The Dragonfly Pool

The Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibbotson

AR Reading Level: 6.5
On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Awards: SLJ Best Book; IBBY Honor List
Recommended for: Grades 5+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tally is a 12-year old girl who lives in London with her aunts and her father. On the eve of World War II, Tally's father decides to send her to a progressive boarding school in the countryside where Tally will be safe. Even though Tally initially does not want to go, she finds that she thrives in the free environment.

The school, named Delderton, is invited to participate in a multi-cultural folk dancing event in the fictitious European country of Bergania. Tally rallies a dancing troupe together, determined to visit at all costs. But with the Gestapo's ominous presence in country, things take a sad turn. Tally and her friends work together to fight for the the safety and happiness of the Berganian prince, Karil.

This book was not what I was expecting, based on the cover. But I found it to be thoroughly charming. It's a story of friendship, trust, and duty. My favorite quote in the book is,

"Duty exists and it's real. It means sharing any gift or talent that you have with people who need it. It means not being afraid or selfish or tight--but open."

This is an uplifting story that I can easily recommend. Incidentally, I found out that the author just died a few weeks ago at the age of 85. While a literary light has gone out, I do look forward to reading many more books from Ibbotson's legacy.

Also reviewed by: Book Nut ~ Books & other thoughts

Book 45 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 44 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge, Book 6 of 6 for the What's in a Name Challenge
Source: Purchased

The Persian Pickle Club

The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas

On the library stacks: Adult fiction

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought a book about a group of women in dusty Kansas who sit around and quilt would be dead boring. Added to that, I read another book by this author that I was sorely disappointed in. So my expectations going into this one weren't high, but I really ended up enjoying it.

Queenie Bean is a young married woman in a rural Kansas community. She is part of "The Pickles"--a group of mostly-older women who get together once a week to quilt. The Depression is on full force, and there is no rain to be had, which makes the situation in Harveyville pretty bleak. But quilting gives these women a much-needed outlet.

This is a story about loyalty and friendship, but there is also a nice mystery element. Through the eyes of Queenie we see both love and loss, both hard times and good times. And Queenie is as likeable a character as they come. I did have a hard time keeping the characters all straight at first, but eventually they really became distinct personalities.

I definitely recommend this book for book clubs and look forward to discussing it with mine.

Also reviewed by: The Reading Season ~ Lesa's Book Critiques ~ Good Clean Reads ~ 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews ~ Your link here?

Book 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 44 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge
Source: BookMooch

Chocolat

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

On the library stacks: Adult fiction
Series: Book 1 of 2

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I saw this movie years ago, but I can tell you that I definitely liked the movie much more than the book. The movie was warm and feel-good, but the book was dark and cold. Plus, it took me over 10 days to read, and that is never a good thing.

Vianne is a single mother who is constantly on the move. She is carried by the wind from one town to the next, where she sets up her chocolate shop and makes friends with the locals until it is time to move on. When she and her daughter Anouk arrive in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, Vianne confronts the demon of her tarot cards, the "Black Man." He is the town's Catholic priest, Reynaud, and he is determined to drive Vianne out of town. 

This book is told in the alternating voices of Vianne and Reynaud. I found Vianne to be selfish, self-centered and disrespectful. Reynaud is just disgusting and despicable. I really hated to see all the religious characters in the novel to be portrayed as ridiculously pathetic and out-of-touch individuals.

I will say that Harris has a lovely way with words and imagery, and certainly the magical realism elements added to the aura I think she was trying to create. But the romance element was a total let-down, I didn't like the anti-religious sentiment, and I thought the whole book was kind of depressing. Opinions on this book are many and varied, so check out some other reviews:

Becky's Book Reviews ~  Book Nut ~ So Many Books, So Little Time ~ A Life in Books ~ Your link here?

Book 99 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 43 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge
Source: BookMooch

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

AR Reading Level: 5.9
On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Awards: YALSA Top Ten; Booklist Editors' Choice
Series: Book 1 of 2
Recommended for: Grades 6+

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Steven is an 8th grader. He wants to be cool but he's kind of a geek. He has a crush on the hottest girl in school and he plays drums for the All-Star Jazz Band.  He has a 5-year old brother named Jeffrey, who he has always found kind of annoying. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's whole life changes.

This book is everything I think a YA book should be. Steven is not perfect--far from it in fact. But we get to watch him grow through an extreme life challenge. He has his ups and downs. He's selfish and funny and genuine. I laughed and cried right along with him as he tried to keep his family together through an extraordinarily difficult time while also navigating the murky waters of his adolescence.

I think that this book will resonate well with many teens, regardless of their own personal challenges.  Steven gains perspective on what really matters in life, and he does so in a way that is honest and full of heart. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Highly recommended.

