Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Pearl Thief

Sunday, April 1, 2018

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

15 year old Julie Beaufort-Stuart knows that her life is about to change in many ways: the family estate has been sold to pay debts. This will be the family's last summer spent at the old castle -- and they will be surrounded by workers and strangers busily changing over the traditional home into a boarding school.

Even so, Julie never expected to get banged on the head and left for dead by the side of the river.

Part coming-of-age story, part murder mystery, part historical tale, part exploration of the culture of Scottish Travellers ("gypsies" is an impolite term), this book is a page turner from beginning to end. It is also, astute readers will note, a prequel to this author's award-winning Code Name Verity, and many of the scenes in Pearl Thief add light to scenes and situations in the other book.

Highly, highly recommended. I am perishing to hear the audio version.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Kenny and the Dragon

Monday, March 26, 2018

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi

Young Kenneth Rabbit spends most of his time reading books: science books, history books, mystery books.

Most of all, Kenny loves fairy tales and natural history--and he's pretty sure that both topics are valid.

Then the Dragon appears: a huge, hairy, scaly, fire-breathing dragon called Grahame (like the cracker but with an e) who quotes poetry, paints sunsets, and enjoys a nice creme brulee for dessert after dinner.

Kenneth...Grahame. Get it?

The villagers -- and even the king -- are all set to see an exciting dragon-slaying, but Kenny and Grahame and an elderly bookseller named George have an alternate plan. 

Prettily illustrated by the author after the style of Wallace Tripp, the story lilts along in a very familiar way, assuming you are familiar with Kenneth Grahame's The Reluctant Dragon.  (**Now do you get it?!?!)

The ending is sweet, and the book would be easy to share with young friends.

Recommended for readers ages 10 to adult and for listeners ages 5 and up.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Fortunately, the Milk

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by Skottie Young

A young narrator and a younger sister wait ... patiently ... for their dad to return from the corner grocery with milk to put on the breakfast cereal. But when the dad does come back, he brings a tall, meandering, hilarious tale of adventures along the way. UFO's, hot air balloons, pirates, talking dinosaurs, a volcano god with an emerald for an eye, clever ponies, hungry wumpires, and the possible end of the universe, not to mention time travel.

Plus, fortunately, the milk.

But wait, there's more! For a special treat, check out the audiobook read by the author -- guaranteed to make 60 minutes of any car journey much better than it otherwise might be.

The charming booktrailer (narrated by Gaiman and animated with art from the book) is HERE. Adorable!

Highly recommended for readers and listeners ages 5 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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Star-Crossed

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Star-Crossed by Barbara Dee

12-year-old Mattie is thrilled when her 8th grade class mounts a production of "Romeo and Juliet" but things get complicated when the handsome boy in the leading role ducks out of the play ... leaving Mattie to play the part of Romeo, opposite the beautiful Gemma as Juliet.

Gemma, whom Mattie...likes. Like, a lot.

Mattie has a lot of questions about her crush on Gemma, and nobody around her gives her the answers.

However, several people -- including her best friends, her older sister, a sympathetic teacher, and even Gemma herself -- allow Mattie the freedom to explore some answers for herself. That is what makes this gentle little story so nice.

I learned about this book when the author wrote about a terrible experience booktalking in a school where she was asked to refer to the book only in general terms. In other words: avoid talking about the book. Even when asked direct questions about it.

As often happens, censoring a book sometimes inspires people to seek that book out.

That's how it worked with me, anyhow.

Having read the book, I've got to say:

It's a great book. And I plan to talk about it. A lot. In schools. To students.

With positive reviews from School Library Journal and Kirkus as well as the sexy librarians here at Sex in the Library, you know that although "Romeo and Juliet" was a tragedy, Star Crossed definitely isn't.

Highly recommended for middle-grade readers, ages 10 and up.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Squirrel Meets World

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Q: I love funny action stories with quirky characters and silly dialogue, but I don't like graphic novels. Any suggestions?

A: Oh, heck yes.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World
by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

14-year-old Doreen Green is new in town, starting a new school, trying to make friends, and doing her best to stay out of trouble and keep her squirrel tail hidden.

Wait, what?

