readerspeak's reviews from LibraryThing

Chasing Windmills (Vintage) by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:49:07 -0400

readerspeak's review: "The book grabbed me right away because of the way Hyde described the first time Sebastian and Maria saw one another - electric. As the backgrounds of these two characters were developed more, the story seemed more and more improbable. That was the point, I guess, a story of star-crossed lovers. I enjoyed the references to Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story, and even maybe Don Quixote with the windmills as well. The story leaves you wanting more, as you barely get to know these two lovers before the story ends, albeit in a realistic resolution. As high as the stakes are for the characters, I'm not sure readers will feel the same way."
Vintage (2009), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 272 pages

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Random House Reader's Circle) by Mary Ann Shaffer

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:52:44 -0400

readerspeak's review: "I thought The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was a really unfortunate title for a book, that is, until I read it. It couldn't be titled anything else! Elizabeth Gilbert told me on the front cover to 'treat [myself] to this book' and what a treat it was! In early 1946, writer Juliet receives a letter from Dawsey, a shy man from Guernsey island, who tells her about his uniquely formed bookclub with a request for information on London booksellers. This is the start of several friendships formed and fortified via letters. Through their letters and observations (thank you, Isola!), the reader meets a delightful cast of quirky characters who have their own haunting and happy memories of the German occupation of the Channel Islands. Indeed, it is the lively characters make this story the treat that it is. Anyone who enjoys storytelling, the classics, or historical fiction will enjoy this tale."
Dial Press Trade Paperback (2009), Paperback, 304 pages

The middle place by Kelly Corrigan

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:39:40 -0400

readerspeak's review: "This was a powerful, realistic story about the bonds we form in the time between our being someone's child and having our own. It's pragmatism, melodrama, and intimacy all rolled into one story about a daughter, her amazing father, and their battle with cancer. For anyone whose life has been touched by cancer, I can't say enough about this book. Check out the Borders media with Kelly Corrigan - there is a fantastic book club video and one of her mom's dedicated re-arranging of the Borders shelves to put her daughter's work in a more prominent location. I hope this book will see a wide, wide audience."
New York : Voice/Hyperion, 2007.

Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:03:39 -0400

readerspeak's review: "A freshman boy picked this up in the spring and LOVED it, told me I must read it this summer, so I did. He liked that it was so "straight up" which I thought meant the language was coarse. It is and it isn't. I think high school kids whose home lives are difficult will really get it, will really appreciate how Rico is in a position of raising himself in a way. His decision to leave a bad environment to give himself a chance and his hesitation to move forward with education to open his opportunities seemed very realistic to me. Overall, I thought it was good."
Simon & Schuster (2008), Kindle Edition

Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works by Howard Pitler

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:58:31 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Very practical tool - I like the approach of leading with successful instructional techniques and then explaining, with very specific examples, how modern technology tools can aid in those techniques. Teachers shouldn't use technology just because "it's cool" or they can, but as a means to improving students' learning."
ASCD (2007), Paperback, 240 pages

Wake by Lisa McMann

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:49:02 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Imagine being cursed (or blessed) with the ability to experience other people's dreams. Janie's ability is severely interfering with her life. This was a page turner! I read it in one day. The language is simplistic, good for reluctant readers, but the premise of the story is intriguing enough for anyone. I know I'll need Fade and Gone (when it's available) in the library too."
Simon Pulse (2008), Paperback, 224 pages

Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:41:50 -0400

readerspeak's review: "What does it mean to love freely? What if you realized the father of your children was not the love of your life? Does your moral compass dictate you leave to honor truth? Nancy Horan fleshes out the relationship that may have existed between Borthwick and Wright in the years after they left their families to love one another. Perhaps their love was not the scandalous affair the newspapers painted, but something more sacred. Their characters come very much alive in this intimate portrayal of two flawed individuals who loved beauty, truth, and intellectual integrity. Midway though the story, the pace slows, but the tragic, historically accurate, ending is well worth the journey."
Ballantine Books (2008), Paperback, 400 pages

