Ma Bell's Books and stuff

I thought I had read other books by Elizabeth Gilbert but was mistaken. The book I attributed to her was by another author. I wanted to read one of her books because she is writing a blurb for my daughter's fiance, Megan Kruse, who has a remarkable book coming out next spring. Anyway, this was my first by Gilbert and I'm already reading another by her. This is a book worth keeping if you like to buy, keep, and share books. It is one of the most remarkable books I've read since entering my new role as an active reader upon taking half retirement. The book has unforgettable characters, especially the father and daughter, Henry and Alma Whittaker. The daughter's name took me back to Summer and Smoke and the wonderful Alma in that story. Coincidence? Doubt it. I am a nature lover and the pursuit of botany on both sides of the ocean back in the 1800s was an added interest. The fact that I have been lucky to spend time in The Royal Gardens at Kew on several occasions heightened this interest. But the book is about people, not plants, make no mistake. I became so fond of Alma, who kept on plugging through a life with many trials. And then there was poor Ambrose, whose strengths and weaknesses were so mingled, as are those of many of us. This book is for adults, but can easily find readers among high schoolers who enjoy reads that are a bit more challenging. This book has many of the elements I love--strong characters, a good story, and beyond the story there is food for thought. Go get it! It's summer and you know you want something good to read!

There's a copy available at San Marcos Public Library right now! Go get it or put it on hold. One thing to know...it's not a fast read. Oh and what of hers am I reading now? One of her early titles, The last American Man. Nonfiction. And he's even still alive! I know I'll be liking it here when I finish. Emily and Megan both sent me to read it.

Nancy Pearl Doll gives enthusiastic two tiny thumbs up!

This book makes me wish I had a classroom full of 7th graders with plenty of rowdy boys. I'd have them spotting and then spouting similes in one class period. Forget CCSS and stupid crappy reading passages. This is a fast-moving story with plenty of action and suspense. The 15 year old narrator tells his story in lingo that sounds authentic and does have those similes I mentioned, but in realistic kidspeak. What I really like is that the family in the story lives in tough Brooklyn Bed Stuy and manages to have a close and caring home with a few tough passages, just like everybody else. It does a bit to make suburban kids understand that urban dwellers are not all gangsta types and that lots of folks in tough neighborhoods are just trying to work hard and make the best of their lives possible. The kids are all likeable and decent, and the parents are doing their best, even if the dad has a few rough edges. I would target 7th graders and up, from urban settings and beyond. So what's the deal with the knitted gun cover on the jacket? Read to find out. I ain't telling. And I think I have another author to follow in Jayson Reynolds.

I've been a fan of Neal Shusterman ever since I read What Daddy Did. I think one sign of a good book is how long readers remember it and I read that title when it first came out in 1991. This book is very compelling and offers social commentary as well as a gripping story. I get tired of too many dystopian books but this one really resonated, I think because there was enough of it that was at least somewhat plausible. The characters really grew on me, especially the three "unwinds" who were thrown together from the first chapter. This book makes you think about changes in society that could develop due to the intense polarization and lack of middle ground that marks our country today. I think it's a good read for anybody from 7th grade and through adults, though it's true niche is YA. And then look at Shusterman's other titles. He's come a long way since that first book.

Nancy Pearl Action Figure gives two tiny thumbs up!

Of course it doesn't hurt that I am a San Marcos, TX girl and that I have vivid memories of the day Charles Whitman climbed up to the Texas Tower observation deck and started shooting people. My brother was in law school there at the time and he and his wife lived on "The Drag," where people were shot coming out of stores. Mom and I were glued to the TV all day and did not find out until that night that they were all right, since phone lines were all jammed. The first part, about the experiences of three students who were victims, is very immediate and rings true. By the time you get through that you will have developed feelings for the characters and will be compelled to keep reading to see how their intermingled lives turn out. Beyond that point, the books is more about families and secrets. All families have secrets, of course, and this book really makes you think about how deception can hurt and complicate lives.

If you like to buy favorite books, this may well be a keeper for you. I bought the Kindle version and wish I had gotten the hardback so I could pass it on since I want to talk about it with friends and family. If you are from the Austin, TX area you should GET THIS BOOK NOW because it's the next One City/One Book choice for your city. If you're not from Texas, that's all right as Lyle says, and you should read this book anyway.

The author, Elizabeth Crook is a San Marcan herself and her descriptions of my home town, especially the happens at and around Aquarena are as crystal clear as Spring Lake. Go on now, get a copy of this book and start reading. It's summer! You deserve a good read.

PS My Librarian Action Figure, Nancy Pearl, gives this one two tiny thumbs up!

Well, it's a graphic novel of course. I was skeptical when I picked it up because I am not a huge fan of graphic novels. And of course not of Jeffrey Dahmer either. But the book is by a childhood friend turned graphic novelist. It follows Dahmer's life from 7th grade though shortly after high school graduation. It does not include graphic descriptions of the crimes he would commit shortly thereafter. There are some grisly references, though. The main them is how no adult intervened to try to offer help or guidance to this boy. He was ignored by his parents, his teachers, and other school staff. No one seemed to care that he was drunk and actively drinking at high school every day. This was the seventies and I'd like to think educators are more watchful now. But the kid who blends in can still slip through the cracks. It's worth a check-out and read if the topic is of interest. I think it's fine for junior high and up and know there are kids who would really pick this book up for the sensationalism but maybe stay with it for the message. The author does not spare his sense of guilt that he and his friends were enablers in Dahmer's odd behavior and never brought him to the attention of adults in their lives.

This is a good read for junior high up. Not so much for adults. It follows the building crisis facing Sig, who has been left behind with his dead father who froze while crossing an Alaskan lake. A threatening stranger shows up and wants things Sig does not have. Lots of suspense and foreboding. The peacemaker revolver is almost a character in the story. It reminds me a little of Gary Paulsen's The Rifle, another riveting story about the power of a gun. It would make a good read-aloud. Get it at the library!

If you remember A Child Called It, this book is similar. It is very timely since recently written. It's a moving story for a reader of any age, and there's nothing to preclude it being read by middle school students on up. It shows other kids as well as adults helping Charlie, who has been locked up in the basement of his family home for an extended time. I enjoyed it and recommend it for adults who care about kids as well as younger readers. Get from library rather than buy...it's a very short and touching read.

Mystery!

Quirky!

Funny!

It's not for everybody. First there's the gory murder, then the dark satire, and the weird events that ensue. I ended up liking it but would not press it on anybody.

Swashbuckling!

Page turner!

Fun!

Junior high kids, especially boys, will love this book!