Yes, it's true: Doreen Green has the strength, the agility, and the tail of a squirrel, plus she is incurably optimistic and likes climb trees to hang out with her squirrel friends. The kids at her new school are skeptical at first, but soon even the Skunk Club wants to reform their bad ways and become Squirrel Scouts. So, it's all good right?

Of course not! A superhero origin story needs a villain and this story is no exception. In facing her terrible opponent, Doreen Green discovers her real identity .... and the origin of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is the story you won't want to miss.

Filled with action, word play, humorous footnotes and rodent puns, this middle-grade SG prequel is a great introduction to the characters for newcomers, and a welcoming backstory that fans will love.

Highly recommended for readers ages 10 to adult. No kissing, no drinking or drugs, no nekkidness and no cussing ("butt" isn't a cuss word, is it?  as in "eating nuts and kicking butts"?)

You're gonna love this.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Scythe

Tuesday, February 13, 2018


Neal Shusterman will read from his new book and sign copies on Friday, February 16 at 6pm at Third Place Books.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

In this futuristic dystopia, death has been eliminated. Diseases are gone, injuries can be fixed, and humans will live forever unless they are purposely, permanently killed by a licensed "Scythe." The scythes are responsible to keep the world's resources sustainable by deliberately selecting individuals to glean from the population.

Citra and Rowan are unwilling apprentices to Scythe Faraday, who teaches them the art of killing with poisons, knives, swords, guns, and their bare hands. They are not unwilling to learn what Faraday has to teach ... until a rival Scythe imposes a new rule: only one of the apprentices will be chosen as Scythe, and that one must kill the other.

Of course, things go terribly wrong. The author's talent lies in creating a thought-provoking narrative so compelling that even reluctant readers will be anxious to find out what goes wrong next.

This is first in a new series but does not end on a suspenseful note, so it's okay to stop reading at the end of this volume. Book #2 Thunderhead is scheduled for publication in November 2017.

Blood and death, but not generally gory. Minimal cussing. A few kisses and no sex, although a forbidden romance will probably develop in later volumes.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Speaking American

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Speaking American*  how y'all, youse, and you guys talk, a visual guide
by Josh Katz

This book is the result of the interactive dialect quiz posted on the New York Times website in 2013 (you can take the quiz HERE) which identifies regional dialect differences.

When it comes to identifying common objects like that fizzy stuff that comes in cans (pop, soda, coke, or cocola, depending where you drink it), what we say when somebody else sneezes (73% of Americans say "bless you", except those who live in the Deep South), or the pronunciation of the word "crayons" (there are four acceptable forms), it's difficult to believe we're all talking the same language.

I was pleased to note that we do all agree on one thing: pancakes are pancakes, even in Hawaii. Who knew? If you ever need to know, I'm a "potato bug, semi truck, crawfish, drinking fountain, kitty-corner" person.

Don't figure that you'll be able to read just a few pages of this book. It's quick and engaging, and un-put-downable!

Recommended for ages 8 to adult, fun to share.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Singing Bones

Sunday, January 21, 2018

The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan

Artist/author Shaun Tan, who surprised and delighted the world with The Arrival in 2006, has created another book to startle the readers into thinking.

Small scraps from 75 Brothers Grimm folktales combine with photos of Tan's alluring, tactile, and unnerving sculptures to make something entirely new.

Some stories, like "The Frog King" are familiar. Yet, when placed beside the frog's picture with beseeching hands lifted, the story is transformed.


Other stories are more obscure. I had never read the story of "Foundling" but I will never forget the art that is paired with it in this book:


Read this book with a friend nearby, so you can share the strangeness and the wonder of it.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Mooncop

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Mooncop by Tom Gauld

The Mooncop makes his rounds every day. He finds a lost dog, locates a wandering museum automaton, eats a doughnut in his car, and submits his reports. There is no crime on the moon; instead, each day there are more machines and fewer people.

Then his favorite doughnut kiosk is upgraded to a cafe, staffed by somebody new.

The last page made me laugh out loud.

No blood, no cussing, no kissing, no sex. This is a simple, powerful, poignant little story. Highly 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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Troll Bridge

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Troll Bridge by Neil Gaiman
Illustrations by Colleen Doran (graphic novel)

Young Jack knows his fairy tales, so when he first meets the troll under an old railroad bridge, he offers bargains.

