Review: The Lucy Variations

Title: The Lucy Variations
Author: Sara Zarr
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

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Synopsis for Book:

Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain.

That was all before she turned fourteen.

Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. That leaves her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano -- on her own terms. But when you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself?

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr takes readers inside one girl's struggle to reclaim her love of music and herself. To find joy again, even when things don't go according to plan. Because life isn't a performance, and everyone deserves the chance to make a few mistakes along the way.

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My Thoughts:

Music is one of life's essentials. At least it is for me. I cannot bear to go through my day without hearing a tune, whether it be country, instrumental, classical, Christian, what have you. Because I took piano for ten years, I believe that is a big reason why I love music so much. 

It is also why I gravitated towards The Lucy Variations. I loved the synopsis of it--I'm all about finding joy in something again. I loved the composer talk, and the musical terms, and I loved being taken back to my lesson days with Joan Wierenga, my awesome piano teacher.

Sadly, that is as far as my enjoyment went.

I wanted to like The Lucy Variations. I really and truly did. However, when I despise the protagonist, it will make reading difficult. And Lucy...I found her to be a brat. Initially, I liked her, but as the book progressed, I wanted to slap her silly. A big reason for that was that she came across as a typical teenager. She was flippant and frankly, I rarely found her likable.

The biggest issue though was as I read, I was expecting her to have an affair with her brother's piano teacher. Trust me, they came close several times. If it had not been for the twist at the end, I would have said it would happen, despite the fact that he was married. Or, if Lucy hadn't carried on with him, she would have with one of her teachers. Seriously. I read The Lucy Variations waiting for her teenage self to do something stupid.

The theme of the book: doing something for one's self. As it related to music, I could understand it. I never wanted to be a concert pianist; I did not want to lose my love for the instrument. Contrast that with Lucy, who was driven by those around her, yet a circumstance arose that caused her to walk away.....But the music had never died within her. Her priorities shifted. I did like that. It is identifiable to many people, especially those with ambitions. 

Can I recommend it? Hmm.....for those who like teen books....maybe. However, I think there are other books better worth one's time. 

But it did inspire me to go put on my Gershwin songs again. So that is something =)

Review: I, Claudia

Title: I, Claudia
Author: Charity Bishop
Publisher: Createspace by Amazon

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Synopsis from back: 
The nightmares began in my childhood… Since then, they have grown stronger. Horrific dreams of blood and death, of dark specters and betrayal haunt me. Mother wants me to become a seer in the temple of Minerva. I would much rather marry the dashing military commander, Pilate, instead. Every augur that sees me, fears me. They know, as I do, that something is different about me, something I cannot control, and that will haunt me until a Jewish messiah takes my hand in Judea. Not even he can save me from what lies ahead in Rome, nor, I fear, can he save Pilate from a choice that will change the course of history forever. My name is Claudia, and this is my story.

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Sometimes in life, you read a book that is just...good. It is often a book that is well written, well thought out, defies any particular genre, and provides enjoyment. This past Sunday, I was able to read I, Claudia in under a day and I must say, it was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Knowing how much time the author has put into this, and how honest and brutal she is about her own writing, Charity would not have even self-published I, Claudia if it wasn't worth reading. I am of the opinion that it is most definitely worth reading.

In the Bible, Pilate is not talked about much, except for the most important part--Christ's death. However, I always did find myself wondering about Pilate. What was his story? What about his wife? Charity does an admirable job at giving them voices. As well as the characters of her creation. If you read an interview with her, she will say that writing Caligula was her favorite to write....and I can tell. However, just because you sense one or two favorites, NONE of the characters lack personality. The women are strong, the villains are evil, there is a story to each and every one of them.

People like Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Barrabas, Caiaphas , the Centurion (with the sick servant), Peter....all can be found in some small way within the pages. There are these biblical figures as well as historical ones. All of it is historically accurate. And while we don't completely what happened to Pontius Pilate, Charity does a commendable job with ending the story of Pilate and Claudia in a way that seems plausible.

