Numerous things...

Okay, yes, feel free to call me a slacker!  I have been super lazy about the blog.  And no, there is no one else to blame but myself.  And the lack of internet at my home.  But anyway...down to business....

1. Amazon put out a list of the best Middle School Books.  Publisher's Weekly also did this, but their list seemed a little lame to me.  No offense to the books or their creators, but I think that there were better titles to choose.  Amazon also did a Teen list, but I don't know exactly where they got their info on that one, but most of those have not been popular titles among teen readers.  Oh well, but here are links to the Middle School Age Books.

2. "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss will be made into a movie.  And below is the link for the trailer!

The Lorax Trailer

3. I have been following the National Book Award debacle from the beginning with poor Lauren Myracle caught in the middle.  If you would like to know the full story about what happened why her book should have won, but was later asked not to participate, I have a story written by Myracle posted below.

Lauren Myracle's Article

And that is all for the time being.  I do have several books to update into to the blog.  Plan is to sit down and get them all punched out soon enough!  Until there dear literary friends!!

The Hunger Games Movie

Okay, I've put it off long enough.  I DO NOT like the actors they have chosen for the Hunger Games movie.  I had just high expectations for this movie when it first was announced.  I loved the books so much and I really wanted them to do justice to the movie.  But with the cast, I don't think that it'll happen.  I do have preferences for the actors and actresses I would have liked to see in the roles.  It's a moot point now, but I'll still post it anyway.  Feel free to agree or disagree! (Also, my TOP picks will have a picture)

Katniss Everdeen - The main character of the series.  As told from her perspective, she has the most important role of defying the standards set by the Capital.  I pick:

• Kaya Scolendario
• Hannah Marks
• Caitlin Stasey

Peeta Mellark - The boy that has loved Katniss from afar and would do anything for her and to keep her safe.  I pick:

• Benjamin Stone
• Tony Oller

Gale Hawthorne- Katniss' best friend and hunting partner.  While he seems to like Katniss he never openly admits it to her.  Quiet when he needs to be, brash and somewhat of a lady's man.  He is also a leader in taking down the Capital.  I pick:

• Drew Roy
• Keegan Allen

Primrose Everdeen - Katniss' little sister.  She takes  her place during the Reaping and is everything to Katniss.  She is quiet and like her mother, she likes to try and help.  She is the only person that Katniss truly loves.  I pick:

• Ella Fanning
• Ava Phillippe 

Haymitch Abernathy - The previous living winner of the Hunger Games and the mentor for Katniss and Peeta.  He is constantly drunk, harsh and very comical.  He becomes an important player in the revolt against the Capital.  I pick:

• Philip Seymour Hoffman
• Jeffery Dean Morgan

Effie Trinket - The Capital chaperon who escorts Peeta and Katniss everywhere during the games.  She is described as having pink hair, high-pitched voice and all about manners and presentation.  She is prominent in the first two books and absent from a majority of the third for being a supporter of the revolt.  I only have one pick and she is the only one I will ever accept!  I pick:

• Kristin Chenoweth 

Cinna - Katniss' stylist for the first two games and a trust friend.  He has created the elaborate designs that help to spark the idea that there could be freedom from the Capital. 

• Hugh Dancy
• Cam Gigandet

Caesar Flickerman - The interviewer of the tributes who gets to know them and tries to connect the audience with each tribute.  He is fairly dramatic and seems a bit over the top.  And I will say that I LOVE Stanley Tucci for the role.  And to be honest, I think that either one of my picks would be perfect.  But he was also tied with:

• James Marsden

Feel free to start making comments!

Book-To-Movie News

While I have not had the chance to actually read the book (the premise seems rather depressing and I've filled my quota on depressing books this year already), everyone who has read it said that it was extremely touching, sad and thoughtful.  So I'm interesting to see exactly how they are going to play this out in a movie.  I'm also interesting in seeing Selena Gomez in the role.  She doesn't seem as though it would be a typical part for her, so this should be a new turn for her.

