The Club of Queer Trades

Summary--A collection of six wonderfully quirky detective stories, featuring the 'mystic' former judge Basil Grant. Each story reveals a practitioner of an entirely new profession, and member of the Club of Queer Trades.

Pro's--What to say about this book....it keeps you entirely baffled until the very end, it has some clever idea's, and it points out that there are more crimes than stealing and murdering. There are crimes against humanity like pride, hording, ect.  I also appreciated the author's brief opinion on evolution. Very humorous but true.

Con's--The book, just like the prime character Basil Grant, is eccentric and sometimes difficult to make sense of. Even in the end you still aren't fully aware how Basil solved all of these mysteries, you just know that he did. Personally I prefer a more Sherlock Holmes style where you may actually learn something from the methods the detective has used.  Another con, Basil Grant once referred to the Sherlock Holmes stories derogatorily. I am a huge fan of Holmes so this irritated me a bit. :) One more thing to mention is that the book takes at least three pages (front and back) before it gets to the actually story. Before that I felt like Chesterton was rambling.

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with this book but I don't necessarily recommend it. Proceed if you think it sounds interesting.

3 Stars. Ages 12 and up.

Sherman's March

  Summary--Sherman's March is the vivid narrative of General William T. Sherman's devastating sweep through Georgia and the Carolinas in the closing days of the Civil War. Weaving together hundreds of eyewitness stories, Burke Davis graphically brings to life the dramatic experiences of the 65,000 Federal troops who plundered their way through the South and those of the anguished -- and often defiant -- Confederate women and men who sought to protect themselves and their family treasures, usually in vain. Dominating these events is the general himself -- "Uncle Billy" to his troops, the devil incarnate to the Southerners he encountered. (from Google Books)

Pro's--This book was one of the best written history books I have ever read. Burke did a masterful job weaving eyewitness accounts into one large and fascinating story. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I felt sick. I felt as if I received a balanced perspective of everyone and was allowed to make my own decisions about whether or not they were a noble person.

Con's--Keep in mind this book comes mostly from eye witness accounts. There is a little bit of language, mentions of inappropriate things, and occasionally some gore.

Five stars. Ages 15 and up.

Between Shades of Gray

Summary--
In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina is preparing for art school, first dates, and all that summer has to offer. But one night, the Soviet secret police barge violently into her home, deporting her along with her mother and younger brother. They are being sent to Siberia. Lina's father has been separated from the family and sentenced to death in a prison camp. All is lost.

Lina fights for her life, fearless, vowing that if she survives she will honor her family, and the thousands like hers, by documenting their experience in her art and writing. She risks everything to use her art as messages, hoping they will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive.

It is a long and harrowing journey, and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive? (from  http://www.betweenshadesofgray.com/ )

Pro's--This book is the type that leaves you feeling as if all the air has been knocked out of your lungs. How could you ever enjoy comfort again without thinking of this story? It is a impacting story about a small nation, caught between several world powers all of who do not care what happens to the tiny country on the edge of Russia. This book was well written, realistic, and endearing.

Con's-- As a warning this book can be graphic but a mature reader would not be upset by it. Also, though  I do not remember any, there may be a very minor amount of language.

Five Stars. Ages 13 and up.

The Underland Chronicles

When I first discovered The Underland Chronicles at my local library I was very pleased. Seeing that they were written for a young age and fantasy I assumed they would be interesting, like Suzanne Collin's other books, The Hunger Games, but probably less depressing. At the end of book one I decided they weren't as light weight as I had anticipated. By the end of book three I knew they were not going to end happily-ever-after. By the end of book five, the end of the series, I was entirely convinced that Collin's was incapable of writing something which does not make me cry. I tried to tell myself that I was just grieving for a rat, a bat, and a cockroach, and aside from that they were completely fictional but... I felt like bawling anyway.

