Annette's Book Spot

Monday, March 11, 2013

Monday Memories: The Lottery

Welcome to my meme, Monday Memories, where I feature favorite books we've loved from the past. You can link to an old review, or write something new about a beloved book from your past. Really, what's important is not the book, but why it is memorable to you. So, have fun reminiscing, and leave a comment below, so we can all enjoy your memories.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a short story that I had to read in high school. I think it might be the first dystopian story I ever read, and it's pretty horrifying. If you haven't read The Lottery, it's worth the short time it takes to read it. The Lottery was first published in 1948! I think it's very unique for that time and holds up surprisingly well. With all the Hunger Games phenomenon, it wouldn't hurt to point some kids to this riveting story about conformity and the "mob mentality."

Share one of your cherished book memories!

You can do a Monday Memories post on your blog. Copy my button and link back here, so others can see all the other posts. Leave a comment below with the link to your post.

Or, just leave one of your Monday Memories right here in the comments.

Be sure to visit some other blogs that have posted their links. Thanks!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

The Other Side of Life - A Grocery (or Book?) Bag

I'm using these posts to occasionally describe other things I enjoy (besides books.) I used to post these projects on my other blog, but I posted so seldom that I decided to include them here. Feel free to skip this one, if you are strictly in it for the books.

I try to always bring my own grocery bags to the store. I've heard that this can be a problem because when you re-use bags, they can get all sorts of bacteria on them. So, I've started only using the laminated kind that can be washed out, or cloth ones that I make and can throw in the washing machine.

Here's my first attempt:

This was made with the New Leaf Folding Totes pattern. The pattern includes a pocket and Velcro tabs, so you can fold the bag up. It's a really nice feature, but I eliminated it for this bag. It also includes a tote sash pattern, so you can hold together your folded up bags. It's a great concept -- because my bags are always floating all over my car or house. There's a nice wallet pouch pattern too that would be great for coupons.

I think it turned out cute, but it's really small. I'm the kind of person that buys groceries for the week. So I need lots of bags that can hold a lot. If you were the type of person who just stops at the store to buy what's needed for the evening meal, this might work out for you. For me, I think it's a lovely new book bag!

I'm going to look for another pattern for a bigger tote bag. I'll let you know when I've made another bag.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Stacking the Shelves - Book Club Book

I only received one book this week.

From the Library:

The Future of Us, by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

My book club chose this one for our book this month. I've already finished it, and my review will post this coming week.

A slow week for me, but I'm betting some of you got some awesome books. Can't wait to see them. I hope you all visit Team Tynga's Reviews to see all the participating blogs. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, Happy Reading!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Feature & Follow Friday: Outside the Popular Opinion

Welcome to the weekend again. Parajunkee and Alison have another question for you:

Q: What is a book you didn't like that all your friends raved about or what book did you love that wasn't popular?

I think this happens quite a bit, and it doesn't bother me when it does. Every book is not for every reader. For me, the first example that comes to mind is The Raven Boys. I just couldn't finish it. I've read enough reviews to find out there's some big twist in the middle that might help, but I just couldn't get to that point. I thought Blue was an interesting character, and the book wasn't about her at all! Anyway, I know a lot of people loved this, and I really liked Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls series, but I just had to give up on The Raven Boys.

So, how about you? Come on, I know there is at least ONE book that you THINK you should love because everyone else does. I'm dying to know what it is! Thanks for stopping by. Hope you come back soon.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Book Review: Strands of Bronze and Gold, by Jane Nickerson @jane_nickerson

Strands of Bronze and Gold is a retelling of the Bluebeard fairy tale. So, let me just say, I knew nothing about this fairy tale before reading this book. And, I don't think it mattered.

When Sophia Petheram's father dies, she is invited to live with her godfather, Monsieur Bernard de Cressac in his mansion, Wyndriven Abbey, in Mississippi. She's always been spoiled by her godfather, and doesn't hesitate to accept his offer, and leave her brothers and sister in Boston.

She is initially charmed by M de Cressac, and he lavishes her with gifts. She is surprised that his wife has died, but she enjoys exploring the mansion and grounds. Slowly Sophia realizes that there's more to M de Cressac than she realizes. First of all, he's moody and can have a very hot temper. He restricts Sophie's movements so that she has no one to talk to. And, Sophie discovers disturbing things about his marital history.

