Showing posts with label aarene storms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aarene storms. Show all posts

Book Review by Aarene Storms: How to Lead a Life of Crime

Saturday, July 27, 2013

How to Lead a Life of Crime
by Kirsten Miller
"It's like Hogwarts for hustlers," says main character Flick, a pickpocket and runaway recruited as a student to the Mandel Academy.

At Mandel, students are taught to seize power, money and political control, especially using illegal tactics. The school offers coursework in human trafficking, drug manufacture and sales, exploitation of natural resources, and an intense study of addictions and how to capitalize upon them. Students are usually orphans and others who will not be missed in the outside world, which is convenient for school administrators when dealing with "drop-outs" who might rat them out to authorities.

Flick still has a mysteriously alluring girlfriend on the outside ... until the day that Joi shows up as a newly-recruited Mandel student. Suddenly, Flick's success strategy changes: he's determined to rescue Joi at any cost.

The problem: Joi doesn't want to cooperate with Flick's plan. She has a plan of her own.

Rating:
If you've ever had trouble distinguishing between unpredictable psychopaths and unpredictable sociopaths, this book will cure that. It's got action, adventure, hand-to-hand violence, industrial sabotage, sexual scheming, computer hacking, and all the other stuff you'd hope to find in a great book of betrayal and suspense. For some reason, the publisher has chosen to present "f-bombs" written as "f---" but other cuss words aren't blanked out. This isn't deadly, but it is distracting within the narrative.

Recommended for readers ages 14 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Trash Can Days

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Trash Can Days : a middle school saga by Teddy Steinkellner

It's like a whole season of Glee: the junior high years, without the music.

In one school year at a California middle school, readers encounter all the stereotypical characters from Central Casting: the rich, popular girl. Her younger brother, the undersized geek. The misunderstood brown-skinned guy. The quirky asian girl. The earnest-but-clueless young teacher. The disconnected principal. And rarely a parent in sight.

This book is intended to be a quick, funny, possibly inspirational read, but much of the story and dialogue fell flat. Even the painfully funny parts (there were lots of those) are going to have a difficult time finding an audience: middle school kids will be too close to the action to recognize the humor, and high school students won't want to read about middle school kids.

Rating:
Shrug. Not recommended.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Raven Boys

Monday, June 17, 2013

Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Sargeant is not a psychic. Well, not exactly. She doesn't find hidden things using the Tarot cards, or see the future in a bowl of cranberry-grape juice, or discover the truth by touching an object that belongs to a suspicious person.

Blue amplifies psychic energy ... and when she meets up with a group of boys from exclusive Aglionby Academy who are seeking the body of a  centuries-old Welsh king, their quest becomes more intense. And more mysterious. And more sinister. And more dangerous.

The magic of this darkly imaginative twisting story is lushly written. The characters are wonderfully portrayed, and although very different from each other, join into a strange and compellingly cohesive circle. The relationships are not straightforward and are more convincing because of the complex, jagged edges. This book is first in a projected quartet; the second book, The Dream Thieves, is scheduled for release on September 17th, 2013.

Rating:
Cussing, person-on-person violence, death, magic, and a sweet-but-not-straightforward romance. The audiobook is gorgeously read by Will Patton, with buffer music composed and performed by the author. Highly recommended for readers 14 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Bomb: the race to build -- and steal -- the world's most dangerous weapon

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Bomb: the race to build -- and steal -- the world's most dangerous weapon by Steve Sheinkin

The world will never forget what happened at Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and at Nagasaki a few days later. The detonation of atomic weapons changed warfare -- and life -- on Earth forever after.

But the path to the creation of the atomic bomb was twisted and strange, involving some of the greatest scientists, the most expert spies, the most experienced military agents, and the most astonishing cast of political leaders of the time.

Bomb chronicles the complex story in a fascinating and quick-to-read volume. Illustrated with period photos and laden with well-documented primary source material, the book will catch and hold the attention of readers who want to know more about the time period, the science, the spycraft, the bomb builders, or the politics ... and provide a complete view of the "gadget" those folks built out at Los Alamos and dropped on Japan.

