Our Eleanor

Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt's Remarkable Life by Candace Fleming

AR Reading Level: 8.0
On the library stacks: YA Non-fiction
Awards: SLJ Best Book; VOYA Award/Honor; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Notable/Best Books
Recommended for: Ages 12+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading The Lincolns last year, I've had this one high up on on my TBR list. Similar in style to The Lincolns, this book contains letters, photographs, newspaper clippings and other mementos from the life of Eleanor Roosevelt.

This is a truly fascinating book that I really enjoyed reading. The weird thing is that I like Eleanor significantly less now than when I started the book! Eleanor was not a good mother to her 5 children, had a passive-aggressive relationship with her mother-in-law, ignored FDR while she pursued her own political goals, and she was an anti-Semite. At the same time, however, she was a champion of the poor, the aged, (most) minorities, servicemen, the homeless and the unemployed. Many of the government welfare programs of today stem from her encouragement during FDR's unprecedented 3+ terms in the White House.

I had a few minor quibbles with the book. It needed a little more editing. Sometimes the same fact would appear just pages apart, as if we had never learned it before. Also, there were parts where I felt like the author's personal feelings got in the way. Her assumptions of what was good or bad about Eleanor, particularly in regard to political views, might not be the same for every person.

This is resource is a gem. Eleanor's influence on the world is legendary. Even though I may disagree with some of her political and moral views, I can't help but respect many of her amazing accomplishments. I would caution that this book should only be given to kids who are mature enough to handle discussions of FDR's marital infidelities and the question of Eleanor's own faithfulness and sexual preferences.

Also reviewed by: Gamila's Book Review ~ Through the Looking Glass

Book 81 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 38 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge, Book 22 of 25 for the Support Your Local Library Challenge

Source: Library

On Agate Hill

On Agate Hill: A Novel by Lee Smith

On the library stacks: Adult fiction

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Tuscany Miller is a potential doctoral candidate who wants to use old documents stashed in the home of her father and his lover as the basis for her thesis. This book is the collection of diary entries, letters, and memorabilia detailing the life of Molly Petree, an orphan who spent time living in the home, named Agate Hill.

This is a sad Appalachian post-Civil War tale. It is kind of a wandering aimless book that didn't have a whole lot keeping it together. I really disliked the beginning which is Molly's childhood diary, with its misspellings and grammar issues. But once she got to the girl's boarding school she attended as a teenager, I did enjoy the thoughts of the headmistress, her sister Agatha, and Molly. However, the final part of the book where Molly marries, has a series of awful tragedies and ends up right back in Agate Hill was just depressing.

The whole book just seemed so implausible. I can't imagine any person writing to a professor in the flippant tone that Tuscany uses. I didn't understand why Agatha would write huge letters to her sister since they lived together and worked together at the same school. And how did the artifacts of the headmistress and her sister end back up in Molly's possession? In addition, so much of the emotional turmoil was never really explored. Murders, death and abuses were just kind of presented and never dealt with by the characters in any meaningful way.

Also reviewed by: A Life in Books ~ Your link here?

Book 80 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 54 of 55 for the Countdown Challenge (2006), Book 36 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 47 of 50 for the New Author Challenge

Source: BookMooch

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

AR Reading Level: 7.2
On the library stacks: YA fiction
Awards: Booklist Editors' Choice; Bilby Award; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; VOYA: The Perfect Tens; ALA Notable/Best Books; Bram Stoker Award/Nominee; Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature
Series: Book 5 of 7 (Harry Potter)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Years ago I went on a little boycott/hiatus of all things Harry Potter. My husband dutifully read all the books, some multiple times, while I persisted in my obstinate ways. But my 9-year old recently blew through the first four books in the series and wanted to know if she could read the next one. My husband recalled that things get awful dark and we agreed that I would pick up where I left off to assess the age appropriateness of the rest of the series for our kids.

The first 3/4 of the book put me soundly to sleep every night for the past week. I love to stay up late reading, but I was a goner by 11pm every night. The last 1/4 had its redeeming moments, especially the departure of the Weasley twins which I thoroughly enjoyed. But really not a lot happens in this book considering it's the longest book in the series. It also seemed like Rowling tried too hard to provide teenage angst, and moody Harry with his bad attitude really got on my nerves.

As far as my kids go, I did find this book dark and violent, especially Harry's detentions with Professor Umbridge. I also found the Hitler-esque regime disturbing. There are mild swear words in this book, although some are not relevant to the American audience. Since every parent has to decide what they feel comfortable letting their child read, I'm going to have my kids wait until at least 5th grade to read this one. This is a case where just because my child can read it, doesn't mean they should. For parents who are unsure, I found this article to be a useful guide of various Harry Potter media by age and stage.