Also reviewed by: Ticket to Anywhere ~  In the Pages... ~ Becky's Book Reviews ~ Ms. Yingling Reads ~ my thoughts exactly ~ So Many Books, So Little Time ~ Your link here? 

Book 98 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 43 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge
Source: Library

And the Pursuit of Happiness - TLC Book Tour

And the Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman

Publisher: Penguin Press HC
Publication Date: October 14, 2010
Hardcover: 480 pages
ISBN: 9781594202674
Price: $29.95
Author's NYT blog

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Description:

Energized and inspired by the 2008 elections, beloved artist and author Maira Kalman traveled to Washington, D.C., on inauguration day, launching a national tour that would take her from a town hall meeting in Newfane, Vermont, to the inner chambers of the Supreme Court. This book is the result of this wholly idiosyncratic journey, a yearlong investigation of democracy and how it works.

With the delightful Kalman as our travel companion, we fall in love with Lincoln as she imagines making a home for herself in the center of his magisterial memorial; ponder Alexis de Toqueville’s America, witness the inner workings of a Bronx middle-school student council; take a high-speed lesson in great American women in the National Portrait Gallery; and consider the cost of war to the brave American service families of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Democracy, Kalman discovers, is at work all around us.

My thoughts:

Oh, how I adored this book! It's like a grown-up graphic novel/memoir/history book. The artwork is stunning and the photography is gorgeous. The words are spare, but just right. It's full of little anecdotes and trivia and reflections on day-to-day life. I think I read the entire book with a smile on my face.

This book is really a celebration of America and everything that this republic stands for. It's optimistic and full of hope. There were just a couple of times the author got a little partisan in her politics, but for the most part, she stayed neutral and true to what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they organized this great country. I highly recommend checking this book out!

Other tour stops:

Thursday, October 14th: Suko’s Notebook
Monday, October 18th: Rundpinne
Friday, October 22nd: Chaotic Compendiums
Tuesday, October 26th: 1330v
Wednesday, October 27th: Daydream Believer
Wednesday, November 3rd: sfgirlbybay
Thursday, November 4th: Eleanor’s Trousers
Wednesday, November 10th: Til We Read Again
Thursday, November 11th: Booksie’s Blog
Monday, November 15th: Books Like Breathing
Wednesday, November 17th: Sophisticated Dorkiness
Thursday, November 18th: Joyfully Retired
Friday, November 19th: Drey’s Library
Friday, November 19th: Nonsuch Book

Book 97 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Source: I received this book from the publisher as part of the TLC Book Tour.

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

AR Reading Level: 6.2
On the library stacks: Adult Mystery Fiction
Series: One of many Hercule Poirot novels
Recommended for: Grades 9+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So this is where I admit that I don't think I have ever read an Agatha Christie novel. I don't really understand why since I was raised on a steady diet of Nancy Drew. And despite spending many of my teenage years in England watching many TV adaptations, I do believe this is my first exposure to the written word.

Hercule Poirot is a Belgian detective on his way from Istanbul back to England in the dead of winter. The train is unusually full for the time of year and a wide variety of people are on board, both in terms of nationalities and social classes. In the middle of the night, the train stops unexpectedly when it runs into a huge snowdrift. A few hours later, a passenger is found murdered. Hercule is given the task of solving the crime, and assumes that the murderer is still on board.

Reading this was so fun and is perfect for this time of year. I don't like my books too scary or spooky, but the mystery kept me riveted. I loved how it all ended and I was pleased that I didn't see the twist coming. I will definitely be reading more of the adventures of Hercule in the future.

Also reviewed by: Piling on the Books ~ Reviews by Lola ~ A Book a Day ~ The Library Ladder ~ A Reader's Journal ~ Your link here? 

Book 96 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Source: Library

Girl in Translation

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

On the library stacks: Adult fiction

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ah-Kim immigrated with her mother to Brooklyn from Hong Kong in the 1980s. Kim's aunt and uncle, who own a clothing factory, have paid their way, and now Kim and her mother are heavily indebted. Her mother works tirelessly in the clothing factory, while Kim struggles through 6th grade and works in the factory in the afternoon. They live in utter poverty, but Kim was a brilliant student in Hong Kong and she is committed to taking full advantage of the opportunity she and her mother have been given to make a better life for themselves in America.

This was a beautiful coming-of-age story. Kim learns about true friendship and love as she grows and matures. I was immersed in Kim's world--her joys and her struggles. I liked how she valued her cultural roots, but also knew when she needed to break away from some of her traditions. The story felt so authentic because the author went through many of the same struggles herself.

I felt like the story had a great flow, although I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. I also kind of wished that it had been a YA book instead of adult fiction. But, I think this would make a great book club selection, and I definitely recommend this one.