Meet Gregor, an eleven year old New York City kid with two sisters, a haggard mother, and a bedridden grandmother. Gregor is just your average kid with an unaverage secret: His father went missing two years ago and though neighbors whisper, Gregor knows he would have never left the family. Then one day, Gregor takes his two year old sister, “Boots”, down to the apartment building's laundry room and watches in horror as his baby sister falls head over heals down the laundry duct. Making a mad grab at a falling sandle, Gregor too, drops through into a land of giant bugs, rodents twice his size, bats as large as small airplanes and...nearly see-through humans called the Regalians. Thinking his life could not get much more horrifying Gregor soon learns that he has a bigger purpose in the Underland than simply rescuing his sister. An ancient Regalian prophecy, carved into the palace's stone wall seems to point to Gregor as the human's savior, a person referred to in the writings as “the warrior”.

My opinion:

Book 1/Gregor the Overlander: Why can't the Regalian's just let the poor kid take his baby sister home?But no, they claim he is the “warrior” and therefore has a purpose in the Underland. The book is interesting and, despite the fact that it's fantasy, it is surprisingly realistic.

Book 2/Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane: And Gregor is back in the Underland, a place he never wanted to see again. Things are not all peachy there either and Gregor is sent on a mission to fulfill another prophecy. That book ends on a cliff hanger. Gregor is disgraced, nearly everyone he loves is either missing or in fear for their lives and I can not wait to get to the library and get book three.

Book 3/Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods: Gregor knows he has to go back to the Underland, this time to save all mammals, not just the humans. But his understandably frazzled mother flatly refuses. She insists that they are moving to Virginia and away from a place that could kill her children. When a rather forceful escort it sent to the Overland she finally agrees to let Gregor and Boots descend again, on the condition that she accompanies them. Things start getting desperate however when she herself contracts the dreaded plague known as “The Curse of the Warmbloods”. By the end of this book I was thinking it was time Collin's ramped up the story line. It was beginning to feel drug out.

Book 4/Gregor and the Marks of Secret: Wish granted. Gregor sneaks off on a “picnic” which quickly turns into a long and dangerous adventure. Oh, and while Collin's is hitting the climax of her story she decided to add in a tiny bit of romance...between two twelve year olds. Granted it is a minor part of the story and despite their age they are given the responsibility of an adult but still, it is rather ridiculous. The book ends with a reference to a prophecy which foretells Gregor's death.

Book 5/ Gregor and the Code of the Claw: I read this book in just a few hours. Everyone you love dies. Well, not quite everyone, but the book ends leaving you mourning for at least one human, several rats, a mouse or two, one cockroach, and multiple bats. And while we are feeling depressed, Gregor and his whole family now have PTSD.

Overall I enjoyed these books immensely. Collin's is a fascinating writer and very true to life. As much as you want the books to end happily-ever-after, they can't. Some final, and traumatic thing must decided whether Gregor stays in the war torn Underland or returns to the questioning Overland forever. Naturally the horror of that event, as well as many other things both Gregor and his family have now witnessed scar them forever and they are left with nightmares, unpredictable panic attacks, and overall weakness of mind and body. A rather sad end but I felt that is was fitting. It had to happen that way or the rest of the books were seem trite and like a childish fairytale.

The only things I did not care for were the occasional references to evolution and the romance. Aside from that the books had zero language and nothing inappropriate. They are written for young tweens but enjoyable for all ages, even my nearly sixty year old mother is currently sucked into them!

Four Stars; Recommended for ages 10 and up.

The False Prince

The False Prince: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary: In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together. (From Goodreads)

Pro's: This book was brilliantly written. Even though it is written in first person and you feel like you know the main character very well, then ending is a big surprise! The storyline is original and fast moving. Though I didn't feel like the book had a strong overall point there were a few minor lessons I greatly appriciated.

Con's: Even though I only read this book last week I have forgotten some details. I do not specifically remember any language or inappropriate passages but I think there were one or two minor ones.

I was not aware until just a few minutes ago that this was the first book in a trilogy. I look forward to reading the others! (Assuming my library has them.)

Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Moods

  Moods--Louisa May Alcott

Summary-- Sylvia Yule falls in love. Then she finds out that the man she loves is engaged. Her heart goes through a thousand "moods" which finally culminate in her hearing through the grape vine of his marriage. Deciding she was not in love with him but that he was simply a friend she accepts his best friend who previously purposed. They get married but on their honeymoon, the former man finds her, discloses that he is not married and not be aware that she is, asks for her hand. A dramatic scene ensues leaving her to struggle with the thought that perhaps she had not really loved her husband when she married him and that maybe she still loved this man. Things continue to escalate until she is on the verge or divorcing her husband and marrying his best friend. Instead she decides that she will do neither. She can never love her husband but should not marry her lover because they aren't matching personalities. She sends her husband abroad, still morning for her and simply waiting to be called home. Finally, she calls him. He arrives home and she tells him that she still does not love him, she still loves this friend, and that she called him home to be with her when she dies. Then she follows through leaving her perfect husband to grieve for the loss of an emotionally unfaithful wife.

Pro's-- This book gave me an inside view of a woman's tormented mind. She made a mistake, and how was she supposed to correct it? It was an interesting character study.

Con's-- (Phew, where do I start?) The bottom line is that I did not like this book. I was shocked that Alcott would write it and disgusted with the ending. Sylvia was not a person I connected with. She was foolish in every way and for the life of me I could not understand why Mr. Moore wanted to marry her. Finally, when Sylvia discovered she had married the wrong man I hate her reaction. She allowed his best friend and her lover to stay, knowing that it would be a temptation. She allows him to tell her she married the wrong man and should divorce. And worst of all, she hides everything from her husband until a freak circumstance reveals the truth. Getting counsel to try and love her husband she (in my opinion), pretends like she has tried and found that she can't, he is only a friend.  I do not believe that if she really tried she would have found it at all impossible. Mr. Moore was perfect. He gave everything to please her and demanded nothing. On the other hand, her lover demanded everything to please himself and gave nothing. Then, the last and crowning insult: she calls her husband home from abroad where she has banished him, to tell him, in so many words, that she still does not love him but wants him to take care of her as she dies.

I was not pleased to have read this book and beginning it with no previously knowledge of the contents was astounded. I will give Alcott the fact that she never exactly says she agreed with Sylvia's choice. In fact she made Sylvia so upset by the whole thing that she literally worries herself to death.

Two Stars.  Ages 15 and up.

Four Queens

Four Queens--Nancy Goldstone

Summary--Set against the backdrop of the thirteenth century, a time of chivalry and crusades, poetry, knights and monarchs, comes the story of four provocative sisters who rose from near obscurity to become the most coveted and powerful women in Europe. The brilliant marriages of Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia, and Beatrice the beautiful daughters of the count of Provence, made them the queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily.  (copied from the front flap)

Pro's-- The politics and tightrope walking presented in this book were fascinating. Being nobility/royalty is not all it's cracked up to be. These four sisters had to be highly diplomatic towards nobility in their own country, foreign powers, their husbands and sometimes even each other. I can't say that I would ever wish to be in their places but reading about it as an outsider several hundred years later was intriguing. At least in the beginning the book reads like a novel and kept me constantly curious about what would happen next.

Con's-- I felt like this book dragged out a little too long. The author is a good writer but not good enough for me to read every word of a 308 page book. She could have shortened things a little and kept me from skimming the last third.

If you like history, primarily, mid-evil history you will probably enjoy this book.

Four stars. Ages 15 and up. (nothing a younger person should not read but the content is a little hard to grasp for some.)

Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye

Find and Stranger, Say Goodbye--Lois Lowry

Summary--Natalie Armstrong, an attractive, happy teenager about to enter college, sets out to discover the parents who gave her up at infancy.

Con's--though there is an immoral relationship in this story it is dealt with pretty carefully. However  I was upset to find many other entirely needless off color comments and conversations. There was also a bit of language.

Pro's--I am not adopted but if I were think I would be just like Natalie. I could identify with her struggles, her desire to find her mother/parents and her reaction when she did. The story is very realistic and I was drawn in immediately.

This book is a toss up for me. I wouldn't exactly recommend it due to much of the content but the story line was wonderful...I can only inform a potential reader of the pro's and con's and let them decided for themself.

Ages 16 and up. 3 out of 5 stars.