Rating:
Highly recommended for ages 12 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Drama

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Drama by Raina Telgemeier, with color by Gurihiru
 
Middle-school student Callie loves everything theatric.
She loves the lights, she loves the music, she loves the audience, she loves the costume vault, and she loves being set designer for the school production of "Moon Over Mississippi." Although Callie and her friends focus a lot of attention on the play, there is still plenty of time and energy to devote to the other kind of middle school drama: the boyfriends, the girlfriends, the getting-togethers and the breakups.
Callie's friendship with the other drama kids is absolutely on-target, and the graphic novel portrayal of life behind the stage is note-perfect. Racial and sexual diversity is portrayed realistically and with charm; no cussing, no violence (except a bit of social back-stabbing from the leading lady), a few sweet kisses, and a bunch of growing up for almost all the characters.
Rating:
Highly recommended for drama kids, aspiring drama kids, and retired drama kids, ages 12 to adult.
The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Ultimate Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

Monday, May 27, 2013

The Ultimate Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook 
by David Borgenicht, Joshua Piven and Ben H. Winters
 
At last, all of the accumlated survival wisdom from the 13 Worst Case Survival books is compiled into one gigantic volume of preparedness. Everything from "How to Wrestle Free from an Alligator" to "How to Survive an Alien Abduction," from "How to Remove Stains from Carpet" to "How to Jump from a Building into a Dumpster," and from "How to Treat a Severed Limb" to "How to Survive Nuclear Fall Out" -- it's all here, plus much more.

With important points emphasized in red print, and line drawings to illustrate important concepts, the information is presented clearly, concisely, and with characteristic humor. You may never need to know "How to Stop a Car With No Brakes," but there's no telling when you might need to know "How to Detect a Letter Bomb" or "How to Survive a Zombie Attack."

The information is great, and the book is easy--and fun--to read. I wish the authors had cited their source material. They say that their material has been derived from "experts in the subjects at hand, as recorded by accomplished journalists and writers." The Table of Contents is useful, but there is no index, making the book more of a browsing favorite than an actual survival resource.

Rating:
The book contains descriptions of bloody situations (plane crashes, bear attacks, and accidental dismemberments), and sexual situations (including fake sexual situations, as in "How to Fake an Orgasm"), as well as descriptions of unwise activities (sword fights, crossing buildings on a wire, and breaking into cars). The humor diffuses most of the situations that some readers may find offensive.

Recommended for recreational readers and survival wonks, ages 12 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
College dropout Sam ("Samhain Corvus LaCroix") feels lost in a dead-end burger-flipping job in Seattle's U-District ... until a seriously creepy dude called Douglas takes a seriously unhealthy interest in Sam. The next morning, Sam's smart-alecky girl-buddy's head is delivered to him in a box.
Ooky? Actually, no: it's hilarious.
Because Brooke's head is still smart-alecky.
It turns out that Sam's talent as a necromancer has been disguised all his life, but now the secret is out and there are dead things showing up everywhere. Including the panda cage at the zoo, and certain high-profile rock bands.
It also turns out that Seattle isn't just full of dead stuff. It's also full of werewolves, witches and various other fey creatures, including a bum-kicking hybrid were-hound who looks great in a Batman t-shirt.
And this book? It's full of awesome. Think slapstick "Ferris Bueller" meets ultra-camp "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Rating:
Minor cussing, blood, zombies, battlefield violence between the bad guys and an impromptu cavalry of witches and weres, Star Trek sex, and waffles. Highly recommended for readers ages 14 to adult.
The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Wonder Show

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby

The year is 1939. 14-year-old Portia Remini was abandoned by her family at McGreavey's Home for Wayward Girls, but she runs away when her best friend dies tragically. Through a series of accidents and coincidences, Portia ends up working as a cook in Mosco's Traveling Wonder Show. There, Portia meets and befriends the Wild Albinos, the Fat Lady, the Bearded Lady, the Strong Man and the other freaks, and tries to find her own place among them while looking for the father who has been missing for many years.

