to be just another smart and happy eight-year-old.  For Angeline, someday can't come soon enough."

The Good
I really enjoyed Someday Angeline.  It was a sweet, heart-breaking little novel that I quickly grew to love.  Yes, it is meant for younger readers; yes, it's audience age does reflect in the writing.  But it's a great book, nonetheless., because it shows readers that all people--all the "freaks" and outcasts and outsiders, like Angeline--have a place they belong.  Everyone has a place, and everyone has someone that loves them.

I loved it.

And I loved Angeline.  Smart, sweet, and knowledgeable of just about everything, Angeline is a dynamic eight-year-old with a heart of gold.  Her relationships with her father and Goon (Gary Boone) and Mr. Bone is so nice.  They get along so well, and I love seeing how they change and evolve as characters--how they grow closer.  How Angeline grows among the people she loves, the people who love her so very much.

Overall, I really enjoyed--nay, loved--reading Someday Angeline.  It's short, it's sweet, it's well-written, and it's populated by quirky, lovable characters.  It's a fantastic children's book, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes children's literature or, you know, if you have children who love to read.

Louis Sachar always seems to outdo himself when he writes.

The Bad
It is a book for children, which is reflected in the writing.  It's short and it's very simply written.  Don't get me wrong, it packs a bit of a wallop when you realize why Angeline's father kept her from going to Mitchell Beach, but it's not riddled with complex language or very mature themes.  It's appropriate for young readers.

But, at least, it's a quick read if you decide you really don't like it but still want to finish a book.

The Ugly
Bullies.

One of the worst things about school is the cruelty of other children to those considered outcasts.  Even teachers can sometimes be the enemy, because they care less about teaching their students and more about their own agenda, about being correct in the eyes of their students rather than teaching them correctly.

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

Candlewick Press

Flora & Ulysses:  The Illuminated Adventures
Kate DiCamillo
K.G. Campbell
2013

The Summary
Flora Belle Buckman is a cynic.  Ulysses is an unassuming squirrel.  That is, until he's suddenly turned into a superhero after an incident with a monstrous vacuum cleaner.

Now, gifted with incredible superpowers, Ulysses, under the tutelage of Flora, must learn how to use his new found abilities to protect the innocent and save the world.

After he finds something to eat, of course.

The Good
As I have a fondness for squirrels - and I was unexpectedly enchanted by the cover - I decided to read Flora & Ulysses:  The Illuminated Adventures, and I'm very glad I did.  It's an enjoyable little novel (albeit a little strange) with unusually quirky characters and a heart-warming story riddled with adventure and intrigue and danger.

Some part of me adores cynical, comic book-reading Flora Belle Buckman.  I loved her sense of humor and her desire to hope, her love of comics, and her fondness for sweet, heroic Ulysses.  She's such a sweet character, even when she's trying not to be, and she has such hope for little Ulysses.  And I loved that she was constantly changing, constantly learning, building and repairing relationships.

Although the other characters involved in Flora and Ulysses' adventures are unusual, I enjoyed them just as much.  William Spiver, Dr. Meescham, Mr. Buckman and Mrs. Buckman, and others, were all so strange (I might even say downright weird), but they were genuinely nice people who adapted to new circumstances and learned lessons from their mistakes - and, in the end, showed how much they cared for young Flora.

I really did enjoy Flora & Ulysses.  While it may be a children's book, it has a complexity to it that I think speaks to readers (of all ages) who have endured a parents' divorce and, more importantly, dared to hope when it seemed hopeless.

The Bad
It's a children's book, so I doubt it will appeal to all readers.  However fans of Because of Winn-Dixie, lovers of squirrels and superheroes, and younger readers may find something to enjoy in DiCamillo's novel.

The Ugly
Life can be messy.

And life, especially the life of a squirrel, can be rather brutal.