I read and reviewed another book earlier this summer by Ms. Kring and really enjoyed it, so I wanted to give another of her books a try. How High the Moon was very cute and at times funny, and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
In this tender novel set in 1955 Mill Town, Wisconsin, Sandra Kring explores the complicated bond between mothers and daughters, the pressure to conform, and the meaning of friendship and family. Ten-year-old Isabella “Teaspoon” Marlene has been a handful ever since her mother, Catty, dumped her with an old boyfriend and ran off to Hollywood. Teaspoon fights, fibs, never stops singing, and is as unpredictable and fearless as a puppy off its leash. Still, Teddy Favors, a man who has taken his share of kicks, is determined to raise her right. Teaspoon wants to be better for Teddy—even if that means agreeing to take part in a do-gooder mentorship program and being paired up with Brenda Bloom, the beautiful reigning Sweetheart of Mill Town. Against all odds, as the summer passes, this unlikely duo discover a special friendship as they face personal challenges, determined to follow their hearts instead of convention. It’s while Brenda and Teaspoon are putting together the grandest show the Starlight Theater has ever seen that Catty returns to Mill Town, shattering illusions and testing loyalties. But by the final curtain call, one determined little girl shows an entire town the healing that can happen when you let your heart take center stage.
I absolutely adored the main character Teaspoon and she often brought a smile to my face. This book was touching and sad at the same time, but Teaspoon shows spunk and is enthausastic throughout it all. I loved how she didn't understand some things and her explanations for those actions. One of my favorite was how she thought two women who were really prostitutes just like to go for rides in people's cars. Through her naiviete, Teaspoon gets to know people for who they are and not what people think they are. I believe there is a good lesson here for everyone to learn while reading an enjoyable and pleasant book. I will definitely be reading more by Ms. Kring in the future.
Showing posts with label historical fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical fiction. Show all posts
Friday, September 10, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
81. .The Starlite Drive-In by Marjorie Reynolds
The Starlite Drive-In was a pure impulse read. While picking up some holds from my local library, I saw it sitting on the new release bookshelf and decided to give it a try. It was a good read, but not great. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
Start with a drive-in movie theater in the 1950s. Add a starstruck and lonely 12-year-old girl, and a handsome drifter. . . . The story unfolds almost cinematically and could make a wonderful movie. Told from Callie's perspective, it captures that childlike innocence and wisdom perfectly . . . a fine first novel from an author to be reckoned with".--"Richmond Times-Dispatch".
What grabbed my attention of this book is that it's set in the 1950s. Over the summer, I've come to love books set in the past and the 1950s are one decade I really love to read more about. I already love old movies and television shows, so why not books that are set at the same time? I will admit it took me a bit to get into the book, but I eventually got pulled in and enjoyed it. While the ending was a bit predictible, it was still a good book. There are some lessons that can be learned here especially about love. I loved the setting and thought that the idea was so creative and different. All in all, Starlite Drive-In was a fun way to spend the long holiday.
From Amazon:
Start with a drive-in movie theater in the 1950s. Add a starstruck and lonely 12-year-old girl, and a handsome drifter. . . . The story unfolds almost cinematically and could make a wonderful movie. Told from Callie's perspective, it captures that childlike innocence and wisdom perfectly . . . a fine first novel from an author to be reckoned with".--"Richmond Times-Dispatch".
What grabbed my attention of this book is that it's set in the 1950s. Over the summer, I've come to love books set in the past and the 1950s are one decade I really love to read more about. I already love old movies and television shows, so why not books that are set at the same time? I will admit it took me a bit to get into the book, but I eventually got pulled in and enjoyed it. While the ending was a bit predictible, it was still a good book. There are some lessons that can be learned here especially about love. I loved the setting and thought that the idea was so creative and different. All in all, Starlite Drive-In was a fun way to spend the long holiday.
Monday, August 2, 2010
69. Land of a Hundred Wonders by Leslie Kagen
I've loved the two previous books by Ms. Kagen and was excited to read Land of a Hundred Wonders. While not as great as the other two books I've read, it was still a good read. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
The summer Gibby McGraw catches her big break, the cicadas are humming, and it’s so warm even the frogs are sweating. Brain damaged after a tragic car accident that took both her parents, Gibby is now NQR (Not Quite Right), a real challenge for a fledgling newspaper reporter. Especially when she stumbles upon the dead body of the next governor of Kentucky, Buster Malloy.Armed with her trusty blue spiral note-book, Gibby figures that solving the murder might be her best chance to prove to everyone that she can become Quite Right again. But she gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a world of corruption, racism, and family secrets in small town Cray Ridge. Lucky for her, she’s also about to discover that some things are far more important than all the brains in the world, and that miracles occur in the most unexpected moments.
