Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc by Davod Elliott
I am a fan of Joan of Arc. Her story is interesting and sad. When I was in Montmartre this past July, I had the opportunity to pray and light a candle in the little nave dedicated to Joan in the St. Pierre de Montmartre chapel. It was a beautiful opportunity to pay tribute to someone I hold in high esteem.
When I saw that this was a nominee for the TAYSHAS list, I was so excited and couldn't wait to read this. Unfortunately, I haven't been reading as much this year, so it took a bit longer for me to get around to this than I would have liked, but I did get to it.
This book tells the story of Joan of Arc through poetry, and some of the poems are shape poems. The shapes are things that are relevant in the life of the Maid of Orleans. Some of the poems are told by those objects, and some are told by people involved in her efforts in the 100 Years' War. It follows what I have read previously, so I would argue that it is fairly historically accurate.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
The Final Installment?
The Merciless IV: Last Rites by Danielle Vega
It's no secret that I picked up my first books by Vega a few years ago when I was trying to read more books than I had the year before it. I won't say I fell in love with them, but I am definitely intrigued by her writing. So, as new installments in this series have popped up, I have read them and put them in my classroom. That, in and of itself is amusing, as the pentagram on the front of these books makes my students wonder about me--ha!
At any rate, I have read and liked all of the books in this series--some more than others--and am often left with more questions than answers. This time was no different. And, as far as I am concerned, this was the best book in the series, hands down.
This is told in two different timelines--Before and After. Before and After...you think you know what it is referencing, but you really don't until the last twenty or so pages (if even that many). To say there's a twist at the end is an understatement, and I honestly wouldn't rule out a fifth book, just sayin'.
This one is about Berkley, who happens to find herself in a mental facility because she had a breakdown after her best friend kills herself. Oddly enough, her roommate is Sophia, from the first two books. Berkley is doing everything she can to get out of the facility, and Sophia seems resigned to the fact that she will never leave it herself. But then the story flips to After, when Berkley is in Cambria, Italy visiting two of her friends while they are in an art program. She meets this guy, and weird things start happening to her. Weird things like strangers referring to her as the devil. She's in a town that is known for sacrificing a woman who later became St. Lucia.
So much happens in this book that you don't want to put it down--I didn't, at least. I highly recommend this book series, and I hear it has been made into a series on Netflix. I'll be checking it out, of course.
It's no secret that I picked up my first books by Vega a few years ago when I was trying to read more books than I had the year before it. I won't say I fell in love with them, but I am definitely intrigued by her writing. So, as new installments in this series have popped up, I have read them and put them in my classroom. That, in and of itself is amusing, as the pentagram on the front of these books makes my students wonder about me--ha!
At any rate, I have read and liked all of the books in this series--some more than others--and am often left with more questions than answers. This time was no different. And, as far as I am concerned, this was the best book in the series, hands down.
This is told in two different timelines--Before and After. Before and After...you think you know what it is referencing, but you really don't until the last twenty or so pages (if even that many). To say there's a twist at the end is an understatement, and I honestly wouldn't rule out a fifth book, just sayin'.
This one is about Berkley, who happens to find herself in a mental facility because she had a breakdown after her best friend kills herself. Oddly enough, her roommate is Sophia, from the first two books. Berkley is doing everything she can to get out of the facility, and Sophia seems resigned to the fact that she will never leave it herself. But then the story flips to After, when Berkley is in Cambria, Italy visiting two of her friends while they are in an art program. She meets this guy, and weird things start happening to her. Weird things like strangers referring to her as the devil. She's in a town that is known for sacrificing a woman who later became St. Lucia.
So much happens in this book that you don't want to put it down--I didn't, at least. I highly recommend this book series, and I hear it has been made into a series on Netflix. I'll be checking it out, of course.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
What Is A Lie?
Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich, Steven Levenson, Ben J. Pasek, and Justin Paul
It's the first day of Evan Hansen's senior year of high school. He's a bit of a nobody, has anxiety issues, and sees a therapist. He's starting out the year with a cast on his arm because he fell from a tree and broke it. He has a crush on a girl named Zoe, whose brother is a social outcast. Evan has a couple of encounters with Zoe's brother, Connor, that day, and Connor signs Evan's cast.
A couple of days later, Evan discovers that Connor has killed himself, and his parents believe that Connor wrote his suicide note to Evan. As it turns out, the letter in question was written by Evan himself, as an exercise assigned by his therapist. Since Connor's parents are convinced that the letter was written by Connor, Evan thinks the best thing he can do for these grieving parents is to play along.
Over the course of several weeks, Evan lives this lie. He has created memories of himself and Connor to convince everyone of their friendship. He fakes emails. He has dinner with Connor's family, and he feels more comfortable with them than his own mother. To some degree, Evan feels guilty lying to everyone, so it makes you wonder how long this charade will last.
