Book #71 Read in 2012
Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores by Jen Campbell
This is a very quick read--it is a collection of questions/comments that customers have been heard saying in bookstores. Bookstore workers and owners submitted these questions and comments. Some are funny, some are weird and some are downright sad (one customer asked for a copy of the sequel to The Diary of Anne Frank because she enjoyed Anne's writing. . . sigh). This book was generated by the author's blog, where these sayings were first collected and publicized. A cute read that book lovers will get a kick out of--a nice way to spend an afternoon. I enjoyed it.
Book #70 Read in 2012
The Code Busters Club by Penny Warner (YA)
This is the first in a mystery series. Four young adults form a club where they pass secret messages written in code back and forth. Their neighbor, whom they call Skeleton Man, is taken to the hospital after his house catches fire. But was it an accidental fire or set by his newly arrived family members? The kids decide to investigate.
This book was a good mystery and used the codes in an interesting way to move the plot along. I could see readers who liked solving codes really enjoying this book. There are two male and two female protagonists so I think both male and female readers would be drawn to this book. It was a good, quick read.
Book #69 Read in 2012
The Humming Room by Ellen Potter (YA)
This book was inspired by the classic book, The Secret Garden. Roo's parents are murdered and she is sent to live with her uncle, whom she has never met before. Roo is exploring her surroundings when she hears humming. She tries to locate the source but cannot. She does, however, find a garden that has been so neglected that it is almost dead. She vows to bring it back to life. Shortly after discovering the garden, she meets Phillip, her cousin, who is the mysterious hummer. He is basically trapped in his room and is trying to grapple with his mother's death. Roo decides that bringing the garden back to life will invigorate Phillip as well.
This was a quick read. Roo is an interesting character--she is tough yet caring. She says she is better with animals than people. She connects though with her cousin Phillip, more than she believes she is capable of doing. There are good secondary characters in this book such as Violet, Jack and Phillip. The plot can be a little slow as not much happens on an action level in this short book; the action is more psychological in nature as you see Roo and Phillip change. The book has an element of mystery and ghost story to it which will interest a certain type of reader.
Book #68 Read in 2012
The Undertakers 2: Queen of the Dead by Ty Drago (YA)
This book picks up right where the first in the series left off--and the action is non stop! Will Ritter is still fighting the Corpses and is feeling a bit smug about killing Kenny Booth. But now the Queen of the Dead has come to stop the Undertakers and Will--and she means business. She will use Will's mother and sister to try to get to him. But the Undertakers hang tough and have some help for a somewhat unexpected source--a FBI agent that they rescued from the Corpses.
This book has tons of action in it. Boys would love this series. Along with the action are great characters such as Will, Helene, Burgermeister, Tom and Sharyn. These characters are tough, resilient and loyal. There is humor in the book and a hint of romance between various characters. I enjoy this series and look forward to the third installment.
I received this book from the publisher, Sourcebooks, in exchange for a review.
I'm now on Twitter--you can find me as melissapalmer40
Book #67 Read in 2012
Soldier Bear (YA) by Bibi Dumon Tak
This book was based on the true story of a bear cub, adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II, and his place in their patroon. The soldiers decide that the bear, named Voytek, is their mascot and they bring them along with him--even though he steals their Christmas dinner, even though he begs for food, even though he takes up most of the bed. Voytek also brings them joy, love and a connection that they desperately need in a horrific time in their lives.
This book is geared for younger readers (I would say 6th grade and below). The chapters are short and the writing is simplistic but it is a good story and would interest reluctant readers. The book contained pictures of the real Voytek and his soldier family. I enjoyed this book.
Book #66 Read in 2012
Crow (YA) by Barbara Wright
This was a great young adult historical fiction read. Moses is a young African-American boy. He has been taught by his value that education is valuable. He is taught legends and superstitions by Boo Nanny, his grandmother, who was a former slave. Along with these influences, it is a time of strained race relations, white supremacy and lynchings. Moses is forced to grow up quickly in this environment.
This book is disturbing to read, as it is a harsh reminder of a horrible time in our past. Wright vividly describes the tension and violence of this time period. She has created wonderful characters in Moses, Boo Nanny, Jack and Sadie. Readers will feel a connection with them immediately. Wright has a wonderful writing style that will draw readers into the book. This was a quick read. I enjoyed it.
