Sanctum by Madeleine Roux
Sequel to Asylum that I read a couple of months ago.
Seldom does one expect the sequel to be better than the first book in a series, but this was the better book. The pictures were super creepy too. I was a bit disappointed that the freak show element mentioned in the blurb didn't have a bigger part in the book.
Dan and his friends Abby and Jordan return to the university associated with Brookline asylum because they are all haunted in their own way by the place. This is spurred on by Dan's former roommate, who is in a mental facility because he may be possessed by a serial killer.
Once back at the scene of the action, crazy, creepy things happen to the trio, including witnessing a lobotomy.
Couldn't put this one down, even after some asshat scared the bejeezus out of me by ringing my doorbell.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Reading for me again
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
I bought this a few months ago, actually thinking I might have time to read books for myself while reading the 84 I needed to read for my grad school classes. Silly me. One reason I bought this book is because I liked another book by this author so much. This one, although good, did not live up to her other book.
I feel I was mislead by this book. I read the blurb on the back which indicated that this was the fictional telling of a murder that happened in Maine at the beginning of the twentieth century. That murder is in here, but the book is not about the murder. Instead, it is about a teen named Mattie who is torn between her dream of going off to college to become a writer and the boy who loves her.
Again, this was not a bad book to read. I was quite enjoyable, actually. It just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It also didn't necessarily need 380 pages to tell the story. Too many unnecessary details, and the daily word from the dictionary was just too much.
I bought this a few months ago, actually thinking I might have time to read books for myself while reading the 84 I needed to read for my grad school classes. Silly me. One reason I bought this book is because I liked another book by this author so much. This one, although good, did not live up to her other book.
I feel I was mislead by this book. I read the blurb on the back which indicated that this was the fictional telling of a murder that happened in Maine at the beginning of the twentieth century. That murder is in here, but the book is not about the murder. Instead, it is about a teen named Mattie who is torn between her dream of going off to college to become a writer and the boy who loves her.
Again, this was not a bad book to read. I was quite enjoyable, actually. It just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It also didn't necessarily need 380 pages to tell the story. Too many unnecessary details, and the daily word from the dictionary was just too much.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #49
Technically, this is #50 because there is one book for my annotated bibliography list that I read in the spring time as it was on the TAYSHAS list. :)
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match by Monica Brown
This book is told in both English and Spanish, which is perfect because Marisol speaks both languages. From the color of her hair, to the types of food she likes, Marisol doesn't match. Because everyone gives Marisol a hard time because of her mismatchiness, she decides to make everything match one day, and discovers that she doesn't like the way it makes her feel. A great read for those children who march to the beat of their own drum.
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match by Monica Brown
This book is told in both English and Spanish, which is perfect because Marisol speaks both languages. From the color of her hair, to the types of food she likes, Marisol doesn't match. Because everyone gives Marisol a hard time because of her mismatchiness, she decides to make everything match one day, and discovers that she doesn't like the way it makes her feel. A great read for those children who march to the beat of their own drum.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Reading List #31
Somehow, I misnumbered my reading list books on here. Believe me, I am on 31, not 30. So close......
Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale
At first, this is your average story of Rapunzel, told in the form of a graphic novel. Unlike most Rapunzel stories, Rapunzel gets herself out of the tower; she isn’t rescued. Along her way to exact revenge on Mother Gothel, who kept her locked up most of her life, Rapunzel meets Jack and his goose, Goldy. They get into some trouble, but find their way out again, against a backdrop reminiscent of the Old West.
Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale
At first, this is your average story of Rapunzel, told in the form of a graphic novel. Unlike most Rapunzel stories, Rapunzel gets herself out of the tower; she isn’t rescued. Along her way to exact revenge on Mother Gothel, who kept her locked up most of her life, Rapunzel meets Jack and his goose, Goldy. They get into some trouble, but find their way out again, against a backdrop reminiscent of the Old West.
Annotated Bibliography #48
The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis
Neftali is a frail little boy. His father is harsh, and is always trying to make him stronger. His father doesn't want either of his boys to do anything that he doesn't approve of. He doesn't approve of Neftali's older brother being a singer, and he doesn't approve of Neftali being a writer. He does everything in his power to make Neftali bend to his will, but Neftali ends up outsmarting his old man.