Circus and sideshow history and jargon intermingle with the tale of a girl who collects stories and seeks the truth among people whose livelihoods depend on falsehood and misdirection. Some cussing. No kissing or sex, but there are tactful descriptions of the "blowoff" part of the show where the conjoined twins dance naked for a crowd of rubes.

Ages 12 to 18.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Enchanted

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Sunday Woodcutter is the seventh daughter of a seventh son--destined for magic. Sunday's magical talent manifests itself in her story writing: the tales she writes tend to come true, sometimes with unfortunate consequences. To avoid creating catastrophe, she begins telling her stories to a sympathetic friend ... one who just happens to be a talking frog.

This charming story is a blend of many familiar fairy tales and folk themes including an evil stepmother, an enchanted prince, a pirate queen, a giant-killer, magical beans, dancing shoes, and true love. The old stereotypes are remixed into complex, enjoyable characters, and the story twists and turns and twists again before settling down into a satisfactory "happily-ever-after" end.

Rating:
No sex, no drugs, some fighting but no gore. And (of course) there are some very important kisses!

Recommended for readers ages 12 to adult. Potential for sequels, but this book stands alone nicely.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Girl Who Owned a City (Graphic Novel)

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Girl Who Owned a City (Graphic Novel)
by OT Nelson, adapted by Dan Jolley, illustrated by Joelle Jones

A plague has killed all the adults. Only kids under age 12 have survived the mysterious virus...but without adults to feed them and keep them safe, many kids are doomed as well. Not Lisa Nelson, though: she has a plan. In fact, Lisa has a lot of plans. Her first plan is to gather the neighborhood kids and form a militia to defend themselves (and the stuff they've scavanged from abandoned houses and farms). When that plan is thwarted by the Chidester Gang, Lisa and her militia find an abandoned high school and turn it into an fortress. But even that plan doesn't work out the way Lisa thought it would...

Does this sound like an Ayn Rand dystopia, re-written for ten-year-olds? That's exactly what it is.

The story is clunky in many places, and adult readers won't be able to stop pointing out the gaping plot holes (...ahem, sanitation for 800 kids in a single building without running water...) but the target audience of 4th-6th grade readers will enjoy the adventures of these Lost Boys (and girls) who live their lives with no adult intervention. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, however, most of the kids look older than they are supposed to be according to the text.

Rating:
No sex, no drugs. Violence includes bullying, gangfights, gunfights, and medieval defenses of the high school "fortress," including boiling oil dumped from the ramparts onto invading "soldiers."

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Ivy

Friday, May 10, 2013

Ivy, by Sarah Okeksyk

Ivy is a talented high school artist growing up in a small town in Maine. Her mom wants her to study business at a local college, but Ivy wants to study painting ... as far away from her hometown as possible. Her emotional roller coaster sometimes derails Ivy's good intentions, but gradually she works towards creating her own kind of freedom.

Although Ivy was published in 2011, one gets the feeling that it is set in a much earlier time. She exchanges hand-written letters with her long-distance boyfriend, and they call each other on land-line telephones (the kind with cords!). Still, the emotional journey towards adulthood is universally uncomfortable, and the story is well-drawn and well-told. This graphic novel features on-page sex (tactful, but unmistakable), drug use and under-age drinking as well as lots of cussing and depictions of some seriously dysfunctional families. Ivy is not a happy story, but the end promises just a bit of hope for the future.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS astorms@kcls.org

Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Still Life with Shape-shifter

Friday, May 3, 2013

Still Life with Shape-shifter by Sharon Shinn

Melanie has been keeping her half-sister Ann's secret since they were both young children: Ann is a shape-shifter who periodically takes the shape of a white dog. When investigative reporter Brody Westerbrook asks to interview them both, Melanie automatically refuses...but Ann does not. Gradually, Brody's life becomes intertwined with the lives of the sisters, and gradually the secret is shared with a few more people. But when Ann's poor health seems to be overwhelming her, they must reach out to the only stranger who might be able to help.