I have to admit, what my favorite thing was the mystical element. Claudia had a reputation for seeing things, and frankly, I loved the scenes where her soul was in a battle with Good and Evil. When God is involved, and yet one is entertaining dark magic, there is always a war. I, Claudia is a book that definitely shows what is the good side....and the evil is just plain creepy. 

I, Claudia did what I am sure Charity wanted it to do: it made me think about Pilate. I really got into the head of the man who "wiped his hands of Jesus" and who turned him over to the Jews......I became even more sympathetic for him than I already was. Because the book does not end with the Crucifixion (which frankly, I was fearful it would), I enjoyed reading the battle going on in Pilate's head. His struggling with feeling guilty and yet also feeling like he did the right thing for Rome.

See what I mean? It's a deep book and yet an easy one. With romance and passion, betrayal and mystery and sacrifice, I, Claudia is a book I will recommend to my friends. And to all of you =) 

Review: Gone Girl

Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Publisher: Crown

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Synopsis from Book:

Marriage can be a real killer.

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.

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I will admit it. Hearing how Gone Girl was first going to be made into a movie made me gravitate towards the book.....but we will get to that in a minute. I knew how this was the must read book of 2012; coworkers were talking about it up a storm. So yes, I decided to give it a try. In the end, I had very mixed feelings about it.

Starting with what I liked first would definitely be the author's writing style. I have not read any of Gillian Flynn's other books, but I found her to be a very good writer. She was engaging and kept me so through the duration of the book. I also liked the general plot line of the book itself. A man accused of murdering his wife on their fifth anniversary? It sounds like something right out of "Criminal Minds" or some such thing. For me, though, I did not find Gone Girl creepy. Psychologically creepy and disturbing, yes, but physically creepy, no.

But I did struggle with a few things in this book. For one thing, all of the language. There came to a place where I nearly put the book down; the sexual comments were getting a bit much. So then, I skimmed the material, as I did want to see how it would end. I got annoyed with some of the "sex scenes" that were in it....so I skimmed those too. While I commended Ms. Flynn's style, I wish she had not relied on these things so much. Depending on who wanted to read it would influence if I recommended it or not. 

My favorite thing about Gone Girl? The fact that neither Amy or Nick are likable characters. It is kind of fun to read a novel where you hate both of them, where you want to see their demise. Which leads me to the upcoming movie. I personally believe that Ben Affleck will be absolutely perfect as Nick. He will walk the line between the doting husband and the man who wants to kill her. Rosamund Pike will be a slightly tougher sell. I more saw her in the beginning half of the book....but if you have read it, you know why I say the beginning. And where the heck could they potentially be casting Neil Patrick Harris? I have a tough time picturing "Barney Stinson" being in a dramatic role. Not saying that the song and dance man couldn't do it ;-)

I'm glad I read Gone Girl, if for no other reason than to say I did. I liked it, but I didn't like it. I do not know how one can contradict themselves so, but I can. So if you read it, I don't know what your response will be......

Review: 45 Pounds (More or Less)

Title: 45 Pounds (More or Less)
Author: K. A. Barson
Publisher: Viking Juvenile

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Synopsis from book:

Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi's life:

She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 2 months, and wants Ann to be a bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less).

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, endless run-ins with the cutest guy Ann's ever seen—and some surprises about her not-so-perfect mother.

And there's one more thing—it's all about feeling comfortable in your own skin—no matter how you add it up!

K.A. Barson's sparkling debut is "deliciously relatable, with a lot of laughter on the side." -- Rita Williams-Garcia, New York Times best-selling author 

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Books about girls and body image are everywhere, especially in teen literature. The concept of beauty screams at us from supermarket shelves and runway shows. Girls that do not naturally fit the mold are made to feel weird and less than perfect. And when books tackle the topic of weight, usually things like "cutting" and "eating disorders" are the common themes. Which is why, when I saw this advertised in a book ordering catalog, I was skeptical about reading it. However, it will go down as one of my top reads for 2013.