Neftali is a frail little boy. His father is harsh, and is always trying to make him stronger. His father doesn't want either of his boys to do anything that he doesn't approve of. He doesn't approve of Neftali's older brother being a singer, and he doesn't approve of Neftali being a writer. He does everything in his power to make Neftali bend to his will, but Neftali ends up outsmarting his old man.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Reading List #29
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Spanning thirteen years, this is the life story of Nobody "Bod" Owens. When he was not quite two years old, a man named Jack murdered Bod's parents and older sister. Bod escaped and made his way to a graveyard where he is adopted by the inhabitants. The reader has a front row seat to Bod's first human friend, his experience with school, his encounter with ghouls, and, ultimately, with the man who killed his family.
Spanning thirteen years, this is the life story of Nobody "Bod" Owens. When he was not quite two years old, a man named Jack murdered Bod's parents and older sister. Bod escaped and made his way to a graveyard where he is adopted by the inhabitants. The reader has a front row seat to Bod's first human friend, his experience with school, his encounter with ghouls, and, ultimately, with the man who killed his family.
Reading List #28
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz
Stories for twenty-three characters set on a medieval manor. The characters range from a beggar to the daughter of the manor lord. All walks of life are represented and all have their own tragedies and triumphs. When reading, it felt a bit like reading Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. but for a younger set of readers.
Stories for twenty-three characters set on a medieval manor. The characters range from a beggar to the daughter of the manor lord. All walks of life are represented and all have their own tragedies and triumphs. When reading, it felt a bit like reading Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. but for a younger set of readers.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #47
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble
In many cultures, particularly many Native American tribes, horses are revered, and many stories are told of them. This book appears to be one of those stories; an oral tale finally written down, or so it seems. There is a girl who is so fascinated with the wild horses that she works being around them into her everyday existence. One day, she falls asleep on the plains surrounded by the wild horses. She is awakened by a violent storm that causes the horses to flee with her astride on of them. Her family searches for two years before they finally find her, but she doesn't want to come back: she feels more at home with the horses.
In many cultures, particularly many Native American tribes, horses are revered, and many stories are told of them. This book appears to be one of those stories; an oral tale finally written down, or so it seems. There is a girl who is so fascinated with the wild horses that she works being around them into her everyday existence. One day, she falls asleep on the plains surrounded by the wild horses. She is awakened by a violent storm that causes the horses to flee with her astride on of them. Her family searches for two years before they finally find her, but she doesn't want to come back: she feels more at home with the horses.
Annotated Bibliography #46
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes
One thing that stands out about this book are the beautiful illustrations. The colors are bright, yet possess an ethereal quality. This helps to lend a spooky quality to the book, which is fantastic as this is a Halloween book. Told in verse and including Spanish words for popular figures associated with Halloween, this book sets the scene for the perfect Halloween night. When reading this book and looking at its pictures, one could truly believe in the ghosts and goblins of Halloween.
One thing that stands out about this book are the beautiful illustrations. The colors are bright, yet possess an ethereal quality. This helps to lend a spooky quality to the book, which is fantastic as this is a Halloween book. Told in verse and including Spanish words for popular figures associated with Halloween, this book sets the scene for the perfect Halloween night. When reading this book and looking at its pictures, one could truly believe in the ghosts and goblins of Halloween.
Annotated Bibliography #45
Dear Primo A Letter to my Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh
Charlie lives in America, but his cousin, Carlitos, lives in Mexico. They have never met each other, but they hope to one day. To keep in touch, they write each other letters. These letters tell each other about their lives. Carlitos lives on a farm, whereas Charlie lives in a city. For the most part, Carlitos and Charlie lead very different lives, which is no surprise really. By the end of the book, they both have a great idea.
Charlie lives in America, but his cousin, Carlitos, lives in Mexico. They have never met each other, but they hope to one day. To keep in touch, they write each other letters. These letters tell each other about their lives. Carlitos lives on a farm, whereas Charlie lives in a city. For the most part, Carlitos and Charlie lead very different lives, which is no surprise really. By the end of the book, they both have a great idea.
Annotated Bibliography #44
I Am Amelia Earhart by Brian Meltzer
This is the perfect book for all the little girls who aren't girly girls, who want to do things that aren't considered ladylike, and who march to the beat of their own drummer. A condensed version of the life of Amelia Earhart, who was unladylike, according to her parents. The reader learns about how she built her own roller coaster as a child, the first time she flew in an airplane, and the jobs she held in order to buy her own plane.
