The Arrival

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Book 60 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge

Awards: New South Wales Premier's Literary Award; 2006 Cybils Award; Bologna Ragazzi Award, Special Mention; Spectrum Award; Junior Library Guild Selection; World Fantasy Artist of the Year; A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2007; A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2007; Amazon.com's Best Teen Book of 2007; 2007 Parents' Choice Gold Award; A Book Sense Winter 2007-2008 Top Ten Children’s Pick; A New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing; A New York Times Notable Children’s Book of 2007; Rocky Mountain News, A Top Ten Book of the Year; The Columbus Dispatch, A Best Book of 2007; Booklist; A School Library Journal Best Book of 2007; A Washington Post Best Book for Young People for 2007; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon for Fiction; ALA Notable Children's Book, 2008; ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 2008; ALA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2008; Horn Book Fanfare Book 2007; Metropolitan Home Magazine's Design 100, 2008; An IRA Notable Book for a Global Society, 2008; 2008 Locus Award, Best Art Book; 2008 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, special citation for excellence in graphic storytelling; CCBC Choices 2008; Nominated for an International Horror Guild Award, Illustrated Narrative; Nominated for 2008 Hugo Award

rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Arrival is a wordless graphic novel that explores the trials and triumphs of the immigration experience. Set in a fantastical world that borrows from our own, readers will recognize images that Tan used to base the novel on, including Ellis Island and post-WWII Europe. However, there is a different alphabet, make-believe animals, and hot air balloons used for travel.

The book is entirely sepia-toned pencil drawings with gorgeous detail. Shaun Tan spent four years working on this book, and it shows. Although Tan is an illustrator first and foremost, I did miss his personal voice.

Since there are no words, I would say this book is experienced rather than read. It is a unique and thought-provoking book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Also reviewed by:

• Rebecca Reads
• The Compulsive Reader
• Stuff as Dreams are Made On
• ReadingAdventures
• 1morechapter.com
• Ticket to Anywhere
• Thoughts of Joy...
• The Book Nest
• The Genteel Arsenal
• Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
• Menasha Public Library

Let me know if I have missed yours!

Suite Scarlett

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Book 59 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 7 of 50 for the New Author Challenge

Award: YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults

rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first Maureen Johnson book and I thought it was adorable. Scarlett Martin lives with her family in an Art Deco hotel in New York City. Times are tough and Scarlett and her three siblings have to do a lot of work to keep the family business afloat. Scarlett's older sister, Lola, also works at Henri Bendel and dates a rich Manhattanite. Scarlett's older brother, Spencer, wants to be an actor but his parents want him to go to culinary school on scholarship. They have a younger sister, Marlene, who is a cancer survivor and tends to think the world revolves around her.

Scarlett has just turned 15 and she's anticipating the most boring summer of her life working in the hotel. But, things get crazy when an interesting guest comes to stay and Spencer starts working on an off-Broadway show. Scarlett ends up spending quite a bit of time with the cast, including an 18 year old boy named Eric, fresh from Winston-Salem.

I loved immersing myself in Scarlett's world. Although there is a cute romance element to the book, I really loved the interactions she had with each of her siblings. I do wish the parents had better developed characters. But everyone's flaws were so real, I laughed and cringed right along with them. Even though the story has some unbelievable moments, the ending was so down-to-earth and just right, I can't complain at all. I did just read that this is the first in a trilogy. The next one, Scarlett Fever, will be out in January 2010.

I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by the same author.

Also reviewed by:

• Teen Book Review
• It's All About Books
• Not Enough Bookshelves
• Reading Keeps You Sane
• Tempting Persephone
• Reviewer X
• Becky's Book Reviews
• Book Nut
• L-i-i: Librarian-ism-ish
• Zoe's Book Reviews
• Liv's Book Reviews
• Marjolein Reviews

Which Maureen Johnson should I read next?

Permanent Rose

Permanent Rose by Hilary McKay

Book 58 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Awards: BCCB Blue Ribbon Book; Horn Book Fanfare
Series: Book 3 of 5 (Casson Family)

rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved the first two books in this series (here and here). This one was fun, as usual, but not my favorite of the series so far.

Caddy can't decide whether she wants to get married, Eve is painting pictures on the walls of the hospital, one of Indigo's old bullies is trying to be his friend, Saffy wants to know who her father is, and Rose is missing Tom. Bill, the dad, turns out to be as much of a creep as I was desperately hoping he wouldn't be.

All in all, a solid book in the ever thickening plot of the Casson Family. But this one was a little too over-the-top-soap-opera-drama-ish. Still, I know I'll be sad when I finish these.

