This has got to be the most depressing book I have ever read. I had to slog through an incredible amount of graphic violence and senseless brutality bThis has got to be the most depressing book I have ever read. I had to slog through an incredible amount of graphic violence and senseless brutality before the main character encountered even a scrap of kindness. The author doesn't candy coat life on a slave ship in the least. She doesn't spare her readers any details of what life was like for the crew or the slaves. I don't know why this book won the Newbery, it isn't even appropriate for children. I could see how maybe a high school history teacher could use this book in the classroom, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone younger than 14.
This book is really hard to rate because on the one hand I'm really frustrated because the book portrays the absolute worst of humanity, without contrasting it with a portrayal of the best of humanity. On the other hand, I do want to give the author credit where credit is due. She does have a good command of the English language. However, this can actually be viewed as detrimental, if it wasn't so well written it wouldn't have such a negative affect on people. I just wish that she had used her talent to write something more up lifting.
I have read a lot of books (children's especially) where racial tention is the main theme and usually I enjoy them. But I have a hard time reading a book that is so completely focused on the negative. I felt the same way about the book Sounder. Can't you let the characters have one happy moment? Please?
If you would like to read a book that portrays racial tension that isn't so sad and depressing I recommend Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry by, Mildred D. Taylor. Ms. Taylor is an absolute genius.
After reading through the first half of the book I really wasn't sure if I wanted to finish it because I just couldnt get into it. It just seemed to bAfter reading through the first half of the book I really wasn't sure if I wanted to finish it because I just couldnt get into it. It just seemed to be kind of dragging on without any plot, but I'm glad that I finished it. It finally did get to the point and there was a worthwhile message. Its worth reading if for no other reason than the fact that It's CLEAN!!!
There were a lot of things that I liked about the main character, Stargirl. I liked her enthusiasm for life, she's a very fun-loving, upbeat and positive person. I love how she cheers for the other team. I love her random acts of kindness. Most of all, I love how she seems totally oblivious to what other people think of her. I think Spinelli took the non-conformity, unconventionalism thing a little too far, but I definitely liked her better as the crazy-off-beat-ukulele-playing-oddball than later on when she tries to be normal.
I think that it's good for teenagers to read this book because it might make them think about how our society treats those who are "different" and what is the definition of "normal". They might start to question the wisdom of how our society functions as a whole and hopefully, we will see a gradual change for the better amongst our future leaders. High school can be brutal and I know that I never felt comfortable enough to let my guard down the whole time that I was in high school. I had hoped that things would be better for my own children, unfortunately, I think that it's only gotten worse.
I think that the overall theme of the book was 'the importance of being true to yourself' which may sound cliche and I know that there are a LOT of books and movies that cover this topic, but how many of us are still betraying our true selves by trying to fit in? Thats why this topic remains relevant even for adults. ...more
One of the reasons I gave this book a high rating is because the author was only 17 when she wrote it. And she did an absolutely beautiful job describOne of the reasons I gave this book a high rating is because the author was only 17 when she wrote it. And she did an absolutely beautiful job describing what a young teenage girl experiencing love for the first time feels like. Those feelings of anxiety while waiting for the phone to ring. The intense excitement of a first date and then the realization that a boy is actually romantically interested in you. The feelings that come when you realize that you are not a little girl anymore, you are becoming a young woman. And how the fact that you are dating someone also changes your relationship with your parents and siblings.
I also want to give it a high rating for her descriptions of summer in Wisconsin. I grew up in Wisconsin about 40 years after Angie, so of course I was able to relate to a lot of the things that she described, the wild flowers that grow in the fields, the vegetables in the garden, the bugs, the rain storms, the heat and humidity of July, the smells of early autumn.
I wasn't going to pick up this book at all because I'm not really a fan of romance novels, but since it was published in 1942 I thought that I would give it a try and I'm glad I did. The setting made all the difference. it was so much more fun to read because it took place in a bygone era. In some ways it was a much more innocent time. The worst thing that happened when couples wandered off on their own was a little "necking". However, some things have not changed, there was a lot of drinking and smoking among Angie's friends. Surprisingly, there was no mention of any laws about drinking and driving. The drinking didn't bother her at all, but when Jack clicked his spoon on his teeth while eating ice cream during a Sunday dinner with her family she was so ashamed of him that she refused to speak to him for the rest of the day. I found that rather odd.
One of the things that was most frustrating, was the lack of communication within Angie's family. They did not share their feelings at all. It was as if one's emotions were very private and should be kept to yourself. There was no affection either, they were very stiff and stoic. My theory is that Wisconsin was settled by German immigrants who brought there stifling German ways with them. I was raised in a similar home although not quite as extreme as the Morrow household. Fortunately, my family has improved greatly over the years.