Also reviewed by: Muse Book Reviews ~ Jules' Book Reviews ~ Book Addiction ~ 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews ~ Your link here?

Book 79 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 35 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 53 of 55 for the Countdown Challenge (2003), Book 37 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge

Source: Purchased

The Power of One

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

AR Reading Level: 6.9
On the library stacks: Adult fiction
Recommended for: Adults
Note: There is a young readers' condensed version on the YA stacks listed for grades 9+.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had this on my shelf forever. But at over 500 pages, I needed a good excuse to pick it up. Thankfully, this was my in-person book club choice this month and we are going to watch the movie together tonight! This is a tough read, but it was really good.

The book spans the childhood years of Peekay, a white South African from English descent. When the book opens in 1939, little 6-year old Peekay is sent away to boarding school where he deals with unspeakable horrors because he is not a Boer. Peekay has no father and his mother is pretty much out to lunch. But Peekay finds others in his life who teach him, inspire him, and help him on his way including a boxer, a prison warden, a professor, a librarian, teachers, friends, and even a Russian man working in a Rhodesian copper mine.

The character development, set against the backdrop of WWII and the roots of apartheid, is outstanding. We journey with Peekay as he strives to become the welterweight champion of the world while standing against racism, uniting cultures, and developing his talents as a thinker.

This book is very violent and full of profanity. To be honest, I don't think I could have read it and appreciated it much earlier in my life than where I'm at now. But it is inspiring and beautifully written. There is a reason you see this one on so many Top 100-type lists, and I agree that the accolades are well-deserved.

Also reviewed by: Book Thoughts ~ Bending Bookshelf ~ Your link here?

Book 78 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 46 of 50 for the New Author Challenge, Book 34 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 6 of 8 for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge (South Africa)

Source: Purchased (brand new for 10 cents at my library book sale!)

Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Series: Book 3 of 3 (Hunger Games)
Recommended for: Grades 9+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

NO SPOILER REVIEW

Well, I went to Borders yesterday morning armed with my newly arrived 50% off coupon in my email. (I must say I was super impressed with Borders for sending it to me since that was the pre-order price.) School didn't start until today, so there was me and a few teenage girls in line all eagerly clutching our Mockingjay books pulled from the prominent display at the entrance. I was only able to read off and on during the day, but I finally finished around 10pm last night.

Phew...this book was quite the ride. The action was great and there were twists I did not anticipate. About halfway through I set the book down stunned and needing to catch my breath. But, this book is not as strong as the first two. Some of the character development broke down for me, the romance element was missing its spark, and the ending was just anti-climatic. I felt like the anti-war message came on a little strong at the expense of the story.

But, it's fantabulous trilogy all around. So I'll shut up now.

Also reviewed by: Lisa's Book Nook ~ Book Nut ~ my thoughts exactly ~ My Friend Amy ~ Your link here?

Book 77 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 36 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge

Source: Purchased

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

AR Reading Level: 4.8
On the library stacks: Juvenile fiction
Awards: SLJ Best Book; Bilby Award
Series: Book 1 of 2

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished re-reading this with my 8-year old son. It was a favorite of mine growing up when I read it repeatedly. It has been over 20 years since I last read it, but I loved it as much as I did when I was younger.

This book is smart and it's funny. The illustrations in this particular version also add to the weird charm of the whole thing. CJ and I would crack up looking at the pictures together. And at the end of every chapter, I would get asked for, "Just one more!" It's a great read-aloud and fun for the whole family--a definite classic.

I have avoided watching the 2005 version of the film because I love the Gene Wilder version. Should I go ahead and try it or not?

Also reviewed by: At Home With Books ~ Piling on the Books ~ The Book Nest ~ Becky's Book Reviews ~ Your link here?

Book 76 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge

Source: Purchased

An Assembly Such as This

An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan

On the library stacks: Adult fiction
Series: Book 1 of 3 (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman)
Recommended for: Jane Austen fans

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ever wanted to know Darcy's side of the story? This book is the first part of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's perspective. Taking place first at Netherfield and then in London, we get a lot more of the back story behind what makes Darcy tick. We learn more about his relationship with his sister, his life growing up at Pemberley, his parents, and what he really thinks of Caroline Bingley.

The book moved a little slowly for me at the beginning through the stuff that is easily recognizable from the original book and the movies. But it sped up for me as it went along and we were introduced to new characters. My favorite parts were the imagined stuff with side characters like Darcy's valet, Fletcher and his friend Dy from Cambridge.

Overall, I thought this was really fun. I look forward to continuing the series!

Also reviewed by: Ardent Reader ~ One Literature Nut ~ 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews ~ Your link here?