13 Reasons Why movie

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.
Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.
He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.
When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom's room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose
Both children risk everything to find what's missing. 
(Note: this description was copied from the hardcover description of Wonderstruck written by  Brian Selznick and published by Scholastic Press in 2011.  No copyright infringement was intended).

Amazing. Touching. Wonderful. Inspiring.
I don't know what else I can say about this book. It was truly phenomenal! When I heard that Brian Selznick was coming out with another book similar to "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" I was super excited! First of all, there are really two stories going on in this book. One in words and the other in pictures. In the end, they manage to come together. And all the while, you know that they are related somehow...you just haven't figured out exactly how. Once again, the artwork is amazing. And the story is very interesting. You almost instantly fall in love with the characters and have genuine concern for them as the story progresses. The book ends on an open, but happy and peaceful note. You don't get a solid resolution, but in that moment everything is simply great. I highly recommend this book! It's interesting, captivating and a pretty quick read (even if it is over 600 pages). Just go read it. Right now. What are you waiting for?! Go!

The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau

This book was actually very good. I was surprised because it's suppose to be a prequel and most of the time, that doesn't go well for the series. It was nice to see how in the end the story actually came together and made a little sense. How the past managed to connect to what is currently happening in the books. I do wish that it would have gone into more detail about what actually happened with the Disasters, yet it only describes the events leading up to it. Overall, the story was really ...mor
Set several years before the events in the first two "Ember" books, this story focuses on a young girl who travels to Yonwood, NC during a very unstable time. The world is verging on war and terrorist from both sides are everywhere.  In Yonwood, NC a woman named Althea Towers has a vision of destruction and the world ending. She stuck in an awake comatose state where she mumbles random things.  The people of the town believe that she is uttering instructions to keep the town from being destroyed.  So everyone, seems to do everything that she says.  Nikki comes from Philadelphia and is helping her aunt restore and sell her great-great uncle's (I can't recall exactly how he is related) old house.  During this time, the "instruction" from the prophet are starting to become more and more absurd.  Or more and more misunderstood. 

This book was actually very good.  It's currently the third in the "Ember" series. I was surprised because it's suppose to be a prequel and most of the time, that doesn't go well for the series. It was nice to see how in the end the story actually came together and made a little sense. How the past managed to connect to what is currently happening in the books. I do wish that it would have gone into more detail about what actually happened with the Disasters, yet it only describes the events leading up to it. I wouldn't say that the story deals directly with the previous two books, but does indirectly.  Overall, the story was really good, characters very well developed and I really enjoyed it.

The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau

The "People of Sparks" picks up right where the "City of Ember" left off.  Most of the city has left their underground home and now are out in an strange and unfamiliar world.  They do not know what many of the things and items are.  The people walk for days until they stumble upon a city called Sparks.  They are treated with concern at first, but more and more, both sides are getting restless.  The people of Sparks want the new visitors to leave..regardless of if they know how to take care of themselves or not.  The people of Ember want help and assistance, even though the town can feel free to say no.  Then a series of hateful events happen that lead to the ultimate stalemate.  

I really liked this one! It was very interesting to see how the people of Ember have to try and deal with life outside of the city. The plot was interesting and the characters were interesting. I found it odd that most of the characters that I did not like were from Sparks. I did not like Torren or most of the leaders from Sparks. I found it a bit odd that most of them came off as jerks. I also found it odd that the people of Ember felt as though the the people of Sparks HAD to help them. It wasn't an option. They were being hospitable and it kind of felt like they were taking advantage of them. I think the point is to see that no matter each group of people have their faults.  It's just about how you deal with them.  Over all the story was good and it had a good plot and resolution.