Another thing that might frustrate today's readers is the plot, or lack of it. Nothing earth shattering happens at all. It's just a lazy Wisconsin summer where Angie Morrow falls in love before heading off to college. It is a summer she will never forget, but her readers might. Young readers who are used to fast-paced, non-stop action may be quite disappointed with Maureen Daly's 'slow and steady wins the race' novel.
As for me, I enjoyed it very much, but probably because I grew up in Wisconsin in an old fashioned household in the country, where nothing much ever happened and I was able to relate to Angie Morrow and the summer she found love. I also found love during my 19th summer. Only instead of going off to college in the fall, I got married. For me 1988 was the summer I will never forget. It was the beginning of the end. The beginning of my life as a married woman and the end of my life as a child. That was twenty five years ago now and I still look back on that summer with fondness although, I probably wouldn't be able to describe it as beautifully or with as much clarity as Angie did in Seventheenth Summer. ...more
This was the action packed grand finale to an awesome series! There were a lot of things I liked about this book, namely: 1) the characters who each hThis was the action packed grand finale to an awesome series! There were a lot of things I liked about this book, namely: 1) the characters who each had their moment of glory, 2)the fast pace - this is definitely a page turner folks! Thank you Mr. Colfer for not getting so bogged down with technical details that you loose half your audience. 3)the humor - Mr. Colfer has the most wonderful sense of dry humor - love it! 4) the unpredictability - a surprise around every corner. That being said, it was also missing some things. Note to Mr. Colfer: if this really is the last of the series then we are in desperate need of an epilogue here. ...more
I love, love, love, this book!!! This a heartwarming novel, that sometimes made me laugh and then made me cry. I was so sad when it was over. I especiI love, love, love, this book!!! This a heartwarming novel, that sometimes made me laugh and then made me cry. I was so sad when it was over. I especially love how the author was able to compare the birds in Audobon's paintings with what was going on in Doug's life, so creative, so touching! I love that he read Jane Eyre in his English class, I love Jane Eyre! I totally fell in love with the characters! Even the ones that I didn't like at first by the end of the book, I liked them all. I love the message of the book, which to me was, don't judge, because you never know what people are struggling with. We all have our own personal "stuff" to deal with. So let's give each other a break! ...more
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It made me laugh. It made me cry. It is so well written that it truly made me FEEL what the characters were feeling. So many life I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It made me laugh. It made me cry. It is so well written that it truly made me FEEL what the characters were feeling. So many life lessons in here that he somehow tied in with the works of Shakespeare. I'm not a Shakespeare fan, but I really enjoyed reading this book....more
I think I'll give this one 3.5 stars. This book really surprised me. I was expecting it to be like Holes and it isn't. It has a completely different fI think I'll give this one 3.5 stars. This book really surprised me. I was expecting it to be like Holes and it isn't. It has a completely different feel to it. This one was written for an older audience. It is very captivating, I was definitely sucked in especially near the end. This book does explore some serious issues that are certainly worth exploring, (race, children with disabilities, teens with a criminal record, dating, celebrities, honesty etc.) but only superficially. He only scratches the surface on issues that might stir controversy. So, I guess, to sum it up, it was a fun and gripping read and I'm glad I read it, but it's not one that I'm going to recommend to all of my friends. ...more
I read quite a few reviews to help give me ideas and wow! I don't think I've seen so many colorful reviews before! Quite an impressive variety. So hereI read quite a few reviews to help give me ideas and wow! I don't think I've seen so many colorful reviews before! Quite an impressive variety. So here's my two cents worth: These are the things that I liked about it: A) Very thought provoking - the book is screaming to be discussed. This would be a good choice for a book club. B) I love the writing style - this is the first book I've read by this author and I plan to read more. C) I love the humor - I'm a firm believer in the healing power of laughter so I'm really glad that he included that in the book, it really helped to lighten the heaviness of the subject. D) "life is not a wish granting factory" - true statement that is sometimes hard to swallow. E) I liked what was said about the unrealistic stories of Heroic and courageous cancer kids who never complain and they always have a positive attitude no matter how much pain there in, who tirelessly fight this deadly disease day and night, etc. I never realized what a negative effect those stories could have, I always thought that they were so inspirational, but now I see that when we do this we turn them into supernatural beings which in turn dehumanizes them. I guess this is what I like most about this book, it helped me to discover a different perspective. So now onto what I didn't like about the book: A) so basically the main reason why I gave it 3.5 stars instead of 4 or 5 is because I couldn't relate to the main character, she was such a Debbie Downer. She always seemed to be annoyed with everything and everyone, her negative attitude about life and death was depressing to me. I found myself wishing that the book was written from Augustus's point of view. I think I would've enjoyed reading his thoughts more than Hazel's, but that's just me. B) I guess the other thing is, the author really seemed to have some incredibly deep thoughts that (at least for me) turned out to be pretty much meaningless. The characters would go on and on about the philosophy of death and dying and the meaning of life and it all just sounded like a bunch of empty words to me. So to summarize, there are a lot of things that I like about this book, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
Very thought provoking! I could easily see using this book in a middle school classroom setting to generate a discussion about Dystopian societies. ToVery thought provoking! I could easily see using this book in a middle school classroom setting to generate a discussion about Dystopian societies. Topics of discussion might include some of the following possibilities: how much control should a government have over it's citizens, over-population, courage, heroism, friendship, loyalty, etc.
