Friday, August 29, 2014

The Sandman and the War of Dreams by William Joyce, 223 pages

This is the series that the movie Rise of the Guardians featuring Jack Frost was based on. It's different from the movie (aren't they all) but it's still been a really good read, entirely enjoyable. Not your normal juvenile fiction book, because it's darker than most, but well done.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

The Secret History by Stephanie Thornton, 440 pages

I'd read an Egyptian historical fiction book by this author and saw she had also written this book. Because of how good the first books were, I decided to try another one. This book is set in sixth-century Constantinople, telling the story of a girl who rose from a plebian background, feeding her family on her back, rising to Empress. This author does a great job of writing wonderfully gripping female characters, and bringing history to life. I am eagerly awaiting her next book which will feature the women in Genghis Khan's family.

Blankets by Craig Thompson, 582 pages

This is one of the biggest graphic novels I've picked up, but it was a wonderful read. It follows a young man growing up in a small town, fighting against bullies and small-mindedness, while trying to reconcile his love of art and his love of God. Small town religion does not encourage those who are different, so it was not an easy ride. The artwork was superb and the storyline rang true. I especially loved the part about encountering popularity at church camp, I felt like so much of this story was my childhood. I'm almost afraid to pick up anything else by this author/cartoonist because I don't know if it would measure up. I think Lisa would love this book.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Monday, August 25, 2014

Traveling With Pomegranates by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor, 282 pages

Our Readers Without Borders August book. A mother/daughter look at women's changing roles as we age, from maiden, mother, crone and dealing with those changes. Not bad, not great.

SVU Broken Promises, Shattered Dreams by Laurie John, 232 pages

I'm another book closer to finishing this series. I may buckle down and try to get it done before the end of the year.

A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King, 353 pages

I'd forgotten how much I really enjoyed this series.

Runaways: True Believers, 160 pages

Samantha and I are totally hooked on this series. Very dark and teens against adults.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

The Answer by Mike Norton & Dennis Hopeless, 120 pages

Very twisted superhero graphic novel featuring a super smart librarian.

Working Stiff by Judy Melinek & T.J. Mitchell, 258 pages

A behind the scenes look at what is involved in becoming a medical examiner. I'm a fan of forensic science mysteries so it was interesting to get another viewpoint.

Runaways: Escape to New York, 168 pages

The 5th book in the series. While I'm not a Marvel fan, this has been a great series.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Rover by Mel Odom, 400 pages

This is an old favorite I had to pick back up. Picture Lord of the Rings with a short librarian.

Writers Between the Covers by Shannon McKenna Schmidt & Joni Rendon, 286 pages

Came across this in the new nonfiction section. It covers the scandalous romantic lives of legendary literary casanovas, coquettes and cads. Some of the authors weren't ones I read, but there were quite a few I enjoyed. Plus, it was interesting to read about their passions and affairs of the heart. Chapters were short, with interesting tidbits in between to keep it lively.

Monday, August 18, 2014

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King, 347 pages

I love this Sherlock Holmes homage series. Holmes has basically retired and comes across a young woman with a mind as sharp as his. I'd reread the first chapter somewhere and had to pick this book back up. A must read for Sherlock fans.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Book Clubbed by Lorna Barrett, 308 pages

I really want to go check out this town filled with book stores, except for the fact that there seems to be a lot of dead bodies.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

The Hardy Boys, Identity Theft by Scott Lobdell & Daniel Rendon, 88 pages

This was coming off the hold shelf and for some reason caught my eye. All I can say is this is 20 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Timmy Failure: Now Look What You've Done by Stephan Pastis, 275 pages

Stephan Pastis is the creator of Pearls Before Swine which means I'll read anything he writes. Not your normal juvenile fiction, but lots of fun and slightly twisted.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014