Posting hiatus

Sorry that I have been on a slight posting hiatus.  I am currently up to my ears in good books. The only problem...they are REALLY long!!!  I'm reading three books at the same time and all three are over 500 pages. I did read a fairly short book a couple of weeks ago.  However, it was so disappointing that I didn't deem it worthy of post.  BUT FEAR NOT!!  I am over half way finished with two of the three books at have a full list (approximately 45 books) that are still in need of reading and another 15 that are need of blogging about.  Right now, work is a little hectic...from both jobs!  But hopefully, within the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting at least once a week.  And yes, I will be doing a Hunger Games post about the movie and what I think very soon!

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Sophie and Josh are twins who are staying with their aunt in San Francisco for the summer.  When Josh takes a job working at the bookstore owned by Nick Fleming and Sophie gets a job across the street, they think that things will be perfect.  That is until a very evil John Dee shows up and has an epic wizard battle with Nick...who turns out to be Nicholas Flamel.  The twins help Nicholas escape and are then set out on a journey to mix the ancient world of magic with modern day.  Little do the twins know just how important they are in the events to come!

I really enjoyed the the first in the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series.  It's a very interesting concept and mixing magic and history together.  The main characters were all very different, but enjoyable.  Sophie and Josh were two twins that each struggled with their new found situation and powers.  Josh personally struggles with his sister.  The two had always been close and there for each other.  But when Sophie's magically powers are awaken before Josh's could be, he suddenly feels abandoned and separate from his sister. Sophie struggles in  her own right (but you'll have to read the book to that info).  Scatty (also known as Scathach) is an immortal that is friends with Nicolas Flamel and now has taken it upon herself to protect the two young teens.  She is moody, sarcastic, feisty and bar far my favorite character.  She has a long history to which we have only caught glimpses of during the story.  Nicholas Flamel is even stranger. While he initially seems like a good guy, there are certain aspects about him that make him seem as though he simply rides the fence.  This is something that I wish had been the book - more of Nicholas's personality and character flushed out.  John Dee was a fantastic villain.  Super scary and just down right bad.  And the book leaves on a cliffhanger.  So you technically have to read the rest of the series to find out what happens.  Well played, Michael Scott, well played.

Book to Movie News - The Giver

Dear Jeff Bridges...make this happen!  And he needs to be the Giver.  Make it happen JB...and soon!

The Giver Update on Movie

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

A long time ago, there was a young boy by the name of Peter.  And he was desperately searching for his sister Adele.  And just so happens, there is a young girl named Adele at the local orphanage who feels as though she doesn't belong there, but rather she belongs to someone else.  And a local magician is desperate to prove that he knows more than just simple tricks, but actual real and wonderful magic.  Then when an elephant drops in, everything begins to change!  

A very cute story!  I already enjoy Kate DiCamillo's writing and this was simply a fun read.  At first, there are moments in which the story is quiet sad and rather depressing.  However, there are even more moments of encouragement and hope!  It's is truly a story about believing...believing in the impossible and watching it happen right before your eyes.  I really loved the inventiveness and the rhythm of the story.  To me it kind of has the same imagery as "The Invention of Hugo Cabret."  And much like that story, this would be a great one for film.  The Magician's Elephant is also a fairly quick read.  It's a great story for those who many have lost in their ability to believe and need to find it again. 

Teen Craft Idea!

This would be a really cool idea if you could get some clock parts for cheap (or even for free!) and some donated cds.  Or even let the teens bring their own.  The designs could be just about anything and you could even let them use paint.  Always something to consider!

CD Clocks

Stuck on Earth by David Klass

Stuck on Earth is a cute story of how an alien comes down to Earth, takes over the body of a geeky teenage boy and has to evaluate if the human race should survive or be terminated so the planet can be given to someone else.  The first few chapters are extremely funny.  The alien, Ketchvar III, has a difficult time adapting to Tom Filber's tough home life and even tougher school situation.  When things start to go wrong, Ketchvar needs to get out of here fast. But his ship has temporarily been summoned to help another planet and will be back soon.  Until then, he has to tough it out.  But he also learns about the wide variety of human emotions, behaviors and the ability to actually make a difference. 

