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That was some week!
Ok, so my reading life was somewhat stunted, but all in all, what was there was still stellar.
I did manage to finish a few picture books and a couple of novels.
I read and adored Stand There She Shouted:The Invincible Photographer Julia Margaret Cameron by Susan Goldman Rubin & Bagram Ibatoulline (illustrator)
Julia Margaret Cameron was one of the pioneers of photography. Like many brilliant individuals, she had her quirks. Still, when you read this book you can't help but admire her spirit and gumption. She remains a role model for all girls interested in making a career in the arts.
I read with my eyes, The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney.
I enjoyed reading it and came to care deeply for Amira. I just hated the ending. I tried to think of a polite way to say that, but figured I might as well just throw it out there. I wish that Pinkney had left me with some kind of hope for Amira and other kids like her. Even reading the author's note at the end didn't really help me. I felt despondent. I wanted there to be something to do to make a difference. It's not that I am opposed to books that leave out a happily ever after. It's just that in this instance, I want guidance and a direction.
On Saturday, I attended Serendipity 2015, an annual Vancouver Children's Literature Round Table event. Authors I have nothing but awe for were either presenting, or in the audience. It was an absolute joy to be there. I loved, loved, loved Holly Black who forgave me for not being able to finish Doll Bones. If I wasn't already halfway in infatuation for Andrew Smith, author of Grasshopper Jungle, I would have been after his presentation and chatting with him afterwards. I nearly swooned to meet Marika Tamaki, the author of This One Summer. And then there is the gracious, laughing, unpretentious, Molly Idle. Sitting with my lovely friend, Carrie Gelson, was the icing on the cake.
I purchased numerous books from Kidsbooks, and read copies of
Flora and the Flamingo and Flora and the Penguin while waiting for Molly Idle and Kelli Chipponeri to come on stage.
Honestly, there is probably nothing better than listening to Molly Idle and Kelli Chipponeri talk about the creation of these picture books while holding said books in your hand. Add in sneak previews of the next book, Flora and the Peacocks, and we've come to sublime perfection.
I managed to finish listening to The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.
On Saturday, I attended Serendipity 2015, an annual Vancouver Children's Literature Round Table event. Authors I have nothing but awe for were either presenting, or in the audience. It was an absolute joy to be there. I loved, loved, loved Holly Black who forgave me for not being able to finish Doll Bones. If I wasn't already halfway in infatuation for Andrew Smith, author of Grasshopper Jungle, I would have been after his presentation and chatting with him afterwards. I nearly swooned to meet Marika Tamaki, the author of This One Summer. And then there is the gracious, laughing, unpretentious, Molly Idle. Sitting with my lovely friend, Carrie Gelson, was the icing on the cake.
I purchased numerous books from Kidsbooks, and read copies of
Flora and the Flamingo and Flora and the Penguin while waiting for Molly Idle and Kelli Chipponeri to come on stage.
I'm standing by my goodreads comments.
"This was a five star book for me right up until the end. It was gripping, compelling, and almost overwhelming in the power of it. I just hated the way it ended. It's ok to leave the reader with a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter, but it's a nasty thing to do it at the end of the book. I believe novels, even when they are part of a series, should leave the reader feeling satisfied. I flat out don't. I just feel really pissed off.
Here is the other bizarre thing. If you ask me if the book is worth it, I'll tell you, "Hell Yes!"
Up Next? I have no idea, although I brought a small library along with me. I hope to whittle away at my to read list.
Here is the other bizarre thing. If you ask me if the book is worth it, I'll tell you, "Hell Yes!"
I'm just not sure that I have it in me to read more of this series. I do have The Monster Calls on my bookshelf and will, for certain, read it.
On Sunday, my brother and I started listening to Zombie Baseball Beatdown by Paolo Bacigalupi as we travelled to meet up with my siblings and mother in our home town, where we will hang out for a week together. So far we both appreciated the connection to social issues (food safety, racism, illegal aliens, bullying, & abusive parents) while waiting for the zombies to materialize. One of my readers told me this was the best book ever. I agree with him. It is indeed a fabulous read. It's full of humour as well as adventure and anxiety. The Zombies are pretty creepy too.
Up Next? I have no idea, although I brought a small library along with me. I hope to whittle away at my to read list.
Ooooohh, very interested in Zombie Baseball Beatdown now, I had sort of dismissed it as frivolous loving the author's titles for older readers, but now I'm inspired to give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteZombie Baseball Beatdown is a delightful read. It's got substance as well as humour. It is most definitely worth the investment in time.
DeleteIt was lovely sitting with you Cheriee! And yes, I am now even more firmly an Andrew Smith fan. Wasn't it a delightful day all around? I am still floating. Happy reading this break - I am bringing many, many books on our trip this week!
ReplyDeleteIt was a fabulous day! I might even have another go at Doll Bones. So far, I haven't gotten had much time for reading.
DeleteGlad you gave Zombie Baseball Beatdown a chance--the cover had prepared me for a goofy story and I was pleasantly surprised by the topical commentary on immigration and meat processing. My son and I had some good conversations throughout the story. Knife of Never Letting Go.... ok, I almost threw the book across the room when that thing happens to Manchee and then the ending.... very frustrating. I agree with you. It's ok for a book in a series to set up the next book, but the main threads of that story really need to be resolved in some kind of satisfactory way. I have not felt compelled to finish the series, and I think my annoyance over Manchee and the ending is why. I just finished Red Pencil this week too--the ending didn't bother me. I just imagined that she got herself to the school and somehow they let her attend even though she didn't have the money. Ok, I'm indulging in some magical thinking here, clearly!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine that the conversations from ZBB would have been very rich. I'm so delighted with the story so far. I decided not to read anymore of Chaos Walking. I cheated and read some online summaries and ended up being thankful for my decision. I think that the truth about the Amira's of the world, is that their plight is pretty hopeless unless we step up to the plate and work towards some positive change for them. But then, I hate feeling hopeless and always want to believe there is something we can do, even if we haven't figured it out yet.
DeleteI laughed when I read your comment about the ending of The Knife of Never Letting Go - my husband gets extremely frustrated and irate when a book ends on a cliffhanger or leaves him feeling otherwise unsatisfied. For that exact reason, I now need to read The Red Pencil - your review left me wondering what exactly happens at the end! Enjoy your break!
ReplyDeleteI already like your husband Brynca! He sounds like an intelligent man. The Red Pencil is a good read, but the ending is somewhat dark.
DeleteBefore reading your review I don't think I would ever choose to pick up a book like Zombie Baseball Beatdown...now I'm thinking that maybe I should give it a go.
ReplyDeleteOh Christine do it! It is a fun read, but it is filled with relevant social issues.
DeleteI love your reaction to The Knife of Never Letting Go. I felt the same way when I finished it! Shock, and not in a good way. The Zombie book sounds excellent. I may have to check that one out!
ReplyDeleteJulie I really think you will be pleasantly surprised by Zombie Baseball Beatdown!
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