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:41:33 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Oh, so clever is this sequel to Hunger Games. Readers clamoring for this to arrive in stores in September will NOT be disappointed. I enjoyed reading more of Katniss struggling with her feelings for Peter and Gale, the significance of the mockingjay pin, and plenty of action and surprises like the first. Does anyone know when the third will be released??"
Scholastic Press (2009), Hardcover, 400 pages

The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:41:02 -0400

readerspeak's review: "I was satisfied with the conclusion to this series. For those students who enjoyed Warrior Heir and Wizard Heir, I will definitely recommend this title."
Hyperion Book CH (2008), Edition: First Edition/ First Printing, Hardcover, 512 pages

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:01:17 -0400

readerspeak's review: "This was getting VERY good reviews from my h.s. kids who'd read it, so I decided to give it a shot. Was it REALLY that good? Did I need to worry that several students selected it for their summer reading assignment? Well, I loved it. Elkeles created a cast of characters authentic and tender. The alternating perspectives of Maggie and Caleb are done just right. Though the characters are really well developed, the plot has a thrusting force about it with enough foreshadowing to make readers eager for the secrets to be revealed. Highly recommended."
Flux (2007), Paperback, 312 pages

Rooftop by Paul Volponi

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:50:57 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Volponi tells a powerful story of the pull of drugs and money on urban streets. Clay and Addison, cousins reunited by their journey through rehab, are torn apart by a violent act. The truth about that day will fester inside Clay until he ultimately decides how he can live with himself. The language is coarse, and the story will attract reluctant readers."
Puffin (2007), Paperback, 224 pages

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:46:33 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Marr continues the love triangle started in Wicked Lovely and takes Seth on a new journey to a place I did not expect. New relationships develop in this installment. Marr seems to have left open the possibility of more titles in this series."
HarperCollins (2009), Hardcover, 400 pages

What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles

Thu, 21 May 2009 11:30:17 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Wow - you cannot put this book down once you start. From alternating perspectives (the detective, the perpetrator, the victim), we learn that Cass McBride has been buried alive - but is it her fault? Through short, action-packed chapters, you get to know the characters' histories surprisingly well. A good discussion starter on topics like family relationships, parents and children, bullying, social climbing, revenge, and forgiveness. I'd recommend this to anyone who says "I don't like to read" - it's that good."
Little, Brown Young Readers (2007), Paperback, 240 pages

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls) by Ally Carter

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:38:59 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Light, fun - reminded me of Harry Potter in the way it was a secret school whose purpose wasn't known. Girls will really like it - I'm not sure I'd recommend it for the boys in my school though. Josh, Cammie's love interest, was not particularly well developed."
Hyperion Book CH (2007), Paperback, 288 pages

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:01:02 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Bizaare, icky, strange, and yet fascinating . . . the author's personal interests were overwhelming to the story."
Knopf Books for Young Readers (2008), Hardcover, 416 pages

The Good Guy by Dean Koontz

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:34:45 -0400

readerspeak's review: "This is an extremely fast-paced thriller. Although it held my attention, a week later I will have forgotten most of what happened. Characters are not well developed and certain plot details didn't really develop."
Bantam (2008), Mass Market Paperback, 496 pages

Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely) by Melissa Marr

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:02:06 -0400

readerspeak's review: "The sequel to Wicked Lovely did not have, for me, the same intensity in seduction as the first, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to third installment."
HarperCollins (2009), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 352 pages

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:59:49 -0400

readerspeak's review: "Once I started Wintergirls, I wanted to do NOTHING besides read. Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak, Catalyst) introduces us to Lia, an older teen abandoned by her scholar parents and her best friend who dies suddenly. As Lia falls deeper and deeper into the delusions of her anorexia, the intensity of the story grows to a breathtaking climax."
Viking Juvenile (2009), Hardcover, 288 pages

Q & A: A Novel by Vikas Swarup

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:59:13 -0400

readerspeak's review: "I did not finish this - we rented the movie when I was a few chapters into the book. The writing style did not appeal to me."
Scribner (2008), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 336 pages

Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, The by E. Lockhart

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:24:04 -0400

readerspeak's review: "I read this is one night. This was a really fun, really quick read. It might be a good choice for students who aren't ready for John Green's Looking for Alaska."
Hyperion Book CH (2008), Hardcover, 352 pages