It was a cute story in the beginning and at the end.  But the middle is were it kind of gets dicey.  In the story, his "sister" Sally actually finds out the alien secret and lets everyone in the world know.  But she and everyone believe that Tom is merely making it all up.  And for a while, even Ketchvar believes it.  But he soon comes to his senses and remembers who he is.  It's this part that I have to most trouble with in the story.  Sally never really gets her dues and she really had no reason to behave that way.  Also, Ketchvar's struggle with Tom and his consciousness, makes the story begin to delve into psychological issues a little bit and it just feels kind of out of place.  Probably could have brought out the dilemma in the story a little bit better than using his sister.  Overall, the story was good.  It's a nice quick read if you are looking from something to help pass the time.

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

The Emerald Atlas, follows the story of three orphans: Kate, Michael and Emma.  They were left under mysterious circumstances and have been moved from orphanage to orphanage.  At their most current place, they are the only three and they are under the care of Dr. Pym, who is most definitely not what he seems (but fear not, he is not bad).  Here, the kids encounter time traveling, learn all about magic, giants and mystical creatures.  But they meet an evil sorceress.  The three kids will have to outsmart her in order to save lives and figure out how they are linked to the Books of the Beginning, including the newly found Atlas.  If they can, then they can figure out how to change time itself and even try to rescue their parents.

I loved this first book. The couple of chapters were fairly slow, but as the story goes on, it completely pulls you in.  It is very mysterious, but eventually the pieces start to fall in place.  The characters are very imaginative and different from each other.  They each bring something to the table(they remind me a bit of the Baudelaire children in characterization).  Kate, the oldest and the leader of the trio, has formed a special connection with the book known as Atlas.  She swore to her mother to protect her younger siblings and is willing to sacrifice herself for their safety.  The second oldest is Michael and he is a bookworm that is obsessed with dwarfs.  Known for being rather cowardly, he also likes to document things, but when push comes to shove, he will stand for what he believes in.  The youngest Kate is fighter.  She is not known for being nice and will fight anyone or anything that dares to threaten her or her family.  But with as much passion as she fights with, she also cares that much as well.  Their search for a missing book of magic, takes them on an adventure through time.  And if the ending is true at all, it will not be their last!  It's a very creative and wonderful story that was extremely well written.  Excited for the rest of the series!

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Teagan has grown up her life hearing the stories of Irish folklore either from her Irish mother or from her librarian (yay!) father.  But she never thought that they were real.  That is until Finn Mac Cumhaill (pronounced like McCool) enters her life and unfortunately, her mother dies.  Suddenly she and her little brother Aiden are on the run from goblins and are trying to figure out their mother's mysterious past.

Hmmm...where to begin?  I loved this book! Once I got started, I really just couldn't stop. But I'm a huge fan of folklore and legend, particularly of the Irish variety! It was extremely well written and descriptive. It mixed legend with modern day to make an intriguing and (eerily realistic) story.  The main character Teagan is simply a girl who likes to be the best, but is still rather humble.  Finn is dreamy and the kind of wonderful that makes you wish he was real.  I can't wait for the second book to come out. But I do recommend the audio, because many of the words have a Gaelic pronunciation, so the way they look and they way they are pronounced are completely different!

Empty by Suzanne Weyn

"Empty" takes place in a very near future.  It's probably no more than 20 years from today.  However, we are in a massive oil shortage and have been burning oil like crazy.  Not only has this left us at war with other countries, but it's also caused insane changes in the weather.  Now a small town must try to survive after all of the oil is completely gone.  

A very interesting look into the world and it's dependence on oil. Also what is means for our future. I thought that the story was well told and a very interesting concept. The main characters were very realistic and you seem to have all of the social groups in high school represented: popular jock; mean, bratty popular girl; loner girl; smart guy who is jock; funny guy.  Until I read this book, I truly never realized how many products were actually made/needed oil.  It's also scary to see what exactly could happen.  It's semi-dystopian only in a much closer future. Definitely a book to make you think.