This is the perfect book for all the little girls who aren't girly girls, who want to do things that aren't considered ladylike, and who march to the beat of their own drummer. A condensed version of the life of Amelia Earhart, who was unladylike, according to her parents. The reader learns about how she built her own roller coaster as a child, the first time she flew in an airplane, and the jobs she held in order to buy her own plane.
Annotated Bibliography #43
Press Here by Herve Tullet
This is probably one of the most fun books to read aloud to young children. It's more than just a read aloud, it's participatory. It starts with just one yellow dot, and the reader is asked to press it. Then there are two dots, then three. Next the dots are three different colors, after the reader is asked to rub two of them, of course. A little tapping multiplies their number. Some shaking, and blowing, and clapping, and tilting make the dots do different things. Suddenly, we're back to one.
This is probably one of the most fun books to read aloud to young children. It's more than just a read aloud, it's participatory. It starts with just one yellow dot, and the reader is asked to press it. Then there are two dots, then three. Next the dots are three different colors, after the reader is asked to rub two of them, of course. A little tapping multiplies their number. Some shaking, and blowing, and clapping, and tilting make the dots do different things. Suddenly, we're back to one.
Annotated Bibliography #42
Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans
Such a sweet book! Madeline is the smallest girl in her school of twelve girls who do everything in two lines. One day, Madeline falls from a bridge, and is saved from drowning by a dog. The girls take the dog, who is very smart, back to school with them. They love her and argue about who gets to sleep with her. The dog, Genevieve, is booted out when the annual inspection comes around, and the school girls are heartbroken. They search for her, and their search is ultimately rewarded in a most unsuspecting way.
Such a sweet book! Madeline is the smallest girl in her school of twelve girls who do everything in two lines. One day, Madeline falls from a bridge, and is saved from drowning by a dog. The girls take the dog, who is very smart, back to school with them. They love her and argue about who gets to sleep with her. The dog, Genevieve, is booted out when the annual inspection comes around, and the school girls are heartbroken. They search for her, and their search is ultimately rewarded in a most unsuspecting way.
Annotated Bibliography #41
Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote by Duncan Tonatiuh
First, the illustrations are beautiful, and each page is awash in color. Unless it is meant to be there, there is no white space to be found. Then, there is the story itself. Definitely a story of a child's love for their parent, and what each will go through for love of the other. Pancho Rabbit's father is a migrant worker who had to go north to earn money to support his family. When his father didn't come home as expected, Pancho went north looking for him.
First, the illustrations are beautiful, and each page is awash in color. Unless it is meant to be there, there is no white space to be found. Then, there is the story itself. Definitely a story of a child's love for their parent, and what each will go through for love of the other. Pancho Rabbit's father is a migrant worker who had to go north to earn money to support his family. When his father didn't come home as expected, Pancho went north looking for him.
Annotated Bibliography #40
Family Pictures by Carmen Lomas Garza
This book is told in both English and Spanish. Each of the illustrations in the book are memories that the author has of growing up in her hometown of Kingsville, Texas. The illustrations are simplistic, yet detailed, and because of them, the reader really gets an idea of what the author's life was like. What's nice is that most of the memories the author chose to preserve in these pages are everyday moments, and not big celebrations.
This book is told in both English and Spanish. Each of the illustrations in the book are memories that the author has of growing up in her hometown of Kingsville, Texas. The illustrations are simplistic, yet detailed, and because of them, the reader really gets an idea of what the author's life was like. What's nice is that most of the memories the author chose to preserve in these pages are everyday moments, and not big celebrations.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #39
The Young Landlords by Walter Dean Myers
Paul and his friends live in the projects in New York City. A little down the way is an apartment building that is not being taken care of properly. This bothers Paul and his friends, so they go meet the landlord. In an interesting turn of events, Paul becomes the owner of this apartment building, that houses a strange cast of characters. Meanwhile, another friend of theirs has been arrested and is going to trial for aiding and abetting a robbery. So, while trying not to be slum lords, these teens are also trying to find evidence to help a friend. Definitely another engaging read by Myers.
Paul and his friends live in the projects in New York City. A little down the way is an apartment building that is not being taken care of properly. This bothers Paul and his friends, so they go meet the landlord. In an interesting turn of events, Paul becomes the owner of this apartment building, that houses a strange cast of characters. Meanwhile, another friend of theirs has been arrested and is going to trial for aiding and abetting a robbery. So, while trying not to be slum lords, these teens are also trying to find evidence to help a friend. Definitely another engaging read by Myers.
