Trisha McFarland gets lost in the woods while on a six-mile hike in the Appalachians with her recently divorced mother and her angry older brother. And that, folks, sums up the plot of this tightly crafted, superb novel for young adults by Mr. King. In fact, I don’t think I even knew what “tightly crafted”Continue reading “Book review: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon”
Category Archives: Books
Book Review: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley During the last month of Cullen Witter’s junior year, his junkie cousin overdoses. That is the most normal thing that happens to Cullen during the summer before his senior year. The Lazarus Woodpecker, thought to be extinct, is spotted in the woods causing the residents of hisContinue reading “Book Review: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley”
Book Review: There is No Dog
What if God was a teenage boy? That is the question Meg Rosoff asks in her thought-experiment-in-novel-format, There is No Dog. God, a lanky, self-centered teen named Bob, got the job as Earth’s Allmighty because his mom won it in a poker game. But Earth is a backwater, in a little known and not wantingContinue reading “Book Review: There is No Dog”
Book Review: Folly by Marthe Jocelyn
Ahhh, here’s a book set in the 19th century. No Jack the Ripper wannabe ghosts in this here book. When Mary’s mother dies, Mary assumes all the responsibilities of keeping their poor, rural household together and caring for her younger siblings. It is a hard life, but Mary loves her brothers and especially her babyContinue reading “Book Review: Folly by Marthe Jocelyn”
Book Review: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
When I picked this book up, I thought I was indulging in my particular affection for a yarn set in the nitty gritty Victorian London. Jack the Ripper, Boarding Schools, a young, vulnerable heroine that is stronger than she looks. Perfect for these dozy winter days. Imagine my surprise when the first scene takes placeContinue reading “Book Review: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson”
Book Review: All Good Children by Catherine Austen
Oh how I like me some interesting Dystopian fiction. I like it even more when said Dystopia is caused by chemical corporations. And Catherine Austen gets double points for the portrayal of a teenage boy that well, feels like a teenage boy. But I get ahead of myself. Maxwell Connors lives in New Middletown withContinue reading “Book Review: All Good Children by Catherine Austen”
Book Review: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley
I read pure fantasy infrequently, though the ones I have read I have enjoyed for the most part. Witchlanders, the debut novel by Lena Coakley, falls into that category. Full disclosure: I picked it up only because I heard her speak at a recent conference where she was accepting an award. I very much likedContinue reading “Book Review: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley”
Book review: Invisible World by Suzanne Weyn
It is rare that I give a completely negative review. However, it is also rare that I read a book as bad as this one. I think it deserves to be talked about as it illustrates many of the Do Nots that I try to avoid in my own writing. I am also helping aContinue reading “Book review: Invisible World by Suzanne Weyn”
Book Review: This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel
I love Kenneth Oppel. Well, at least I love his books. His Airborn series was one of the best middle grade series I have ever read. The only reason why I did not read his bat series is because a personal disinclination towards talking animals (unless it is Manchee from the Knife of Never LettingContinue reading “Book Review: This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel”
Random Thoughts on Prep by Curtis Sittenfield
It is that time of year again, the time of year when I gravitate towards book that punch me in the gut. Either because the character is so palpable I feel like I know them intimately (A Complicated Kindness), or because the book introduces me to so many new and beautiful ideas I want toContinue reading “Random Thoughts on Prep by Curtis Sittenfield”
Lina Branter 