Why? I found it instantly relatable and a book I will recommend to any teen girls coming into the library. I was never a girl who struggled with weight--mostly because I have been in the three percentile my entire life. Sometimes, though, I get the glances. The "how do you eat all the rich food? Are you anorexic?" type of glances. It drives me crazy! And while Ann has issues finding clothes that fit on one side of the spectrum, I can have it on the other side. But I have friends who could relate to Ann's struggles. Just like I know countless other girls can...or have friends who can. 

This book ultimately encourages girls to embrace the skin they are in. However, they also encourage a healthy version of themselves. Eating in moderation, exercising, adapting clothes to fit your size. They debunk the whole "fad diet" thing. It really is a book that takes common plights and shows how change can be attainable. But a beautiful thing--at the end of the book, Ann realizes that life isn't just about losing weight; it is about focusing on all she has gained. It's a good message to remember.

45 Pounds (More or Less) could stop there, but it goes one step further with trying to reinforce positive thinking. Ann's mother has her own issues with recovering from an eating disorder, Ann has her's...and all of it is robbing off on Ann's younger sister. Eventually they discover how vicious the circle is, how they have done a number on a four year old. It hits close to home. I mean, when we make comments after eating about how we feel fat, do we not think others can hear that? They say that little ones are easily the most impressionable. So we act in such a way that ends the circle on eating disorders? Or does it repeat generation after generation?

There is a little bit of language in the book. As well as a wedding between a lesbian couple. Some people might have issues with both of these things, but neither are overwhelming factors in the book. For me, they are definitely not deterrents. I believe middle school girls need to read 45 Pounds (More or Less). They will be entertained and they will be encouraged. 

Those are two good things that every book should do.

Review: Hit the Road, Helen!

Title: Hit the Road, Helen!
Author: Kate McMullan
Publisher: Capstone

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Synopsis from Book:

When Paris and Helen decide to hit the road together, it means more trouble than they can imagine for both themselves and the people of Troy. But who says Helen is entirely at fault? Sure she had a face that launched a thousand ships . . . but she also had a little interference from the meddling god of love and his mother, Aphrodite. Think you know the truth behind the Greek myths? Think again. Hades is here to set you straight once more on the true story of the Trojan War.

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A current trend in children's literature is that of Greek and Roman Mythology. Rick Riordian (who wrote the Percy Jackson books) and others have made this a favorite genre-and so, I believe this Myth-O-Mania series would be equally popular. I had never heard of it before I read this book nor did I know it was number nine in its series. Perhaps if I had, I would have enjoyed it more.

What I did enjoy was the author's writing style. It was quite good and entertaining. What also made this book unique was that it was written from Hades's, "Lord of the Underworld," point of view. Perhaps all books in the series are like that; I am not an authority on that. Hades was a very funny character and I'll admit it, I kept picturing the animated Hades from Disney's Hercules.

However, I have discovered something about myself: I am not a fan of Greek mythology. All of the gods and goddesses run together for me. The obvious ones are easy enough to handle, but Hit the Road, Helen! drifted into territories where there were too many people. I skimmed several portions of the book.  Partly because it was formulaic (i.e. I knew after he had one interaction with certain gods how the rest would go). Partly.....I wasn't as interested as I wish I had been.

That being said, I think most middle graders will love it. There is an element of comedy that the kids will enjoy and the myths are presented in a whole new way. (Thus making it not boring for young readers). It will also appeal to what is current--and publishing is all about giving the masses what they want.

So while I might not read one again, I can definitely recommend it to fans of Zeus and Hades, Aphrodite, and the like ;-)

Review: Insurgent

Title: Insurgent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins

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Synopsis from book:

"One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so."

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I got on the bandwagon for this series late. Perhaps it is because I have friends reading it. Perhaps it is due to the movie coming out.....all I know was that I decided to take it up. I began with Divergent and now, I have finished the second book, Insurgent. Dystopian series are all the rage in literature right now, especially among the teen sector.We cannot keep them on the library shelves (although summer could have something to do with that) and they are also the common theme among recently ordered ones. However, most of them are subpar at best. Very few, I believe, are written well and worth reading. For all of its controversies, I personally believe that "The Hunger Games" belongs in this latter group and now, I feel the same way about the "Divergent Series." 