"Don't eat me, eat my sister, she's much bigger." But she isn't, and the troll knows it. "Don't eat me, I'm still puny. Wait until I'm bigger." The troll agrees, and Jack runs away to safety. In true fairy tale tradition, Jack returns twice more. And the third meeting is the most important one.

This brief story showcases the author's knack for establishing a character with very few words, and Colleen Doran's pictures allow the story to be pared down even further without losing the subtle dark, spooky shiver on the last page.

I didn't love the illustrations of Jack, but the depiction of the Troll is perfect.

Recommended for ages 12 to adult. This story was originally part of Snow White, Blood Red (1993), a collection of re-told fairy tales collected by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling which is also recommended for adult readers.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Every Breath

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Every Breath by Ellie Marney  (Every #1)

Rachel Watts has recently moved with her family from their failed farm in the country to a crowded house in Melbourne. She misses the farm and the quiet of the land. But soon, she is drawn into friendship-- and more--with genius-boy James Mycroft who lives down the street. Together the teens research obscure crime-solving strategies and write essays for the "Diogenes" website.

Allusions to Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson abound, especially when the teens discover that their friend, known only as "Homeless Dave," may have been murdered... after he was dead. And, as in the famous story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the key to the crime may lie with a dog that didn't bark.

Nice world-building, excellent characters, and great action sequences (especially in the second half of the book). The romance between Mycroft and Watts bubbles quietly at first and is certain to boil over soon-- the steamy kisses on the page are definitely only the beginning of the physical side to their relationship.

Australian slang may boggle some readers.

An Australian "Hills Hoist"sounds more ominous than it actually is.

This is a great introduction to a fun new series. I look forward to volume 2!

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Ghosts

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Catrina and her family move to Bahia de la Luna because Cat's little sister Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool salty air from the sea. Soon the girls and their family learn that the town and nearby mission is haunted--and the townspeople welcome the ghosts.

They even throw a big dia de los muertos party every year so they can enjoy music and dancing with the dead. Maya, aware that her disease will probably kill her sooner rather than later, is thrilled to meet the ghosts, but Cat isn't so sure. She doesn't want all these dead people to hurt her sister.

This sweet graphic novel story of friendship and family is beautifully illustrated in Telgemeier's signature style, with expressive characters and fun backdrops.

HOWEVER, the book (and the author) have been accused of cultural appropriation: the author is not Mexican-American, and yet her story centers around the Mexican tradition of welcoming the beloved dead.

As a storyteller, I do not stand firmly against cultural appropriation. If we forbid everyone from the outside a culture to look inside via stories, world peace would be truly impossible, and I don't believe that. This book centers around a young, culturally-mainstream American girl; although her abuela was Mexican, her mother rejected the Mexican culture as a teen and has raised her daughters away from Mexican traditions. Therefore, Cat's experience with the dia de los muertos tradition allows other non-Mexican readers to follow her as she learns.

This is a major goal of fiction: to bring the reader closer to something new, and this book achieves that goal.

Recommended for ages 8 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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Mighty Jack

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

Jack has a lot to worry about: he worries about his mom, who works two (or more) jobs just to pay the bills. He worries about his sister Maddie, who doesn't talk, and he worries about himself...

But one day Maddie does talk, and tells him to trade their mom's car for a handful of seeds. It's the best, weirdest, craziest thing that Jack has ever done.

The garden grown from the seeds is full of strange vegetables that bite, or crawl, or grab. And one full moon night, one of the plants turns into a DRAGON.

I thought that nothing would ever supplant my fangirl love of Ben Hatke's Zita the Space Girl series, but Mighty Jack just might do it.

This is a fabulous fairy tail spun on its head, with kick-butt main characters, terrific artwork (and a DRAGON!).

The text is accessible down to about grade 3, KCLS shelves it with the teen books, and the grownups will be fighting for their turn to read it.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Dumplin'

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Willowdean Dickson isn't what most people would call "beauty pageant material." Certainly Willowdean herself never considered entering her hometown's biggest social event of the year, even though her own mother is a former Clover City Miss Teen Blue Bonnet and is now the chair of the event.