I can see why this is a popular theatre production, as the story was definitely worth reading.
It's the first day of Evan Hansen's senior year of high school. He's a bit of a nobody, has anxiety issues, and sees a therapist. He's starting out the year with a cast on his arm because he fell from a tree and broke it. He has a crush on a girl named Zoe, whose brother is a social outcast. Evan has a couple of encounters with Zoe's brother, Connor, that day, and Connor signs Evan's cast.
A couple of days later, Evan discovers that Connor has killed himself, and his parents believe that Connor wrote his suicide note to Evan. As it turns out, the letter in question was written by Evan himself, as an exercise assigned by his therapist. Since Connor's parents are convinced that the letter was written by Connor, Evan thinks the best thing he can do for these grieving parents is to play along.
Over the course of several weeks, Evan lives this lie. He has created memories of himself and Connor to convince everyone of their friendship. He fakes emails. He has dinner with Connor's family, and he feels more comfortable with them than his own mother. To some degree, Evan feels guilty lying to everyone, so it makes you wonder how long this charade will last.
I can see why this is a popular theatre production, as the story was definitely worth reading.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
What Did I Just Read?
They Could Have Named Her Anything by Stephanie Jiminez
Sometime this past summer, this came up as an Amazon First Read. Apparently, it was the best that was on offer that month, as this was the one I chose. I'd put it out of my mind until I saw it was on the final nominations list for the 2020 TAYSHAS list. Since it made that list, I thought it was likely a good book. I just finished it, and although it would give me a notch on the list, if you will, I hope it doesn't make the list. The writing isn't great, and neither is the storyline.
Maria is seventeen and lives in Queens. She attends a fancy girls' school on a scholarship, but because of her family's financial situation, doesn't feel like she has anything in common with the girls she goes to school with. She has a boyfriend, Andres, who has sex with her but treats her like crap, and she takes it for reasons I don't really understand.
One day, Maria and Rocky, another girl from her school, become friends. She spends the night at her Manhattan apartment, and encounters Rocky's dad, who she is attracted to. Oh, and Rocky's dad is attracted to Maria as well. Maria goes on vacation to Las Vegas with Rocky's family, and spends some time with Rocky's dad. It's clear they want to have sex, but Maria asks that they wait until they get back to New York.
Once they are back in New York, Maria starts and quits a job, and her brother becomes involved with Rocky. Finally, Rocky's dad calls Maria, and they finally have sex, but Rocky and Maria's brother walk in on them. Mayhem ensues.
I am sorry, but I don't think this is the most appropriate subject matter for young adults, but that's my opinion.
Sometime this past summer, this came up as an Amazon First Read. Apparently, it was the best that was on offer that month, as this was the one I chose. I'd put it out of my mind until I saw it was on the final nominations list for the 2020 TAYSHAS list. Since it made that list, I thought it was likely a good book. I just finished it, and although it would give me a notch on the list, if you will, I hope it doesn't make the list. The writing isn't great, and neither is the storyline.
Maria is seventeen and lives in Queens. She attends a fancy girls' school on a scholarship, but because of her family's financial situation, doesn't feel like she has anything in common with the girls she goes to school with. She has a boyfriend, Andres, who has sex with her but treats her like crap, and she takes it for reasons I don't really understand.
One day, Maria and Rocky, another girl from her school, become friends. She spends the night at her Manhattan apartment, and encounters Rocky's dad, who she is attracted to. Oh, and Rocky's dad is attracted to Maria as well. Maria goes on vacation to Las Vegas with Rocky's family, and spends some time with Rocky's dad. It's clear they want to have sex, but Maria asks that they wait until they get back to New York.
Once they are back in New York, Maria starts and quits a job, and her brother becomes involved with Rocky. Finally, Rocky's dad calls Maria, and they finally have sex, but Rocky and Maria's brother walk in on them. Mayhem ensues.
I am sorry, but I don't think this is the most appropriate subject matter for young adults, but that's my opinion.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Not A Sequel, But Related, Kinda
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
I have been wanting to read this for a while, and when I forgot to take a book to read at school, I downloaded this one. While this was a good book, I think Ms. Thomas is pigeon-holing herself. This was well written, but the story takes place in the same place as her last book, and isn't all that much different in terms of content either.
This is the story of Bri, who wants to be a rap artist. Her father was a rap artist who was killed when Bri was very young. It was gang members who killed him. When she was five, her mother left Bri and her brother with their grandparents because she was too into drugs to take care of them.
Just like in Thomas' previous novel, Bri lives in the projects but goes to a good school that is some distance from her house. Additionally, gangs are an issue, albeit a smaller focus.
Like I said, good book, but too similar to the previous offering of this author.