Also reviewed by: Book Nut ~ Bibliophile by the Sea ~ Book Addiction ~ Capricious Reader ~ The Book Nest ~ Reading Extravaganza ~ Thoughts of Joy... ~ Your link here?

Book 95 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Source: Library

Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

AR Reading Level: 4.7
On the library stacks: Children's/YA Fiction
Awards: Young Reader's Choice Award/Nominee; Newbery Medal; Boston Globe/Horn Book Award/Honors; State Award
Recommended for: Grades 4+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My 5th-grade daughter Coco is reading this book at school right now. I wanted to read it so that I can talk to her about it--not just so that we can bond over it, but also in case there are any thematic issues that I want to discuss with her.

Jeffrey Magee is an orphan who has run away from the oppressive atmosphere of his aunt and uncle's home. He can outrun everyone, hit any baseball, and untie any knot, earning him the nickname of "Maniac." He is able to cross the racial divide from the East Side of town to the West Side of town, but there are those who are not too happy about it. Ultimately, Maniac confronts racism head-on as he learns what "home" truly means.

I thought this was a sweet and heart-warming story. Poverty and racism are certainly the main "issues" in this book. But I think that it is handled in a way that is appropriate for middle-graders. I'm definitely a Spinelli fan, and this book was well-written and quick to read. Coco read the first 20 pages last night and already we found some stuff to talk about, so I think this will be a fun experience for both of us.

Also reviewed by: Tiny Little Reading Room ~  Bookworm Burrow 

Book 94 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 42 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge, Book 25 of 25 for the Support Your Local Library Challenge
Source: Library

Impossible

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

AR Reading Level: 4.6
On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Awards: SLJ Best Book; Booklist Editors' Choice; Kirkus Editors Choice
Recommended for: High School +

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Lucy Scarborough is a 17-year old girl who lives with her loving foster parents. Her biological mother is insane, but does occasionally appear in Lucy's life, usually singing her own rendition of Scarborough Fair.  On prom night, Lucy is date raped. As time moves on, Lucy realizes that this singular defining event is part of a centuries-old curse.

All Scarborough girls give birth at age 18 and go insane, unless they complete three tasks as outlined in Scarborough Fair. She must made a shirt with no seams without using needles. And she must plow an acre of land with a goats horn located between the ocean and sea strand, and then sow it with a grain of corn.

I like the idea of using an old folk song as the basis of a book. I thought the author's interpretation of the song was clever. I also thought the romance element in this book was really sweet, and it definitely kept me turning pages. I appreciated that Lucy had a support network of people who believed in her, and that her parents were involved in helping her accomplish her tasks. I didn't love how the ending was executed. It seemed awkward, clunky and anti-climatic. But overall this was a fun and entertaining read.

Also reviewed by: J'adorehappyendings ~ Fuzzy Cricket ~ Stark Raving Bibliophile ~ Books & other thoughts ~ Capricious Reader ~ Becky's Book Reviews ~ In the Pages... ~ Teen Lit Review ~ Your link here?

Book 93 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 42 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 41 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge
Source: Purchased

The Engine 2 Diet

The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter's 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds by Rip Esselstyn

On the library stacks: Adult Non-fiction

After suffering from heartburn nearly every day since January, I finally figured out it was dairy--specifically lactose. After chatting about it with my mom, we both decided to read this book. The author's first recommendation is to rid your diet of dairy, so it seemed like a book I could relate to.

Rip is a hard-core athlete who decided to make some changes in his diet. After having so much success himself, he decided to run a little study with the guys in his firehouse to see if they could achieve similar results. Those results, combined with a second study, proved that Rip's diet can help people lose weight and drop their cholesterol levels significantly.

The basic tenets of the diet are these: No dairy. No oil. No meat. No fish. No eggs. Rip calls it a plant-based diet and I think that sums it up well. He encourages whole grains, nuts, soy products and other milk substitutes, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Will I become a vegetarian after reading this? Nope. But I will eat less meat. Already I have chosen the vegetarian options the last few times I ate out. I will also read labels more. (That was probably my favorite section. I learned 4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon. Sheesh!) And I will be more vigilant about whole grains and fruits and veggies.

I do have to mention that I found this book horribly written and I wish his evidence was a little more substantial and scientific. I don't have high cholesterol and I don't need to lose weight. But I do think Rip's approach is a common-sense and healthy approach to eating.

To learn more and see some of Rip's recipes, visit The Engine 2 diet website.

Also reviewed by: A Bookworm's World ~ Books Ahoy! ~ Wendi's Book Corner ~ Your link here?

Book 92 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge 
Book 24 of 25 for the Support Your Local Library Challenge
Source: Library