Because Willowdean is fat.

She knows it. It's obvious. She's tried dieting in the past, but is now mostly comfortable with her body ... but not always. And when the hot-hot-hottie guy at work kisses her, the discomfort level goes way up.

It's a long road between "no-way, no-how" and "go big or go home" and yet Willowdean and her friends take the journey towards the coveted rhinestone crown. And although they face some cringeworthy moments, the girls encounter some triumphant times along the way.

This is a book about body image, Dolly Parton, and friendship. There's a romance (and a bit of a romantic triangle), but the focus of the story is on Willowdean's relationship with her longtime best friend Ellen and her new friends Amanda, Millie and Hannah.

And, just so you know: the story doesn't end the way you think it will.

Recommended for readers 14 to adult. All sexual situations are off-stage but the kissing is front and center.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Useless Bay

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Useless Bay by M.J. Beaufrand

Pixie is the smallest (at 6 foot 2 inches) of the Gray quintuplets, and she tells half the story of the search for young Grant, who has mysteriously gone missing on Whidbey Island.

Henry, Grant's older brother, tells the other half of the story. There are suspects, red herrings, underwater searches, bloodhounds, mysterious Russians who might be spies, and plenty of twists and surprises in this short, fast-moving story.

There is much to like in this book. And yet...

The narrative contains so many biological and plot-editing goofs that I found myself frequently "yanked out of the story."

Human quintuplets are not born at 2 minute intervals (any midwife or delivery room nurse could tell you that).

Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish are warm water dwellers, and the water surrounding Whidbey Island is not ever warm enough to support them. Also, these animals inject a toxin, not an allergen, therefore, a bee sting kit is absolutely useless in treating the venom.

When a quint has a "sympathetic" reaction to the injury of another quint, shouldn't the reader expect the rest of the siblings to react also? (This question was asked and not answered within the text. Also, the next time a quint was severely injured, nobody else reacted except to say "ewww.")

I expect better from an author who reportedly lives in the Seattle area and has access to a world-class children's hospital, aquarium, and plenty of fine editors.

Maybe next time.

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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Like a River Glorious

Friday, September 1, 2017

Like a River Glorious
by Rae Carson (Gold Seer Trilogy #2)

Lee Westfall and her companions have arrived (mostly) safely, in California. Soon Lee's "witchy" senses are detecting more gold than all of them will ever need -- it's in the water, in the dirt, and in the rock walls above the small encampment they build.

But the citizens of Glory are not the only gold seekers in California. Her wicked uncle Hiram still hunts her, and he has plans for Lee that she has never dreamed, even in her worst nightmares.

Solid historical fiction with just a touch of magic. The issues faced by the Chinese, the local native tribes, and the "confirmed bachelors" are not ignored, which is refreshing.

Of course the problems faced by women -- considered akin to property or livestock by U.S. and territorial law at the time -- are essential to the story.

This is a fitting companion to Walk on Earth a Stranger, with some (not lots) of cussing, discussions of drug use (laudanum), and some referrals to prostitution (not shown on the page).

Recommended for readers 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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Titans

Friday, August 25, 2017

Titans by Victoria Scott

Astrid's family is falling apart: her grandfather is dead, her father lost his job a few years back, and gambled away all the savings, her older sister is hanging out with a guy who is definitely bad news ...and the rest of her family members seem to be drifting further apart every day.

Then, Astrid gets the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to ride a Titan --a fabulous mechanical racehorse --and win up to two million dollars.

That's enough money to retrieve the house from mortgage default, and to help Astrid's best friend's family too. But first, she has to race. And then, she has to win.

This book strongly echoed Maggie Steifvater's Scorpio Races; of the two, I think Steifvater's book is better.

But then, I can always be counted on to choose the magical carnivorous horses over the helpful mechanical horses.

Who can blame me?

Having said that, I did love the complete lack of teen romance in Titans. There's a wonderful friendship worthy of celebration, and some nice social commentary.

Excellent racing sequences, great action, very little cussing, and a sweet if somewhat abrupt ending.

If only I could educate authors about the value of riding helmets. Sigh.