What all seems like the greatest bit of fortune that Sophie has ever dreamed of slowly (very, very slowly) turns into what basically amounts to a prison. Any attempt Sophie makes to procure more freedom is met with more and more walls being set before her.

There are several secondary characters that are important, but this is essentially Sophie's story. I have mixed feelings about the pacing of Strands of Bronze and Gold. I felt the build up was too slow. After Sophie arrives at Wyndriven Abbey, there is a lot of set up before anything sinister even remotely begins to happen. I'm just afraid that some readers will give up too soon -- and really, you shouldn't. It's a small complaint about what turns out to be a fiendishly macabre story. I loved the impression of the noose getting tighter and tighter around Sophie's neck. The slow and deliberate pace was perfect, even if the reader really knows what's going on before Sophie does.

I felt sorry for Sophie, but in the end appreciated her strength. There's a great deal of growth in her character, as there needs to be in order for her to overcome the great obstacles that M de Cressac sets before her.

All in all, Strands of Bronze and Gold is a satisfying story that I will happily recommend to teens who enjoy a twisted, sinister tale.

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, March 12, 2013
eBook obtained from NetGalley
352 pages

Rating: 4/5

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Audiobook Review: Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand @laurahillenbran

Oh my gosh, what a book! I have to be honest -- it took me a LONG time to settle into Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. But also let me tell you -- for anyone who is interested AT ALL in the history of WWII, and specifically the war in the Pacific, this is a must read.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is the true story of Louis Zamperini, a WWII veteran, whose plane crashed into the Pacific. We learn that bit of info in the prologue, so I'm not giving anything away. I will tell you that the crash happens somewhere before the half-way point in the book, so there's a lot more to the story. What an incredible tale.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption begins with Louis' childhood, and doesn't end until....well, the end. Basically, it covers his entire life. In painstaking detail. Louis participated in the Olympics as a runner in 1936, and was a hopeful for the 1940 Olympics, which never happened because of the war. The entire story is interesting. Louis was a devil child and was transformed when he realized he was a natural runner.

But let's talk about my difficulty with Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. I really hated the third person narrative style. The narrator is omniscient, and there is absolutely no dialog. I felt like the story was a news report. I kept waiting for the introduction to be over, so the story could start. You know, the dialog and direct relationships among the characters. This never happens. Everything that happens is "reported."

However, I suddenly found myself mesmerized by the story. I got involved in Louis' life, despite the point of view. Once I got past my frustration and realized that this was the book, and it was a best seller, and I was going to endure it -- I loved it.

There are a lot of characters, and a lot of side stories about these characters, and Hillenbrand makes it all make sense. I was never confused. I thought the "organization" of the story was brilliant, given that this is a very complicated story with lots of details. I can't imagine the time and dedication it takes to write a story like Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption.

The story itself is literally unbelievable. If this were fiction, I would say the author went over the top. This is too far-fetched to buy into. The survival instincts in these men were so strong. I have not one doubt that I would have given up if I were in this situation. I can't even imagine what it takes inside a person to survive the utter decimation of the physical body. I had always heard that the Japanese were cruel. Hillenbrand does a great job in discussing the culture and background that made this army behave the way they did, although it doesn't make it easier to read about it. You may need to take some breaks from your reading at times. Essentially, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is a story of the triumph of the human spirit; I can't think of any better example of literature with this theme.

The audiobook was narrated by Edward Herrmann (yes, the actor) and he's the perfect voice for this narrative style. Like I said, much like a reporter, but he did add more emotion and enough nuance to keep my interest.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is a long book, at about 500 pages, but as I said, this is at the top of my list now for historical fiction recommendations.

Published by Random House, 2010 (audiobook by Random House Audio)
Copy obtained from the library
496 pages

Rating: 4.5/5

Monday, March 4, 2013

Book Review: Requiem, by Lauren Oliver @OliverBooks

Requiem-by Lauren Olive-conclusion to Delirium

Requiem kept me riveted, but I'm not ready to leave this world yet.

Lena is in the Wilds, trying to fight for her freedom, while avoiding the Regulators, who have entered the Wilds to staunch the rebellion. The other narrator, Hana, is in Portland preparing for her marriage to the new mayor.