I'd recommend this series for ages 12+.

Also reviewed by:

• Book Nut
• Menasha Public Library
  

Gregor the Overlander

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Book 57 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Award: Parent's Guide Book Award/Honor Book
Part of a Series: Book 1 of 5 (Underland Chronicles)

rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first of five books in a middle grade fantasy series from Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins. I got the first three books in this series on the super cheap from the Scholastic Warehouse Sale and I'm excited to read them all and pass them along to my kids.

Gregor is an 11 year old living in an apartment in NYC with his mom, grandma and sisters. His dad had disappeared two years previously and Gregor was feeling a little upset that he had to spend the summer watching his two year old sister, Boots, while his mom worked. While changing the laundry in the basement, Boots falls down a vent and Gregor falls down after her. They find themselves in the Underland--a world of humans, and abnormally large rats, roaches, and spiders where they must embark on a quest.

Slightly reminiscent of A Wrinkle in Time, I think this book will be loved by both girls and boys. There is action and adventure, with a nice balance of sentiment. I loved how Gregor took responsibility for Boots. And Boots herself was so true to life of my own two year old girl, I couldn't help but be in love with her. This is a very enjoyable tale that will have great appeal for those looking beyond Harry Potter. Recommended for ages 8+.

Also reviewed by:

• Books & other thoughts
• Menasha Public Library
• Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review
• Book Scoops

Let me know if I have missed yours!

The Woman in White

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Book 56 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 2 for the Classics Challenge

rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reading this book is a classic example of why I don't like to re-read books. I know I liked it the first time. I read it in high school when I was going through a serious mystery and classics phase. The Moonstone is listed as one of my favorite books. Now I'm wondering, if I re-read it, would it still have that place in my heart? Or, have my reading tastes changed so much as I have aged that it too would fall from grace as this one has? Or, was this one just not as good the second time around because I kept feeling like there is so much good stuff to be reading that re-reading this 700 page tome is just a waste of my time?

I don't know. There were parts I really enjoyed. I know it is well-written and I know it deserves its place in the world of classics. But, I had to force myself to read a certain number of pages everyday and even then, I should have finished days ago.

The story revolves around two women who look exactly alike. Anne Catherick has just escaped from an insane asylum and Laura Fairlie is an aristocrat. There lives become entwined by Walter Hartright, a master painter. He unwittingly helps Anne escape the asylum right before he takes a position as the drawing instructor of Laura Fairlie.

The Woman in White has all the qualities of a great Victorian novel: romance, intrigue, and class warfare. This book has so much drama, you can really see why it was so sensational when it released back in 1860. I like that Wilkie Collins employed (what was then) a very new technique--writing the book from the different character's perspectives. But, somehow I was just impatient with it. The reader isn't left to wonder about a single solitary thing since all the elements of the story are explained in so much detail.

If you haven't read a Wilkie Collins novel, I really suggest reading one. I think maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this one right now.

Also reviewed by:

• The Book Nest
• A Reader's Journal
• 5-Squared
• Trish's Reading Nook
• 1morechapter.com
• Book Nut
• BiblioAddict
• amanda's weekly zen
• Bogormen

Let me know if I have missed yours!

Tales From Outer Suburbia

Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan

Book 55 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 6 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 6 of 10 for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge (Australia)

Award: Australian Aurealis Awards

rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book that I'm glad I didn't judge by the cover. Honestly, it might be my least favorite illustration in the whole book. Tales From Outer Suburbia is one of the most unique books I've ever read. It's not a book to read quickly. You should savor each illustration, each word, each idea. Made up of 15 short stories, some are just funny, some are zany, and some are deceptively deep. You will get out whatever you put into this book tenfold.

I think my favorite selection in the book was about where discarded poems go. There's also a story about a guy who shows up in a suburban neighborhood wearing a dripping wet antique diving suit, a story about stick people that grow each night, and a story about a government machine that makes people forget about everything bad the government does. This book definitely gets bonus points for creativity, gorgeous illustrations and word choice that gave me chills.

I'm definitely a new Shaun Tan groupie and I look forward to reading more works by him.

Also reviewed by:

• Books of Mee
• Bending Bookshelf
• She Reads Books
• readerbuzz
• Peeking Between the Pages
• Menasha Public Library
• The Genteel Arsenal

Please let me know if I have missed yours!

Redeeming Love

Redeeming Love (A six-part study guide) by Francine Rivers

Book 54 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 5 of 50 for the New Author Challenge

rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been meaning to read Francine Rivers for years. About a year ago, I started reading the Deanne Gist novels and Rivers got recommended again. I picked Redeeming Love up at a library book sale awhile ago, and finally decided to read it now because it is so highly ranked on Goodreads.