I love the way the story was told through Gibby's mind, since she's NQR. It took me awhile to get used to the definitions of some "bigger" words thrown into the dialogue because that's how Gibby's mind works. It was quite clever of Ms. Kagen though, and made the book stand out. I thought some of the things were a bit far-fetched, however, so my scoring was lowered a bit. I've always been afraid to read books set in the 1950s and 1960s and Ms. Kagen has shown me they can be a ton of fun! I hope she is busy writing right now, because I am now out of books to read by her. I highly recommend you pick up one of her books if you haven't already.
From Amazon:
The summer Gibby McGraw catches her big break, the cicadas are humming, and it’s so warm even the frogs are sweating. Brain damaged after a tragic car accident that took both her parents, Gibby is now NQR (Not Quite Right), a real challenge for a fledgling newspaper reporter. Especially when she stumbles upon the dead body of the next governor of Kentucky, Buster Malloy.Armed with her trusty blue spiral note-book, Gibby figures that solving the murder might be her best chance to prove to everyone that she can become Quite Right again. But she gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a world of corruption, racism, and family secrets in small town Cray Ridge. Lucky for her, she’s also about to discover that some things are far more important than all the brains in the world, and that miracles occur in the most unexpected moments.
I love the way the story was told through Gibby's mind, since she's NQR. It took me awhile to get used to the definitions of some "bigger" words thrown into the dialogue because that's how Gibby's mind works. It was quite clever of Ms. Kagen though, and made the book stand out. I thought some of the things were a bit far-fetched, however, so my scoring was lowered a bit. I've always been afraid to read books set in the 1950s and 1960s and Ms. Kagen has shown me they can be a ton of fun! I hope she is busy writing right now, because I am now out of books to read by her. I highly recommend you pick up one of her books if you haven't already.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
62. Tomorrow River by Leslie Kagen
Can I just say how happy I am to have discovered Ms. Kagen and her books? I absolutely loved Tomorrow River and have to give it an A-.
From Amazon:
During the summer of 1968, Shenandoah Carmody's mother disappeared. Her twin sister, Woody, stopped speaking, and her once-loving father slipped into a mean drunkenness unbefitting a superior court judge. Since then, Shenny-named for the Shenandoah valley-has struggled to hold her world together, taking care of herself and her sister the best she can. Shenny feels certain that Woody knows something about the night their mother vanished, but her attempts to communicate with her mute twin leave her as confused as their father's efforts to confine the girls to the family's renowned virginia estate. As the first anniversary of their mother's disappearance nears, her father's threat to send Woody away and his hints at an impending remarriage spur a desperate Shenny to find her mother before it's too late. She is ultimately swept up in a series of heartbreaking events that force her to come to terms with the painful truth about herself and her family. Told with the wisdom, sensitivity, and humor for which Lesley Kagen has become known, Tomorrow River is a stellar hardcover debut.
My heart was pounding at times while reading this, I have to admit. The suspense of what was going to happen to Woody and Shenny made me hold my breath and hope for the best, while knowing that it very well may not turn out well. Shenny is a great character, a girl I would love to know, with a spitfire attitude who cares so deeply for her sister. I loved the setting and Ms. Kagen does an excellent job allowing me to imagine myself right there along with them, running and hiding and playing detective. The only thing that held me back from giving it an A was the ending, something I thought I was a bit unbelieveable. I have the only other book I haven't read by Ms. Kagen on hold and I hope it comes in soon. Pick up one of her books... the sooner the better!