Books that I DID NOT enjoy! GASP!!!

Okay, so most of the time, I rave about books that to me were enjoyable on some level. For those that do not know me, you may think that I instantly love every book. But trust me.  I have gone through my fair share of books that I literally couldn't finish.  As a librarian, I always try to make it a point to finish a book, even if I don't particularly like it.  However, I heard a very wise piece of advice the other day..."Life is too short and too full of good books to waste time on the bad ones."  So now, I am officially trying to not finish a book if I do not like it.  And there have been instances, sadly.  I'm not saying that my word is the end all of a book, but to me, it just wasn't that great.  Below is what I like to call, "The Unfortunate List of Dreadful Books."

1) Living Dead Girl - by Elizabeth Scott
2) Fever Crumb - Philip Reeve
3) Gentlemen - Michael Northrop
4) Very LaFreak - Rachel Cohn - this one I pushed through (predominately because I love Rachel Cohn's writing, but I found the main character to be unlikeable until nearly the end).
5) The Half-Life of Planets - Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin

I'm sure that I have others that I could easily place on the list, but these are the most recent.  But I will once again say, just because I didn't like them, doesn't mean that you won't!  But really the whole point is that sometimes, you have to try something just to see if you like it or not.  You may end up hating it terribly or you may end up loving it.  It may be something that in a million years you would ever choose for yourself.  But it's that kind of fun....going outside the box and having a new experience.  For instance: I am not a big love story kind of reader.  Give me some science fiction or realistic fiction any day.  But something that is focused on a love story - forget it!  This is why I have taken great lengthens to avoid Sarah Dessan.  Nearly all of her books seem to focus on love.  But I decided, if  I wanted to be a well rounded librarian, I needed to start reading books that I normally would not pick up.  So then after I did some research, picked up The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessan.  And to be honest, I couldn't put it down!  (See post below) Who could be more surprised than me!!!  But that just proves, try something new.  You may love it,  you may hate it...but you'll never know until you put yourself out there and try!

Happy Reading!!

HUGO movie!!

For those that absolutely loved (like me) The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick be prepared!! The movie is almost here!! They have finally released the trailer and while not completely like the book, they seem to be doing a pretty good job with it! A link to the trailer is below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-NbNjPJFFI&feature=youtu.be

Whither by Lauren Destefano

Whither takes place in a future where genetic modification of children has left a severe sickness in all newly born children. The first generation of genetically modified children came out completely perfect, no disease and could potentially live hundreds of years. However, their children and grandchildren...not so much. Men die at the age of 25, and women at the age of 20.

It was a very interesting concept. The main character, Rhine, was kidnapped and sold into bridedom. She was forcibly married to a wealthy architect whose father is a scientist from the first generation trying to find an cure for the killing disease that is within their blood. She is taken from her twin brother, only because she has heterochromia - two different color eyes. She is genetically an anomaly. But she is trapped in the house with no escape and under the watchful of sinister Housemaster Vaughn, the scientist.

I liked the concept and the characters very much. They all seemed to be so realistic for the time and situation that they were set in. I also liked the dynamic and the bond that was built between the three "sister wives" how Rhine also related to her "husband" Linden. But I think that the part that really was so profound was the part that she knew that she was going to die but she wanted to do it in her way and on her terms. Can't wait to see what happens in the second one!

Teen Craft Idea

This would be an awesome craft to do with teens.  Okay, so teen boys would hate it.  But overall I think that they would like it.  Just get some plain (probably non-glazed) coffee cups, old buttons, some craft glue and ta-da - instant craft!!  Cheap and easy...just the way I like it!

bead-and-button-teacup

Captain America: The Man without a Face

Now that Bucky has taken over in Cap's stead, he now has to deal with living up to the standards that Steve Rogers set as well as battle his past as Winter Soldier.  And part of that past comes back to haunt him as he is attacked by an old enemy and comes to a terrible realization about studies and experiments done on his old (and deceased) friend, the first Human Torch.