I have been wanting to read this for a while, and when I forgot to take a book to read at school, I downloaded this one. While this was a good book, I think Ms. Thomas is pigeon-holing herself. This was well written, but the story takes place in the same place as her last book, and isn't all that much different in terms of content either.
This is the story of Bri, who wants to be a rap artist. Her father was a rap artist who was killed when Bri was very young. It was gang members who killed him. When she was five, her mother left Bri and her brother with their grandparents because she was too into drugs to take care of them.
Just like in Thomas' previous novel, Bri lives in the projects but goes to a good school that is some distance from her house. Additionally, gangs are an issue, albeit a smaller focus.
Like I said, good book, but too similar to the previous offering of this author.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
A Different Title Would be Better
The Lost by Natasha Preston
Unlike most of Preston's books, I am not really clear on where this one takes place. Also, the title doesn't really work for me. Lost implies something unintentional, and the people who are 'lost' in this book are kidnapped, which is not the same thing.
Piper is sixteen, and her older sister died sometime earlier. She is quite the homebody, but goes out to the lake with her friend Hazel one night. While there, she sees Caleb, a hot, rich guy that has taken notice of her. When Caleb and his friend ask Piper and Hazel to go for a ride with them, it seems innocent enough, but boy is she wrong. They end up in a secluded cabin in the woods, where the "games" are just beginning.
Prior to Piper and Hazel being taken, several other young people their age have gone missing over the course of months. As it turns out, these teens were all taken and used as part of a game for Caleb and his friends. There are six rooms that have to be survived, and each room has its own form of torture. Will Piper be able to survive the rooms and escape, or will she die? The only way you will find out the answer to this is to read the book.
Unlike most of Preston's books, I am not really clear on where this one takes place. Also, the title doesn't really work for me. Lost implies something unintentional, and the people who are 'lost' in this book are kidnapped, which is not the same thing.
Piper is sixteen, and her older sister died sometime earlier. She is quite the homebody, but goes out to the lake with her friend Hazel one night. While there, she sees Caleb, a hot, rich guy that has taken notice of her. When Caleb and his friend ask Piper and Hazel to go for a ride with them, it seems innocent enough, but boy is she wrong. They end up in a secluded cabin in the woods, where the "games" are just beginning.
Prior to Piper and Hazel being taken, several other young people their age have gone missing over the course of months. As it turns out, these teens were all taken and used as part of a game for Caleb and his friends. There are six rooms that have to be survived, and each room has its own form of torture. Will Piper be able to survive the rooms and escape, or will she die? The only way you will find out the answer to this is to read the book.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
The End of the Search
Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco
I have loved this series since I discovered it by accident on the shelves of my local Target store and am sad that it is over. I have loved following the adventures of Audrey Rose and Thomas. To know this was the end saddens me. I'd like to think that is why I took so long to read it, that I was savoring it, but I know that is not true. I just haven't wanted to read. At any rate, this was, as its predecessors were, worth the read.
This installment begins in New York City, with Audrey Rose and Thomas about to get married. There are deaths very similar to the Jack the Ripper murders, and there is speculation that the Ripper has crossed the pond. Of course, Audrey Rose and Thomas have to be a part of the investigation. Meanwhile, they are planning their wedding, which, unfortunately, does not go through because Thomas' father forged a letter that betrothed him to another woman.
In an effort to buy some time to sort out the forgery thing, Audrey Rose and Thomas head to Chicago, just in time to see the World's Fair, the White City. While there, they discover that many women have gone missing, and of the few bodies that have been found, they learn that the Ripper seems to have come here.
There are a whirlwind of emotions reading this one, but as I have already said, this one is so worth the time. This is a series that I am seriously considering re-reading from the beginning; it enthralled me that much.
I have loved this series since I discovered it by accident on the shelves of my local Target store and am sad that it is over. I have loved following the adventures of Audrey Rose and Thomas. To know this was the end saddens me. I'd like to think that is why I took so long to read it, that I was savoring it, but I know that is not true. I just haven't wanted to read. At any rate, this was, as its predecessors were, worth the read.
This installment begins in New York City, with Audrey Rose and Thomas about to get married. There are deaths very similar to the Jack the Ripper murders, and there is speculation that the Ripper has crossed the pond. Of course, Audrey Rose and Thomas have to be a part of the investigation. Meanwhile, they are planning their wedding, which, unfortunately, does not go through because Thomas' father forged a letter that betrothed him to another woman.
In an effort to buy some time to sort out the forgery thing, Audrey Rose and Thomas head to Chicago, just in time to see the World's Fair, the White City. While there, they discover that many women have gone missing, and of the few bodies that have been found, they learn that the Ripper seems to have come here.
There are a whirlwind of emotions reading this one, but as I have already said, this one is so worth the time. This is a series that I am seriously considering re-reading from the beginning; it enthralled me that much.
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