Annotated Bibliography #38
The Dark by Lemony Snicket
Laszlo is afraid of the dark. During the day, the dark lives in the basement, and mostly stays there. At night, however, the dark spreads out all over the house, and this scares Laszlo. One night, Laszlo decides that the best way to get over his fear of the dark is to go into the dark's room. Instead, the dark comes to Laszlo's room to talk to him. The dark convinces him to go to the basement, where Laszlo retrieves a lightbulb. From then on, Laszlo is no longer afraid of the dark. A sweet book to help children overcome their fear of the dark.
Laszlo is afraid of the dark. During the day, the dark lives in the basement, and mostly stays there. At night, however, the dark spreads out all over the house, and this scares Laszlo. One night, Laszlo decides that the best way to get over his fear of the dark is to go into the dark's room. Instead, the dark comes to Laszlo's room to talk to him. The dark convinces him to go to the basement, where Laszlo retrieves a lightbulb. From then on, Laszlo is no longer afraid of the dark. A sweet book to help children overcome their fear of the dark.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #37
The Year Comes Round: Haiku Through the Seasons by Sid Farrar
Haiku: Three lines, seventeen syllables (five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables), also known as everyone's favorite poems because they don't have to rhyme. This book contains fourteen haiku, a page of information about haiku, information about the cycle of life, and information about the four seasons. In addition to these things, there are illustrations that coordinate with each of the haiku, as well as the informational pages. This book is ideal for those interested in poetry or reading about the changing of the seasons.
Haiku: Three lines, seventeen syllables (five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables), also known as everyone's favorite poems because they don't have to rhyme. This book contains fourteen haiku, a page of information about haiku, information about the cycle of life, and information about the four seasons. In addition to these things, there are illustrations that coordinate with each of the haiku, as well as the informational pages. This book is ideal for those interested in poetry or reading about the changing of the seasons.
Annotated Bibliography #36
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
This book is adapted from the Yiddish folk song "I Had a Little Overcoat" that the author loved as a child. It starts out with Joseph wearing an old worn overcoat, that he transforms into a jacket. As the garment gets worn out, Joseph continues to turn it into something else until it is gone forever. What is cute is that every time the garment is turned into something else, the shape of the new garment is cut out of the page so that the reader can see the transformation. At the end of the book, the author includes the score for the song which gave him the inspiration for the book.
This book is adapted from the Yiddish folk song "I Had a Little Overcoat" that the author loved as a child. It starts out with Joseph wearing an old worn overcoat, that he transforms into a jacket. As the garment gets worn out, Joseph continues to turn it into something else until it is gone forever. What is cute is that every time the garment is turned into something else, the shape of the new garment is cut out of the page so that the reader can see the transformation. At the end of the book, the author includes the score for the song which gave him the inspiration for the book.
Annotated Bibliography #35
Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies by Cokie Roberts
George Washington. Benjamin Franklin. John Adams. James Madison. When one hears those names, they immediately think "Fathers of Our Country." Those men left their mark on history, but what of their wives? The familiar saying goes "Behind every great man, is a woman," and this book tells of the women behind the Founding Fathers. Martha Washington, Deborah Read Franklin, Abigail Adams, and Dolly Madison, and others, this is their story. What a fascinating set of women!
George Washington. Benjamin Franklin. John Adams. James Madison. When one hears those names, they immediately think "Fathers of Our Country." Those men left their mark on history, but what of their wives? The familiar saying goes "Behind every great man, is a woman," and this book tells of the women behind the Founding Fathers. Martha Washington, Deborah Read Franklin, Abigail Adams, and Dolly Madison, and others, this is their story. What a fascinating set of women!
Annotated Bibliography #34
Heaven is for Real for Kids as told by Colton Burpo to his parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo
This is the story of Colton Burpo's trip to Heaven when he was nearly four. He was very ill, and though he did not pass away, he got to experience Heaven, the real Heaven. According to Colton, Heaven is everything we have read and heard about, but also so much more. Considering how little time Colton spent in Heaven, it is amazing what all he saw there, showing, perhaps, truth in the saying that the passage of time in Heaven is different than the passage of time on Earth.
This is the story of Colton Burpo's trip to Heaven when he was nearly four. He was very ill, and though he did not pass away, he got to experience Heaven, the real Heaven. According to Colton, Heaven is everything we have read and heard about, but also so much more. Considering how little time Colton spent in Heaven, it is amazing what all he saw there, showing, perhaps, truth in the saying that the passage of time in Heaven is different than the passage of time on Earth.