Both series are extremely well thought out and have entertaining plots. They have deeper characters as opposed to superficial ones. Each character is complex; some do not seem completely bad and those who are the "heroes" have their failings. Characters are identifiable--in fact, a dear friend claims that she has a lot of Tris's characteristics in herself. I personally like a book where you see an element of yourself in someone, even if it isn't in the greatest of ways. In this series, you cannot ever be completely sure who to believe and trust.

I will be upfront with you: Insurgent is a complex book to review. I can't start giving plot points away nor I can jump right in where the story takes place. It's confusing; you could not read a book out of order. If I started with a traditional review or intro, nothing I would say would make sense. At times in Insurgent, the reader struggles to remember certain people (as there are a LOT of people involved--people who "disappear" for several chapters only to have them come back), for the most part, it is an easy-ish read. 

If there is controversy about this one, I can guarantee you it has to do with the premise behind the book. One faction of people is trying to control others by means of stimulation; they want to take over. This stimulation deadens those under it so they do not know what they are doing. They kill in cold blood and with no remorse--though, I must add, it isn't because they chose to murder. The serums for stimulation are gained through less than desirable means. Torture if necessary. There is no easy way around the topic; it is a tough one to read about. So for that, I definitely would advise it to be more of a teen read--or read by someone with a certain maturity. Nothing is written in an overtly graphic way. Still, I think it to be too intense for some readers. And it certainly will not be everyone's cup of tea.

Though this is a book review site, I would be remiss if I didn't mention it was being made into a movie. (Or rather, Divergent is). I'll just say it flat out: I believe the casting choices to be abysmal, especially casting the role of "Four"--the hero of the story. A lot of times, the casting you do in your head is better than what is portrayed on the screen. And in this case....I do not picture the guy who plays Pamuk (Yes, the guy who dies in Lady Mary's bed on Downton Abbey) to be in the movie. Too old!!!! So now we shall play a game?If you have read this book....who do YOU think should be cast?

To sum it up, I enjoy this series immensely, but like I have already stated, it is not for everyone. But for those who it IS--it is a page turner. And I enjoy page turners....don't you?

Review: Fairy Tale Comics

Title: Fairy Tale Comics
Author: Chris Duffy (Editor)
Publisher: First Second

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Comic books and graphic novels are one of the current trends. Kids like reading books with lots of pictures, where they can see the action unfold before their eyes as opposed to descriptive verse they must dissect. Biographies are beginning to make an appearance in cartoon form and now, apparently, are fairy tales.

Every child loves fairy tales, but I can tell that this will be an even more beloved item on library and bookstore shelves. Within this volume can be found the classics--such as "Goldilocks and the Three Bears"--to lesser known stories from other nations. Fairy Tale Comics could have stayed in a Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault bubble and they didn't; I applaud them for that. However, on the flip side, and my slight criticism, some kids might dislike the fact that they do not know the stories. It's a gamble to be sure and one I am intrigued to see how it will pay off. Many kids are drawn to books because they know them and when they don't, they put them aside in favor of something else. While I do not see that being the case here, it is a remote possibility...

However, the beauty and secret lies in this: each story has been illustrated by a different cartoonist. I could say that there are similarities and yet, that would be a lie. No two stories look the same. My personal favorites were those stories done by Brett Helquist (who also illustrated The Series of Unfortunate Events), Raina Telgemeier (creator of the graphic novel, Smile), and Luke Pearson (a UK cartoonist). The more I am around kids, the more that I discover that while they like the familiar, they do like being surprised, especially where illustrations are concerned. It's that "wow factor" that is so crucial of which to be in possession. As they read through Fairy Tale Comics, I can imagine how they will enthusiastically turn the page, wanting to see just what illustrations come next.

I will readily admit, I am not the biggest comic book fan; I skim them more than anything. Yet I see huge marketing potential. I see fairy tale aficionados soaking this book up. I see kids grabbing it off library shelves as they grab their Big Nate and Calvin and Hobbes  comic books. That is a good thing.

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Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for an ARC of this book.
Fairy Tale Comics will be released on Sept. 23, 2013