From Amazon:
During the summer of 1968, Shenandoah Carmody's mother disappeared. Her twin sister, Woody, stopped speaking, and her once-loving father slipped into a mean drunkenness unbefitting a superior court judge. Since then, Shenny-named for the Shenandoah valley-has struggled to hold her world together, taking care of herself and her sister the best she can. Shenny feels certain that Woody knows something about the night their mother vanished, but her attempts to communicate with her mute twin leave her as confused as their father's efforts to confine the girls to the family's renowned virginia estate. As the first anniversary of their mother's disappearance nears, her father's threat to send Woody away and his hints at an impending remarriage spur a desperate Shenny to find her mother before it's too late. She is ultimately swept up in a series of heartbreaking events that force her to come to terms with the painful truth about herself and her family. Told with the wisdom, sensitivity, and humor for which Lesley Kagen has become known, Tomorrow River is a stellar hardcover debut.
My heart was pounding at times while reading this, I have to admit. The suspense of what was going to happen to Woody and Shenny made me hold my breath and hope for the best, while knowing that it very well may not turn out well. Shenny is a great character, a girl I would love to know, with a spitfire attitude who cares so deeply for her sister. I loved the setting and Ms. Kagen does an excellent job allowing me to imagine myself right there along with them, running and hiding and playing detective. The only thing that held me back from giving it an A was the ending, something I thought I was a bit unbelieveable. I have the only other book I haven't read by Ms. Kagen on hold and I hope it comes in soon. Pick up one of her books... the sooner the better!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
55. Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen
I am not sure what to say about Whistling in the Dark other than I absolutely adored and LOVED this book. I give it an A!
From Amazon:
It was the summer on Vliet Street when we all started locking our doors...
Sally O'Malley made a promise to her daddy before he died. She swore she'd look after her sister, Troo. Keep her safe. But like her Granny always said-actions speak louder than words. Now, during the summer of 1959, the girls' mother is hospitalized, their stepfather has abandoned them for a six pack, and their big sister, Nell, is too busy making out with her boyfriend to notice that Sally and Troo are on the Loose. And so is a murderer and molester.
Highly imaginative Sally is pretty sure of two things. Who the killer is. And that she's next on his list. Now she has no choice but to protect herself and Troo as best she can, relying on her own courage and the kindness of her neighbors.
I loved the way the book was told through a ten-year-old's eyes. At times I would forget that Sally was only ten, because she had some grown-up thoughts, but it was so refreshing. I have often said I would have loved to live in the 1950s and reading this book allowed for me to experience a bit of that. The descriptions of a quiet and small town during summer reminded me a bit of my own neightborhood and goes to show that while we think things were a bit more innocent and easier back then, that always wasn't the case. I'm so glad I read this book and even happier I read now in the summer, so I can imagine myself playing along with Sally and Troo and the rest of the kids on Vliet Street. Pick this one up if you haven't already. I'm off to check my library's database and see what else they have by Ms. Kagen! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
It was the summer on Vliet Street when we all started locking our doors...
Sally O'Malley made a promise to her daddy before he died. She swore she'd look after her sister, Troo. Keep her safe. But like her Granny always said-actions speak louder than words. Now, during the summer of 1959, the girls' mother is hospitalized, their stepfather has abandoned them for a six pack, and their big sister, Nell, is too busy making out with her boyfriend to notice that Sally and Troo are on the Loose. And so is a murderer and molester.
Highly imaginative Sally is pretty sure of two things. Who the killer is. And that she's next on his list. Now she has no choice but to protect herself and Troo as best she can, relying on her own courage and the kindness of her neighbors.
I loved the way the book was told through a ten-year-old's eyes. At times I would forget that Sally was only ten, because she had some grown-up thoughts, but it was so refreshing. I have often said I would have loved to live in the 1950s and reading this book allowed for me to experience a bit of that. The descriptions of a quiet and small town during summer reminded me a bit of my own neightborhood and goes to show that while we think things were a bit more innocent and easier back then, that always wasn't the case. I'm so glad I read this book and even happier I read now in the summer, so I can imagine myself playing along with Sally and Troo and the rest of the kids on Vliet Street. Pick this one up if you haven't already. I'm off to check my library's database and see what else they have by Ms. Kagen! Happy Reading!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
I placed a hold on The 19th Wife from my library after reading some reviews about it. I am very interested in the Mormon faith and the topic of polygamy. I love the t.v. show Big Love and figured this book would be right up my alley. It was a good book and I rate it a B+.