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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Girl from Everywhere

Friday, August 4, 2017

The Girl from Everywhere
by Heidi Heilig

I'm one of those readers who always skips over the maps embedded in books. But to skip the maps in this book would be a big mistake. The maps aren't just illustrations: they are part of the story.

Nix was born in Honolulu around 1868 but she has spent her life on board her father's sailing ship Temptation, sailing across the world, across time, and across mythology itself. She has seen magic and collected mythical artifacts like the caladrius bird that can cure any illness, sky herring from the clouds above legendary Skandia, and a bottomless bag that will carry anything that is put into it.

As long as the captain has a map for it, he can sail the ship to any place or time, real or imagined.

However, the combination of the captain's opium addiction and his obsession with Nix's dead mother are bound to take the Temptation into trouble. If he succeeds with his goal of revisiting Hawaii before Lin's death, he might even erase Nix's entire life.

With a strong female narrator, a terrific premise, and a fabulous setting ("everywhere!"), this story is sure to be a hit with readers who enjoy a ripping adventure through mythology and history. With a little less action (and much less blood) than either Bloody Jack (L.A. Meyer) or Pirates (Celia Rees), this book will still appeal to fans of both. There are a few intimate scenes but no body parts on stage--is there Star Trek Sex or not? If so, it's pretty subtle. The reader will have to decide.

The audiobook, adeptly read by Kim Mai Guest, kept me in the truck and making excuses to drive places so I could listen.

Highly 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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Serpent King

Sunday, July 23, 2017

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Dill has two friends and two problems.

Dill's friends are Travis and Lydia. Travis is big, shy, kind, and so obsessed with his favorite sword-and-sorcery book that he can mostly ignore his lousy home life. Lydia is cute, smart, rich, upwardly mobile, and aimed OUT of the dinky backwater Tennessee town (named for a founding member of the KKK, wahoo!) where they all live.

Dill's problems are his name and his future. His name is Dillard Early, Jr, and he was named for his father, Dillard Early, Sr., (known locally as the Pervert Preacher), and for his papaw, (known locally as the Serpent King). His future looks a lot like his present day, and that's not good.

Then something happens to make Dill's life unbearable. The reader knows that something is going to change. But ... what?

If you think you know what will happen to the preacher's kid from "one of those crazy snake churches," you are probably wrong. The journey is not predictable, and yet, it all makes sense. Extra stars for religious extremists who are deeper than the paper on which they are written, and for religious questioning without obvious answers.

You may see this book compared to the works of John Green, and while I understand the comparison, I also don't think this reads like a JG book. It has some excellent (and some dreadful) parent characters, it has super-tough situations, there is kissing on the page. But JG rarely touches religion, and I don't know if he could handle (pun intended) a snake church.

And if there's sex, I missed it. It might have happened off-page. In fact, I kind of hope it did.

Rivoting read, recommended for readers ages 12 to adult, and it definitely needs to be a movie!


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



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Misunderstood: why the humble rat may be your best pet ever

Friday, July 14, 2017

Misunderstood: why the humble rat may be your best pet ever
by Rachel Toor

Easier to keep in apartments than a dog. Less litter box mess than a cat. And significantly less expensive than a horse. What's not to love?

This is Rachel Toor's argument for pet rats. She also claims that "fancy rats" (a.k.a. tame rats, as opposed to wild rats which are not fancy in color or personality) are excellent companions and splendid pets for families.

As a former rat-girl who loved pet rats called "Justin" and "Nicodemus" after the characters in Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, I do not disagree with these allegations at all. I could probably even add a few lines to the list of ratty virtues extolled in the book. Rats are awesome pets: cute, funny, smart, and exceptionally good company.

However, this book is not really a petition for rat support. It's more of a memoir of the author, which includes some stories about rats, dogs, boyfriends, and a mom who (eventually) dies of cancer.

Sadly, I would rather have read a book about the righteousness of rats. This book was purchased by KCLS as a teen non-fiction book, but I have trouble conceiving of a teen who would enjoy reading it -- it's not inappropriate, but rather not of general interest to teen readers.

Recommended (but not enthusiastically) for adult readers who enjoy rambling memoirs. Some of the rat photos, including the front cover illustration, are very charming.


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



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