Gentle themes of love, loyalty, grief, and friendship draw readers deeply into the story. The first-person perspective changes narrators throughout the book, and at first the connection between characters is confusing, but the author carefully interweaves the tales so that by the final page, the story is completely cohesive and it all makes sense.

This book is written and marketed for adults, but teen readers fascinated by magic and non-traditional shapeshifters will enjoy the story.

Rating:
Minor cussing, minor violence (including some parental bullying) and off-page sexual situations. This book is part two of a shape-shifter trilogy, but stands alone nicely. Recommended for readers ages 14 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS



Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Field and Stream Outdoor Survival Guide

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Field and Stream Outdoor Survival Guide: survival skills you need by T. Edward Nickens and the editors of Field and Stream magazine

Whether you want to be able to start a fire with or without a match, avoid bear attacks, signal for help using a mirror or a smokey fire or a pile of clothing, or you just want to know which bugs and snakes are edible (scorpions=yummy!), this practical, easy-to-read guide offers common sense and ingenius solutions to survival situations in the wilderness. There are lists of things to stuff into your pockets before you head out (a ball of shredded duct tape makes excellent fire tinder--wrap tape around a tongue depresser and use the wood chunks in your fire), equipment you can make part of your standard apparal (replace your boot laces with 550 parachute cord, and you can take apart the cord to produce nearly 25 feet of cord rated to 50 pounds!), and new uses for equipment you never leave home without (like your pocket knife and your cell phone).

I admit to being kind of a "survival guide geek", but even by my standards, this is a terrific book. The pictures are clear, the instructions are easy to follow (and remember), and the authors are authorities on getting into trouble and getting back out again. At $9.99, this would make an outstanding practical and fun gift for the survivalist or Katniss-wannabee on your holiday list.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Brides of Rollrock Island

Friday, April 26, 2013

The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan
Misskaella Prout is ugly and outcast, unloved by her family, mocked by the women and rejected by the men of Rollrock Island.

Though she has a magical talent to pull selkies from out of their seal-skins and into human shape, she does not stop with merely conjuring a lover for herself. Instead, Misskaella also creates a deep and complex revenge against the island people by providing -- for a price -- a beautiful seal-wife for each man on the island. Enchanted by the fey sea-wives, the men abandon their human families, mortgage their wealth, and deny that their lives are anything but wonderful. The selkie women are helpless without their seal-skins... but when their sons steal back the coats, life on the island changes dramatically once again.

Rating:
A complex and beautifully written story of hatred, love, magic, revenge, and eventually, redemption. No cussing, minimal violence, and some on-page sexual situations between humans and selkies.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Chronicles of Harris Burdick

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick (edited by) Chris Van Allsburg
with an introduction by Lemony Snicket

In 1984, enigmatic images and snippets of story supposedly created by a man called Harris Burdick were released in a book called The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. According to Chris Van Allsburg, drawings and captions belonging to fourteen unusual stories were left with a children's book publisher by Mr. Burdick, who promised to return the next day with the remainder...a promise that was never fulfilled.

The images and their unusual captions have intrigued many people since that time, and many children--and adults--have written their own tales to accompany the pictures. Now, in The Chronicles of Harris Burdick, well-known authors take up the Harris Burdick challenge: Tabitha King, Stephen King, Jon Scieszka, Sherman Alexie, Gregory Maguire, Cory Doctorow and others have constructed their own tales in order to delight and mystify.

I am delighted by these stories, but I hope that their publication doesn't stifle the creativity inspired by the original Harris Burdick picturebook. Read the stories, and enjoy them...and then, perhaps, try writing a tale of your own to accompany the strange pictures. Here's one from the original book to get you started:
Captain Tory He swung his lantern three times and slowly the schooner appeared.

Recommended for ages 10 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach Library, KCLS

Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Guy-Write

Thursday, April 11, 2013


Guy-Write : what every guy writer needs to know

By Ralph Fletcher

This book offers up great advice for guys who like to write.  Some of the advice is familiar and sage:  "write what you know, write what you love,"  for example.  A  lot of adults (mostly teachers) don't approve of the kind of stuff that a lot of guys like to write about:  wars, guns, blood, cussing, death, farts, zombies, swords, cars, and spaceships.  The author gives excellent advice to guy-writers who encounter adult disapproval--and he also offers good advice for adults who usually disapprove of the stuff guys write!