The Scribe

The Scribe--Francine Rivers

Summary--
Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. The Scribe, the fifth and final book in the Sons of Encouragement series, author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Silas. Like the other Sons of Encouragement, this book tells the story of a lesser-known biblical character who made an impact on eternity. The Scribe tells the story of Silas, the man behind the spotlight who recorded most of the New Testament Scriptures we read today. In classic Francine Rivers style the story lets readers grasp the Scriptures in a whole new light—from a perspective never before imagined. Along the way readers will be captivated by the growth of the early church and the trials Paul suffers before he is martyred for the cause of Christ. (From Amazon)

Con's-- I actually did not care much for this book. I'm not sure I could exactly lay my finger on why exactly except that it was almost solidly fiction...about a real character and  I have never seemed to like that. I did not connect at all with Silas.

Pro's--For not having liked this book very well I did learn some things from it. It was an eye opener to see what things were probably like after Acts ended. Everyone was dying, the church was being persecuted and Christ still had not come back. It would be a confusing and depressing time. Something else I liked was seeing just how focused all Christians were. They ate, slept and breathed Jesus and his words. That was a smack in the face that I as a 21st century Christian needed to feel.

Ages 13 and up. 3 out of 5 stars.

The Prophet

  The Prophet--Francine Rivers
Summary--Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. In The Prophet, the fourth book in the Sons of Encouragement series,  author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Amos. Francine examines the life of Amos and his relationship to Israel during its prosperous years. Amos's message—and his relationship with God—made him unpopular. But his challenge to those who were enjoying the blessings of prosperity was crucial then and is strikingly timely today as well. (from Amazon)

Con's--As with any book dealing with Biblical characters there are going to be many fictional things. Things the Bible did not tell us. I think Rivers deals pretty well with this, and I really appreciate how she always puts right up front in her books that she had to make some things up. Still, it is something you have to keep in mind.

Pro's--Grace was the one who got me into this series and she told me once that she liked this book because it kind-of gives you insight into the background of a prophet's...well, prophesying. I agree. Though I had a hard time connecting with Amos' character I enjoyed getting to see what it might have been like for a prophet of God. It opened my eyes to just how unpleasant of a life it might have been. I also learned many things I did not know about Amos. The most interesting is that he was from Judah, but prophesied in Israel!

Age 13 and up. Four out of Five Stars.

This year I had made a mental goal with myself that I would write reviews for all the books I read...when you start out behind on something it is awfully hard to catch up. This book was actually read back in January. :z

No Less than Victory

No Less than Victory--Jeff Shaara

Summary--Opening in mid-December 1944, the novel covers the Battle of the Bulge and the fall of the Third Reich, including the death of Adolf Hitler. It also covers the Allied discoveries of concentration camps at Ohrdruf, Buchenwald, and Dachau. The main characters are George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and two young soldiers named Eddie Benson and Sergeant Buckley. Portions of the narrative are also told from viewpoints on the Nazi side of the war, primarily Albert Speer and Gerd von Rundstedt.(from Wikipidia)

Con's--I was always on the verge of pitching this book out my window--the language was terrible. It seemed like just about every five words there would be a word I didn't appreciate. There were a very few off-color comments as well. Also, I did not find this book captivating, if it hadn't been for my love of history I would never have read it. As it was, it took the somewhere around three months to finish. There was nothing I could point as a wrong with Shaara's writing, it just was not gripping.

Pro's--As you have probably figured out by now I am a sucker for history. This book was simply a medly of first hand accounts of historical events. The persepectives changed from a private in the Ardennes, to General Patton, General Eisenhower, and even over to the German side with Albert Speer, Hitler's "Golden Boy" and Gerd von Rundstedt. I usually like changing perspectives because I feel that I get a more balanced picture that way. Shaara did a good job not making the character changes confusing for his readers.

I wouldn't really recommend this book. I think the history could be got better elsewhere without the nasty language.

Ages 18 and up. 2 out of 5 stars.