This is one of those books that is probably best to read with and discuss with your child. There is nothing inappropriate or vulgar in at all just the subject matter is a bit intense....more
This book was in the children's section of the public library of my town, but I think the YA section would be more appropriate. I guess I had high expThis book was in the children's section of the public library of my town, but I think the YA section would be more appropriate. I guess I had high expectations since Jerry Spinelli is the author. He did hold my interest from beginning to end, and I liked the main character and the friends that he made. It just seems like it's missing something, but I don't know what it is. ...more
This book seemed to have a little more humor and a little less technical jargon which for me was a welcome change. It was a good read, I enjoyed it. IThis book seemed to have a little more humor and a little less technical jargon which for me was a welcome change. It was a good read, I enjoyed it. It's fun to read a little light-hearted fantasy now and again. I definitely liked this one better than #6. I give it 3.5 stars....more
I give this one 3.5 stars. This book is much more thought provoking than I thought it would be. I really like how the friendship between Bobby and AliI give this one 3.5 stars. This book is much more thought provoking than I thought it would be. I really like how the friendship between Bobby and Alicia grows and develops. I'm really not much of a sci-fi fan but this is a good one because it held my attention and didn't get bogged down with too much technical details. I am definitely interested in the sequel. Thanks Dawn for the recommendation!...more
I got about halfway through this book when it became due back at the library. I tried to renew, but wasn't able to because of the waiting list. I willI got about halfway through this book when it became due back at the library. I tried to renew, but wasn't able to because of the waiting list. I will try to check it out again soon so I can finish it. I definitely feel that this book has value, every parent/teacher should read this book. I really like how the author gives realistic examples of everyday situations and then gives each girl's perspective and what the parent's responsibility is for each girl involved. After I started reading this book I had some really good discussions with my daughter. Even though the book is written primarily about girls ages 12-21, If you have a younger daughter it's probably a good idea to be pro-active and read it now so you can prepare yourself....more
A profoundly written, truly amazing read, one that I won't forget any time soon.A profoundly written, truly amazing read, one that I won't forget any time soon....more
This is the beautifully written first novel of Elizabeth George Speare. Although I enjoyed all of her other books, this one is my favorite. I am complThis is the beautifully written first novel of Elizabeth George Speare. Although I enjoyed all of her other books, this one is my favorite. I am completely baffled as to why this is the only book by Ms. Speare that did not win a Newbery award.
I love all of the characters! I love the high-spirited, red-haired main character, Miriam Willard, as well as her delightful, and good natured, best friend, Hortense. I couldn't help but admire her sister, Susanna's quiet, steady strength as she endured one heartwrenching trial after another. I laughed out loud at the tall and handsome, Pierre's quick and clever wit.
Ms. Speare is such a good writer, I was entranced from the very beginning all the way to the very end. I really enjoyed watching Miriam go from being a self-absorbed teenager to a self-confident young woman. Through her many harrowing experiences she learns important life lessons about love and loyalty.
I'm sure that one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is because C.M. Herbert did such an excellent job of reading it. I listened to the Blackstone Audiobook version on CD and Ms. Herbert did a beautiful job, especially on the characters with French accents. I couldn't wait to put the next CD in so I could find out what would happen next.
So basically what I'm saying is, Calico Captive is very well written and well worth the read. I highly recommend it! ...more
I guess I feel the same about this one as I did about the last one. I love the cast of characters and Colfer's sense of humor, but I guess maybe I'm jI guess I feel the same about this one as I did about the last one. I love the cast of characters and Colfer's sense of humor, but I guess maybe I'm just getting tired of the series. I kept thinking, "Yeah, yeah, just get on with it!" His books keep getting longer and it's really not necessary. And the plots are getting more complicated, this whole time paradox thing was really confusing to me. If I hadn't been reading aloud I would've skipped over the technical stuff. My kids liked this one just as much as the others though, so maybe it's just me. ...more
I didn't like this one as well as the others, it seemed to drag on a bit. It probably didn't really need to be 385 pages long! It's still worth the reI didn't like this one as well as the others, it seemed to drag on a bit. It probably didn't really need to be 385 pages long! It's still worth the read though, especially the ending....more
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