This is one of the follow up stories to the Death of Captian America storyline.  Overall, I liked it.  It didn't go into as much depth or backstory as I would have liked to see.  This is the kind of story where you actually have to know the beginnings of Captain America and the story of Bucky Barnes. I did like to see how Bucky struggled to be Captain America while also have to deal with his past as Winter Soldier.  If you do/have enjoyed "Cap" comics before, I think that this one is a great start to people getting used to Bucky as the new Cap. It was really only about 5 issues, but I feel like if they had wanted it to, it could have easily been at 8-10.  If that had been the case, I think I would have probably liked the story more.

Book-to-Movie News

Are you kidding me?!  As if the first movie didn't ruin it, they decided to make a second one!  The awfulness that was the first Percy Jackson movie is about to strike again because they have decided to make Sea of Monsters. Seriously, Hollywood. Stop ruining wonderfully written and amazing stories with terrible movies.  This is simply one example of how many times, it's all about the money and not about the actual story.  Oh well.  At least the first Percy Jackson movie won't be alone now.  It'll have other movies (now the second one and the upcoming Hunger Games) to keep it company in the "Terrible Films" category. 

The link below an article detailing the progress of the second movie so far.

A second Percy Jackson

The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen

So this was my first Sarah Dessen book.  I normally stray away from her since they all look romantic and very teenage emotion and drama.  But I read that this was one her best works and I have to admit, I truly and really liked this book!  I know...a shock to myself!  The character, Macy, is a sweet girl who does everything she can to please others and make them happy.  Well, everyone except herself.  She has some security issues as well as dealing with the sudden death of her father.  But when she all of a sudden takes a catering job, everything changes.  I find it very interesting that the main character is introverted, since in most teen realist fiction, the main character is extroverted and has a very close friend/s. This was not the case here as she begins essential alone.  Only after a while does she actually begin to make friends.  I also really liked the mother/daughter dynamic in the book.  The mother wants her child to be one thing but the child is another.  In the end though, they don't become best friends or stay angry at each other.  There is simply an easy parental relationship between them which most stories do not tell (others I find, focus on being extremely close or extremely distant).  They talk, but not overly.  They share, but not deeply.  Even through that though, you can still sense that they love each other.  Also, surprisingly, the love story is secondary to the self-discovery theme.  And it was a nice kind of love story to tell (very refreshing).  Over all, I have to hand it to Dessen, she wrote a great book on this one!

Nomansland by Leslie Hauge

 

This story takes place sometime in the future after the world had apparently ended due to environmental reasons.  A group of women live apart from men on an island they call Foundland.  They are trained to be hunters and caretakers of their land.  They scorn men and blame them for pretty much everything bad that ever happened.  They also are not to have anything to do with things of the past.  They are to put aside they way they look, feel and any friendships.  Little do they know, but just outside of their little island, the rest of the world (also full of men) call them Nomansland.

As far as dystopian young adult novels go, this one is pretty good. It's an interesting concept and even though the characters were hard to relate to, they seemed naive and very simple, so you ended up liking them because they just didn't know any better. The author left the ending open for a sequel, but I haven't heard of one yet. It was initially a slow start, but it soon picked up and was fairly quick to read through. I would probably put this on a recommended reading list of similar titles.

A very long time!!!

Sorry folks...it has been a super long time since I've been on here!!  Almost a year...that's what happens when you don't have internet.  And guess what..I still don't!  Oh well.  But the good news is that I have been reading like crazy!!!  In addition to the other books that I previously listed, I have read at least 50 more...that seems like a lot, but it really isn't.  During this time, I have also started keeping a GoodReads account.  Hopefully, I'll find a way to link one to the other so that they can be updated automatically.  In the meantime, I think that I may start exploring other areas outside of books...but still library-related.  Like teen programs or children's crafts.  Don't get worried..I won't get too crazy...hopefully!  Well, let's hope that I can periodically keep returning here!