Annotated Bibliography #33
Casey at the Bat A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888 by Ernest L. Thayer
Perhaps the most famous poem about America's pastime, "Casey at the Bat" shows how even the greatest players have a bad day from time to time. This particular incarnation of this poem has beautiful illustrations by C.F. Payne. The pictures are painted in such a way that they appear realistic, almost like photographs. The illustrations help the reader to better understand the actions occurring in the poem. The imposing figure of Casey, hero of the Mudville Nine, is particularly spot on.
Perhaps the most famous poem about America's pastime, "Casey at the Bat" shows how even the greatest players have a bad day from time to time. This particular incarnation of this poem has beautiful illustrations by C.F. Payne. The pictures are painted in such a way that they appear realistic, almost like photographs. The illustrations help the reader to better understand the actions occurring in the poem. The imposing figure of Casey, hero of the Mudville Nine, is particularly spot on.
Annotated Bibliography #32
Forgive Me, I Meant to Do It False Apology Poems by Gail Carson Levine
Based on the poem "This is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams, this book has approximately forty-three poems all entitled "This is Just to Say." William Carlos Williams' original poem is included in the book as well, so that the reader has a basis of comparison. Each poem is a fake apology, meaning the author does not really mean to apologize for the wrong they have done to the recipient of the poem.
Based on the poem "This is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams, this book has approximately forty-three poems all entitled "This is Just to Say." William Carlos Williams' original poem is included in the book as well, so that the reader has a basis of comparison. Each poem is a fake apology, meaning the author does not really mean to apologize for the wrong they have done to the recipient of the poem.
Annotated Bibliography #31
Click Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
What happens when cows learn to use a typewriter? A labor strike, that's what. A typewriter was found in the barn, so the cows use it to communicate with Farmer Brown. They'd like electric blankets because the barn is chilly. Farmer Brown says no, so the cows decide there will be no milk. Again the cows request electric blankets for themselves and the chickens, but Farmer Brown says no. Now there's no milk or eggs. What will it take for Farmer Brown and the animals to reach a compromise?
What happens when cows learn to use a typewriter? A labor strike, that's what. A typewriter was found in the barn, so the cows use it to communicate with Farmer Brown. They'd like electric blankets because the barn is chilly. Farmer Brown says no, so the cows decide there will be no milk. Again the cows request electric blankets for themselves and the chickens, but Farmer Brown says no. Now there's no milk or eggs. What will it take for Farmer Brown and the animals to reach a compromise?
Annotated Bibliography #30
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
If for no other reason than to look at the beautiful illustrations, everyone should read this book. On Christmas eve, a young boy wakes to the sound of a train in his front yard. This train is the Polar Express. It takes children who still believe to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Once there, the young boy is chosen to receive the first gift of Christmas. He chooses a bell from Santa's sleigh, to prove that Santa is real. On the way home, he loses the bell, but it mysteriously shows up Christmas morning. The interesting thing about the bell is that only true believers can hear it ring. Can you hear the bell?
If for no other reason than to look at the beautiful illustrations, everyone should read this book. On Christmas eve, a young boy wakes to the sound of a train in his front yard. This train is the Polar Express. It takes children who still believe to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Once there, the young boy is chosen to receive the first gift of Christmas. He chooses a bell from Santa's sleigh, to prove that Santa is real. On the way home, he loses the bell, but it mysteriously shows up Christmas morning. The interesting thing about the bell is that only true believers can hear it ring. Can you hear the bell?
Annotated Bibliography #29
The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales
An odd title for a sweet book. Set in McAllen, Texas, Sofia struggles with wanting more out of life, and accepting the traditions of her life now. Sofia is not like most girls in her barrio. She's not interested in having a quincenara, but has dreams of going to a good college. Her parents and other relatives try to show her that the life she has is every bit as fine as her dreams. It takes a while, but she finally sees that they were right. Reading the journey it took for her to reach this conclusion is heartwarming.
An odd title for a sweet book. Set in McAllen, Texas, Sofia struggles with wanting more out of life, and accepting the traditions of her life now. Sofia is not like most girls in her barrio. She's not interested in having a quincenara, but has dreams of going to a good college. Her parents and other relatives try to show her that the life she has is every bit as fine as her dreams. It takes a while, but she finally sees that they were right. Reading the journey it took for her to reach this conclusion is heartwarming.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)