Seabisuit--An American Legend

Seabiscuit--Laura Hillenbrand

Summary-- No one saw any promise in him. He was gawky, had ugly knees and spent most of his time sleeping. He was not made of racehorse material despite his Man O' War pedigree. Then Tom Smith found him and Seabiscuit's life changed. First, he burned up the track...but only when he wanted to. Then, with patient care from his trainer, Tom, and jockey, Red Pollard, one of America's greatest racehorses began running in earnest. Beating better and better horses Seabiscuit eventually warms up to the "race of the century" between himself and his uncle War Admiral. Pollard, who had been badly injured is not able to ride so his good friend and fellow jockey, George Woolfe takes the reigns (spoiler warning!) and to the astonishment of many, wins. Then, Seabiscuit's racing career was smashed--he broke his leg. Pollard and Seabiscuit remove to Charles Howard's, the horses owner, ranch to recover together. Over a year later horse and jockey shook the racing world. They are back on the course and make Howard's final goal, the Santa Anita Handicap. Seven year old Sebicuit, who was told he would never race again, and Red Pollard who was told he would never ride again make a smashing win. The horse's course is run.

Con's-- As with any Laura Hillenbrand book, there is a lot of language and plentiful off-color comments. I have to give her credit though--she only write the language if she is quoting.

Pro's-- I love horses, yes, but that is not the sole reason for me loving this book. It was masterfully written to capture an amazing story. I loved the history, seeing the background of those who were instrumental in Seabiscuit's life, and feeling the serge of joy as the old horse made track records. Seabiscuit is a perfect rags-to-riches story for those out there who think they have no talent. Everyone has a wonderful talent it just might be deeply hidden and take some coaxing to convince it to come out!

Ages 17 and up. Five stars.

Unbroken

  Unbroken--Laura Hillenbrand

Summary--Louise Zamperini, had a childhood that though he was unaware of it at the time, would prepare him for his horrific future.Living as an extremely successful thief, as well as an accomplished nuisance he speeds through his childhood with the police always on his heels. His frantic parents couldn't keep him in line until one day he discovered he had an amazing talent--running. He began burning up the track and even made the Olympics where, though he didn't place, he was personally greeted by Hitler as "the boy with the fast finish." Running hard to prepare for the next Olympics and to be the first man to make the four minute mile, Zamperini has to put his dream on the back burner as World War II strikes and he is summoned to the Air Force. On one bombing mission in Japan Louise comes back to base amazingly unhurt, but in a plane that will never fly again. When another air crew is reported Missing at Sea he and his crew are sent up in the Green Hornet, a plane that is unsafe. It never sees land again and only three crew members survive on life rafts. One is Zamperini. With shark attacks, starvation, dehydration and over a month of nothing but water and sky one man breaths his last and is buried at sea. Zamperini and the other float on, into Japanese territory. They are captured and taken to a POW where they learn they are in (to put it mildly) the most disgustingly inhumane place they have ever been. "The Bird", a brutal and bitter enemy soldier takes Louise into his "special care" and by the time the war is over and he is release he is an emotional wreck, ready to fall apart. After coming home and eventually marrying, he comes undone. Turning to drinking, smoking, anything to numb his feelings he becomes dangerous and his wife, with their new born child flee. Eventually she is forced to return but both are only waiting for their divorce to come through. Then Zamperini's wife attends a revival hosted by the new phenomenon, Billy Graham and her life turns a 180. Louise can hardly help but be affected.

Con's--This book had much more language and off color comments than I ever care to read. I can stomach them better than some however because they were mostly direct quotes. Also, the POW camps are horrifically, and graphically accurate.This last fact is not necessarily a con, just a warning. This is certainly not a bedtime book! The other con to the book was the author's perspective. She is obviously not a Christian so at times she can be a bit irreverent. She presents Christianity as Louise's way (spoiler warning!!) to find peace but not as the only way. Simply another option. I did appreciate that she quoted nearly a whole chapter of John though!

Pro's--Laura Hillenbrand is a wonderful author! This book was so fascinating that I stayed up last night in an effort to finish it. I loved the history most of all. Another thing that I appreciated was that Louise Zamperini finally found peace--exactly where he needed to in the only real place, Jesus Christ. (Spoiler warning again!!) I was also very encouraged and challenged at his forgiveness to those who had done "unforgivable" things to him. He fully forgave, loved and witnessed to them.

I would recommend this book to anyone with a strong stomach, love for history, and a mind not too sensitive to language.

A mature 17 and up book! 5 stars.