I was a bit daunted by the heft of the book (just over 460 pages) but they seriously flew by. I read this book in just over a day. This is Christian romance novel, based on the book of Hosea, but set in 1850s California. I have to admit, I knew very little about Hosea before I read this. Mainly, that the Lord commanded him to marry a prostitute. Who knew?! (Not me, obviously.)

I was completely hooked while I was reading this book. And yet, when I look back on it, I did find it cheesy, and a tad preachy and even unrealistic at times. However, I feel Rivers has created a compelling tale in an interesting setting and time period. This book is definitely rated PG-13 for heavy sexual themes, like child prostitution. But, there is nothing overly explicit in the descriptions. I would recommend this for Christian fiction fans for sure, anyone who enjoys a clean(er) romance, or books set during the Gold Rush.

Also reviewed by:

• Age 30+...A Lifetime of Books
• reading is my superpower
• Grasping for the Wind
• Stephanie's Written Word

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Tea Time for the Traditionally Built

Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith

Book 53 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 5 of 10 for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge (Zimbabwe/Scotland)

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books is like floating down a lazy river on a lovely summer afternoon. Leisurely and well-paced, this 10th installment does not disappoint.

These short novels are not really classic formula mysteries, but there is always an interesting case to be solved during the course of each book. As for the mystery element of this book, Precious Ramotswe and her partner, Grace Makutsi, are charged with finding out who is betraying the local football (soccer) team.

On the personal front, Precious is having continued troubles with her little white van, and Grace is fearing her fiancee will be sucked into the charms of her arch-nemesis Violet. The thing I love about these books is the astute observations made about human nature that show consistency regardless of culture, race, location, religion, or economic position.

If you have not read books in this series, I highly recommend them!

Challenges Update

I recently completed the Support Your Local Library Challenge. I decided to read 25 library books because last year I didn't read 50 from the library. Now, I'm wondering if I should have gone for the big 50, but I am resolving to read more of the books I have on my shelf. Otherwise, I really can't justify my trips to bookstores, library book sales, Bookmooch, or the used bookstore. But, since the title of my blog is Library Queue after all, and I am a librarian, I am going to mentally keep track of how many more library books I read this year, even if not for the challenge.

Here are the 25 challenge books I got from the library:

1. Every Soul a Star
2. 84, Charing Cross Road
   
3. Belong to Me
4. Garden Spells
5. A Poisoned Season
6. Very Valentine
7. A Fatal Waltz
8. Hush
9. Hattie Big Sky
10. The Geography of Bliss
11. The House on Tradd Street
12. The Help
13. Among the Mad
14. Banker to the Poor
15. The Adoration of Jenna Fox
16. Wake
17. Poison Study
18. Unwind
19. The Season
20. 11 Birthdays
21. Perfect You
22. Magic Study
23. Miss Buncle's Book
24. Fire Study
25. The Blue Castle
    

I am joining Maggie's Southern Reading Challenge again this year. My three possible book choices are:

1. Gone With the Wind
2. Southern Ladies & Gentlemen
3. Plantation

I rarely stick to these lists. But, I do have good intentions!




Finally, I joined the New Author Challenge. The challenge is to read 50 books by new authors during the year. I decided to start counting now, but if I don't make it to my 50 by December, I know I read at least 30 new authors before starting the challenge. I'm interested to see how I far I get!

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Book 52 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 4 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 4 of 10 for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge (The Netherlands)

rating: 5 of 5 stars

Corrie ten Boom was in her 50s when World War II broke out. She lived with her unmarried sister and her father in an old home in downtown Haarlem. Corrie learned the art of watchmaking from her father, and she was the first woman licensed watchmaker in the Netherlands.

The ten Booms became part of an underground network that took care of Jewish people during the occupation of the Netherlands. They even had a false wall built in their home to hide those who were staying with them. Eventually, they were betrayed and Corrie ten Boom was send to a concentration camp.

While some Holocaust books can be depressing, this is a book of hope, optimism and forgiveness in even the most trying of circumstances. Corrie and her sister Betsie saw miracles occur as they sought to do God's will both in Holland and in Germany where they were imprisoned. Their faith and determination were a blessing to all those they came in contact with, even their captors.

This is truly and inspirational novel from a remarkable woman. I highly recommend it.

Also reviewed by:

• Maw Book Blog
• Stacy's Bookblog
• Deliciously Clean Reads
• Carol's Notebook
• B&b ex libris

Let me know if you have reviewed this one and I'll add your link!