From Amazon:
Faith, I tell them, is a mystery, elusive to many, and never easy to explain.Sweeping and lyrical, spellbinding and unforgettable, David Ebershoff’s The 19th Wife combines epic historical fiction with a modern murder mystery to create a brilliant novel of literary suspense. It is 1875, and Ann Eliza Young has recently separated from her powerful husband, Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. A rich account of a family’s polygamous history is revealed, including how a young woman became a plural wife.Soon after Ann Eliza’s story begins, a second exquisite narrative unfolds–a tale of murder involving a polygamist family in present-day Utah. Jordan Scott, a young man who was thrown out of his fundamentalist sect years earlier, must reenter the world that cast him aside in order to discover the truth behind his father’s death.And as Ann Eliza’s narrative intertwines with that of Jordan’s search, readers are pulled deeper into the mysteries of love and faith.
It took me awhile to read this book and I think the book and me had to do with this. I have been horribly sick this past week, extremely dizzy and exhausted. I was up a couple of days for only 6 hours or so spread over a day. I couldn't walk and I definitely couldn't concentrate on reading. Part of the book was written as a 19th century book, and at times I had a hard time with the language. But this was a well written book and I can say I learned a lot about the history of the Mormon church, dating back to the beginning of the church. I often read Natilie Collins' blog, who is an author and is no longer a Mormon. I am not quite sure why I am so interested in the religion, but I figure any knowledge is worth it. I would have liked to see more the modern day story, however, but I really do not have any big complaints.
Yesterday I finally started feeling somewhat normal and today I had more energy where I was finally able to get a lot of things done around the house that had to be put off. I went to the doctors and they were not able to find anything really that they could pinpoint. I think that the cause of my sickness was a combination of two things.... 1. I have recently reduced medication I take daily, as I am trying to get off of the meds and 2. I have extremely low blood pressure and it is a possibilty that is causing the dizziness. I have never felt as bad as I did this week and wouldn't wish it anyone. I pray that it is coming to an end, though, and while I am a bit dizzy right now, I have been pretty good all day. I didn't even turn on my computer for a few days so I have a lot of blogs to catch up on. Tomorrow I plan on getting to all of that and get some reading in and try to salvage this month! I hope everyone had a fantastic week and an even better weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Faith, I tell them, is a mystery, elusive to many, and never easy to explain.Sweeping and lyrical, spellbinding and unforgettable, David Ebershoff’s The 19th Wife combines epic historical fiction with a modern murder mystery to create a brilliant novel of literary suspense. It is 1875, and Ann Eliza Young has recently separated from her powerful husband, Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. A rich account of a family’s polygamous history is revealed, including how a young woman became a plural wife.Soon after Ann Eliza’s story begins, a second exquisite narrative unfolds–a tale of murder involving a polygamist family in present-day Utah. Jordan Scott, a young man who was thrown out of his fundamentalist sect years earlier, must reenter the world that cast him aside in order to discover the truth behind his father’s death.And as Ann Eliza’s narrative intertwines with that of Jordan’s search, readers are pulled deeper into the mysteries of love and faith.
It took me awhile to read this book and I think the book and me had to do with this. I have been horribly sick this past week, extremely dizzy and exhausted. I was up a couple of days for only 6 hours or so spread over a day. I couldn't walk and I definitely couldn't concentrate on reading. Part of the book was written as a 19th century book, and at times I had a hard time with the language. But this was a well written book and I can say I learned a lot about the history of the Mormon church, dating back to the beginning of the church. I often read Natilie Collins' blog, who is an author and is no longer a Mormon. I am not quite sure why I am so interested in the religion, but I figure any knowledge is worth it. I would have liked to see more the modern day story, however, but I really do not have any big complaints.
Yesterday I finally started feeling somewhat normal and today I had more energy where I was finally able to get a lot of things done around the house that had to be put off. I went to the doctors and they were not able to find anything really that they could pinpoint. I think that the cause of my sickness was a combination of two things.... 1. I have recently reduced medication I take daily, as I am trying to get off of the meds and 2. I have extremely low blood pressure and it is a possibilty that is causing the dizziness. I have never felt as bad as I did this week and wouldn't wish it anyone. I pray that it is coming to an end, though, and while I am a bit dizzy right now, I have been pretty good all day. I didn't even turn on my computer for a few days so I have a lot of blogs to catch up on. Tomorrow I plan on getting to all of that and get some reading in and try to salvage this month! I hope everyone had a fantastic week and an even better weekend and Happy Reading!
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