Lena didn't expect her life in the Wilds to be so much about running and fighting. She just wanted freedom. She' confused about Alex -- he doesn't seem to want anything to do with her. And, she's become close to Julian, but does she love him as much as Alex?

Hana didn't expect being "cured" to leave her so conflicted about things. She's desperate to help Lena's family and isn't sure she trusts her future husband. Let's just say, he's dastardly. I really enjoyed this story line, probably more than Lena's.

There's a huge battle to end the trilogy, and while I enjoyed the actual tension of the fighting, I wanted more closure at the end. I'm not one of those that requires a "happily ever after" for everyone, but I wanted Requiem to go a bit farther. I needed a bit more cleanup. Actually, I would like another book. Any chance of that???

Those who enjoyed Delirium and Pandemonium will no doubt want to see how it all ends. And, if you haven't started the series yet, get on it! Delirium is one of my favorite books ever, and while I don't think the other two books stand up to it, they are still "required reading."

Because I read the eARC, I didn't realize that this book is over 400 pages long. It certainly didn't seem like it! As I said in my review of Pandemonium, Requiem won't require much marketing in my library. Many of my teens are anxiously awaiting this one (and jealous of me for getting to read it ahead of time!)

Published by HarperCollins, Marcy 5, 2013
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
432 pages

Rating: 4/5

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Books You Can Read in a Day -- February '13 Update

Another month has come and gone so it's time to see how we're doing on our Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge! You can keep track of my entire year's progress here. My goal for the year is to read 25 books. I didn't make much progress this month, reading only one. But I'm still on pace to make my goal.

Here's what I read in February:

6. The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life, by Tara Altebrando

How about you? Have you read any books in ONE DAY? Give me some suggestions.

If you would like to join us it' not too late! There's a link to the challenge page on the sidebar.

If you are participating, please leave a link to your post, or just list your books in the comments. Hope you are having fun with these "little gems."

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Stacking the Shelves: Books on my List for a While

Working in a library makes it very hard to decrease your TBR pile in any way! But I'm not complaining. While I did get a couple of books for review, I also grabbed some books that I've been meaning to read for a while.

For Review:

Going Vintage, by Lindsey Leavitt, from NetGalley

This book is made for me, I think. Her grandmother's list was written in 1962 (the year I was born) and this book releases right before my birthday. I think I'm meant to read it, and I'm so glad I got it from NetGalley.

One Step Too Far, by Tina Seskis, from NetGalley.

This was one of those spur of the moment grabs. When the NetGalley email said, "The book EVERYONE'S going to be talking about this summer," well, I just had to have it. It's an adult book, and I can't even find it on Amazon. Here it is on Goodreads.

From the Library:

Girl of Nightmares, by Kendare Blake

Ask the Passengers, by A.S. King

The Blood Gospel, by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell

I read some review of this one and was compelled to order it through inter-library loan. There is a wait list -- I didn't expect it to arrive so soon! I guess it goes to the top of my pile!

Hope you got some great books this week! Be sure to visit Team Tynga's Reviews and visit some of the blogs participating in this meme. Thanks for stopping by. Leave your link!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Feature & Follow Friday: Blogging Sins

Happy Friday everyone. And Happy March. It's my birthday month! Here's this week's discussion question from Parajunkee and Alison:

Q: Confess your blogger sins! Is there anything as a newbie blogger that you've done, that as you gained more experience you were like -- oops?

I don't know if I'd call it a "sin," but when I first started blogging (on a different blog that included more than posts about books) I would feature the book I was going to read next. So, I would write just a short paragraph of a review about the book I just finished, and then post a picture of the NEXT book I was going to read. I didn't use the title of the book for my blog post title. It's virtually impossible to search for book reviews from back then.

There are so many things I've learned since I started blogging. (So many "sins" to atone for!) It amazes me when I read about bloggers having "researched" and "explored" all kinds of book blogs and blogging tips before they started their own blog. I just jumped right in. Didn't know much about anything, but I learned a lot as I went along. And I've had a lot of fun.

How about you? Done any "stupid blogging tricks" you want to tell me about? Leave your link. And thanks for visiting. Come back soon!