Interviews with popular "guy writers" like Robert Lipsyte as well as interviews with young teen guys who like to write keep the narrative moving along.  There are "guy-drawings" in the margins as well, making the entire book feel like the back pages of a teen boy's writing notebook.

Rating: 
A fun, fast, informative read for teen writers of any gender, and a good resource for adults, too.   Target audience: ages 8-16.  The book has chapters about writing gross and bloody stories, but doesn't actually contain cuss words or gory examples.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Digging for Troy

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Digging for Troy : from Homer to Hisarlik by Jill Burbalcaba and Eric H. Cline

The epic stories told in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey have long inspired scholars and scientists: are the tales of gods and heros based on actual events...or are they just really great stories? In Digging for Troy, the authors explore the history of archaeologic investigations of the site known as Hisarlik, interspersing the narrative of scientists like Heinrich Schliemann and Carl Blegen with the tale of wily Odysseus, the hero Achilles, the prophetic Cassandra, and the star-crossed lovers Paris and Helen.

Although uneven in places, the narrative is compelling enough to draw the reader in; red-on-black illustrations mimic Greek styles and are well-presented. Drawings and photos from the archaeologic sites are also included. A timeline at the end of the book clarifies the significance of "layers" discovered by scientists excavating the site of Hisarlik.

Recommended for report-writers and readers who are interested in the topic, ages 10 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern 
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach Library, KCLS

Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Viva Jacquelina!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Viva Jacquelina! by L.A. Meyer 

The irrepressible Jacky Faber is pressed into service yet again for British Intelligence ... this time, in Spain and Portugal. She charms her way into the household of the artist Francisco Goya, participates in the running of the bulls, and collects secret information during trips to the palace in Madrid.

But when the Spanish Inquisition shows up (who expected THAT?!), Jacky hits the road again, cavorting with Romani (gypsies) as she heads towards the relative safety of the harbor in Gibralter. And from there ... well, that will be the next book!

Fans of the series will love Jacky's typical madcap adventures as she rubs shoulders with famous figures from history and literature. Some cussing, some bloodshed, and a few sexual close-calls. I look forward to hearing the audiobook version, recorded as always by Katherine Kellgren. Recommended ages 13 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS

Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Seven Tales of Trinket

Sunday, March 24, 2013

The Seven Tales of Trinket by Shelly Moore Thomas

Trinket is eleven years old when her mother sickens and dies, leaving her alone in the world ... or so she believes. 

Her father, James the Bard, had gone out on the road years earlier and never returned. Most claimed he had died. But what if he was alive yet? Trinket is determined to find the truth.

Accompanied by Thomas the Pig Boy, and armed with a lullaby, an old map, and a handful of half-remembered stories, Trinket goes out on the road to find adventure, and stories, and, perhaps, the truth about her father.

Set into seven stories mingling traditional folktales with original characters, this lively tale will appeal to anyone who has not yet outgrown fairy stories.

Recommended for ages 8 to 12...or to adults who still leave a feast out on Samhain night, just in case a pooka should happen by.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Snow in Summer

Monday, March 18, 2013

Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen 
As a young child with hair black as ebony, skin fair as snow and lips red as blood, Summer leads a fairy tale life: her mother is beautiful, her father is the king of the garden, and all is well. But when her mother dies in childbirth, Summer learns about living the middle part of a fairy tale, the part of the story where the wicked stepmother moves in and the young girl runs away to the forest to find safety with a bunch of little men.

Set in Appalachia in the 1930's, Jane Yolen recasts not just the "Sleeping Beauty" story but several other classic Grimm tales as well, with a fresh voice and an intriguing cast. No cussing (the word "witch" is noted as a side-step for another word involving mama dogs) and no sex (although Hunter clearly intends to have his wicked way with Summer before carving out her heart), and only a bit of blood...but there are several very poisonous snakes to watch for.

Recommended for ages 10 to adult.
The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP