Master Index to all Customer Reviews
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2007 Reviews
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2005 Reviews
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Recent Reviews
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 Bodies From the Bog
by James Deem [j930.16 Dee]
James Deem starts with the story of the discovery of the famous Grauballe Man from Denmark. In the spring of 1952, when a group of men were digging in a partially drained bog, they made an unexpected discovery. About three feet below the surface, their shovels struck the head of a man. That man has since become known as the Grauballe Man, whom scientists have examined to determine age, last meal, and probable cause of death. Feeling curious? So was I, proving that Deem did his job of creating a good lead chapter. Next, Deem steps back in history to describe the earliest reports of bog bodies. Only after Deems has reeled us in with his multiple tales of death does he turn to the life in a bog. By now, we're ready to read about how those cold watery bog graves came about. After discussing other important finds, which are less morbid and more the stuff of routine archeology, Deems steps forward again to talk about how scientists examine a bog body. Most telling in this chapter is how much and yet how little scientists know. I appreciated how much Bodies From the Bog held my attention. Deems trusted the stories, facts, and photos of bog bodies to capture the attention of readers. The layout isn't cute, the fonts aren't playful, nor is the style aimed to please a juvenile audience. Those with a serious interest in mummified bodies will find this a solid reference book.
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
May 16, 2012
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Bog Mummies
by Charlotte Wilcox [j930.1 Wil]
Charlotte Wilcox starts with the story of the discovery of the famous Lindow Moss bog body. In May of 1983, two workers were loading chunks of peat onto an elevator. They stopped when they saw a flat, brown, and leathery object on the elevator. What looked at first like a soccer ball turned out to be a man's head. At this point I was feeling curious, but also somewhat put off by the simplistic style. I felt as if I were reading an old Dick and Jane reader. It didn't help that the titles, captions, and even page numbers had bold and angled boxes around them. I felt as if the information wasn't being allowed to speak for itself. Rather, the design had been deliberately jazzed up to draw in readers. After sharing stories of famous bog discoveries, Wilcox presents an informational chapter about how bogs form mummies. Despite earlier criticizing Wilcox's simplistic style, I have to admit that I liked how understandable I found her explanation on bog origins. Based on her bibliography, it seems as if Wilcox depended heavily on only a small number of sources for her research. Combining this limitation with the simplistic style and jazzed-up graphics, Bog Mummies seems like just another book. While it could serve as a good place to start reading about bog bodies, I'd encourage you to read beyond it as well to books like those by James Deem.
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
May 14, 2012
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School of Wizardry
by Debra Doyle and James MacDonald
School of Wizardry, the first in the Circle of Magic series by Debra Doyle and James MacDonald, often proved a tedious read. Although the book is written adeptly, it is far too serious for a fantasy book. Fantasy magic should be fun. Well, not in this book, where few people in Randal's world want to be a wizard. As a young squire, Randal is training to become a knight. Then a mysterious wizard named Madoc enters the castle gates. Madoc is called upon by the royal family to lighten up a grim and gloomy atmosphere. Yet while Madoc's performance garners him applause and awes Randal, the magic merely amounts to torches being extinguished, colored lights appearing, and background music playing. Okay, I realize this is magic, but I don't know?. It seemed lackluster. Or perhaps it's the writing that makes it feel dull. When Madoc moves his closed fist over an empty dish, and chants in an unknown language, Randal is the only one to see water fill up the bowl and a picture to form in the water. After all the dinner guests depart, Randal catches up to Madoc and asks him about becoming a wizard. Madoc discourages him, insisting that he would spend most of his life getting into trouble, being hungry, and traveling on the road. Despite this caution, Randal persists. Ultimately, Madoc gives into Randal's pleas and enrolls him in a magic school. There, discovering that magic comes less naturally to him than his earlier vision, Randal immerses himself in studies just to pass. He also meets gifted students who decide that magic is not fulfilling for them and so choose other trades. School of Wizardry is ONLY about magic, whereas the Harry Potter series is about family and friends and teachers and love and loyalty and POSITIVE things. With its sole emphasis on wizardry, I found myself taking the School of Wizardry series much more seriously and so having to push myself to finish it. I do not recommend it.
reviewed by Allison H.F..
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
May 8, 2012
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Fish
by Gregory Mone [j Mone]
Did you know there are both good and bad pirates? In Fish by Gregory Mone, when Fish (whose real name is Maurice) is forced to join the crew of The Scurvy Mistress, he doesn't know one kind of pirate from the other. He also doesn't care. His sole mission is to retrieve the bag of gold coins which Nate had stolen from him. Unfortunately, Fish gets caught. In the interrogation that follows, Fish learns that some pirates are raiders while others are seekers. The "raiding" pirates believe that attacking every ship in the water is the swiftest way to fortune. (These are the bad pirates.) In contrast, "seeking" pirates prefer to undertake challenging quests. The Scurvy Mistress is manned by both types, a division which eventually leads to a mutiny. Thus begins an adventure where Fish not only has to decide which pirates to defend, he also faces other choices. For example, should he interfere with Cobb's orders, when a fellow pirate is sentenced to walk the plank for betraying the crew? Or should he fight when challenged to a duel, despite his abhorrence of violence? Although Mone isn't blatant about themes, he does interweave into Fish the values of family, friendship, pacifism (which might seem like an oxymoron in a pirate book) and being true to self. Their subtle inclusion is part of what makes Fish stand out from typical adventure stories. Time to talk treasure! Every good pirate story must include it. Fish is no exception. Initially, all that anyone on board knows is that head pirate Cobb seeks a treasure that will render the ship's treasure chest of coins "as worthless as pebbles and stones". Cobb also promises that every member of the crew will receive a share large enough to buy a herd of horses. That's enough to make Fish give up on the idea of retrieving that bag of coins his uncle gave him. It's also enough to cause mutiny. What better adventure could one ask for than a soaking-good seafaring pirate story about a treasure hunt? There's even a dash of romance and humor. Just be sure that when you do borrow Fish, you can curl up for a long read. It's that good!
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
May 3, 2012
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Hex Hall
by Rachel Hawkins [j Hawkins or YA PB Hawkins]
Mix together angst and attitude. Then pile on the romance and rebellion. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins is an addicting read. I wanted to guzzle it like a fizzy soft drink. Unfortunately, by the end, I also felt as if my teeth had rotted. When you think of female teen fiction, what comes to mind? If you said bad boys and mean girls, you'll have nicely summarized the bulk of Hex Hall. In chapter two, Sophie meets Archer. He sounds about right for your typical "bad" boy. After rescuing her from a werewolf, he angers Sophie by insulting her powers. That also sounds about right for an opening scene. After all, if Archer was nice from the start, what would be his attraction? And, if Sophie liked him from the start, what fun would there be in his pursuit of her? Next, in chapter four, Sophie meets the three "charmed" ones. They are pretty and mean. What else would you expect? After all, if they were plain and kind, what would the pay-off be when they finally accept Sophie? Oh, there is one other thing that female teen fiction should bring to mind: friendship. My favorite character is Jenny. She's one of the more interesting characters in a parade of clichés. To a certain extent, Hex Hall reminds me of the movie Mean Girls, because initially Sophie doesn't want anything to do with the three "charmed" ones. When Sophie realizes exactly what kind of witches they are, she turns down their offer to join them. In turn, the leader Elodie accuses Sophie of thinking she is better of them, but Sophie claims that isn't her reason. This scenario is one of several where I think Hawkins missed an opportunity to instill moral values into Hex Hall. While I dislike preachy novels, I also admire those authors who slip little snippets of wisdom into their books. Another missed opportunity occurs when Jenny tells Sophie that students aren't allowed to use their powers to be lazy, but then nothing else is ever said about this idea. The above criticisms aside, my biggest peeve is how much Hex Hall is a Harry Potter clone. To start, Hecate Hall is housed at a remote location. Students can reach this location only by ferry. Inside the school, a spiral staircase twists up three stories, seemingly supported by nothing. Pale and cold people sometimes sweep by the students. I'll give you one guess as to what they are. There's only one bathroom on the entire floor. One teacher picks on Sophie and even some of her peers despise her because, unbeknownst to Sophie, she possesses the strongest powers available to a witch. There is a groundskeeper and even a forbidden wood. While I love a good fantasy, Hex Hall wasn't one. Sadly, too many of the young adult paranormal books I've read have disappointed me. This puts me on the hunt for the exception. Or maybe I'll just stick with young adult fiction that has nothing to do with witches, vampires, werewolves, and faeries.
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
April 10, 2012
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Heart of a Samurai
by Margi Preus [j Preus]
How would you react if someone greeted you with a bow or by avoiding eye contact? Captain Whitfield reacted with impatience, which puzzled Manjiro and his fishermen companions. To them, those actions showed politeness. Other similar examples of miscommunication between cultures abound in Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus, the fictionalized true story of how a Japanese teenage fisherman named Manjiro discovered America in 1841 and how as an adult he persuaded Japan to ease open its boundaries. As such, it will interest historical fiction buffs and those seeking multicultural novels. Because Heart of a Samurai also involves sea travel, whaling expeditions, mutiny, and storms, it'll also appeal to anyone who likes adventure stories. Margi Preus visited Japan twice, which no doubt helped with her convincing portrayal of Manjiro and his companions. In every situation, Preus helps me see what five fisherman in 1841 might have felt. All of these situations are also explored within the context of a story that is already incredibly interesting. Manjiro and his companions get caught in a storm. Even when they find land, their peril has just begun. Because of an author's need to remain faithful to actual events, the risk of historical fiction is that it can read like a dry narrative. In contrast, Heart of a Samurai poignantly explores universal themes. Some are fairly familiar such as that of growing up and finding one's place in the world. Other themes have been less frequently explored but are equally important, such as how to negotiate the precarious balance between two worlds that one loves. Through moments like these, Preus makes Manjiro feel like a real person. What I loved most about Heart of a Samurai is how Preus introduced me to an inspiring individual whom I wish I could have known, within the context of an enthralling story.
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
March 30, 2012
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The Death Instinct
by Jed Rubenfeld [Rubenfeld]
Did you know the first terrorist act on American soil was in 1920? It was then that a wagon filled with dynamite blew up on Wall Street injuring or killing close to 400 people. The perpetrators have never been named or punished, but Rubenfeld's novel, which involves psychoanalysis, Madame Curie and radiation, World War I and police work make an exciting what-if about the topic. Not a quick or easy read, but definitely enjoyable.
reviewed by Barbara R.
customer of the Gere Branch Library
February 7, 2012
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Falling In
by Frances O'Roark Dowell [j Dowell]
Falling In is a welcome change from the darkness and broodiness that one gets these days in fantasies written for older youth. Without the burden of emotional angst, juvenile fantasies are free to launch readers into imaginative worlds. Written by Frances O'Roark Dowell, Falling In is full of whimsy and diverse friendships! The summary alone intrigued me: "Isabelle Bean follows a mouse's squeak into a closet and falls into a parallel universe where the children believe she is the witch they have feared for years, finally come to devour them." Falling In is like nothing I had expected because of the peculiar main character Isabelle Bean and because of the twists in the plot. What about those diverse friendships? Well, there is Grete, a mysterious old woman the children meet in the woods who knows Isabel's mom. How is that possible, when the two live in parallel universes? Then there is Elizabeth, a girl from the camps who like Hen has a secret or two of her own. There's also eight-year-old Jacob who flubs some very important plans. And for the animal factor, there is a reclusive brown spider. To find out its purpose, you'll need to read Falling In for yourself. While imparting valuable lessons about friends and prejudice, it is also imaginative and playful. Dowell doesn't know if she'll write another fantasy; Falling In is not her typical fare. However, I really enjoyed it and so will be reading her realistic fiction. I'm also rooting for her to write more fantasies.
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
February 5, 2012
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Jim the Boy
by Tony Earley [Earley]
A simple tale about a simpler time. this details the life of farm boy Jim Glass, age 10. Glass is a pretty typical young boy, growing up in North Carolina in the Depression years. For readers who long for a book that explains the subleties of morals and ethics, and stays away from sex, violence and cursing, this is it. The Chicago Tribune says it's a novel "that perfectly captures the innocence and confusion and wonder of childhood." I agree.
reviewed by Barbara R.
customer of the Gere Branch Library
January 20, 2012
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The Truth-Teller's Lie
by Sophie Hannah
A dark and psychologically police procedural detailing the search for one or two serial rapists, based on the testimony of a young woman who may or may not be telling the truth. The violence is told in detail, which may make it too dark and twisted for squeamish readers. (I admit, I lightly passed over it.) The tension and suspense are there in spades, however, and Hannah tells a passionate tale of love and sex gone terribly wrong. The London Times called it "A superbly creepy, twisty thriller about obsessive love, psychological torture and the darkest chambers of the human heart."
reviewed by Barbara R.
customer of the Gere Branch Library
January 20, 2012
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Robinson Crusoe
by Daniel Defoe [Defoe, or j Defoe]
There is no doubt that Robinson Crusoe is important to literary history. First published in 1719, it is among one of the first novels ever written. It also marked the beginning of realistic fiction, with its success leading to the popularity of castaway novels. I doubt however that the style and content of the original version of Robinson Crusoe will appeal to today's young readers. First, let's consider the style. It is so rambling and repetitious that it made my head hurt to read it in large chunks. Besides writing novels, Daniel Defoe apparently also wrote manuals. I believe it! A second problem I have with Defoe's style is how analytical and impassive his descriptions are. I can't remember the last time I checked my email so often during one page. Next, let's consider the content. It irritated me on two levels. First, Defoe was badly in need of an editor. I'm all for skipping ahead to that fatal seafaring journey where he is marooned, because from that point until his rescue I somewhat enjoyed the story. Moreover, in my version (a slightly shortened form of part one), after Crusoe is rescued, Defoe tortured me for twenty-five additional pages with accounts of Crusoe's life back in England. The content also irritated me on a second level, in that there is material which begs for footnotes so that readers understand the context of the times wherein Defoe wrote. At this point, I would be amiss if I didn't point out what I did enjoy about Robinson Crusoe. Daniel Defoe created an extremely realistic character. I also enjoyed reading about all the tools that Crusoe created during his sojourn on the island, along with his ponderings on moral dilemmas such as when is it right to kill another man and what role God should have in his life. As you can see, there are gems in Robinson Crusoe. Unfortunately, they're so grimed in repetition and unnecessary content that they become drudgery to me. For that reason, I found myself wondering: Do some literary classics become dated? Should a book ever be rewritten in modern English? Should a book ever be abridged? What do you think?
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
January 20, 2012
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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin [j Lin]
Lin's Newbery Honor book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore. In the tradition of journey stories, this is about Minli, who goes on a trip to seek a solution to a problem. Minli seeks the Man of the Moon to ask how the family can change their fortune. As in The Wizard of Oz, Minli meets characters along the way who also need help from the Man of the Moon. Unlike in The Wizard of Oz, only one travels with her: a dragon who can't fly. In what seems almost too conveniently like The Wizard of Oz, these two comrades encounter evil monkeys when trying to cross the woods to their destination. Other dangers are more original to Lin such as a poisonous tiger. I recognized two motifs from folklore: the disguised king and sacrificed children. Others such as the guardians of the city, the borrowed line, and the fruitless mountain may or may not be derived from Chinese tales with which I am less familiar. In any event, Lin has seamlessly blended various aspects of folklore into one beautiful story. What makes Lin's books so special are their themes of family, friendship, love, and heritage. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon has another theme, which is found in the answer to Minli?s question about how her family can change their fortune. This is an absorbing fantasy, deserving of classic status.
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
January 20, 2012
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My Fair Godmother
by Janette Rallison [j Rallison]
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison is a funny teen fantasy romance with morals to boot. Through the guise of the three wishes that Savannah is granted by her godmother, Rallison imparts blunt truths about love. Savannah's first thought is to ask for Hunter fall back in love with her, but she is smart enough to know that winning Hunter back only with magic won't make her truly happy. Rallison never holds back any punches with her morals, but she also wraps them up so creatively in the disastrous outcomes of Savannah's wishes that the lessons feel like logical outcomes in a riveting story. Of course, it also helps that Rallison laces her love story with humor and fantasy. Some of the humor lies in Savannah's attitude. Some of the humor lies in the scrapes that Savannah finds herself in. As for the fantasy, you already know there's a godmother. There's also a leprechaun, a wizard and an apprentice with potions and poisons to sell, a Cyclops that Tristan needs to fight, and a mysterious black knight. For the most part, Rallison stays faithful to the original fairy tales into which she dumps Savannah. Even when she departs from them for literary purposes, they never left me with the bad taste some other fractured tales have. I love fantasy, in big doses. Whether it comes in the form of humor, romance, or another genre, I'm going to try it. Yet while my love of fantasy might mean I'll pick it off the shelves more often, an author still needs to be smart for me to seek out more of their books. Janette Rallison is, in so many ways. She might even be my new author find.
reviewed by Allison H.-F.
customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
January 20, 2012
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