Book 75 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 45 of 50 for the New Author Challenge, Book 52 of 55 for the Countdown Challenge (2003)

Source: Borrowed

Dreamland

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

AR Reading Level: 5.8
On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Awards: ALA Notable/Best Books; Young Reader's Choice Award/Nominee; State Award; Booklist Editors' Choice
Appropriate for: Grades 9+

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I grabbed this book off my bookshelf because I thought Sarah Dessen would be perfect for my week-long vacation at the beach. What I did not know, is that this is not the typical Sarah Dessen fare. This one deals with physical abuse and drug addiction.

Caitlin is a junior in high school who feels like she is the also-ran in her home. Her 'perfect' sister Cass up and vanished right before she was due to start school at Yale. With her parent's attention focused elsewhere, Caitlin loses herself in activities completely opposite of anything her sister would have done. She becomes a cheerleader and starts dating a notorious bad boy named Rogerson Biscoe from a neighboring school. As things go from bad to worse for Caitlin, she loses a hold on herself and the reality of what is happening to her.

I appreciate Dessen for having the guts to write a book like this. It's a book that might actually help some girls out there. While Caitlin was certainly a victim, I do wish she had been a little more accountable at the end for the poor choices that led her towards her downward spiral. I also wished that we could have seen a little more of how Rogerson was able to keep such a hold on Caitlin. He just seemed like pure evil to me, so it was hard to understand why Caitlin would stay with him. Still, reading this was kind of like watching a train wreck and I had a hard time putting down, especially at the end.

Also reviewed by: Book Addiction ~ Open Mind, Insert Book ~ Melissa's Bookshelf ~ Reviews of Young Adult Literature ~ Your link here?

Book 74 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 33 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 35 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge

Source: BookMooch

The Tea Rose

The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

On the library stacks: Adult fiction
Series: Book 1 of 3 (The Tea Rose)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1888 and Jack the Ripper is on the loose in the East End of London. Fiona Finnegan works in a tea factory and Joe Bristow sells vegetables off his father's cart. They have loved each other since they were children, and together they are saving their pennies for the day they can get married and open their own shop. But their dreams are shattered--both by the choices they make and the dark forces at work in their working class neighborhood.

This is one of those sweeping epic novels that takes place over a decade in both London and New York. It's a rag-to-riches story about greed, ambition, evil, love, loss and revenge. It reminded me of the earlier works of Jeffrey Archer which I read a number of years ago. I really enjoy sinking my teeth into this kind of book, and this one was no exception. Even though it's a large novel, it held my interest and was well worth the time.

When I dissect this book, I do have some complaints. There was a lot of silly miscommunicating between the characters which aggravated me, especially since there was a certain degree of predictability. I didn't particularly like one of the main characters (I won't say who!) and there were a number of plot points that seemed wildly unrealistic, especially given the time period. Also, this book is definitely rated R for sex, language, and violence. But the bottom line is, when I look at the novel as a whole, it just worked for me and I really enjoyed it.

Also reviewed by: Ardent Reader ~ Tiny Little Reading Room ~ Your link here?

Book 73 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 32 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 51 of 55 for the Countdown Challenge (2002)

Source: Purchased

Becoming Naomi Leon

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Muñoz Ryan

AR Reading Level: 5.4
On the library stacks: Young Adult and Juvenile Fiction
Awards: Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Bk. Award; Skipping Stones Honor Award; NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts; Pura Belpre Award/Honor Book; Book Sense Book of the Year Award/Honorees; ALA Notable/Best Books
Recommended for: Grades 6+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Naomi Outlaw is a quiet 11-year old girl who lives with her great-grandmother and younger brother Owen in a California trailer park. Her mother left her with her great-grandmother when Naomi was just 4, but returns after 7 years to try and claim her.

Naomi wants to love her mother, a recovering alcoholic, but things about her just seem off. Eventually, Naomi's mother tries to force Naomi to go to Las Vegas with her and her boyfriend. This sends Naomi, her great-grandmother, Owen and some supportive neighbors to Mexico (in the trailer named Baby Beluga) during Christmastime to try and find Naomi's father for help.

This is a heartbreaking, but inspiring and sweet book. Naomi's situation encourages her to accept what she cannot change, but to stand up for herself and her family. I was in love with optimistic Owen, who has some medical difficulties, and Naomi's level-headed grandmother.

This book is well-written and I especially loved the beautiful scene in Mexico describing La Posadas. Thematically, this book might be a little mature for younger readers, but I definitely recommend it for middle school and up.

Also reviewed by: Books & other thoughts ~ Your link here?

Book 72 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 31 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 34 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge, Book 50 of 55 for the Countdown Challenge (2004)

Source: BookMooch